The World Bank s Safeguards Policies in Context of Hydropower Projects International Conference on Sustainable Hydropower in the Dinaric Arc Dubrovnik, 07 October 2009
Structure of Presentation 1. A Bit of Theory How safeguards policies are triggered, which instruments result 2. Example from the Field Large Hydropower development in Central Asia 3. Discussion 2
From Environmental Principles to Implementation Global Principles UNDP, WHO, MDG International Regional World Bank Group, EBRD, ADB, AfrDB INECE, Equator Principles National Legislation Ministries for Environment, Natural Resources, Forestry, Agriculture, Water National Implementation Umweltbundesamt (UBA) US-EPA, State environmental agencies EEA (European Environmental agency) Corporate / Project Utilities Network Operators NGOs Project level standards 8/10/09 Wolfhart Pohl 3
Environmental Mainstreaming in the World Bank World Bank Environment Strategy 1 Improving the Quality of Life 2 Improving the Quality of Growth 3 Improving the Regional and Local Commons Resources and Instruments 1 Environmental Sourcebook 2 Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook 3 Special Theme Publications (Roads, Dams ) Operational Policies 1 Environmental Safeguards Policies 2 Social Safeguards Policies 3 Legal Safeguards Policies 8/10/09 Wolfhart Pohl 4
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Some Safeguards Principles The Safeguards Policies Environmental Policies Environmental Assessment Natural Habitats Pest Management Forestry Safety of Dams Social Policies Physical Cultural Resources Involuntary Resettlement Indigenous Peoples Legal policies International waterways Disputed areas Screening of every project for potential applicability of above safeguards policies Disclosure policy applies to every project Disclosure Policy
Due Diligence Mechanisms Safeguards Implementation Principles W O R L D B A N K S A F E G U A R D S P O L I C I E S OP 4.01 environ. assessment OP 4.37 dam safety OP 4.11/12 cultural/resettlement OP 7.50 internat. waterways Technoeconomic project development: Site Investigations Consultations: affected population (several rounds) riparian countries (notification, participative dialogue) Studies & Assessments Feasibility Study EIA/SIA regional and strategic impact assessments Panels & Committees Dam Safety Panel EngineeringPanel Env./ Social Panel Riparian Dialogue Technical Studies Design Process Technical Standards Due Diligence I N S T R U M E N T S & P R O C E S S E S Government Dialogue: policy development, institutional strengthening, transaction advice, assistance in riparian dialogue and with international agreements, regulatory advice, 7
Safeguards Implementation Principles Parallel tracking of safeguards studies and technical design: Project Identification Preparation Implementation Interests of affected stakeholders WB policies and international good practice Objectives of developer, technoeconomic requirements Consultancies for Environmental / Social / Assessments Consultancies for technoeconomic studies and designs EARF / ESIA / EMP / RPF / RAP FS, design stages Due diligence measures ensured during construction & operation 8
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TAJIKISTAN: Proposed Rogun HEPP 10
Downstream View of Proposed Dam Site, 11
HPP Impacts intake structure dam grout curtain power house reservoir Construction, Filling penstock Upstream Dam area Downstream reservoir clearing and preparation geotechnical slope stability (landslides) deposition of construction waste in reservoir area resettlement land take, soil conservation and erosion control restoration/re-vegetation and afforestation impact on groundwater by reservoir and grout curtain resettlement temporary water quality impact (turbidity, pollution) accidental pollution change of hydrological regime during filling period riparian concerns 12
HPP Impacts intake structure dam grout curtain power house reservoir Operation penstock Upstream Dam area Downstream water quality impact by reservoir (T, stratification, anoxic conditions) reservoir area management: erosion, sedimentation, landslides water availability (climate change, glacial melting) resettlement remnants from construction phase: scarred landscapes, land degradation, erosion access for unsustainable land use (informal quarries, mineral extraction, waste deposition, poaching) resettlement water quality (change of T, O 2, H 2 S, nutrients) hydrographical impacts (flow, fluctuations, dry river beds) water supply for nonpower uses (agriculture, drinking water) fisheries, fauna & flora riparian concerns 13
Reservoir Area: Resettlement, loss of arable land and infrastructure 14
Downstream: preservation of minimum environmental flows 15
Downstream: preservation of minimum environmental flows 16
Key Impacts on Riparians Potential Impacts, Categories Irrigation and agriculture Hydroelectricity Potable water supply Environment Aral Sea Climate change Regional cooperation Health and socio-economic conditions 17
Safeguards and Riparian Issues Riparian s concerns on downstream impacts: Changes in flow regime and annual flow profile, leading e.g. to excess water during winter season Changes in water availability at key periods in the annual cycle, such as the growing/irrigation season Reduced absolute flow during reservoir filling period Changes in water quality and in sediment freight Dam safety, risk of catastrophic failure Integration of Riparan issues into studies / assessments 18
Safeguards and International Riparian Issues OP 7.50 International Waterways 19
Assessments, Studies and Consultations Panels of Experts Independent Assessment of Cross Border Impacts of Vaksh River Hydropower Development Irrigation Agriculture Hydropower Environment Aral Sea Water Supply Climate Change Regional Cooperation Health Socio-economy Engineering / Dam Safety Panel Studies Techno-Economic Assessment (TEAS) Environmental / Social Panel Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Consultations Project Affected People (PAP) Riparian Countries
Discussion Safeguards implementation as sustainable quality guarantee? Safeguards boundaries and project boundaries Establishment of common standards and mediation potential in projects with complex riparian issues The nuts and bolts side of safeguards: challenges in the face of low capacities and poor governance environments Other topics? 21
Thank You! contact: Wolfhart Pohl, PhD Sr. Specialist Environment & Geosciences ECSS3, World Bank HQ, Washington DC mail: wpohl@worldbank.org 8/10/09 Wolfhart Pohl 22