sustainable tourism enhancement in nepal's protected areas

SustainableTourismEnhancementinNepal'sProtectedAreas

EnvironmentalandSocialManagementFramework

NationalTrustforNatureConservationGPOBox3712,Khumaltar,Lalitpur,Nepal

May2020

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ExecutiveSummary1. Description of the Project: Tourism is one of the major contributors to thesustainableeconomyofNepal.ThedirectcontributionofthetourismsectorinthenationalGDPwasat4%in2017andisforecastedtoriseby3.8%perannumtoreach4.2%in2028(World Travel and Tourism Council, 2018). Despite tremendous growth potential intourismsector,Nepalstandsasalow-costtouristdestinationwithmuchlowerdailytouristspendingthantheregionalaverage.ThisisahightimeforNepaltothinkaboutandharnesshighvaluenature-basedtourism.

Nature based tourism is a key driver of Nepal's tourism, providing the sector bothcomparative and competitive advantages in the unique setting of rich topographic,biological and cultural diversity. In this context, theWorldBank is supportingGoN toimplement theprojectentitled“SustainableTourismEnhancement inNepal’sProtectedAreas(STENPA)".

ProjectDestinations: Theproject focuses on areaswithNature-BasedTourism (NBT)potentialwiththeaimofpilotingasustainabletourismapproachthatcanbereplicatedacrossNepal’sprotectedareas (PAs).Theprojectdestinations includePAat their core,nearbygatewaycitiesandsurroundingareaswithNBTpotential,andhasidentifiedsixPAsastheinitialprojectdestinations(Bardia,BankeShuklaPhantaandRaraNationalParks,andtheirbufferzones;andAnnapurnaandManasluconservationAreas).Additionalareasmay be added as project destinations during implementation, subject to the selectioncriteria.

TheProjectDevelopmentObjective(PDO)istoimprovethesustainability,inclusivenessandvaluegenerationofnature-basedtourisminselecteddestinations.Theprojecthasfivecomponents:Component1:Improving destination management, planning andcoordination, Component 2: Enhancing infrastructure for access, environmentalmanagementandtourismdiversification,Component3:Adaptingtourismproductsandprovidingeconomicopportunities in tourism-relatedvaluechain,Component4:Projectmanagement, monitoring and evaluation, and Component 5: Contingency emergencyresponse(CERC).

Under these components, the project will invest in variety of activities, whichmay beplacedintothreedifferentgroup.GroupIwill includeTAsupporttopolicy,regulations,plansandprogramssuchassustainabletourismdevelopmentstrategyforPAs,updatingofPAManagementPlans, landscapezonationdevelopmentandDVIPs.Group II includeactivitiestostrengthencapacityandinstitutionssuchasimprovementsofICTs,accesstofinanceandtrainingandawarenessprograms.Investmentinphysicalinfrastructuressuchasroadupgradingworks,constructionofculvertsandhelipads,trekkingtrailsfallunderGroupIII.

2. OverviewofESMF:ThisESMFhasbeendevelopedaspartofprojectpreparationto ensure sustainable preservation of natural and cultural heritage and maintainingacceptablestandardsforavoiding/minimizingadverseimpactsduringtheimplementationof the project. ESMF provides clear steps, processes, procedures and responsibilitiesincluding various tools to be used during the project implementation ensuringenvironmentalandsocial integration intheplanningandimplementationof theprojectsupportedactivities.ESMFispreparedinlinewiththeWorldBank'senvironmentaland

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socialOperationPoliciesandGovernmentofNepal'snationallawsandregulations.ESMFwillbea‘livedocument’,willbeupdated/revised,ifneededduringimplementation,onlyin mutual agreement between the World Bank and the Government of Nepal. IfContingency Emergency Response Component (CERC)/Component 5 is activated, thisESMF may be updated or a specific CERC-ESMF may be prepared, as required, anddisclosed.

3. PoliciesandRegulatoryRequirements:ESMFassess theprevailingpolicyandlegal framework of GoN and applicable World Bank’s Safeguards policies for theimplementationoftheproject.TheprojecttriggersOP4.01EnvironmentAssessment,OP4.04 Natural Habitats, OP 4.36 Forestry, OP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources, OP 4.12Involuntary Resettlement, OP 4.10 Indigenous Peoples, and OP 4.20 Gender andDevelopment.GapsareidentifiedbetweentherelevantNepaleselawsandregulations,andtheWorldBanksafeguardpoliciesbycomparingthem;andrecommendationsaremadetoaddressthegapsinthecontextoftheSTENPAProject.

4. Potential Environmental and Social Impacts andMitigationMeasures: Theprojectwillnotfinanceactivitieswithpotentialsignificantadverseenvironmentalor/andsocialrisksand/orimpactsthatarediverse,irreversible,orunprecedented(Annex1(a):Exclusion List of Project Activities). Nonetheless, moderate social and environmentalimpacts are likely from the physical infrastructure activities. Environmental and socialimpacts/ issuesandrisksmayalsoarise fromor linked topolicyandplan thatmaybeprepared through Technical Assistance (TA) under the project. The project is, hence,classified as “B Category” with possibility of limited/moderate adverse environmentaland/orsocial impacts thatare few innumber,generallysite-specific, largelyreversible,andreadilyaddressedthroughmitigationmeasures.

Theproject, inter alia, finances environmentalmanagement and conservation activitiesincluding wildlife conservation, wildlife rescue center, wilderness enhancement andhabitatmanagement, sanitation andwastemanagement, landslides/erosion protection,and watershed protection works, etc. These are expected to result in beneficialenvironmentalimpacts.Inaddition,theprojectaimstoinitiateandpromoteenvironmentandnature-friendlypracticesinthephysicalinfrastructure.

The following negative environmental impacts, at moderate scale and limited to thevicinityofphysicalinfrastructure,areexpectedfromtheinvestmentininfrastructure.

• Lossordegradationordisturbancestowildlifeandwildlifehabitats;• Lossofand/ordegradationofforest,trees,vegetation;• Over and/or illegal harvesting of wild plants, herbs, NTFPs, and fishes, birds,wildlife;• Increasedhuman-wildlifeconflict;• Loss of topsoil from land clearing, soil erosion, landslides and streamsedimentation;• Dustpollution,noiseandotherharmfulemissions;• Pollutionduetosolidwaste;wastewaterandeffluents;• Lossordegradationofgood/fertileagriculturalland;• Damagetoother/existinginfrastructures;• Degradationofaestheticvalueandscenicvalue;

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• Landusechangeduetoexpansionofhotelsandnewsettlements;• Degradationofphysicalculturalresources;and• Healthandsafetyriskstoworkers,communityandvisitors.

Similarly,possibleadversesocialimpactsduetoprojectinterventioninclude:

• Lossofland,shelterandland-basedassets/infrastructuresandlivelihoodssources;• Damage/disruptionofcommunityresources/localfacilities;• Discriminationinworksandwagepayment;• Exclusion of indigenous peoples and vulnerable groups in decisionmaking andplanning;

• Pressureonlocalresources(drinkingwater,forestproductslikefuelwood/timber,etc.);

• Localinflationofprices;• Obstruction and noise pollution to tourists/ trekkers during construction/maintenance;

• Lossofstandingcrops/orchards/trees;• Conflictsassociatedwithconstructionworkforcesorconflictbetweenlocalsandoutsiders;

• Increasedsocialissues/problems;• Childlabor,childsafetyandotherlaborissues;• GenderBasedViolence(GBVs);• Issues related to chance finds or issues encountered during works on physicalculturalresources;and

• Increasedburdenonandcompetitionforpublicserviceprovision.

ThisESMF,whichisdevelopedinlineofGoNandWorldBank’slegalandpolicyframework,providesfullguidancetoaddresspotentialsocialandenvironmentalissue/risks/impacts(to avoid,minimize,mitigate, and compensate adverse impacts; and enhance positive/beneficialimpacts).

• All the policies and plans prepared under the project will be subjected toenvironmental and social overview analysis for mainstreaming environmentalconsideration. Such an overview analysis would be based on an issue scopingexerciseinvolvingstakeholderparticipation.

• Each activities/proposal for strengthening capacity and institutions will besubjectedtosocialandenvironmentalreview,andenvironmentalandsocialbestpracticeswillbeincorporatedinthetrainingplansandcurriculums,E&Saspectswillbemainstreamed/strengthenedintheproposaland/orplanwillbeprepared,ifneeded.

• EachInvestmentinphysicalinfrastructuresubproject/activitywillbesubjectedtostandard E & S process and procedures including screening, environmentalassessment(EA),socialassessment(SA),preparationofenvironmentalandsocialmanagementplans(ESMP),RAP,etc.andmonitoringduringimplementation.

5. ResettlementPolicyFramework:TheResettlementPolicyFramework(RPF) isdeveloped as part of ESMF as a guiding tool to avoid, minimize and mitigate adverseimpactscausedbyinvoluntaryresettlement.ThispolicycoversdirecteconomicandsocialimpactsthatbothresultfromtheBank-assistedinvestmentprojectsandarecausedbythe

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involuntarytakingoflandandinvoluntaryrestrictionofaccesstolegallydesignatedparksandprotectedareasresultinginadverseimpactsonthelivelihoodsofthepeople.Asperthispolicy,displacedpersonswillbeassistedintheireffortstoimprovetheirlivelihoodsandstandardsoflivingoratleasttorestorethem,inrealterms,topre-displacementlevelsor to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever ishigher.Aspertheframework,allprojectaffectedpersons,irrespectiveoflegaltitlesuchastenants,encroachers/squatterswillbeeligibleforcompensationatreplacementcosts.ThepolicyplacesemphasisonregularconsultationswiththeaffectedgroupsandmakesFreePriorInformedConsultation(FPIC)mandatorywhenvulnerablegroups/IPsareaffectedby project activities. Valuation of assets is crucial to pay fair compensation and otherassistancestotheaffectedpeopleandtheprocessshouldbebasedonmarketvalueoflandandassets.AcomprehensiveentitlementmatrixhasbeendevelopedasacrucialpartoftheRPF with all potential impacts, eligibility for entitlements and entitlement provisionsspearheadedtowardsmitigatingthe impactsand livelihoodimprovementof theprojectaffectedpeople.

6. VulnerableCommunityDevelopmentFramework:Duringimplementation,theprojectmayaffectindigenousandvulnerablepeoplebothpositivelyandadversely.Whilethe positive impacts will contribute to bring improvement in the livelihoods of thevulnerablepeople,theadverseimpactswillleadtofurtherimpoverishment.TheprojectinterventionsmayalsoresultindiscriminatoryimpactscausingfurtherhardshipsinthelivelihoodsofpoorandvulnerablegroupsincludingindigenouspeopleandDalits, if theprojectactivities/interventionarenotalignedwellwiththeneedsandaspirationsofthesepeople.

VulnerableCommunityDevelopmentFramework(VCDF)hasbeendevelopedtoapplyinthe projects/subprojects to be supported under the Project. The framework providesguidelines to help develop systematic procedure of identifying project's impacts onvulnerable people and develop mechanism for meaningful consultations, FPIC,participation and information disclosure. The framework also outlines measures todevelopculturallyappropriateassistancesandsupportstothetargetgroupsinaccordancewiththeirprioritiesandneeds.Aframeworkforgenderdevelopmentisalsooutlinedtomainstreamgenderdevelopment into theprojectandprovidesguidelines fordesigningGenderDevelopmentPlan(GDP).Theproject,becauseofitsnature,couldtriggerawiderangeofissuesrelatedtogenderandgender-basedviolenceintheprojectarea.Thecivilworksofvariedinfrastructuresvizroad,trails,hotels,lodges,etc.involvingwomenworkers,bothlocalandoutsiders,couldpossiblyresultindifferenttypesofgenderissuesandviolenceintheconstructionsites.Besides,differentserviceandcommercialactivitiesrelatedtotourismvizwomenguide,womenworkersandentrepreneurs involvedintrekking,hotelandrestaurantbusiness,could pose higher risks leading to violence againstwomen and sex tourism. The closeproximityofIndianborderincaseofBanke,BardiaandShuklaPhantaNationalParksmaypose further riskof traffickingofgirlsandchild laboroutsideNepal.Considering thesepotential issues and based on GBV Risk Assessment, different actions have beenrecommendedtoaddressGBVrisksasperthe“GoodPracticeNote”of theWorldBank.Similarly,aframeworkongenderhasbeendevelopedtomainstreamgenderdevelopmentintotheprojectwhichprovidesguidanceforpreparingGenderDevelopmentPlan(GDP).

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7. Consultation, Communication and Citizen Engagement Meaningfulconsultationsandcommunicationsarekeyforeffectiveplanningandimplementationoftheactivities tobe implementedunder theproject.Theseare integralpartofplanning,designand implementationof activities at subproject levelwhichwill beuseful for theprojectindifferentwayssuchasinformingthepeopleaboutprojectbenefits,flaggingoutpeople’sconcernsandincorporatingtheirknowledgeintosubprojectplanning/designandimplementation. A framework has been developed pertaining to (i) stakeholderidentification and consultation hierarchies, (ii) consultation strategies, (iii) futureconsultations, (iv) communication strategy, and (v) citizenengagement. It alsooutlinesconsultation and stakeholder engagement strategy to be considered when there areconstraintsinconductingpublicconsultationsasaresultofinfectiousdiseaselikeCOVID-19oranemergecyresponseunderComponent5.8. GrievanceRedressalMechanism:Effectivegrievancehearingand resolution iscrucial to make project implementation effective. A functional grievance redressmechanism(GRM)willbeputinplaceintheprojectwhereanyindividualsorgroupsmayfiletheirgrievancesseekingfairdecisionsandactions.Themechanisminvolvesastructurewithdifferent committees formed fromunit to sub-projectandProject ImplementationEntity(PIE)and/orProjectImplementationUnit(PIU)level.Allthesecommitteeswillberesponsible for executing the GRM process which grievance filing, grievance review,decisionsonthegrievancesandhearingwithinspecifictimeframe.9. InstitutionalArrangementforESMFImplementation:TheMinistryofForestsandEnvironment (MoFE)willbe themain implementingagency (MIA) considering thefocusoftheprojectonnature-basedtourism(NBT).MinistryofCulture,TourismandCivilAviation (MoCTCA) will be the implementing agency (IA) responsible for theimplementationofasmallerpartoftheprojectforactivities(component1.2).AProjectSteeringCommittee(PSC)chairedbytheSecretary,MoFEandcomprisingrepresentativesfromMoCTCA,theMinistryofFinance(MoF),otherkeyministriesanddepartmentswillprovidestrategicoversightandguidance.AProjectTechnicalCommittee(PTC)chairedbytheDGDNPWCwithNTNC,andDepartmentofTourism(DoT)asmembers,willbeprovidetechnical guidance through periodic meetings. NTNC will be the main ProjectImplementingEntity (PIE), and theDoTwillbeaProject ImplementationUnit (PIU) inchargeofimplementingComponent1.2activities.APAOversightCommittee(PAOC)anda Field Implementation Unit (FIU) will be established in each Province where projectdestinationsarelocated.PIE will have dedicated Social and Environmental Unit (SEU) and the field teams willcomprisesafeguardpersons.PIE,incoordinationwithMOFE/DNPWCandMOCTC/NTB/PIU,willberesponsiblefortheoveralloversightandimplementationofthisESMFandE&Smeasures in theproject, ensuring thatanyadverse impactsof theproject activitiesareavoided,and/orminimizedand/ormitigatedfully. PIEatNTNCandPIUatDoT,fortheprojectactivitiesundertheirrespective jurisdiction,willhavesocialandenvironmentalspecialiststoimplementsafeguardmeasures.NTNC’s and DoT’s capacity inmanaging environmental and social impact, and risks islimited as there is lack of dedicated staff, expertise and experience in managingenvironmentalandsocialsafeguard.Theprojectincludescapacitystrengtheningsupportforenvironmental andsocialmanagement through trainingsandorientations,hiringofsafeguardconsultants,andexternalmonitoring.Thefieldstaffwillbeorientedandtrainedintherelevantsafeguardrolesandfunctions.

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10. E&SCompliance,Supervision,MonitoringandReporting:PIEandPIU,withintheirrespectivejurisdiction,areresponsiblefor,

• Environmentalandsocialoverviewofpolicies, regulations,plansandprograms(includingTAs).

• Ensuring each investment in physical infrastructure subproject/activitywill besubjected to screening, EA, SA, ESMP, RAP, etc. and monitoring duringimplementation.E&Splanningwillbecarriedoutforallsubprojectsatsitelevelandwillinvolve-(i)E&SScreening(deskreviewfollowedbysitevisit,ifneeded),(ii)preparationifEA/IEEs,ESMPs,RAP,VCDP,GAPetc.,(iii)reviewingdesignandbiddocumentforsafeguardconsideration,(iv)approvalofplans,(v)consultationand disclosure, and (vi) implementation and monitoring of E&S safeguardmeasures.

The E&S safeguard experts of the project will be primarily responsible for regularsupervision of E&S measures at the sites. The central E&S team at PIE and PIU willcoordinatewithand/ormobilizethefield-basedteam,includingFIUandPAOCasmayberelevant,forregularsupervisionatsites.TheFIU,withsupportfromcenter,willensureday-to-daysupervisionsandimplementationofthesafeguardmeasures.Thecontractorsand user groups are responsible for and accountable to comply with the constructionperiodsafeguardmeasures.E&SMonitoringwillbeanintegralpartofoverallprojectmanagementandcarriedoutonaperiodicbasis.Regularmonitoringwillbecarriedoutinternallybytheproject,centrallyorthroughtheFIUasmaybeappropriate.Theexternalmonitoringwillbecarriedoutbytheindependentconsultant/firm.ThePIEandPIU,respectivelyfortheactivitywithintheirjurisdiction,willhavetheresponsibilityofmonitoringtheE&Scompliance,documentationanddata,permits,processandprocedures,grievances,workscoveringinputs,processandoutputs.PIEandPIUwilluserisk-basedapproachinmonitoringandvisitsamplesitesformonitoring. The Conservation Area Management Committee (CAMCs), and/ or PAOversightCommittee(PAOC),and/orresponsibleunitoftheNationalParkwillbeengagedinfieldlevelregularmonitoring.TheE&SteamwillproduceperiodicE&Sstatusreports–fieldteam(e.g.FIU)mayproduceE&Sstatusreportoftherelevantsite(s)onaregularbasis,andcentralE&SteamatPIEandPIU will provide summary of E&S progress in the quarterly progress report and aconsolidatedstatusreportinsix-months,coincidingwiththeBank’ssupervisionmission.Externalmonitoringreportwillbepreparedattheendoftheexternalmonitoring,annuallyuntiltheMid-TermReview(MTR)andasdecidedbytheMTRthereafter.ThePIEandPIUwillberesponsibletoreporttheprogressonsafeguardscomplianceduringtheirregularreportingtotheWorldBank.11. BudgetforImplementingESMF:Thebudgetincludesthecostforplanningandimplementation of safeguards activities including recruiting consultants, training &orientation,supervision&monitoring.Thebudgetcoversthecostforenvironmentalandsocial screening, implementation of ESMP, RPF, VCDP, GAP, E&S expert fees, GRMimplementation,safeguardcapacitybuildingandM&E.ThetotalestimatedbudgetfortheimplementationofESMFisNRs107,075,000.

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12. CERC-ESMF: This ESMF has been revised in response of the newly addedComponent 5 (CERC). The occupational health and safety risks, and impacts relatedguidancehasbeenfurtherstrengthenedconsideringtheCOVID-19pandemic.ThisESMFdoesnotaddressrisksandimpactsinrelationtotheCERC,giventhatthetypeandnatureof likelyemergencyandindicativelistofactivitiesthatwillbesupportedthroughCERCcannot yet be determined. Thus, this ESMF may not cover potential social andenvironmentalissuesinrelationtotheCERC.AllactivitiesfinancedthroughtheCERCaresubjecttotheWorldBanksafeguardpolicies.IntheeventthatCERCisactivated,thisESMFmaybeupdatedoraspecificCERC-ESMFmaybepreparedoradditionalE&SsafeguardinstrumentsasrequiredwillbepreparedtocoverCERCactivitiesanddisclosed,withinthreemonthsfromthetimeCERCisactivated.

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AbbreviationsACA AnnapurnaConservationArea

AP AffectedPerson

A-RAP AbbreviatedResettlementActionPlan

BDS BusinessDevelopmentServices

BaNP BankeNationalPark

BNP BardiaNationalPark

BZUC BufferZoneUserCommittees

CAMC ConservationAreaManagementCommittee

CERC ContingencyEmergencyResponseComponent

CBO CommunityBasedOrganization

CDC CompensationDeterminationCommittee

CEDAW ConventionontheEliminationofallformsofDiscriminationAgainstWomen

CFUG CommunityForestUserGroup

CoC CodeofConduct

DDC DistrictDevelopmentCommittee

DDM DigitalDestinationMonitor

DFO DistrictForestOffice

DNPWC DepartmentofNationalParksandWildlifeConservation

DOT DepartmentofTourism

DVIP DestinationVisionandInvestmentPlan

EA EnvironmentAssessment

E&S EnvironmentandSocial

EHS Environment,HealthandSafety

EIA EnvironmentalImpactAssessment

EPA EnvironmentProtectionAct

EPR EnvironmentProtectionRegulations

ESMF EnvironmentandSocialManagementFramework

ESMP EnvironmentandSocialManagementPlan

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FGD FocalGroupDiscussion

FIU FieldImplementationUnit

FPIC FreePriorInformedConsultation

GAP GenderActionPlan

GBV GenderBasedViolence

GDP GrossNationalProduct

GESI GenderEqualityandSocialInclusion

GoN GovernmentofNepal

GRC GrievanceRedressCommittee

HH Household

IA ImplementationAgency

ICT InformationandCommunicationTechnology

IEE InitialEnvironmentalExamination

IP IndigenousPeople

ITDP IntegratedTourismDevelopmentPlan

KII KeyInformantInterview

LAA LandAcquisitionAct

LAPA LocalAdaptationPlan

LG LocalGovernment

M&E MonitoringandEvaluation

MAPs MedicinalAromaticPlants

MCA ManasluConservationArea

MFI MicroFinanceInstitution

MoFE MinistryofForestsandEnvironment

MoF MinistryofFinance

MoCTCA MinistryofCulture,TourismandCivilAviation

MTR MidTermEvaluation

NBT Nature-basedTourism

NDHS NepalDemographicandHealthSurvey

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NGO Non-governmentalOrganization

NP NationalPark

NTB NepalTourismBoard

NTFP Non-timberForestProducts

NTSP NationalTourismStrategicPlan

NTNC NationalTrustforNatureConservation

OP OperationalPolicy

PA ProtectedArea

PAOC ProtectedAreaOversightCommittee

PAP ProjectAffectedPeople

PIE ProjectImplementationEntity

PIU ProjectImplementationUnit

P-MITFE ProvincialMinistryofIndustry,Tourism,ForestandEnvironment

P-MPID ProvincialMinistryofPhysicalInfrastructureDevelopment

PSC ProjectSteeringCommittee

RAP ResettlementActionPlan

RNP RaraNationalPark

RPF ResettlementPolicyFramework

SA SocialAssessment

SEU SocialandEnvironmentalUnit

SIA SocialImpactAssessment

SNG Sub-nationalGovernment

ShuNP ShuklaPhantaNationalPark

SMEs SmallandMicroEnterprises

TA TechnicalAssistance

ToC TableofContents

ToR TermsofReference

TSA TourismSatelliteAccount

VC VulnerableCommunity

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VCDF VulnerableCommunityDevelopmentFramework

VCDP VulnerableCommunityDevelopmentPlan

UCO UnitConservationOffice

UNDP UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme

WBG WorldBankGroup

TableofContentsChapter1: Introduction.......................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background.................................................................................................................................1

1.2 ProjectObjectivesandComponents..........................................................................................1

1.3 Firstyearactivities.....................................................................................................................6

1.4 RationaleandApproachfortheEnvironmentandSocialManagementFramework(ESMF) 7

1.5 ObjectivesofESMF.....................................................................................................................8

1.6 MethodAppliedtoPrepareESMF.............................................................................................8

1.7 SourcesofInformationusedinpreparationofESMF..............................................................8

1.8 PotentialUsersofthisESMF......................................................................................................9

1.9 Revision/ModificationoftheESMF.........................................................................................10

Chapter2: Policies,Acts,Regulations,GuidelinesandConventions........................................12

2.1 GoNRelevantPolices................................................................................................................12

2.1.1 PoliciesSupportingIndigenous/VulnerableCommunities...........................................19

2.1.2 PoliciesonGenderMainstreaming..................................................................................19

2.2 InternationalProvisionsandGuidelines.................................................................................20

2.3 WorldBank’sEnvironmentalandSocial(E&S)SafeguardPolicies......................................21

Chapter3: DescriptionofExistingEnvironment..........................................................................28

3.1 BardiaNationalPark................................................................................................................30

3.2 BankeNationalPark.................................................................................................................31

3.3 ShuklaPhantaNationalPark...................................................................................................32

3.4 RaraNationalPark....................................................................................................................33

3.5 AnnapurnaConservationArea................................................................................................35

3.6 ManasluConservationArea.....................................................................................................36

3.7 ExistingIssuesandPotentialThreatsintheDestinations.....................................................37

Chapter4: PotentialEnvironmentalandSocialImpactsandMitigationMeasures..............40

4.1 BriefOverviewofProjectActivities........................................................................................40

4.2 PotentialEnvironmentalImpactsoftheProject....................................................................40

4.2.1 PotentialBeneficialEnvironmentalImpacts..................................................................41

4.2.2 PotentialNegativeEnvironmentalImpacts....................................................................41

4.3 PotentialSocialImpacts...........................................................................................................45

4.3.1 PotentialBeneficialSocialImpacts..................................................................................45

4.3.2PotentialAdverseSocialImpactsandMitigation..................................................................47

4.4 EnvironmentalandSocialApproach.......................................................................................50

4.5 Socialandenvironmentalplanningprocessandstepsininfrastructuresubproject..........52

4.6 ConsultationandParticipation................................................................................................57

4.7 InformationDisclosure.............................................................................................................57

4.8 ConsiderationswhereComponent5(ContingencyEmegencyResponse–CERC)isactivated 57

Chapter5: ResettlementPolicyFramework.................................................................................59

5.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................60

5.2 PolicyObjectivesandPrinciples..............................................................................................60

5.3 PolicyGapsandRecommendedMeasures..............................................................................61

5.4 ApproachesforObtainingLandfortheProject......................................................................62

5.5 ResettlementPlanning.............................................................................................................64

5.5.1 SocialScreening................................................................................................................64

5.5.2 SocialImpactAssessment(SIA).......................................................................................65

5.6 ResettlementActionPlan.........................................................................................................66

5.7 PolicyMeasuresatOperationalLevel.....................................................................................66

5.8 Eligibility,AssetsValuationandEntitlements........................................................................68

5.8.1 Eligibility...........................................................................................................................68

5.8.2 AssetsValuation................................................................................................................68

5.8.3 Entitlements......................................................................................................................69

5.9 Consultations,ParticipationandDisclosure...........................................................................76

5.9.1 ConsultationsandParticipation..........................................................................................76

5.9.2 InformationDisclosure.........................................................................................................77

Chapter6: VulnerableCommunityDevelopmentFramework..............................................78

6.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................78

6.2 LegalFrameworkandPolicies.................................................................................................79

6.3 IndigenousPeopleandVulnerableGroupsinNepal..............................................................80

6.4 PotentialRisksandImpacts.....................................................................................................82

6.4.1 BeneficialImpacts.............................................................................................................82

6.4.2 AdverseImpactsandMitigation......................................................................................82

6.5 IndicativeIssues,MitigationandApproachesforVulnerableCommunityDevelopment...83

6.6 ImpactAssessmentProcedure................................................................................................86

6.7 GenderDevelopmentFramework...........................................................................................87

6.7.1 Overview...........................................................................................................................87

6.7.2 GoNPoliciesandLegislationsonGenderEquityandWomen.......................................88

6.7.3 GenderIssues/BarriersandInterventionsRequired....................................................88

6.7.4 GenderInclusiveDesignandPreparationofGAP..........................................................92

6.7.5 ProcessforPreparingGAP..............................................................................................92

Chapter7: ActionPlan–GenderBasedViolenceRiskMitigation.............................................93

7.1 NeedandPurpose.....................................................................................................................93

7.2 LegalandPolicyEnvironmentforWomen’sSafety...............................................................94

7.3 RecommendedActions.............................................................................................................96

Chapter8: Consultation,CommunicationandCitizenEngagementFramework...................99

8.1 General.......................................................................................................................................99

8.2 StakeholdersIdentificationandConsultationHierarchies....................................................99

8.2.1 StakeholderIdentification................................................................................................99

8.2.2 ConsultationandStakeholderEngagementHierarchiesandStrategies....................100

8.3 Central/Federallevelconsultationatprojectdesign...........................................................103

8.4 FutureConsultations..............................................................................................................104

8.5 CommunicationStrategy........................................................................................................104

8.6 CitizenEngagement................................................................................................................105

8.7 InformationDisclosure...........................................................................................................106

Chapter9: GrievanceRedressalMechanism...............................................................................107

9.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................107

9.2 GRMStructures.......................................................................................................................107

9.3 GrievanceFilingandManagement........................................................................................108

Chapter10: InstitutionalArrangementsforESMFImplementation.....................................110

10.1 ProjectImplementingAgencies.............................................................................................110

10.2 SafeguardsPlanningandImplementation............................................................................111

10.2.1 CentralLevel...................................................................................................................112

10.2.2 FieldLevel.......................................................................................................................113

10.3 CapacityassessmentandCapacityBuilding.........................................................................113

Chapter11: Supervision,MonitoringandEvaluation..............................................................115

11.1 General.....................................................................................................................................115

11.2 Supervision..............................................................................................................................115

11.3 Monitoring...............................................................................................................................116

11.4 RegularMonitoring.................................................................................................................116

11.5 ExternalMonitoring...............................................................................................................117

11.6 MonitoringIndicators.............................................................................................................117

11.7 Reporting.................................................................................................................................119

Chapter12: BudgetforImplementingESMF.............................................................................121

Annexes..................................................................................................................................................122

Annex1(a): ExclusionListofProjectActivities................................................................................123

Annex1(b): ExampleofActivitiesthatrequireInitialEnvironmentalExamination(IEE)andEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA)asperEnvironmentalProtectionRulesofGovernmentofNepal 125

Annex1(c):ExampleofActivitiestobesupportedunderSTENPAProject.........................................127

Annex2: InformationusedinpreparationofESMF........................................................................135

Annex3(a): EnvironmentalandSocialScreeningGuidelineandChecklist......................................136

Annex3(b)-EnvironmentalIssuesandMitigationMeasuresduringSubprojectPlanning,Design,andConstruction&OperationStage..........................................................................................................141

Annex3(c):AnIndicativeChecklistonOHS,CHS,Hygiene&Sanitation,DiseasesSafetytosafeguardagainstCOVID-19orsimilarinfectiousdiseaseduringexecutingsmallcivilworks.............................158

Annex4: StepsinESAssessment(GoNrequirementIEE&EIA)and(WBrequirementonESIA)....162

Annex5: IndicativeOutlineofESMP...............................................................................................163

Annex6: IndicativeOutlineofRAP..................................................................................................165

Annex7: IndicativeOutlineofSocialAssessment...........................................................................166

Annex8: IndicativeOutlineofVCDP...............................................................................................167

Annex9(a): EnvironmentalandSocial(E&S)OverviewforPolicy,Plan,andProgram....................168

Annex9(b): TermsofReferencetoCarryoutEnvironmentalandSocialOverview.........................171

Annex10: GrievanceFilingFormat................................................................................................173

Annex11: SpecimenToRforE&SCapacityBuildingExpert..........................................................174

Annex12: LandDonationAgreementForm..................................................................................176

Annex13: IPsandVulnerableGroupsImpactScreening&CategorizationForm.........................177

Annex14: DraftToRforThirdPartyMonitoring...........................................................................179

Annex15: MajorHighlightsofLaborRules,2018(2075)relatedwiththeE&SSafeguard...........181

Annex16: GoNprescribedNationalStandardsonAir/Noise/Water/Effluent..............................184

Annex17: GuidelinesforprotectingPhysicalCulturalResourcesAvoidingImpactsonCulturalandHistoricalProperties.............................................................................................................................191

Annex18: SpeciesprotectedunderSchedule-1ofNPWCAct......................................................193

Annex19: PlantSpeciesandForestproductsprotectedundertheForestRegulations,1995(amended2001)...................................................................................................................................194

Annex20: SomeGoodPracticesinConservationandPAManagement.......................................195

Annex21: DescriptionofExistingEnvironmentofDestinationAreas...........................................203

Annex22: ListofParticipants-NationalConsultationMeetingofESMF......................................228

ListofTables

Table1: ComparisonbetweenGoNandWorldBankpoliciesandrecommendations ...... 25Table2: PotentialAdverseImpactsandProposedMitigationMeasures ........................... 48Table 3: KeyStepsandProceduresinE&SManagementinInfrastructureSubproject .... 52Table4: KeyPolicyDifferencesbetweenWorldBankandGoNLegalFramework ........... 61Table5: EntitlementMatrix .................................................................................................... 72Table6: PresenceofIndigenousGroupsbyRegions ............................................................ 80Table7: DalitCommunitiesofNepal ..................................................................................... 81Table8: IndicativeIssuesandActivitiesforVulnerableCommunityDevelopmentofSTENPAProject ........................................................................................................................... 83Table9: GenderandDevelopmentFramework .................................................................... 89Table10: RecommendedActionstoaddressGBVRisks .................................................... 96Table11: ConsultationandEngagementstrategy:Stakeholders/Institutions,IssuesandMethods 100Table12: KeyMonitoringIndicators,MethodsandResponsibility ................................. 118

ListofMaps

Map1:ProtectedareasofNepal ................................................................................................ 29Map2:BardiaNationalParkanditsbufferzone ...................................................................... 30Map3:KrishnasharConservationAreaanditssurrounding .................................................. 31Map4:BankeNationalParkanditsbufferzone ...................................................................... 32Map5:ShuklaPhantaNationalParkanditsbufferzone ......................................................... 33M...............................................................................................ap6:RaraNationalParkanditsbufferzone....................................................................................................................................................... 34Map7:AnnapurnaConservationArea ...................................................................................... 36Map8:ManasluConservationArea ........................................................................................... 37

1 S TENPA Pr oj ec t – Env i r onment a l and S oc i a l Manag ement F r amewor k

Chapter1: Introduction

1.1 BackgroundTravelandtourismisoneoftheworld'slargestemployersandakeyjobcreator.AccordingtotheWorldTravelandTourismCouncil,oneintenjobsintheworldiscurrentlyinTravelandTourism,withthesectorcreatingoneineveryfivenewjobsin2017.InNepal,tourismcontributiontothenationalGDPin2017was4percent,generating6.6percentofthetotalemployment. At present, nature-based tourism (NBT) remains a key driver of Nepal’stourism.Thecountry’suniquelandscapes,richbiologicaldiversityblendedwithcultureandcultural heritage, and mountains attract nature lovers from all over the world. TheimportanceofNBTisevidencedbythefactthatabout60percentofthetotalvisitorstoNepalvisitprotectedareas.TotalincomesofprotectedareasfromtourisminNepalhasincreasedby 68.32% over the last six years contributing substantially to poverty reduction,employmentandincomeredistribution.However,Nepalisatthecross-roadsandfacestheriskofbecomingalow-costdestination.ThedailyaveragespendingpertouristremainslowatUS$54in2017,comparedtoaregionalaverageofUS$100–150.Nepal'stourismsectoris lagging behind due to low quality of service, unhealthy competition among serviceproviders, lackofadequateinfrastructureandlimitedtourismproductsoffering.ThisisahightimeforNepaltothinkaboutandharnesshighvalueNBTmaintainingecologicalanddevelopmentbalancewithnatural systemtoattracthighclass tourist topromotequality(valuecreation)tourismdevelopmentinnewdestinations,sharingbenefitstolocalpeopledulycoordinatingwithstakeholders(localandinternational).

TheWorldBankissupportingtheGoNtoimplementaprojectentitled“SustainableTourismEnhancement inNepal'sProtectedAreas -STENPA".Theprojectwill invest inenhancingaccessinfrastructures,upgradingtourismservicesandimprovingdestinationmanagementcapacity, geared to improve the sustainability and value generation of NBT in selecteddestinations.1.2 ProjectObjectivesandComponentsThe objective of the project is to improve the sustainability, inclusiveness and valuegenerationofNBTinselecteddestinations.Theprojectwillfocusonasetofselectednature-based destinations with the aim of piloting a sustainable tourism approach that can bereplicatedacrossNepal’sPAs.Thecoreof the initialdestinationsareasof theprojectareAnnapurna and Manaslu Conservation Areas; and Bardia (including KrishnasarConservationArea),Banke,ShuklaPhantaandRaraNationalParksand theirbufferzoneareas.Theprojectdestinationaltogethercoversabout36%of the totalPAcoverage.TheprojectwillalsoincludeactivitiesforthepromotionofNBTintherelatedgatewaycitiesandsurroundings with nature-based potential. Additional areas may be added as projectdestinationsbymutual consent, (after themid-term reviewof theproject, subject to theselectioncriteria).


Theprojecthasfivecomponentsasfollows.

Component1:ImprovingDestinationManagement,PlanningandCoordination

This component aims to promote an informed and coordinated approach to developing,managing,andmarketingthetourismpotentialoftheprojectdestinations,inawaythatissustainableandstrategicallygearedtowardshighervalue.Projectactivitieswillprovidekeystakeholders such as federal agencies, sub-national governments (SNGs), private sectororganizations, and local communities the expertise and tools for strengthening strategicmonitoring, planning and coordination capacity, both at the destination level and at thebroadernationallevel.Importantly,theprojectwillsupportfullincorporationofsustainabletourismdevelopment in the conservation for development approach of PAmanagement.ThiscomponentwillsupportthepreparationofadetailedDestinationVisionandInvestmentPlan (DVIP) for each project destination. The DVIPswill identify key tourism areas andproductsthatcanformacoherenttourismofferingandasetofinterventionsandwillalsospecifytheinstitutionalresponsibilityandbudgetneedsforpriorityinterventions.

Sub-component1.1.EnhancingDestinationManagementandPlanning

This sub-component will aim to enhance NBT planning and management in projectdestinationsandatthenationallevel,throughprovisionofcivilworks,expertise,trainingandequipment,includingsustainabletourismdevelopmentstrategyforallofNepal’sPAs,reviewing / updating/ upgrading PAs management plans and develop guidelines forintegratingsustainabletourismdevelopment,citizenandbeneficiaryengagementstrategyandtoolsatprojectdestinations,developdetailedDVIPsforeachprojectdestinationandaninvestmentplan, landzoninganddemarcation,community-levelplans layingout tourismrelated structures, improve collaboration on sustainable tourismdevelopment at projectdestinations,strengthenthecapacityofSNGsandlocalcommunityorganizations,enhancethe capacity of MoFE, DNPWC, NTNC and other institutions; upgrade the design andenforcementofkey regulations impacting conservationandcommercial activities inPAs,andimproverevenuemanagement.

Subcomponent1.2:IntegratingNBTintoNationalTourismPoliciesandBranding

Implemented under the supervision of MoCTCA, this sub-component will support theintegrationoftheprojectdestinationsandNBTdevelopmentactivitiesintoNepal’sbroadertourism policies, regulations and promotion by providing operational funds, expertise,training,andequipmenttoreview,adaptandsupportimplementationofthetourismpoliciesand the relatedonline tourismenterprise registrationsystemat theprojectdestinations,improve data collection, compilation and analysis relating to project destinations andsupport the establishment of a tourism satellite account (TSA), design and implementspecific branding and marketing strategies that would contribute to the upgrading andvisibility of Nepal’s PA offering, in particular, and renovate or develop services in local


airportsandupgradevisitors’centersingatewaycitiesoftheprojectdestinationsthatareunderthemanagementoftheMoCTCAanditsagencies

Component2:EnhancingInfrastructureforAccess,EnvironmentalManagementandTourismDiversification

Theobjectiveofthiscomponentistodesignandimplementtheinvestmentsinworksandgoods identified in the DVIPs for the project destinations under sub-component 1. Asexplainedabove,theseinvestmentsarepartofasetofcoordinatedinterventionsthatarespecified in the DVIPs to bring about the envisaged tourism offering. Specifically, theinvestmentswillincludeupgradingphysicalinfrastructuretoboostsustainabletourismandfacilitateincreasedintegrationoftheprivatesectorandlocalcommunitiesintohighervaluetourism services. These infrastructure investments will be designed with attention toenvironment,climatechangeandnaturaldisasterrisksresilienceand favornature-basedapproachesandincorporategenderaspects.

Sub-component2.1.EnhancingTourismInfrastructureforAccessingPAsThis sub-component aims to enhance access by investing in the construction andmaintenanceofconnectivityinfrastructureattheprojectdestinations.Theinvestmentswillimproveyear-roundaccessibilitybytourists,reducethetimeneededtoaccessthePAsfromthegatewaycitiesandbetweendifferentpointswithintheprojectdestinations.Tothisend,theprojectwillinvestincivilworks,goodsandconsultingservicesto,interalia,prepareatourismroadupgradationdevelopmentplanbasedontheDVIPs,rehabilitateandmaintainexistingroadalignments,culvertsandbridgesattheprojectdestinations;anddevelopsmall-scalefacilitiesforenhancingpublicservicesandtransportsystems.

Sub-component 2.2. Upgrading Environmental Management and Tourism-relatedInfrasturctureThis sub-component will upgrade tourism-related facilities, enhance environmentalsustainability and biodiversity conservation, and institute better systems for ensuringtourists’ safety. The project will support the establishment or upgrading of localcommunities and public tourist facilities identified in the DVIPs, community-leveldevelopment plans and innovative investments presented by beneficiaries aimed atenhancingeconomicactivities,environmentalsustainability,naturalresourceconservationand climate resilience. The project will also support themanagement of the small-scaleinfrastructurebyCBOsandprivatesectoroperators,throughprovidingassistanceand/oragreements that would be procured using the procurement guidelines. Specifically, theprojectwill finance investments incivilworks,goodsandconsultingservices todevelop,upgradeandmaintain,interalia,museums,interactivevisitorinformationcenters,visitorinformationmanagementsystem,checkposts, trailheadswithparkingspaceandservicefacilities;trekkingtrails,firelines,bridgesandroadcrossings,safedrinkingwaterstations,


campsites,viewpointsandreststops,trailsignageandsafetybarriers;wildlifeconservationandpromotion,viewtowers,conservationbreedingandwildliferescuecenters,wildernessenhancement and wildlife habitat management and other activities; community-levelinfrastructure such as community halls, local markets, and public toilets and smallinfrastructure to facilitate tourism diversification in heritage tourism (upgrading ofsettlementsinfrastructureandbeautificationofheritageandculturallyimportantvillages),adventure tourism (archery playground, cave visit, horse riding ground), river tourismactivities(raftingplatforms,campsites,anglingsites),mountainbiking,NBTincommunityforests (such as birdwatching, picnic spots, naturewalks); small-scale public sanitationfacilities,waterdrainagenetworks, solidwastemanagement includingreuse, recycleanddisposalandtreatmentfacilities,andgarbagecollectionequipment;recyclingandreducedimport of plastic, community-level biological wastewater treatment, small-scale biogasdigestionandcomposting,andregularwaterqualitymonitoringandreporting;developmentandimplementationoflocaladaptationplans(LAPA)withactionsforreducingclimateanddisaster vulnerability; including erosion & landslides protection, protection of micro-watershed/ catchment, flood, drainage & river-bank protection, and weather safety andcontrol systems, rescue management systems, high altitude rescue shelters, and portershelters.

Component3:AdaptingTourismProductsandProvidingEconomicOpportunitiesinTourism-RelatedValueChains

ThiscomponentwillupgradethequalityanddiversityoftourismservicesandproductsattheprojectdestinationsthoughapackageofinterventionstoassistinrepositioningSmallandMediumEnterprises'(SMEs)productsandservicestotheacceptableglobalstandards.Itwill also improveparticipationof local communities and enterprise in tourism-relatedvaluechains.Theproposedactivitieswillbe implemented through local trainedbusinessdevelopment services (BDS)providers. Services renderedbyBDSprovidersmaybebothcross-cuttingandvalue-chain(sector)specific,andtheymayactasincubatorsforbusinessdevelopmentandmanagement.TheBDSwillhelpfillgapsinentrepreneurialskillsandshallprovidebusinessadviceaswellaspromotecompetitivenessamongtheprivatesectorandcommunityecotourismgroups.

Subcomponent3.1:UpgradingandAdaptingTourismProductstoEmergingMarketTrendsThis sub-component will help prepare an overarching vision for quality standards fortourism services and products and design and implement a package of businessdevelopmentservicestofacilitatelocalfirms’accreditation,accesstomarketsandfinance.Thiswillentailinvolvingprofessionaldesignersandhospitalityexpertstodevelopauthenticlocal/ indigenous architecture designs and service quality standards for accommodationenterprises, developing a web-based platform, connecting firms with internationalaccreditationprograms,establishingpartnershipswithglobaltravelwebsitecompaniesto


increase on-line presence, and providing training to meet the stipulated standards. Inaddition,thequalityenhancementprogramwillcoverimprovementsinbasichygieneandsanitation,wastewatermanagement,solidwastemanagement,energyefficiency,safetyandsecurity improvement, use of ICT solutions, marketing, branding and promotion (e.g.websites); skills (training owners and their employees); and compliance for qualitycertification. The project will train, develop and equip existing local community-basedorganizations, business organizations, financial institutions, and training providers tobecome BDS providers assisting local communities and enterprises to participate andincrease their gain from tourism-related value chains.While specific BDS needs at eachprojectdestinationwillbeidentifiedthroughthequalityenhancementprogramandaneedsassessmentatthebeginningofprojectimplementation,theBDSwillalsoprovideabroadmenuofservicesincludingHRmanagement,accountingandfinancialliteracy,businessplandevelopment,bankloanproposaltoaccessfinance.Inthefirstyearoftheproject,prioritizedtrainingandcapacitybuildingwillbeprovidedtoSMEsandfemaleworkerstoadaptingtheirproducts and services to the market trends that will emerge in the wake of COVID-19pandemic. Interventions such as training in health and safety standards and COVID-9preventionmeasureswill be given priority as thiswill be crucial for the rebound of thesector.

Sub-component3.2PromotingtheInclusionofLocalCommunitiesintourismrelatedValueChainsThissub-componentwillidentifyandscreenhomestaysandrelatedcommunities’productsandserviceswithhighpotentialbutinneedofsupport,suchasnon-timberforestproducts(NTFP),agriculturalproducts,souvenirs,accommodation, food,transport,culturalgroupsandguideservices.Theprojectwillimproveaccesstomarketsofsuchidentifiedproductsand partner with potential clients and help aggregate the products for a potentialagribusinesslinkage.Furthermore,itwillsupportaccesstofinancialinstitutionsandMicroFinance Institutions (MFI) to offer adapted financial product to rural accommodationproviders.Thissub-componentwillalsofinancesmall-scaleinvestmentssuchasimprovingroom insulation in mountain areas, upgrading processing equipment, rehabilitatingprocessingfactories,andstoragetomeetsanitationstandardsandtobefitforpurpose,andpackaging/branding equipment, with the overall objective to expand livelihoodopportunitiesatthecommunitylevelwithinthetargetedPAs.Thecapacitybuildingprogramwill be implemented at local level with the assistance of the trained BDS providers.Beneficiaries of BDS providers will include micro and small firms, cottage industries,cooperatives,andcommunitygroups.Importantly,BDSproviderswillaimtoincreasetheparticipation of disadvantaged communities in the tourism sector and promote femaleentrepreneurs and their integration in the tourism sector in skilled and managementpositions.Inthefirstyearoftheproject,interventionssuchastraininginhealthandsafetystandardsandCOVID-19preventionmeasureswillbegivenpriority.


Component4.ProjectManagement,MonitoringandEvaluation

Subcomponent4.1:OverallProjectManagementandMonitoring

Thissubcomponentwillfinancetraining,goodsandservices,consultanciesandincrementaloperationalcostsbornebythePIEatthecentrallevelandtheFieldImplementationUnitsatProject Destination level to ensure (a) project oversight and coordination; (b) fiduciarymanagement, including external/internal audits and accounting; (c) adequate qualitycontrolandassurancesystems;(d)environmentalandsocialsafeguardsmanagement;and(e) development and implementation of a communications and stakeholder engagementplan.ThiscomponentwillfinanceaM&Esystemthatincludesbaselineandannualsurveysamong beneficiaries and tourists at the Project Destinations; knowledge generation andexchange;andannualnetworkingamongkeyprojectstakeholdersat the local,provincialandnationallevels,includingactiveprivatesectorinvolvement.Thissubcomponentwillalsosupportthedesignandimplementationofaninclusiveandconsistentcitizenandbeneficiaryengagement strategy at the Project Destinations, including a user-friendly information-sharingplatformandcollaborativedecision-makingtoincreasecitizens’andcommunities’participationintheproject.

Subcomponent4.2:ManagementofDoTSpecificProjectActivitiesThis subcomponent will finance consultancies, training, goods, services, and operationalcosts, for oversight, procurement support and fiduciary management of activitiesimplementedbytheMoCTCAundersubcomponent1.2and2.1(d).

Component5:ContingencyEmergencyResponse(CERC)

Thiscomponentwillallowforrapidreallocationofuncommittedprojectfundsfromothercomponentstosupportimmediateresponseandrecoveryneedsintheeventofanaturalorman-madedisasterorcrisis.Italsoprovidesamechanismtochanneladditionalfundsshouldtheybecomeavailableasaresultofaneligiblecrisisoremergency.1

1.3 FirstyearactivitiesThe focusof the first yearof implementationwill beon institutional setup,mobilization,preparation and detailed preparation of various activities. During the first year ofimplementation,theprojectwillhaveoneprojectlaunchworkshopnationallyaswellasin

1 As defined in the World Bank OP 8.00, “Rapid Response to Crises and Emergencies”


selected project destinations and local governments (LGs). Project does not envisageimplementationofmajorphysical/civilworkinthefirstyearof implementation.Besidespreparationofvariousplans,detailedengineeringplanninganddesignincludingDetailedSubprojectReportofspecificinvestmentinphysicalinfrastructurewillbepreparedduringthefirstyear.

The preparation of the social and environmental safeguards documents for each planincluding DVIPs, PA Management Plan, community-level plan, etc. will be preparedsynchronizing with the participatory preparation of those plans. Sub-project/ activityspecificenvironmentalandsocialsafeguarddocumentswillbepreparedintandemwiththespecific planning anddesignof each activity, ensuring that the environmental and socialprocessesandengineeringplanninganddesignprocessesinteractandbenefiteachother.Sub-project/activityspecificenvironmentalandsocialsafeguarddocumentsisnecessaryforthe finalization and approval of engineering plan and detailed design including DetailedSubproject Report of specific investment/ infrastructure. Hence, activity specificenvironmental and social safeguard document has not been prepared at the time ofpreparingtheESMF.

1.4 Rationale and Approach for the Environment and Social Management

Framework(ESMF)

Thoughthetypesofprojectactivitiesareknown,buttheirlocationsanddetailsareyettobefinalized. At the current stage of project preparation2, the nature andmagnitude of thepotentialenvironmentalandsocialimpactsthatwillarisecannotbepreciselydeterminedsincetheyareinfluencedbythetype,location,sensitivityandscaleofactivities.Formulationofsubproject/investment/activityspecificsafeguardinstrumentsatthisstageisdifficultandnot-pragmatic.Hence,aframeworkapproachhasbeenusedintheproject,andESMFhas been prepared – the ESMF presents generic assessment of potential impacts andmitigation by type of subproject activities, andprovide guidance to steps, processes andprocedures to followduring implementation inaddressing thespecific impactsatprojectsites.Therefore,theESMFwillapplytoalltheactivitiesfinancedundertheprojecttoensurecompliance of safeguard standards, irrespective of project component or implementingentityPIEorPIU,andtheESMFincorporatesabroadframeworkconsideringallthepossibleenvironmentalandsocialimpactsthatmayresultfromtheproject.

ESMFispreparedinlinewiththeWorldBank'sOPsandinaccordancewiththeGovernmentofNepal'snationallawsandregulations.Anyactivitytobepreparedandundertakenbythe

2 No civil work is planned for the first year of implementation. Detailed preparation of subproject/ investment and activities including defining locations and detailed engineering plans and designs, preparation of DPRs, will be carried out in the first year of implementation.


project will be carried out in reference to the principles of sustainable development,includingenvironmental,socialandcultural,andeconomicconsiderations.

1.5 ObjectivesofESMF

TheobjectiveofESMFistoframeguidelinesandprocedurestoaddresstheenvironmentalandsocialimpactsassociatedwiththeimplementationofthisproject.Thespecificobjectivesareasfollows;

• Assess potential social and environmental risks and impacts from the project andprojectactivities;

• Outline the clear steps, process, procedures and methodologies for screening,reviewing and monitoring environmental and social safeguards issues, risks andimpacts;

• Define roles and responsibilities for supervision, management, reporting andmonitoringenvironmentalandsocialsafeguardissues,risks,impactsandcompliance;

• Provideaframeworkforconsultationandinformationdisclosure;andforpreparingtheenvironmentalandsocialmitigationplanstoaddresstheadverseimpacts;and

• Assescapacityandsuggestcapacitystrengtheningmeasures.

1.6 MethodAppliedtoPrepareESMFThemethodologyadoptedforpreparationofthisESMFincludesdeskreview,consultation,and review/insights, including from site visits and information obtained from potentialsubproject sites. In this process, relevant GoN environmental, land acquisition, tourismpolicies,tourismvision&developmentplans,WBoperationPolices,etc.werereviewed.TheotheractivitiescarriedoutduringpreparationofESMFare:

• DestinationVision InvestmentPlans(DVIPs) for theselecteddestinationshasbeenreferred;

• InputsfromFGDsatselecteddestinationsonE&Sissues;• Similarly, the feedbacks from the Ministries (MoFE and MOCTCA), provincial

governments(P-MITFEandP-MPID)andparkauthoritieshasbeenincorporated;and• Central level consultation with concerned stakeholders was organized and the

feedbackreceivedhavebeenincorporatedinthefinalversionoftheESMF.

1.7 SourcesofInformationusedinpreparationofESMFUsinganarrayofavailablesecondarysourcesofinformation,verifiedwhenpossiblethroughconsultationsatthefieldlevel,acomprehensiveframeworkhasbeendevelopedtoensurethatproject embraces the principle of sustainable development while undertaking project


activities. The secondary sources of information are (i) protected area and buffer zonemanagementplans,(ii)nationaldocuments(policies,legislations,strategiesandplans),(iii)relevant social and environmentpolicies, acts and guidelines, (iv)WorldBank safeguardpolicies,(iv)similarprojectsdocuments.AlistofinformationsourcesusedinpreparationofthisESMFisprovidedinAnnex2.

1.8 PotentialUsersofthisESMFThis frameworkwillmainlybeusedbythe implementingagencies,Project ImplementingEntity (PIE3) and Project Implementing Unit (PIU4) including the concerned Ministries(MoFE andMoCTCA), NTNC,NTB andDoT; and provincial andmunicipality/palika levelstakeholders to fulfil the project's environmental and social responsibilities. TheEnvironmentandSocialUnit/deskwithintheProjectImplementationEntity(PIE),NTNCisresponsible for overall E&S oversight including supervising, monitoring, managing,supporting,providingguidance,organizingtraining,etc.onE&Saspectsintheproject.

3 NTNC – National Trust for Nature conservation is Project Implementation Entity for Component 1.1, Component 2 & Component 3 4 Department of Tourism (DoT) is project Implementation Unit (PIU) for Component 1.2


MainStakeholdersandUsersoftheESMF

S.N. MainStakeholdersandUsers

1 MinistriesandDepartmentsatFederalLevel• MinistryofForestandEnvironment(MoFE);• MinistryofHomeAffairs(MoHA)• MinistryofCulture,TourismandCivilAviation;• MinistryofLandManagement,CooperativesandPovertyAlleviation• DepartmentofForest;• DepartmentofNationalParksandWildlifeConservation(DNPWC);• DepartmentofEnvironment;• DepartmentofTourism;• National Trust for Nature Conservation- responsible units for project development and

executionProvinceLevel• MinisterforIndustry,Tourism,ForestandEnvironment;• DivisionForestOffice(DFO);LocalLevel• DistrictCoordinationCommittee• ChiefDistrictOfficer,• DistrictLandRevenueOffice,• DistrictSurveyOffice• MunicipalitiesandRuralMunicipalities.• NepalArmy;• NationalParksandPAWardens

2 Consultants,ServiceprovidesandContractors• Environmental/EIAConsultants;• Social/SIAConsultants;• Technical/EngineeringConsultants;• LegalConsultants;and• ConstructionImplementingContractors.

3 CommunityLevelStakeholders• CommunityBasedOrganizations;• MotherGroups;• CFUGs• I/NGOs;• ProjectNeighbors;• ConservationActivists;• PoliticalLeadersandRepresentatives• PrivateInvestors,etc.

1.9 Revision/ModificationoftheESMFThe ESMF will be a ‘live document’, will be updated/revised, if needed duringimplementation,particularlyifthereischangeinthescopeoftheproject/activities,typesof


interventionsand/orchanges/modificationintroducedinthelegal/regulatoryregimeofthecountryorpoliciesoftheWorldBank.Also,basedontheexperienceofapplicationandimplementationofthisframework,theprovisionsandproceduresmayneedtobeupdated,asappropriate.Anyupdate/revision/modificationintheESMFwillbedoneonlyinmutualagreementbetweentheWorldBankandtheGovernmentofNepal.

This ESMF may not cover potential social and environmental issues in relation to theComponent5(Emergecyresponse)givenlikelynatureofemergencyandtypesofactivitiescannotbedetrminednow.Hence,ifCERCisactivated,thisESMFmaybeupdatedoraspecificCERC-ESMFmaybeprepared,asrequired,anddisclosed,withinthreemonthsfromthetimeCERCisactivated.


Chapter2: Policies,Acts,Regulations,GuidelinesandConventions

2.1 GoNRelevantPolices5TheConstitutionofNepal2072(2015AD)hasstated intheArticle30-RightRegardingCleanEnvironmentthat:1. Eachpersonshallhavetherighttoliveinahealthyandcleanenvironment;2. The victim of environmental pollution and degradation shall have the right to becompensatedbythepollutantasprovidedforbylaw;

3. ProvidedthatthisArticleshallnotbedeemedtoobstructthemakingofrequiredlegalprovisions to strike a balance between environment and development for the use ofnationaldevelopmentworks.

Article51(l)PoliciesRegardingTourismstipulatesthat“developingenvironmentfriendlytourism industry as an important basis of national economy by identifying, protecting,promoting and publicizing the historical, cultural, religious, archaeological and naturalheritagesitesofthecountry,andprioritizinglocalpeopleinthedistributionofbenefitsofthe tourism industry”.TourismPolicy,2065 clause (b) lays emphasison the inclusionofwomen together with Indigenous Peoples, Madhesis and other marginalized groups inaccessingbenefits arising from tourismrelatedentrepreneurial activitiesaswell as theiraccesstotourismbusinessopportunitiesthroughcooperatives.EnvironmentProtectionAct2019andEnvironmentProtectionRegulations6, 1997:AccordingtotheEPA2019,alldevelopmentprojectsincludingprojectundertourismsector,shallfirstbescreenedusingcriteriathatarebasedonprojecttype,size,locationandcost,stipulatedintheRegulationtodeterminethelevelofenvironmentalassessmentrequired(whetherConcise/RapidEnvironmentalAssessmnet,orInitialEnvironmentalExamination-IEEorEnvironmentalImpactAssessment-EIAornone).Schedule1andSchedule2,sectorF, pertaining to rule 3 of EPR, 1997 determines the level of EA (IEE/EIA) required fordifferent categories under Tourism Sector. Usually, small projects which only requirerehabilitation such as trekking trails in rural area are not expected to cause significantenvironmentaldamageandrequireonlyconcise/rapidenvironmentalassessment.Annex1(b)providesexamplesofprojectsandactivitieswhichrequireIEEorEIAbytheEPAandEPR.Schedule7oftheEPRalsoliststheindustriesthatrequirepollutioncontrolcertificate.

5 Several GoN legislations are in the process of amendments as a part of implementation of federalism. The relevant changes, when taken place may be incorporated as and when they become effective and acceptable to the Bank. 6 The Regulation is in the process of amendments following the Environment Protection Act 2019


ForestAct7,2019andForestRegulation8,1995:TheproposedprojectsneedtocomplywiththeprovisionsofForestActandRegulationwhentheneedstoacquireforestlandfortrailorbridge/oranyotherentitiesrequireconstruction/improvements.Clausenumber42(1)to42(8)allowsimplementationofdevelopmentprojectofnationalpriorityinforestedarea,ifitdoesnotposesignificantadverseimpacttoenvironmentandiftherearenootheralternatives,afterapprovalofgovernment(DivisionalForestOffice-DFO)andlocalforestauthority (e.g.; Community Forestry User Groups). The forest act and regulation allowsimplementation of priority projectswithin forested areawith adequate compensation toaffectedpeopleandpriorpermission.Plant speciesand forestproducts legallyprotectedunderForestRegulations,arepresentedinAnnex19.DepartmentofForestGuidelines

The Department of Forest has made public various guidelines with relevance toenvironmentalassessmentofthedevelopmentprojectswhichareasfollows:

• ForestProductsCollection,SaleandDistributionGuidelines,(1998);• CommunityForestGuidelines,(2009);• CommunityForestInventoryGuidelines,(2005);• WorkProcedureforObtainingNationalForestlandforNationallyImportantProject,

2074(May2017)

The aforementioned guidelines detail the various procedures and formats for gettingapprovalforvegetationclearance,delineationoflandsforvegetationclearance,evaluationofwoodvolumeamongothersandindevelopingthecommunityforestthroughtheactiveparticipationofthepoor,disadvantaged,indigenous,Janajati,Madhesi,women,communitieslaggingbehindduetovariousreasons.TheCommunityForestInventoryGuidelinesdetailstheprocessesandproceduresforevaluatingtheforeststockanditsharvestingpotentials.Thegovernmentofficesandofficialsresponsiblefortheapproval,delineationandevaluationof the operational plans.Workprocedure for the use of the forest area for developmentprojects reiterates the use of the forest area only if other options are not available, andclearedEPAandEPRrequirementsincludingEIAorIEE.Priorapprovalforinterventioninforested area is required from the District Forest Office (DFO), and Forest User Groups(FUGs).Thelossoftreesandforestlandneedstobecompensated-25seedlingsneedtoplantforeverytree felled,andtheplantationsitesneedstobeprotectedandmanagedfor fiveyears. If the site involves the forestmanaged by Forest User Group(s), the Community’sclearanceisrequired.TheCouncilofMinisterapprovestheproposalofforestdiversiontotheprojectandapprovestheremovaloflistedtrees.NationalParkandWildlifeConservationAct,1973:Thisactprohibits anyaction thatcould be damaging to the park including; cutting of trees and other plants, any kind ofresidential structures, quarrying of materials, change in watercourse, etc. Activities

7 The Act is in the process of amendment.8 The Forest Regulation is in the process of amendment following the Forest Act 2019


prohibited in protected areas includes; hunting, damage or removal of forest products,grazing,mining,diggingearthoranyothersimilarmaterial,blockordivertriversystemsflowingthroughthepark,constructionorpossessionofhouse,hutsorotherstructures,AnyinterventionwithinNationalParkandWildlifeConservationArearequirespermissionfromMinistryofForestsandEnvironment(erstwhile,MinistryofForestsandSoilConservation)after recommendation from Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.WildlifespeciesprotectedundertheActisgiveninAnnex18.TheBufferZoneManagementRegulation,1996:Bufferzonesareperipheralareasofthenational parks/reserves which serves as buffer between the park and the humansettlements. This area also provides controlled access to resources for the local people,minimizingpark-peopleconflictandthus,ensuringcoexistencebetweenhumanandwildlife.Communitiesinsidethebufferzonesareeconomicallyactiveandregulateddevelopmentofinfrastructures are permitted in accordance to the buffer zone user groups' and localdevelopment committees' recommendations. The Buffer Zone Management Regulation,1996 has authorized the park authorities to provide permission to carry out followingactivitieswithinabufferzonearea:

• Occupyinganylandwithoutlegalownershiporcuttingtrees,clearforestorcultivateforestland;

• Anyactivitydamagingforestresourcesorsettingfireintheforest;• Excavating stone, earth, sand or mine or removing minerals, earth or other suchmaterials;

• Usinganyharmfulpoisonorexplosivesubstancesintotheriver,streamorsourceofwaterflowinginthebufferzone;and

• Huntingillegallyandanyactdamagingtothewildlife.

Conservation Area Regulations, 1996; Conservation Area Management Directives,1999:Conservationareamanagement rules2053relates specifically to the conservationareamanagement.Itmentionsaboutdelineationofconservationarea,establishmentofheadoffice and appointment of chief and also lists down the functions andduties of differentcommitteessuchasconservationareamanagementcommittees.TheCAMCsareauthorizedto design and implement any activities for the protection of the natural environment,communitydevelopment, development of natural heritage and its balancedmanagementwithinownareabyapprovingtheworkplan(operationplan)throughthechief.Theyarealsoauthorizedtocollectfeesfor,fishing,consumingofforestproducts,pasturinganimalorusingnaturalresourcespursuanttotheseRulesandalsotoprovidealicense.Therulesandregulationsalsomentionaboutthelistofprohibitedactivitieswithintheconservationareassuchashunting,electrocutioninriversforfishingandusingofillegalweapons.AnypersonshalltakealicenseasprescribedtoSchedule-5fromtheChief,payingthefeeprescribedbytheChief,beforedoingcommercialoranyotheractivitybyutilizingthenaturalresourcesofthegovernmentownedlandoftheConservationAreaordoingcommercialactivityinprivate


ownedlandcausingimpactonthenaturalresourcesofsuchArea.AnypersonbymakingacontractwiththeInstitution,mayoperateahotel, lodge,publictransportorsimilarotherservicebusinessinanylandwithintheConservationArea.

Soil andWatershedConservationAct, 1982: for the conservation andmanagement ofwatershedsofNepal,theSoilandWatershedConservationAct,1982wasenacted.Section4of the Act provides an authority to watershed conservation officer to implement thefollowingworksinprotectedwatershedareas:

• Construct and maintain dam, embankment, terrace improvements, diversionchannelsandretainingwalls;

• Protectvegetationinlandslide-proneareasandundertakeafforestationprograms;and

• Regulateagriculturalpracticespertinenttosoilandwatershedconservation.Under Section 10 of the Act, Watershed Conservation Officer has authority to grantpermissiontoconstructdams,drainageditches,canals,cutprivatelyownedtrees,excavatesand,bouldersandsoil,dischargesolidwaste,andestablish industryorresidentialareaswithinanyprotectedwatershed.EnvironmentalandSocialManagement:SafeguardPoliciesandProcedures,NationalTrust for Nature Conservation (2017): In order meet the goal of promotingenvironmentallyfriendlyandsociallyinclusivepathstoharnessthefullpotentialofNepal'sconservation,NTNChasadoptedasetofEnvironmentalandSocialManagementSafeguardPolicies(ESM)andProcedures.ThesestrengthenNTNC’saccountabilitytothesocietiesandcommunitiesitaimstosupport;stakeholdersintheconservationprocesses;andthebroaderconservationcooperationanddonorcommunity.ThepolicyprovidestheNTNCteamwithasetoftoolsandguidancetobeabletostrategicallydesignandimplementenvironmentallyand socially sustainable projects that support the achievement, equitability andsustainabilityofconservationresults. Itbringstogether inoneprocessthevarious issuesthatneedtobeconsideredandmainstreamedintoalloftheworkthatNTNCdoes,providingamorestreamlinedapproachtoprojectmanagement.Thepolicy,safeguardsandguidelinesprovidedbuilduponandcomplytothevariouspolicyandmanagementinstrumentsalreadydevelopedandappliedbyGreenClimateFund(GCF),GlobalEnvironmentFacility(GEF),theUnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment(USAID),andothersourcesoffinancingandwithitsissuance,thispolicyisautomaticallyappliedtoallNTNC-implementedprojects.

ThisESMPdescribestheenvironmentalandsocialmanagementpolicywithdetailprocedureandrequirements,composedoffollowing:

● Scopeofapplication● Principles● SafeguardPolicyonNaturalResourceManagementandBiodiversityConservation● SafeguardPolicyonlabourandworkingcondition● SafeguardPolicyonResourceEfficiencyandPollutionControl● SafeguardPolicyonCommunityHealth,SafetyandSecurity


● SafeguardPolicyonInvoluntaryResettlement● SafeguardPolicyonCulturalHeritage● SafeguardPolicyonIndigenousPeoples● Policydeliveryprocessandaccountability

LandAcquisitionAct,1977,LandAcquisitionRegulations,1969andLandAcquisition,Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy for Infrastructure Development Projects(2015):TheLandAcquisitionAct1977andtheLandAcquisitionRegulation1969clearlyoutlinetheproceduresof landacquisitionandcompensationforpublicpurposes.Theactstatesthat,ifthegovernmenthasalreadyusedthelandforpublicpurposesintheagreementof land owner then it is not required to follow acquisition process but can determinecompensationaspertheact(Section26).Section27oftheactclearlystatesthatlandforpublicpurposescanbeacquiredthroughnegotiationandinsuchcase,procedurelaiddownby the act do not have to be followed. Therefore, section 26 and 27 are applicable forobtaininglandfortheproject.Theapplicableprovisionsintheactare:

• Reporttobesubmittedinrespecttofindingsofpreliminaryactionforobtainingland;• Notificationoflandacquisition(atlocalprojectoffice,districtgovernmentoffice,local

governmentbody,districtlandrevenueoffice,atlocality)withfollowinginformation.a. Thepurposeforwhichlandisrequired;b. Whetherotherassetswillbeacquiredalongwiththelandtobeobtained;c. locationdetailofthelandtobeobtained;d. plotnumber,areaofthelandtobeobtained;e. LandownershiptransferandadjustmentintheRecordsofDistrictLandRevenue

Office;f. DevolutionofOwnershipoflandtoGoN.

GoN,in2015,hasapprovedapolicyonlandacquisition,resettlementandcompensationforinfrastructureprojectswhichis fairlyconsistentwiththeinternationalpracticesofmajordonors.Section6.4.1,6.4.2and6.4.3ofthepolicyclearlyoutlinesabout“nodisplacementorreducedisplacement”ofthepeopleasaresultoftheproject.Italsomentionsthatwhereverdisplacementisunavoidable,theprojectshouldcreateconduciveenvironmenttocompletethe project in stipulated time making the process of land acquisition, compensation,resettlement,andrehabilitationsimple,easy,transparent,andjust.

LaborAct,2074(2017):TheLaborAct,2048(1992)hasbeenreplacedbytheLaborAct,2074 (2017) and is passed for provisions for the rights, interest, facilities and safety ofworkers and employees in enterprises of various sectors. Chapter 2 of the Act providesdirectivesforfundamentalprovisionsrelatingtoworkerswhichforbidsforcedlabor,childlaboranddiscrimination.ThisActinChapter12describestheProvisionsRelatingtoHealthandSafetyoflaborsthataproprietorshallmaketohisemployee.TheProprietorshallmakethearrangementsof cleanandhealthyworkingenvironment, arrangementsofnecessarypreventivepersonaldevicesforprotectionofhealthfromadverseanyothersource,tomake


provisions forsufficientsupplyofpurepotablewaterduringtheworkinghours, tomakeprovisions for separate toilets formale and femaleworkers or employees at convenientplace;necessaryprotectivemeansshallhavetobearrangedfortheprotectionofeyesandotherorgansoftheworkersandemployeesfrominjurieslikelytobecausedbydustorpieceswhileworkingintheEnterprise.ThisprovisionsunderthisActarealsoinconsistentwiththeInternationalLaborOrganization(ILO).Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, June21, 2000 A.D.: This Act prohibitsengagingchildlabor(below16years)infactory,minesandotherriskyworks.Thisactalongwithothersdefinestheconstructionenterprisesasoneofriskyworks.Labor Rules, 2050 (1993): In chapter-3 of these rules describes that there will be nodiscriminationinremunerationtomaleorfemaleworkeroremployeeforengagingthemintheworksofthesamenatureoffunctions.Thischapteralsodictatesregardingprovisionofcompensationagainst injury,Compensation in caseof grievoushurt resulting inphysicaldisability,Compensationincaseofdeathofanyworkers/oremployee.Environmental Guidelines: The various Guidelines pertaining to infrastructuredevelopmentworks,provideguidancetoprojectproponentonintegratingenvironmentalmanagementandmitigationmeasures,particularlyonthemanagementofquarries,borrowpits,stockpilingofmaterialsandspoildisposal,operationoftheworkcamps,earthworksandslopestabilization,locationofstonecrushingplants,etc.Land Acquisition Guidelines: The guideline describes the process of land acquisitionaccordingtoprovisionsmadebyLandAcquisitionAct1977.Forest Policy, 2018: The Forest Policy has clear objective to provide significantcontribution in tourism promotion through protected areas, wetlands and forestmanagementsystems.Forest SectorStrategy (2016-2025): This strategyhashighlightedunderoutcome5 to"increasetheroleoftheprivatesectortoencourageinvestmentincultivatingforestrycrops(including trees andNTFP/MAPs), in forestry operations, including service delivery, andforest-basedenterprisesandeco-tourism."TourismPolicy2065/NepalTourismStrategicPlan2016-2025:BroadlyspeakingthecurrentprioritiesofNepalesetourismareshapedbythesedocumentsandthesedocumentshavesethighpriorityfordevelopingtourisminfrastructure, increasingtourismactivities,creatingemploymentintheruralareasandsharingthebenefitsoftourisminthegrassrootslevel. The National Tourism Strategic Plan (NTSP) for the period 2016-2025 is an all-encompassingstrategytosupportthegrowthoftourismthroughanintegratedanddetailedactionplan.TheNTSP’sobjectiveisto(i)positionNepalasaleadingtourismdestinationin


theregionanddeveloptourismasasignificantcontributortotheeconomy,and(ii)diversifycurrenttourismofferingsfromtheexistingmainhubsandprovidearangeofexperiencesofinteresttointernationalvisitorsfromkeymarkets.

Government Policy Regarding Extraction of Construction Materials: The local self-governmentregulation,1999hasgivenauthoritytoDDCandDFO(ifthearealieswithintheforestboundary) toaward license forextractionof riverbedmaterials.TheEPRcriterionrequiresIEE/EIAofsuchactivitiesandapprovalfromconcernedministry.TheMinesandMineralAct,1985requiresthattheextractablequantityofmaterialsshouldbeestimated,beforetendering.Therearenolegaldocumentsstatingthespecificconditionsforprotectingriverbed and surrounding environmental condition. Clause 33 of Mines and MineralRegulation 1996 states measures to be done to protect environment of the area. TheEnvironmentalManagementGuideline,1999(DoR)mentionsthatthequarrysitesshouldbeaway from population centers, drinking water tank/supply, cultivation land, and bridgesites. For extraction ofmaterial fromother areas including hill slopes, license should beobtained fromDepartment ofMines andGeology, aftermeeting EPR criteria. The ForestRegulation, 1995 and National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972 also prohibitsoperationofquarrysitesinsideforestedarea,includingcommunityforestry.Violence Against Women and Non-discrimination: The Constitution of Nepal (2015)prohibitsuntouchability anddiscriminationon the groundsof caste and recognizes suchpracticeasanoffencepunishablebylaw.Article18oftheConstitution(2015)guaranteesequalityandnon-discriminationirrespectiveofcasteandgender.Article24isexplicitaboutcitizen’s right against untouchability and discrimination stating that “no person shall besubjectedtoanyformofuntouchabilityordiscriminationinanyprivateandpublicplacesongrounds of his or her origin, caste, tribe, community, profession, occupation or physicalcondition”.CBDU Act (2011): Nepal adopted the Caste Based Discrimination and Untouchability(CBDU)Act(2011)whichisrecognizedasalandmarkdevelopmenttoendthepracticeofuntouchabilityandcaste-baseddiscrimination.TheActprovidesalegalregimeofpreventiveand punitivemeasures to end caste-based discrimination and has outlawed caste-baseddiscriminationinpublicandprivatespheres.Besides,Nepalhasalsoendorsednumberofinternational commitments in relation to non-discrimination, gender equality and socialjustice. Nepal became party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms ofDiscriminationagainstWomen (CEDAW) in1991, and ratified InternationalCovenantonCivil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and International Covenant on Economic, Social andCultural Rights (ICESCR) without any reservations, demonstrating its commitment toeliminateallformsofdiscriminationagainstwomen.GenderBasedViolence:TheConstitutionofNepal(2015)prohibitsanyformofViolenceAgainstWomen(VAW)anddeclaresthatsuchactsshallbepunishablebylaw.AccordingtoArticle 38 of the constitution, no woman shall be subjected to physical, mental, sexual,


psychologicalorotherformofviolenceorexploitationongroundsofreligion,social,culturaltradition,practiceoronanyothergroundsand suchact shallbepunishableby law.Thegovernment enacted the Domestic Violence (Crime and Punishment) Act (2009) whichillustratesphysical andpsychological violencewithin thedefinitionofdomestic violence.TheActfurtherstatesaboutreportingofthecrimebothverballyorinwritingandifthecasedoesnotgetresolvedthroughquasi-judicialbodiesormutualunderstanding,thevictimcanfileacasedirectlytothecourts.2.1.1 PoliciesSupportingIndigenous/VulnerableCommunitiesAccordingtothe2011census,thereare125differentsocialgroupsinthecountrywith123differentlanguages.Amongstthese,theNationalFoundationforDevelopmentofIndigenousNationalities (NFDIN) Act 2002 has recognized 59 different groups as indigenousnationalities/peoples(knownasAdivasi/JanajatiinNepal).Further,theNepalFederationofIndigenousNationalities (NEFIN)has classifiedAdivasi/Janajati groups into fivedifferentcategorieswhilecharacterizingtheireconomicandsocialfeatures:

1. Endangered;2. Highlymarginalized;3. Marginalized;4. Advantaged;and5. Disadvantagedgroups.

Thesecategoriesarebasedontheirpopulationsizeandothersocioeconomicvariablessuchasliteracy,housing,landholdings,occupation,languageandareaofresidence.Besides,theAdivasi/Janajati, thereareothergroups suchasDalits,Madhesi andMuslims, residing inNepalthatarenotincludedasindigenousgroupbutareequallyifnotmorevulnerable.The2011 census has listed 15 Dalit caste groups who are economically and socially mostvulnerable,underprivilegedandmarginalizedpopulationinthecountry.

Nepalhasamplelegitimateprovisionsbackedupbylegislationstosupportthedevelopmentof indigenous and vulnerable people. These are: National Foundation for theDevelopmentofIndigenousNationalitiesAct(2002),NationalHumanRightsActionPlan (2005), NationalWomen Commission (2002), and NationalDalit Commission(2002). These Acts and commissions are fully empowered to work for protection andpromotionofrightsofindigenous,marginalizedgroups,Dalitandwomen.2.1.2 PoliciesonGenderMainstreamingTheNepal’sConstitutionhasmadeprovisionsforwomenparticipationofatleast33%initsendeavortoensuretheirinclusion.GoN,initsnationallevelpoliciesandplans,hasalsodulyemphasizedtheimportanceofwomeninallspheresrangingfromhouseholdtocommunityandnationallevel.Realizingtheincreasedpotentialityofwomeninthesocio-economicand


political sectors, the government has increasingly provided more space for increasedparticipationofwomen.Inaddition,GoNhasestablishedtheNationalWomenCommission,anationallevelwellempoweredbodytolookaftertheissuesofwomenandtakeprotectiveanddefensivemeasurestoaddresstheissuesandproblemsencounteredbythewomenatall levels and in any forms such as domestic violence, women’s right to properties andrepresentationinthekeypositionswithfairproportions.The Government of Nepal (GoN), since the early 1990s, has been making importantcommitments to gender equity, equality and the empowerment ofwomen in its policies,plansandprograms.TheGoN introducedaGenderApproach toDevelopment in1990 toenablewomenandmentoparticipateequallyinpublicandprivatelifeandrealizetheirfullpotentialindevelopment.TheGenderEqualityandSocialInclusionPolicy,2014-2017isthemajorguidingdocumentsforGESImainstreaminginNepal.Similarly,Nepalissignatorytoanumberofinternationalhumanrightsrelatedconventionsanddeclarations,whichcallfortheeliminationofallformsofgender-baseddiscrimination,includingthoserelatedtoaccesstoeducation,healthandotherservices.TheConventionontheEliminationofallformsofDiscriminationagainstWomen(CEDAW),signedbytheGoNin 1991, commits Nepal to constitutional and legal equality, particularly in the fields ofeducation,health,citizenship,propertyandemployment.Italsoguaranteesfreedomfromallkindsofviolenceandsexualexploitation.NepalTourismPolicy(2008)laysenhancedemphasisonruraltourism,community-basedtourismandhome-stays.Thepolicyisexplicitonaugmentingsharedbenefitsfromtourismamongthedisadvantagedgroupsincludingwomen,Madheshi,indigenouspeople,etc.Italsooutlines about fostering tourism activities led bywomen orwomen groupswith specialpromotionalmeasures.Thepolicyfurtherspecifiestourismadvancementanddevelopmentthrough the conservation of community based traditional knowledge and culture ofindigenouspeople.2.2 InternationalProvisionsandGuidelinesInternationalLegalProvisionswithlikelyRelevanceforTourismandInfrastructureProjects: Nepal is signatory in many international conventions, which deal with theprotectionofenvironment.Forexample,theconventiononBiologicalDiversitywassignedbyNepalatRioDeJaneiroonJune12,1992.TheconventionprovidesabroadframeworkontheneedforcarryingoutEIAtominimizeadverseimpactsoftheprojectsandprogramsonbiodiversity.TheArticle14ofthisconventionprovidestheprovisionofimpactassessmentandminimizationofadverseimpacts.Inbroadersense,itcallsuponthesignatorypartiestointroduce appropriate procedures for EIA and ensure public participation, exchangeinformationonadverseeffectsonbiodiversityofotherstates,notifyimmediatelypossiblyaffectedotherstates incaseofdangerordamage tobiodiversityand to initiateaction to


prevent or minimize such damages. Other legal obligations relate to the followinginternationalconventionsandagreements:

• UNFrameworkConventiononClimateChange,1992;• ThePlantProtectionAgreementfortheSouthEastAsiaandthePacific(asamended),

1956;• TheConvention on International Trade in Endangered Species ofWild Fauna and

Flora,(CITES),1973;• The Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

EspeciallyasWaterFowlHabitat),1971;• TheConventionforProtectionoftheWorldCulturalandNaturalHeritage,1972.

ILO convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples and UNDeclaration for theRightsofIndigenousPeoples(UNDRIP,2007):ThegovernmentofNepalhascommittedtoILOConvention169andtheUNDeclarationfortherightsofIndigenousPeoplesin2007.BothUNDRIPand ILO169advocates for thehumanrightsand fundamental freedomsofIndigenous peoples. Following ILO 169, the government of Nepal has identified 59indigenous ethnic groups and amended an Indigenous Nationalities Act 2002. The actcategorized the 59 ethnic groups as advance ethnic group, deprived ethnic groups andendangered ethnic groups. ILO Convention 169 is a legally binding international treaty.UNDRIPisnotmandatory.Theprojectneedstopayhighattentiontosuchgroupsduringconsultationandmitigationoftheimpacts.2.3 WorldBank’sEnvironmentalandSocial(E&S)SafeguardPoliciesTheE&SsafeguardpoliciesoftheWBapplicableto“SustainableTourismEnhancementofNepal’sProtectedAreas(STENPA)”arementionedbelow:

EnvironmentalAssessment(EA)OP4.01:ThisPolicyistriggeredifaprojectislikelytohavepotential(adverse)environmentalrisksandimpactsinitsareaofinfluence.Thisisanoverarching policy to maintain clean and healthy environment by minimizing, as far aspossible,adverse impacts likelytobecausedfromenvironmentaldegradationonhuman,wildlife, plants, nature and physical objects. The OP 4.01 covers impacts on the naturalenvironment(air,waterandland);humanhealthandsafetyandphysicalculturalresources;natural habits; forestry; Social aspects (such as indigenous peoples, involuntaryresettlement)arecoveredbyseparatepoliceswiththeirownrequirementsprocedures,thatisbrieflydiscussesinfollowingparagraphs.

Natural Habitats (OP 4.04): This policy is triggered by any project (including anysubprojectunderasectorinvestmentorfinancialintermediaryloan)withthepotentialto


cause significant conversion (loss) or degradation of natural habitats9, whether directly(throughconstruction)orindirectly(throughhumanactivitiesinducedbytheproject).

Forestry(OP4.36): ThepolicyistriggeredbywheneveranyBank-financedinvestmentprojecthas (i) the impactpotentialon thehealthandqualityof forestsor the rightsandwelfareofpeopleandtheirlevelofdependenceuponorinteractionwithforests;or(ii)aimstobringaboutchanges in themanagement,protectionorutilizationofnatural forestsorplantation.

PhysicalCulturalResources(OP4.11):Thispolicyisappliedtoallprojectslocatedin,orinthevicinityof,recognizedculturalheritagessitesandprojectsdesignedtosupportthemanagementorconservationofphysicalculturalresources.

Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12): Key objectives of the World Bank’s policy oninvoluntary land acquisition are to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement wherefeasible, exploring all viable alternative project designs; assist displaced persons inimprovingtheirformerlivingstandards,incomeearningcapacity,andproductionlevel,oratleastinrestoringthem;encouragecommunityparticipationinplanningandimplementingresettlement; andprovide assistance to affected people regardless of the legality of landtenure.Thepolicycoversnotonlyphysicalrelocation,butanylossoflandorotherassetsresulting inrelocationor lossofshelter; lossofassetsoraccess toassets; lossof incomesourcesormeansof livelihoodwhetherornot theaffectedpeoplemustmovetoanotherlocation.Whenthepolicyistriggered,aResettlementActionPlan(RAP)mustbeprepared.Anabbreviatedplanmaybedevelopedwhentheimpactsontheentireaffectedpopulationareminor10orlessthan200peoplearedisplacedbytheproject.Insituations,wherealltheprecise impacts cannot be assessed during project preparation, provision is made forpreparingaResettlementPolicyFramework(RPF).TheRAP/RPFmustensurethatalltheBank’s policy provisions detailed in OP 4.12 are addressed particularly the payment ofcompensationforaffectedassetsattheirreplacementcost11.

Indigenous Peoples (OP 4.10): Key objectives of the Indigenous Peoples policy are to:ensure that indigenous people affected by World Bank funded projects have a voice inprojectdesignandimplementation;(ii)ensurethatadverseimpactsonindigenouspeoplesareavoided,minimizedormitigated;and(iii)ensurethatbenefitsintendedforindigenouspeoples are culturally appropriate. The policy is triggered when there are indigenouspeoplesintheprojectareaandtherearelikelypotentialadverseimpactsontheintendedbeneficiaries of these groups. When this policy is triggered an Indigenous Peoples

9Natural habitats are land and water areas where most of the original native plant and animal species are still present and natural habitats comprises many types of terrestrial, freshwater, costal and marine ecosystem.10Impacts are considered “minor” if the affected people are not physically displaced and less than 10 percent of their productive assets are lost. 11 ‘Replacement cost’ is defined as method of valuation yielding compensation sufficient to replace assets, plus necessary transaction costs associated with asset replacement.


DevelopmentPlanistobepreparedtomitigatethepotentialadverseimpactsormaximizethepositivebenefitsoftheprojectinterventions.

GenderandDevelopment(OP4.20):TheWorldBank’sGenderequalitystrategy(2016-2023) is central to its twin goal of ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Thestrategyrecognizesthatstrongerandbetterresourcedeffortsareneededtoaddressgenderinequalities. The World Bank’s gender development framework further identifies threepillars as fundamental towards achieving the goal. These are: i) human endowments ii)economicopportunities,andiii)voiceandagencyallofwhicharestronglyinterconnectedtoproducetangibleoutcomes.Itisalsorecognizedthatgender-basedviolenceisaconstrainttothevoiceandagencywhichleadstoreducedmobility,restrictioninaccessingjobsandlong-term trauma andmental health issues ofwomen. Given large variations on genderissuesacrossthecountries,theBank’sOP/BP4.20requireseachcountrytodrawcountrygenderassistancestrategiesandcountrypartnershipframeworksothattheinterventionstargetedtowomenareplannedandimplementedbasedonthegroundrealities.Projectsinthe sectors and thematic areas identified by the Country Strategy should be designed toadequatelytakeintoaccountthegenderimplicationsoftheproject.PreparationofaGenderActionPlananditsimplementationshouldbeensuredbyeachprojectundertakenwithBanksupport.

Technical Assistance (TA). All Technical Assistance (TA) activities in Bank assistedprojectsshouldbereviewedfortheirpotentialenvironmentalandsocialimplications,risksandimpacts12.SinceTAcantakemanyforms,therearearangeofsafeguardinstrumentswhichcouldbeappropriate.Invirtuallyallcasesitwillbepossibletopreparesomelevelofanalysis of potential environmental and social issues related to a proposed TA. Such ananalysis or brief should be based on an issue scoping exercise involving stakeholderparticipation.Thefollowingguidingprinciplesorconceptsbecomerelevantwhileapplyingsafeguard in a TA: Integrate environmental and social objectives into the TA process;Promote transparency through stakeholder participation; Promote innovativeenvironmental and social assessments; Promote analysis of alternatives; and promoteenvironmentalandsocialcapacitybuildingandinstitutionalstrengthening.

WorldBankGroupEnvironmentalHealthandSafetyGuidelines

Theenvironmental,health,andsafety(EHS)guidelinesaretechnicalreferencedocumentswithgeneralandindustry-specificexamplesofgoodinternationalindustrypractice(GIIP)andtheseEHSguidelinesareappliedasrequiredbytheirrespectivepoliciesandstandards.The EHS guidelines contain the performance levels and measures that are generallyconsidered to be achievable in new facilities by existing technology at reasonable costs.ApplicationoftheEHSguidelinestoexistingfacilitiesmayinvolvetheestablishmentofsite-specific targets, with an appropriate timetable for achieving them. When host countryregulationsdifferfromthelevelsandmeasurespresentedintheEHSguidelines,projectsare12 See Interim guidelines on the Application of safeguard Policies to Technical Assistance (TA) Activities in Bank-Financed Projects and Trust Funds Administered by the Bank.


expected to achieve whichever is more stringent. If less stringent measures than thoseprovidedintheseEHSguidelinesareapplicable,inviewofspecificprojectcircumstances,afullanddetailedjustificationisneededaspartofthesite-specificenvironmentalassessment.


ComparisonoftheGovernmentofNepalandtheWorldBankPolicies

Table1: ComparisonbetweenGoNandWorldBankpoliciesandrecommendations

Category GoNPolicy WBPolicy TheGaps Recommendationstobridgegaps

Actionstobetaken

Environment(NaturalHabitat&ForestincludingTerrestrialandAquatic)

Development project falling under EPR criteriashall be subjected to IEE/EIA based on thethreshold criterion (for example- establishmentand operation of hotels with fifty to hundredbeds;openingofnewareasforthepromotionoftourism; operation of rafting activities on anyriverhavingfishoraquaticlife;operationofnewgolf courses and organized water sports;promotion of tourism in a number exceeding10,000/year at an altitude above 5000 metersanddisposalandmanagementofwasteemittedfrom trekking points; preparation ofmanagement plans of national parks wild lifesanctuaries,conservationareasandtheirbufferzones or launching of development andconstruction activities specified in such plans;construction of forest paths up to 5 kilometerslong and of fire protection lines up to 10kilometerlongandcollectionofboulders,gravel,and sand and extraction of coal and otherminerals from forest areas require IEE as perSchedule 1 pertaining to Rule-3. Similarly, theprojects mentioned above crossing the limitsrequireEIAandlargeconstructionactivitiessuchasestablishmentofresorts,hotels,safarisinsideforest areas, buffer zones and environmentconservationzones;operationofhouseboatsonlakes, etc. require EIA. The approach oftenignorespotentialrisksandimpactsbasedonthelocation and impacts associated with itsdevelopment.Forest regulation requires permission fromrelated authorities (DFO, CFUG, etc.) for anyinterventioninforestedarea.NationalParkandWildlife Conservation Act demands permissionfrom Ministry of Forest and Environment.Compensatoryplantationratioisnotdefinedforservice-orientedprojects.

EnvironmentalAssessment need to becarried out foridentifying potentialrisks and adverseimpacts, mitigationmeasures andenvironmentalmanagementplan.Whennatural habitat andforest policies aretriggered environmentalassessment andenvironmentalmanagementplan(EMP)will adequately addresstherelevantissues.

Activities listed inEPR Schedule Irequires an IEE, andthose listed inSchedule II requiresEIA. The Schedule Iand II is based onactivity type,threshold/ size, aswell as location.Potential risk is notformally consideredforscreening.

InordertofillthegapbetweenWBandGoNrequirements/approach,environmentalscreeningismandatoryforeachsubproject,andconsiderpotentialenvironmentalriskasstipulatedintheprojectEnvironmentalScreeningFormat.AnEnvironmentalManagementPlan(EMP)shallbepreparedforeachcontractduringdetailengineeringdesignphase.Theplanaimstoaddressadverseenvironmentalimpactsarisingduetoprojectintervention.Theprojectwillstrictlyfollowre-plantationandtheirratio,iftheprojectactivityrequirestofellthetreesinclosecoordinationwithlocalforestauthorityandCFUG.

Screening of thesubprojects based onpotentialE&Srisk;Environmental and SocialManagement Plan (ESMP)orSS-EMPfortheactivitiesidentifiedduringexecutionofthesubproject;Compensatory PlantationPlan satisfying the ratioprescribed by the GoNagainsteachfellingoftree.

PhysicalCulturalResources

Clause28ofEPRstatesthatphysicalandculturalresourcesshallnotbedisturbedor

EAneedstocarryoutincasesuchresourcesare

“Chancefind”isnotcoveredbytheEPRrequirements

ESMPshalladdresssuchissuesfollowingGoNandWBpolicy.ReferAnnex17Guidelinesfor

ESMPand/orSS-EMPshallbeprepared.



Actionstobetaken

damagedwithoutthepriorapprovaloftheconcernedauthority.

foundtobeaffectedbythesubproject

protectingPhysicalCulturalResources.

AcquisitionofLand,Structuresandotherprivatefacilities

Clause3ofthisLandAcquisitionActstatesthatany asset that is required for public purposesshall be acquired by providing compensation.CompensationFixationCommitteewillestablishtheCompensationrates.GuthiCorporationAct,2033(1976).Section42ofthisActstatesthatGuthi(ReligiousTrustLand)acquired for a development must be replacedwithotherland,ratherthancompensatedincash.Land Reform Act (LRA) 2021 (1964). This Actestablishesthetiller'srightontheland,whichheis tilling. The LRA additionally specifies thecompensationentitlementsofregisteredtenantson land sold by the owner or acquired for thedevelopmentpurposes.

SocialAssessment(SA)needstobecarriedtodeterminetheimpactsandanabbreviatedorfullResettlementActionPlanistobedevelopedconductingcensussurveyofaffectedfamilies.RAPneedstobeimplementedtoaddressimpacts(lossesandlivelihoodsneeds)causedduetoinvoluntaryresettlement/landacquisitionandprovidecompensationatreplacementcostandR&Rassistancetothetitleholdersandnon-titleholdersincludingthecustomarylandusers.

Nolegalpolicyframework/legislationstoaddressissuesrelatedtoinvoluntaryresettlement/physicalandeconomicdisplacement/losses.GoNAct/regulationislimitedtocompensationpaymenttothetitleholders/ownersbutissilentaboutcompensationtonon-titleholders(landless,encroachersorsquatters).GoNnationallawsdoesnotspecifyaboutprovisionsofmandatoryreplacementcost.NoprovisionofR&RassistanceinGoNpolicies/Acts.

ESMP/RAPwillbedevelopedtoaddressissuesrelatedtoadverseimpactsandpaymentofcompensationandotherassistancebasedonGoNandWBpolicy.PleasereferChapterResettlementPolicyFramework.Projectrequirespayingfullcompensationatreplacementcost(marketpriceplustransactioncost)forlostassettothetitleholdersandalsocompensationandotherassistancetosquatters/encroachersincaseoflossofstructures.ProjectwillprovideR&RassistancetotheAPsdependingupontheimpactsi.erelocationandlossofland/assets.ProjectrequirestosupportAPstorestore/improvetheirlivelihoodsthroughincome/employmentandskilltraining.

ResettlementActionPlanshallbepreparedandimplementedincasetheprojectresultedininvoluntaryresettlementofthepeople.AllentitlementsbasedoneligibilitywillbeprovidedtotheAPs.

IndigenousPeople/Community

NFDIN Act 2002- The NFDIN Act-2002 definesindigenous nationalities (Adivasi Janajati) asdistinct communities having their own mothertongues, traditional cultures, written andunwritten histories, traditional homeland andgeographical areas, plus egalitarian socialstructures.NFDINobjectivesare:i)topromotetheoveralldevelopmentofindigenousnationalitiesii)topreserveandpromoteindigenouslanguages,

Project needs to carryout social assessment toidentity potentialimpacts on indigenouspeople and prepare IPplan to ensure thatindigenous peoplesreceive social andeconomic benefits andare supported forculturally appropriate

GoN does not placeemphasis in seekingbroad consent orcommunity supportfrom the IPs whileimplementing theproject.GoN process doesnotincludeFPICand

Project will carry out free priorinformed consultations with theindigenouscommunityandothervulnerablecommunitiestoobtainbroadconsentfortheproject.Project will prepare VulnerableCommunity Development Plan(VCDP) based on communityneeds of indigenous as well asothervulnerablecommunities.

Destination/subprojectlevel VCDPs shall beprepared andimplemented.Free Prior InformedConsultations shall becarried out and eachconsultation shall bedocumented.



Actionstobetaken

script,culture,literature,arts,andhistoryiii)topreserveandpromotetraditionalindigenousknowledge,skills,andtechnologyandiv)topromotetheparticipationofindigenousnationalitiesinoverallnationaldevelopmentbymaintaininggoodrelations,goodwill,andharmonybetweendifferentindigenousnationalities,castes,tribesandcommunities.

livelihood improvementmeasures.WB policy requires toengage indigenouspeople (IP) using free,prior and informedconsultation (FPIC) andobtainbroadcommunitysupporttotheproject.

engagement of IPs/VCs.GoNhas ratified ILO169 and UnitedNations Declarationof Rights ofIndigenous People(UNDRIP) whichneed to be fullyadhered.

Provide opportunities, wherepossible, to deliver projectbenefits to the vulnerablecommunities from nature-basedtourismsubprojectactivities.ProjectneedstofullyadhereGoNcommitment to internationalconventions.

LossofIncomeSource(Landbasedandothers)

Compensationshallbeprovidedforlossofcropdamage/incomesource.

Full compensation shallbe provided to all losesincluding loss of incomesource/employment.Additional measures(training skills,technologies, etc.) willalso be provided torestore the livelihoodandstandardsoflivingofAPs.

No explicit policyexists for therestoration andimprovement ofpeople’slivelihood

Livelihood assistance shall beprovided as per entitlementprovisionmadebytheproject(ifrequired).Straight forward policy shall beadoptedratherthandiscretionarypolicy for providing fullcompensation and otherassistancetotheAPs.

VCDPshallbedevelopedinconsultation with theaffectedIPsandvulnerablegroupsandimplemented.

Gender&Development

The Constitution of Nepal hasmade provisionsfor women participation - at least 33% in allspheres of life at all levels. Moreover, GoN hasestablished theNationalWomenCommission, anationallevelwellempoweredbodytolookafterthe issues of women and take necessarymeasurestoaddressthem.GoN has also made its commitment to genderequity,equalityandtheempowermentofwomenby introducing a Gender Approach toDevelopment. GoN is also a signatory to theConvention on Elimination of all forms ofDiscrimination against Women (CEDAW)since1991, which call for the elimination of allkindsofgender-baseddiscrimination.

Equal access will beensured to femalemembers as that ofmalesin realizing benefits andutilizing theopportunitiesinBankfundedproject.Appropriategenderactionplans will be developedand implemented in closeconsultations andparticipationofwomen.

The GoN and WorldBank policies arequite similar interms of genderequality/ equity andempowerment.However, theplanning andimplementationmechanism remainsweaktogivedesiredresults/impacts.

The project will carry outadequate consultations with thewomen, including FPIC withwomen of IP groups, right fromearly stage of project planningandimplementation.Gender Action Plans for eachdestination/ sub-project will beprepared ensuring enhancedaccess of women to variousopportunities created by theproject, includingbutnot limitedto employment, skilldevelopment,useoftechnologies,business literacy andentrepreneurship.

GenderActionPlanforeachsubproject shall bedeveloped andimplemented.


Chapter3: DescriptionofExistingEnvironment

Nepal

Nepal,acountryofamazingextremesisthehomeoftheworld’shighestmountains,historiccitiesandtheforestedplainswheretheregaltigersandthearmorplatedgreaterone-hornedrhinoceroses’ trundle at ease. Situated in South Asia and surrounded by the TibetanAutonomousRegionofChinainthenorthandbyIndiainthesouth,eastandwest,theofNepalcoversanareaof147,181sq.km(between80°4’and88°12’Eastand26°22’and30°27’North).ThelengthoftheKingdomis885kilometerseasttowestandvariesbetween145to241kilometersnorthtosouth.

Itrepresentsatransitionalzoneoftwobio-geographicalrealms:thePalearticandtheIndo-Himalayan.ItisalsoatthecrossroadsoftheSoutheastAsian,NortheastAsian(Chinese)andMediterraneantracts.Nepalcanbedividedbroadlyintothreeecologicalzones:thelowland(Terai),themid-hillsandthehighmountains.

ThealtitudeoftheHimalayanregionrangesbetween4,877m.to8,848m.Itincludeseightofthehighest14summitsintheworld,whichexceedanaltitudeof8,000metersincludingtheworldhighestmountainSagarmatha(MountEverest).Themountainregionaccountsforabout64%oftotallandarea,whichisformedbytheMahabharatrangethatsoarsupfrom4,877m.andthelowerChuriarange.ThelowlandTeraioccupiesabout17%ofthetotallandareaofthecountry.

Theclimaticconditionranges fromtheswelteringheatof theTerai in the lowlandto thefreezingcold in theHimalayanhighland.Asaresultofextremevariations inaltitudeandclimate,thefloraandfaunaofNepaldemonstratesawiderangeofdiversity.Competingforspace within 1,000-km. east west and 200 km. north south, this small rectangle oftopographicalandhydrologicalextremeshostsover6,500floweringplant,212ofmammal,866bird,651butterfly,230fishand123reptilespecies. It isalsohometomorethan23millionpeople.

Nepal'sbiodiversityconservationeffortsareprotectedareafocusedthatincludeanetworkofprotectedareasthattotalsanareaof34,419km2,covering23.39%ofthelandmass.Theprotected areas include 13 national parks, 1 wildlife reserve, 1 hunting reserve, 6conservationareas,and13bufferzones.Nepalcurrentlyhas10sitesdesignatedasRamsarSites(WetlandsofInternationalImportance),withasurfaceareaof60,561ha.Nepalisalsohome to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, eight of which are cultural heritage sites(including Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha) and two are natural heritage sites (ChitwanNationalParkandSagarmathaNationalPark).

The rich natural beauty and diverse cultural traditions alsomakes Nepal a sought-aftertourism destination. The main tourism attractions of the country are the Himalayas,


protected areas, age long ancient cultures anduniquebiodiversity. The growing tourismsectorisasignificantpartofNepal’snationaleconomyandthetotalcontributiontoGDPwas7.8%in2017.ThesignificantroleinthenationaleconomymakestourismasaninseparablepartoftheNepalesesocietyandcarrieshugepotentialtofurthercontributetothenationaleconomy.

Map1:ProtectedareasofNepal

ThecoreoftheinitialprojectdestinationsincludesACA,MCA,BNP,BaNP,RNPandShuNP.The districts located in ACA, MCA and RNP are dominantly hilly and mountainousdemonstrating a range of climatic zones from the sub-tropical lowlands and temperaterhododendronforestsinthesouthtothedrysteppeenvironmentinthenorth.BNP,BaNPandShuNPfallintheTerairegionwithsub-tropicaltotemperateclimatecontainingamixofforests, grasslands, and floodplain and foothill ecosystems. Traversing from the Terailowlands to the high mountains, rapid change in the altitudinal gradient produces highturnoverofthelandscapes,climateandassociatedterrainsthatarenichedbysitespecificculturalandnaturalcharacteristics.Hence,localenvironmentalandsocialconditionsinthetwogeographicareasoftheprojectaredissimilartoeachotherbecauseofdistinctnatural,historicalandsocialcontext.Thefollowingsectiongivesbriefdescriptionofthedestinationareas.DetaileddescriptionsareincludedinAnnex21.


3.1 BardiaNationalParkBardiaNationalParkstandsasthelargestprotectedareaintheTerairegionwithanareaof968km2inthecoreand507km2initsbufferzone,extendingtoSurkhetandBankedistricts.The park is broadly characterized by Siwalik/Churia and flat Terai land consisting ofimportantlandscapeswhicharetheKarnalifloodplain,theBabairivervalleyandSiwaliks.Thelocalclimateexhibitstropicaltosub-tropicalclimatecausinghotandhumidweatherinsummersandmildweatherinwinters.TheparkliesintheKarnaliriverbasin,drainedbyKarnali,BabaiandOrahirivers.Landusetype inthepark isdominatedby forests(76%)followed by cultivated lands (13%). Fifty-six species of mammals, 438 bird species, 52herpetofaunaspecies,and121fishspecieshavebeenrecordedfromthepark.Likewise,atotalof839speciesofflorahavebeenestimatedinthepark.

Map2:BardiaNationalParkanditsbufferzone

Bardiadistrictencompassesmostoftheparkwithtotalareaof2,025km2where426,575peopleofmultipleethnicitylive.TheTharucommunity,whichisrecognizedasanindigenouscommunityare themostrepresentativegroupandspeaktheTharu language.Traditionalagricultureisthemainstayoflocallivelihoodandthebulkofagriculturalproductionarericeandwheat harvests. Although62.6%of the populationhave access to electricity, a largeproportion of the population still rely on fuelwood as themain fuel for cooking. Overallliteracy rate is low at 65% and women have less access to education than men. ThecustomarywayoflifeandreligiouscustomsandtraditionsoftheTharucommunityaretheculturalattractionsthatthrivewithwildlifetourism.


Inaddition,theadjoiningKrishnasarConservationArealocatedinKhairapurisalsoincludedasapartoftheBardiaNPdestination.KrishnasarConservationArea,withanareaof172ha,wasdeclaredin2009toaimtoconservethelastremainingherdofBlackbucksinBardia.Today, conservationefforts,with specialprotectionmeasureshavehelped theblackbuckpopulationtorebound,growingto293andstandingasthenorthernmostsurvivingherdofblackbucksintheworld.Thefirstreintroductionof28captiveblackbucksinShuklaPhantaNPhaveresultedinapopulationof70individualsinthewild.Itstandsasapotentialtourismproductwhichcanattract touristsvisitingtheBardiaNP.Theconservationareareceived17,697foreignvisitorsin2017.

Map3:KrishnasharConservationAreaanditssurrounding

3.2 BankeNationalParkBankeNationalParkextendsover550km2inBankedistrictanditsbufferzone,343km2,encompassespartsofBanke,DangandSalyandistricts.Addedintothecountry'sprotectedarea system in 2010, it forms an important part of the Terai Arc Landscape providingadditionalhabitat for tigers.Thetopographydisplays the flatplains,Bhabar foothillsandChuriaridgecontainingvarioustropicalandsub-tropicalforesttypes.Amplerainfallduringthesummermonsoonis followedbyrelatively long,colddryweather inthewinters.TheparkisnaturallydemarcatedbytheRaptiandBabairiversflowingthroughnorthernandsouthernedges,bothoriginatingfromtheChuriarange.Landuseinthepark'sbufferzoneisdominatedbyforests(74%)followedbyagriculture(11%).Theparkishometo34speciesofmammals,236speciesofbirds,24speciesofreptilesand55speciesoffish.Atotalof263floraspeciesarerecordedinthepark.


Map4:BankeNationalParkanditsbufferzone

Bankedistrictcoversanareaof2,337km2andpopulationof491,313peoplelivingin94,693households,about24%ofthetotalpopulationareIndigenousPeople(IPs)withTharuasthemost populous ethnic group. Rice andwheat are the predominant crops cultivated. Theaverageannualhouseholdincomeis$1,133with26.4%ofthepopulationinpoverty.Theliteracyrateisonlyat62%where55%ofwomenareliterateand70%ofmalesareliterate;and44.8%childrenunderagefivearemalnourished.BankeNationalParkadjoinsBardiaNationalParkandisequallyrichinbiodiversityandculturalattractions.

3.3 ShuklaPhantaNationalPark Shukla Phanta National Park (ShuNP), previously a wildlife reserve, was upgraded tonationalparkin2016.ItislocatedintheKanchanpurdistrictofthefar-westTeraiandcoversanareaof305km2initscoreareaand243.5km2initsbufferzone.Theparkcontainsthelargestgrasslandinthefar-westernTeraiwherethelargestherdofswampdeerpopulationsurvive.TheparkhasthehighestnumberofplantspeciesrecordedinTerai–665speciesandisalsoendowedwithrichfaunaldiversityof43mammalspecies,349birdspecies,2reptile species, 21 fish species and 20 amphibian species. It also holds populations ofmegafaunassuchastheBengaltigers,one-hornedrhinoceros,AsianelephantsandBengalflorican.


Map5:ShuklaPhantaNationalParkanditsbufferzone

Kanchanpurdistrictcoversanareaof1,620km2andpopulationof451,248peoplelivingin82,134 households. About 29% of the population are Chhetris with Doteli as the mostcommonly spoken language. Rice and wheat are the predominant crops cultivated. Theaverage annual household income is $938with 31.4%of the population in poverty. Theliteracyrateisonlyat71%where61%ofwomenand81%ofmalesareliterate;and31.7%childrenunderagefivearemalnourished.

3.4 RaraNationalPark

RaraNationalPark(RNP),withanareaof106km2andelevationrangeof2800m-4087m,islocatedintheinKarnaliZone(Province6)ofNepal.TheparkwasestablishedonAugust1977.About10.8km2areaof thepark isoccupiedbyRaraLake,which is situatedat analtitudeof2,990manddeclaredasWetlandsofInternationalImportanceasRamsarsiteonSeptember23,2007.Withanareaof198km2bufferzone, theparkextends inMuguandJumladistricts.

Significantvariationinforesttypes,vegetationandwildlifealongthevariedtopographyistheuniquefeatureofRNPthatincludesthelargestlakeofNepal.RNPcomprises11forest


types,withestimationof1,024plant(including16endemic)species,andimportantNTFPs.RNPishometo51speciesofmammals,includingendangeredfaunasuchasRedpanda,Muskdeer,HimalayanTahr,Serow,Goral,andHimalayanblackbear.Amongthese,MuskdeerandRedpandaareconsideredastheflagshipspeciesofthepark.Theparkisalsorichinavifauna,with272speciesofbirds,including49speciesofwaterbirds.Itisalsooneoftheimportantsources of fresh water, with 3 species of endemic fishes, including Rara Snowtrout(Schizothoraxraraensis).

ThebufferzoneispredominantlyinhabitedbyChhetris(49%)followedbyThakuri(15%),and mixed minorities of Dalits (15%) and Tamang (8%). According to 2011 census,populationof thebufferzone is13,876ofwhich10,617people live inMugudistrict,and3,259peopleliveJumladistrict.Thereare2,028householdsinbufferzoneofMugudistrict,and520householdsinbufferzoneofJumladistrict.

Map6:RaraNationalParkanditsbufferzone

RNPisoneofthepotentialtourismdestinationsinhighmountainsofNepal.However,thenumberofvisitorstoRNPislow,nearly200foreigntouristsarevisitingRNPperyear.Majorreasonsoflowturnoutofthevisitorsmaybeduetopoortourisminfrastructure,lackofroad


network,andcommunicationfacilities.Theparkandsurroundingareasarerichinancienttemplesandshrines,includingChhayanathtemple,KhasmaMalikatempleofMugudistrict.Whereas,Kanaksundari templeand famoustempleofChandananathare located in Jumladistrict.

3.5 AnnapurnaConservationAreaAnnapurnaConservationArea(ACA)isthe largestprotectedareofNepalwithanareaof7,629 km2, covering 27% of the total protected area coverage. The conservation areaincludes the entire district of Mustang, some parts of Myagdi and large parts of Kaski,LamjungandManangdistricts.ACAisdominatedbymountainrangesandpeaks-thefamilyofAnnapurnapeaks.ThevariedtopographyofACAisnestledintwodistincteco-regionsviz.theTrans-HimalayanregionconsistingofUpperKaliGandakiValleyandUpperMarshyangdiValley;andtheCis-HimalayanregionconsistingofModiValley,Bhujungregion,LowerKaliGandakiValley,LowerMarshyangdiValleyandareawestofModi.ACAdemonstratesrangesofclimaticzonesfromtropicaltonivalandrainfallgreatlycorrelatestotheaspect,altitudeandrainshadearea.TheKaliGandaki;Marsyangdi;Seti;MadiandModiRiversaremajorriver systems in ACA. Land use pattern is dominated by barren land (50%) followedgrassland/rangeland(about21%).ACAharbors105mammalspecies;488birdspecies;41reptilespecies;23amphibianspeciesand20fishspecies.PlantdiversityofACArepresentsover18%ofcountry’sflora;with1,264speciesoffloweringplantsincluding41speciesoforchid;15speciesofgymnosperm;and73speciesofpteridophytes.

ACAholds thehumanpopulationof>91,000withmore than45%ofmaleandover54%female. There exist more than 28 caste/groups with diverse cultural and linguisticvariations. The Gurung are the dominating hill community comprising 30% of thepopulation.Agriculture,remittanceandtourismarethemajorsourcesofeconomyinACA.DistrictsexceptManang&Mustangarefoodsurplus.Themajorcropsgrownarerice,maize,wheat and millet in Kaski and Lumjung, whereas maize; wheat; barley; buckwheat andpotatoesinManang,MyagdiandMustang.SomeuniquetraditionsinACAareAmchi(folkmedicinepracticeinMustang);Ghatu(folkGurungdanceblendedwithHindumyth);Losar(theTibetanNewYearfestive);SagaLugKa(Ritualforgoodfaithontheclimateforsuperiorharvest); Duk Chu (Monk's dance for a prosperous year); Tenji (annual festive in Lo-Manthang);andToranla(Festival inthelowerMustang).ACAisoneofthemostsplendidecotourism and the largest and the world-class trekking destinations where >126,000touristsannuallyvisithere.


Map7:AnnapurnaConservationArea

3.6 ManasluConservationAreaManasluConservationArea(MCA)liesinthenorthcentralregionofNepal,ontheeasternslopesoftheKaliGangakiriverbasin.Itcovers1,663km2andincludesoneruralmunicipalityofGorkhaDistrict,viz.Tsum-NubriRuralMunicipalitywithsevenwards-Samagaon,Lho,Prok,Bihi,Chumchet,ChhekamparandSirdibas.Theelevationrangesfrom1,239minthesouth to8,163mat itshighestpoint,Mt.Manaslu.MCAhas five climatic zones:viz. sub-tropical,temperate,sub-alpine,alpineandnival.Averageannualrainfallisaround1,900mandsignificantportionofMCAissurroundedbyhighmountains,protectingitfromdirectsouthernmonsooncloudsandcreatingpartialrain-shadowareas.MCAconstitutestheCis-HimalayainthesouthandthearidTrans-Himalayanhighpasturesinthenorth.TheBudiGandakiisthemajorriversystemwhichjoinswithSiyarKholaanddrainsmostofMCA.Areacoverageunderagricultureis1.8%%,forest13.28%,shrubland2.79%,grassland23.66%,river/riverbed 1.21%, snow/glacier 6.8%, lake/pond 0.047%, barren land 49.99% andcutting/cliff0.38%.MCAharbors39speciesofmammals,201birdspecies5reptilespecies,


4amphibianspeciesand1fishspecies.Atotalof756speciesofplantshavebeenrecordedinMCA.

Map8:ManasluConservationArea

ThetotalpopulationinMCAis6,923comprisingof3,665femalesand3,258malesinthe56majorvillages.TheBhotiasarethemajorethnicgroupinalmostallvillages.Themajorityofthepopulation(67.57%)above6yearsofageareilliterate.Ofthetotalliteratepopulation,44.25%aremaleand21.98%arefemale.Aroundtwothird62%ofhouseholdsintheMCAareinvolvedinagricultureandlivestockherding.Fewproportionsofhouseholds(1%)areinvolvedintourismrelatedactivities.Thenumberoftouristvisitorsovertherecentyearshasshowngradualincreasewith7,091visitorsin2017/18,about19percentincreasefrom2016/17 and 68 percent increase from 2015/16 figures. Majority of the population areBuddhistswhocelebratetheLhosarfestivalandmanycommunitiesalsocelebratefestivalsofmanenach(dance),arrowshooting,andofferingpujainGompas.Thereare92gumbasinMCAtheimportantgumbasbeingtheShringiGumbainBihi,andMuandRachenGumbasinChhekampar.

3.7 ExistingIssuesandPotentialThreatsintheDestinationsTheTeraiprotectedareas–Bardia,BankeandShuklaPhantaNPs(withotherTeraiparks)arefamouslycritiquedtobe'islandsintheseaofhumans'suggestingthesensitivelyoftheseparks. With rapid growth in human population and the need for rapid infrastructure


development, more pressure to these parks is imminent. Within the park's core areas,multitude of problems persist that has implications to the long-term sustenance of thenatural systems. Among themore prominent ones - succession of prime grasslands intowoodlands pose major threat to the prey-base; prolonged dryness during winter causeshortageofwaterforwildlifeandalsoincreasethechanceoflargescaleforestfires;rapidspreadingof invasivespecies isapersistingproblemwhicharedetrimental to thenativespeciesanddeclinethequalityofhabitatsandavailabilityofforage;highmonsoonfloodstemporarilyinundategrasslandsandriverineforestunderstorywhilefrequenthighfloodsareobservedtohavelongtermeffects,alteringlandscapes;andscientistsarguethatglobalwarming in the sub-tropical climate regimes is leading to alteration of local vegetationpatternsandclimateconditionswhichwillultimatelyinfluencethedistributionofspeciesinthe long run (elephants shifting tohigher altitudes, tigersoccupyinghilly forestedareas,decreaseinabundanceofsensitivewildlifesuchasbirds).Shrinkingofimportantwetlandshas connections to wider dynamics of catchment areas and necessitates betterunderstandingofthelenticandloticsystems,thegeologyandtheircollectiveworkingsinthewatershedsystem,andadoptholisticapproachtowatershedmanagement.Amongthehumaninducedproblems, illegaloccupancyofhumansettlements insideparkcoreboundariesisalingeringproblemsincelotoftheseencroachersholdtitletotheirlandtheyoccupy,causinglegalhasslesinrelocatingthem,andrampantgrazingofcattleinsidethecoreisamajorproblemissomePAssuchasBardiaNP.Althoughstronganti-poachingmeasures in the Terai PAs have led to significant decline in poaching, presence of thisproblemcannotberuledoutinthemountainPAssincelawenforcementpresenceinfarandremotepartsisstilllacking.ManycommunitiesinACAandMCAfollowBuddhisttraditionsand abstain from taking life (non-violence) but there are evidences that outsiders areengagedinpoachingbluesheep,muskdeer,etc.andevensnowleopards,anditisdifficulttodetectpoaching.WarmingintheHimalayasissaidtobeathigherspeedcausingchangeinmicroclimatic conditions eg, prolongeddroughts in some areas leading to desertificationwhile other areas receivemore than normal precipitation - these events are erratic andneedslongtermobservationtoascertaintheweatherpatterns.GLOFsduetomeltingoftheglacier lakes are a major risk and a single GLOF event can lead to scores of problemsdownstream.Recedingsnowlinesduetowarmertemperaturecorrelatetoadvancingtreelineswhichwill result inpasture landsspreadingupathigheraltitudesandcreatemoregrazingcompetitionbetweenthedomesticanimalsandwildungulates.Suchcompressingofsnowleopardhabitatwillfurtheraggravateconflictswithhumansandco-occurringspecieswillexperiencemoreintenseinterspeciescompetitionbecauseofincreasedhabitatoverlap.Similarly,onthesocialaspects,humandevelopmentindicesinmostofthedistrictsofthedestinationsarenotencouragingintermsofindicatorssuchaspovertyrate,literacyrate,childmortality,etc.DestinationsuchasACAhasmultipledistrictswithvariationinpovertylevels between districts and notable difference in demography and socio-economy.Withdominatinglandscapesofalpineandnivalconditions,ACAandMCAhavelessprospectfor


agriculture and local communities rely on tourism, livestock raising and jobs away fromhome.MostofMCAliesinupperGorkhadistrictwhichisrelativelymoreremote,peoplehavelessaccesstoeconomicopportunities,healthcareandmoderncommunication.However,populationdensityislowinMCAexertinglesspressuretotheenvironment,butintegrationof thepopulation to the economy lagsbehind. In contrast, districts ofBanke,Bardia andKanchanpurhavehigherpopulationdensityandsimilarpovertylevels,economicactivityareclusteredinthecityareasandruralplacesarestillsubsistenceagriculturedriven.Thebufferzoneareasaremostlyagrarian,mosthouseholdswithlesslandownershiparevulnerabletoeconomicshockscausedbyunproductivityofcultivation,naturaldisasters(flooding)andconflictswithwildanimals(especiallynearthecoreareas).Homestays,afterthesuccessinmountaindestinationshave found theirway inTeraibufferzonecommunities, graduallyestablishingaccommodationandculture-orientedtourismmarkets in thesecommunities,mostly catering domestic tourists. Resources channeled through the park for localdevelopmentintheseareascannotbebetterthantherevenuegenerated,thusaspiringthetourismpotentialtogrowandbeactualized.RaraNationalParkanditsbufferzonefallsinMuguandJumladistricts(situatedintheForeHimalayaphysiographiczone)areamongthedistrictswithhighestpovertylevelsandlowestperformanceindevelopmentindices.Thedistricts are largely overlooked in development and have not received much outsideinterventions.Theprojectwillbe the firstof itskind intervention in theareapresentingampleopportunitytobringimpactonimprovingthesocio-economicconditionsofthelocalcommunitiesthroughtheproject'sNBTapproach.TheSTENPAprojectwillinvestinsupportinfrastructuressuchaslastmileroads,trekkingtrails, information facilities, waste management, wilderness enhancement, etc. Sincemajority of the activities are to be invested inside PAs, the level of threat of negativeenvironmentalimpactscanbepresumedlesssincePAregulationshaveclearstipulationonthe type and scale of development permitted. However, some involuntary resettlementcases, deprivation of vulnerable groups to the project benefits (or evenworsening theirconditions), gender issues /problems, etc. can be anticipated which will need to beconsidered in theproject's social developmentplans. Those infrastructureworks fallingoutside PAs and in purview of local and provincial districts may be liable to moreenvironmentalandsocialrisks–impactonlandandwaterresources,pollutants,laborinflux,land acquisition, involuntary resettlement, etc. will need to be examined and mitigatedthroughadequateplanssuchasESMP,RAP,VCDP,etc.


Chapter4: Potential Environmental and Social Impacts andMitigationMeasures

4.1 BriefOverviewofProjectActivitiesThe STENPA Project will invest in activities aiming to diversify and promote long termsustainabilityofqualitytourisminconservationareas,nationalparks,gatewaycities,andareaswithNBTpotential.Bardia,Banke,ShuklaPhantaNationalParks,andtheirrespectivebuffer zones in the Terai andRaraNational Park, Annapurna andManaslu ConservationAreas intheMiddleHillsandHimalayaswere identifiedasthecoresof the initialprojectdestinations.Theprojectmayalsosupportinsomereligioussitesandcommunityforeststopilotsmallscalefeasibleanddemand-drivenNBTinitiatives.Additionalareasmaybeaddedasprojectdestinationsbymutualconsent.Annex1(c)describestheprojectcomponentandactivities.Thetypeofactivitiesmaybegroupedinthefollowingcategories.

GroupI:TAtoPolicy,Regulation,Strategy,PlanandProgramssuchasdevelopmentofsustainable tourismdevelopmentstrategy forPA,NBT-provincial level tourismmasterplan, updating PA Management Plans, tourism road upgradation development plan,landscapezonationdevelopment,DVIPs,etc.GroupII:StrengtheningcapacityandinstitutionssuchasimprovementofICTs,accessto finance, training programs related to tourism, environmental protections and skilldevelopmentprogramforlocalcommunities.Group III: Investment in physical Infrastructure such as road upgrading works,construction of culverts, trekking trail facilities, waste management facilities, developpublicservicesandtransportationsystem,develophelipads,developandupgradetrekkingtrails, porter shelters, checkposts, visitor centers,museums,works fordeveloping andenhancing adventure/sports tourism, viewing platform/ wildlife observation towers,rescue shelters, renovate heritage (monasteries, cave,Maane, Chhorten, temples, etc.),campingsite,water-holeforwildlife,restorationofwet-land,parkfacilities,signage,etc.

4.2 PotentialEnvironmentalImpactsoftheProjectTheprojectisclassifiedascategoryBduetolimitedadverseenvironmentalimpactswhicharesitespecificandcanbeaddressedthroughmitigationmeasures.Projectwillnotfinancehighriskactivitiesthatmayresultsignificantadverseimpactsthataresensitive,diverseorunprecedented,andmayaffectanareabroaderthatthesiteorfacilitiessubjecttophysicalworks. (Annex 1 (a): Exclusion List of Project Activities). The project anticipates limitedadverseimpacts,exceptforthelossofland,damagetolocalinfrastructure,lossofvegetation,and slope cutting. With prudent management options and readily available mitigationmeasures incorporated in the planning and design, most of these adverse impacts can


adequatelybemitigated.ESMFmakesprovisionthatallinfrastructuredevelopmentworksconsideredunderthisprojectwillbescreenedandwillhaveanESMP.Theprojectwillalsogive high priority to the green and nature-based approach to infrastructures planning,design,andconstructionandoperationstages toavoid/minimizenegativeenvironmentalimpactsandaugmentthepossiblepositiveimpacts.

4.2.1 PotentialBeneficialEnvironmentalImpactsThe beneficial environmental impacts due to the project will at large benefit the localcommunitiesandlocalenvironmentattheprojectdestinationsbyinitiatingenvironment-andnature-friendlypractices.Inadditiontomitigatingadverseimpacts,theprojectfinancesenvironmental management activities including wildlife conservation, conservationbreeding and wildlife rescue center, wilderness enhancement and habitat management,sanitationandwastemanagementfacilities,landslides/erosionprotectionandwatershedmanagement, drainage and river-bank protection works, etc. All the policies and plansprepared under the project will be subjected to environmental overview analysis formainstreaming environmental consideration which is expected to result environmentalbenefits. Feasibility studies to be conducted prior to construction works will provideopportunitiestoimproveenvironmentaloutcomesoftheprojectinvestments.Broadly,thefollowingbeneficialimpactsareanticipatedbytheproject:

• Developmentoftourisminfrastructureswillfocusonaddressingbasicservicesgapsforthelocalpopulationofthedestinationareasandreversingenvironmentaldegradationthroughenvironmentalmanagementandprotectionactivities;

• The policies and plans (such as the ITDPs) will be prepared mainstreamingenvironmentalconsideration,thusavoidingthenegativeimpactsofintegratedtourismdevelopmentandnecessarypreventivemeasuresandmanagementarrangementwillbeputinplace;

• Improvementoftheprofessionalabilitiesofstaffinvolvedintourismservicessectoraswell as agencies to monitor negative environmental impacts and develop ways toreverseandenhancethenaturalenvironmentsystems;and

• Various feasibility studies will provide opportunities to incorporate environment,healthandsafety,andenvironmentmanagementaspectsinthedevelopmentoftourismbusiness.

4.2.2 PotentialNegativeEnvironmentalImpactsThe negative impacts of the project will arise mostly from tourism infrastructuredevelopment activities that will involve excavation for roads, generation of waste andeffluents, dust and smoke, visual pollution, etc. Asmentioned above, the projectwill notundertake high risk activities listed in theAnnex 1(a)- Exclusion List of Project Activities.Nonetheless,thefollowingnegativeimpactsareexpectedatmoderatetolowlevels.


• Loss,ordegradationordisturbancestowildlifeandwildlifehabitats;• Lossofand/ordegradationofforest,trees,vegetation;• Overand/orillegalharvestingofwildplants,herbs,NTFPs,andfishes,birds,wildlife• Increasedhuman-wildlifeconflict;• Lossoftopsoilfromlandclearing,soilerosion,landslidesandstreamsedimentation;• Dustpollution,noiseandotherharmfulemissions;• Pollutionduetosolidwaste;• Pollutionofwaterbodiesandlandduetowastewaterandeffluents;• Lossordegradationofgood/fertileagriculturalland;• Damagetoother/existinginfrastructures;• Degradationofaestheticvalueandscenicvalue;• Landusechangeduetoexpansionofhotelsandnewsettlements;• Degradationofphysicalculturalresources;and• Healthandsafetyrisks(accidents,injuries,falls,pollution,sanitation,hygiene,wastedisposal&diseases)toworkers,communityandvisitors.

ThesourcesoftheimpactsandtheirpotentialmitigationsaresummarizedinTable-1below.Annex3(b)containsmoredetailsoftheissues/impactsandmitigations.

Table-1:Summaryofpotentialenvironmentalimpacts/issuesandmitigations

SN Potentialenvironmentalimpact/issue

Causeorsourceofimpact/issue Potentialmitigationmeasures

1 Loss,ordegradationordisturbancestowildlifeandwildlifehabitats(includingterrestrial,aquaticspeciesandbirds)

Ø Infrastructureslocation/constructioninorclosetonaturalhabitat

Ø Noisyand/ordisturbingconstructionactivities

Ø InfluxofpeopleØ Pollutionofhabitatsduetohaphazard

disposalofsolidandliquidwastes(generatedbyconstructionactivities,wastesfromhotel/restaurant/lodes,generatedbytouristsetc.).

Ø Forestfire(maybecausedbyworkers,visitors,etc.)

Ø Locateinfrastructureawayfromthehabitatandmovementroutes

Ø Nature-/environment-friendlydesignofinfrastructure

Ø EnvironmentalManagementPlantoaddressnoise,wastes,influxofpeople,etc.

Ø WasteManagementPlan(toavoid,minimize,reuse,recyclewastes)

Ø Environmentalstandardstobefollowedbythehotels/resultants/lodges

Ø Awarenessandcapacitybuildingsincludingforestfiresrelated

2 Lossofand/ordegradationofforest,trees,vegetation(cuttingandburningoftreesandvegetation)

Ø InfrastructureslocatedinforestareasØ SiteclearanceforconstructionpurposeØ Pollutionofforestareasdueto

haphazarddisposalofsolidandliquidwastes

Ø Collectionoffuelwoodbyworkersandbythehotels/restaurants

Ø Encroachmentofforestareaforbusiness,entrepreneursetc.

Ø Forestfire(maybecausedbyworkers,visitors,etc.)

Ø Locateinfrastructureawayfromtheforesttotheextentpossibleorminimizeforestlandoccupiedbytheinfrastructure

Ø Controldisposalofsoilsandotherconstructionwastesintheforestarea

Ø Controlunauthorizedentryofworkersorotherpersonsintheforestarea

Ø Controlwastesdisposalintheforestarea/wastemanagementsystem


Ø Provisionofalternativefuel(renewablefuel)

Ø Controlencroachment(strengthenmonitoringandenforcement)

Ø Awarenessandcapacitybuildingsincludingforestfiresrelated

3 Overand/orillegalharvestingofwildplants,herbs,NTFPs,andfishes,birds,wildlife,etc.

Ø Thismaybecausedbythelaborinflux,ortouristflow,ordemandbythetourists(byconstructionworkers,touristsandtravelers,entrepreneursorlocalpeopletomeettheincreaseddemandofforestandnaturalproductsduetoincreasednumberofpeopleincludingtourists)

Ø Promotecontrolledandsustainableharvesting(noharvestingofcertainspecies)

Ø StrengthenedmonitoringØ Provisionofalternativestowild

products.Ø Raisingawareness

4 Increasedhuman-wildlifeconflict

Ø Duetoincreasehumanmovements,varietyofdisturbancescreated,andlossof/degradationofhabitatorforests(Item1and2)

Ø Locatinginfrastructureawayfromhabitat,movementroute,etc.

Ø Controlnoiseandotherdisturbancesinthesensitivelocations

Ø Mitigationsmentionedinitem1and2Ø Capacitybuildingandawareness

5 Lossoftopsoilfromlandclearing,soilerosion,landslidesandstreamsedimentation(duetoinfrastructureconstruction)

Ø Infrastructurelocatedinerosionandlandslidepronezones

Ø Constructionpracticesthataredestructive,andpoormanagementofconstructionsites

Ø Duetodrainageandsurfacerun-off(disturbancetonaturaldrainagepatternsbyinfrastructures)

Ø Locateinfrastructureawayfromtheunstable,landslideanderosionriskyzones

Ø EnvironmentalManagementPlanthatincludesenvironmental-friendlydesignsandconstructionpractices

Ø Watermanagementmeasures

6 Dustpollution,noiseandotherharmfulemissions

Ø Thismaybecausedbyinfrastructureconstructionactivities(e.g.heavyequipment,blasting,drilling,etc.)

Ø

Ø EnvironmentalManagementplanthatincludesmeasurestocontroldust,noiseandemission

7 Pollutionduetosolidwaste

Ø Solidwastegeneratedbytourismactivitiesandservices(generationofvarietyofwastesandimproperdisposalofwastes)

Ø ProvisionandoperationofSolidwastemanagementfacility,asneeded

Ø Reducewaste,aswellasReuseandRecycle(composting,wastetoenergyetc.)

Ø PropermanagementoflabourcampØ Prepareandimplement

EnvironmentalManagementPlan8 Pollutionofwaterbodies

andlandduetowastewaterandeffluents

Ø Sewageandotherwastesgeneratedbythehotels/restaurants,andbythevisitors

Ø Provisionofsanitationfacility,includingliquidwastemanagement(e.g.sewagetreatmentfacility)

Ø Standardstobefollowedbythehotels/restaurants

Ø PropermanagementoflabourcampsØ Mitigationitem7

9 Lossordegradationofgood/fertileagriculturalland

Ø DuetoconstructionofinfrastructureØ Duetounplannedexpansionof

settlementandconstructionofbuilding(accommodation,hotels,restaurants,etc.)tomeettheincreasedvisitorsneed

Ø Landusezoning,landuseplans,communitylevel/settlementlevelplans

Ø Awarenessraising,andcapacitybuildingoflocalgovernmenttoplanandenforce


10 Damagetoother/existinginfrastructures(forexampleconstructionofroaddamagingtrekkingtrails,ordamagingwatersupplylines,etc.)

Ø Duetoerroneousplanningandlocationofinfrastructure,

Ø Inappropriateconstructionpractices(suchasconstructionspoilsdisposal,etc.)

Ø Lackofcoordination

Ø Carefullocationoftheinfrastructuretoavoiddamageordegradationofotherinfrastructure

Ø Coordinationwithagencythatisresponsibleforotherinfrastructure

11 Degradationofaestheticvalueandscenicvalue

Ø Duetoerroneouswastedisposal(seeitem6and7)

Ø DuetoinappropriateinfrastructureØ Duetohaphazardconstructionof

buildingtomeetincreasedvisitorsflow

Ø ProvisionofWastemanagementfacility(seeitem7and8)

Ø Promoteinfrastructuretypeanddesignthatarecompatiblewiththeaestheticandscenicvalue

Ø Incorporatelocalarchitectureandmaterialinthebuildingdesignandconstruction

12 Landusechangeduetoexpansionofhotelsandnewsettlementse.g.conversionofagriculturallandtosettlements,etc.

Ø Duetopromotionofdestination,andincreasedvisitorsflowinthearea

Ø Infrastructuredevelopment

Ø Land-useplan,communitylevel-plan,etc.

13 DegradationofPhysicalCulturalResources

Ø Excavationandfillingactivities,infrastructureconstructioninorclosetothesiteofphysicalculturalresources

Ø Waste(solidandliquid)disposalclosetosuchsite

Ø Locateinfrastructureawayfromthephysicalculturalresourcessite

Ø Provisionofprotectionmeasuresifinfrastructureislocatedclosetothesite

Ø Wastedisposalawayfromsuchsite14(a)

Healthandsafetyissuesduringconstruction(accidents,injuries,falls,wastedisposal,sanitation,anddisease)–toworkers,andcommunityandvisitors

Ø HealthandsafetyoftheworkersduringconstructionduetolackofPersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)and/orsafetymeasuresatconstructionsite,aswellasnot-usingtheprovidedPPEbytheworkers

Ø Healthandsafetyriskstothecommunity/localpeopleandvisitorsduringconstructionduetouncontrolledaccesstoconstructionsites

Ø RiskoftransmissionofinfectiousandcommunicablediseaselikeCOVID-19totheworkerandcommunityduetolackofhygiene,sanitation,wastemanagementmeasuresandpractices

Ø Livestockandwildlifemayfallintoconstructionsites,etc.

Ø ProvidePPE,andstrictenforcementofPPEuseatsite,awarenesstotheworkers,providesafetymeasurestoprotectthesite

Ø Nounauthorizedentrytoconstructionsite

Ø Fence/barricadetheconstructionsiteØ Providenecessarysafetyand

protectionmeasuresØ Healthsafetymeasuresdesignedand

adaptedtoaddressriskofinfectiousdiseasesuchasCOVID-19(consideringworkersaswellascommunity)

14(b)

Healthandsafetyissuesduringoperationtovisitors,localpeople)

Ø Healthandsafetyrisktocommunity,localpeople,andvisitorsduringoperationduetolackofsafetyconsiderationinthedesignofinfrastructure

Ø Healthsafetyrisksarisingfromimproperorhaphazardsanitation/wastes(e.g.spreadofsanitation-bornediseases)

Ø Designtobesensitivetothesafetyaspects,e.g.protectionfromfall,hand-rails,railing,etc.

Ø Wastemanagementfacility/practices(seeitem7and8)

Ø Sanitationandhygienestandards


4.3 PotentialSocialImpactsTheactivitiestobefinancedundertheSTENPAProjectareexpectedtocausedifferenttypesofsocialimpactstotheindividuals,householdsandthecommunitiesaffectingtheirlifeandlivelihoods to varied extent. These potential impacts warrant the project to considereffectivemitigationmeasuresandmanagetheadverseimpacts.Atthesametime,theprojectshouldalsoconsideraugmentationmeasurestooptimizethebeneficialimpacts.The projectwill not finance activities thatwould have significant adverse social impacts(Annex1(a):Exclusionlistofprojectactivities).Eachsub-projectactivitywillbescreenedforeligibilityaswellastodeterminetheappropriateextentandtypeofE&Sassessmentneeded.Nevertheless, the project activities are expected to cause some adverse social leading toincreasedvulnerabilityandriskofthelocalpeople.Theexpectedadversesocialimpactsoftheprojectare:i)lossofland/assetsduetoconstructionandmaintenanceofneworexistinginfrastructures,ii)lossofcommunityfacilitiesandresources,iii)noiseanddustpollution,iv) loss of standing crops/trees/orchards, v) other social impacts related to child, labor,women, vi) lack of information/ awareness about project activities, and vii) possibleexclusioninrealizingprojectbenefits,etc.

Inviewofthesepotentialimpacts,theproject'sESMFthatincludesRPFandVCDFhasbeendeveloped which provides full guidance for social screening, social assessment anddevelopmentofsocialmanagementplansandresettlementactionplansdependingupontheextent of impacts. The detailed procedure of identifying and managing impacts andpreparingtheplansvizESMPs,RAP,VCDPs,GAPs,etc.areprovidedinsubsequentchapters.The projectwill result in several positive and adverse impacts. Given the nature of sub-projectactivitiesthatwouldbesupportedundertheproject,theadverseimpactswouldbemostlyoflocallevelandtheirmagnitudeasminor.Ontheotherhand,thepositiveimpactsthat would be contributed by the project will be of longer run bringing long lastingimprovement in the livelihoods of people and also contributing to the nation's economythrough foreign exchange earnings. Themost likely impacts are discussed briefly in thefollowingsections.4.3.1 PotentialBeneficialSocialImpactsTheimplementationofplannedactivitiesundertheprojectisanticipatedtobringsustainedsocialandeconomicwellbeingresultinginpovertyreductionofthepeople.Improvementoflocal transport and road access, employment creation, skill enhancement, local capacitybuilding and increased scope of business opportunities are amongst the most commonbenefitslikelytobegeneratedbytheproject.Thepotentialpositiveimpactsoftheprojectareindicatedbelow.ImprovedTourismFacilitiesandSettlement:Undertheproject,differentplanssuchasITDP,landzoningandplannedsettlementwillbedevelopedwhichwillhavelongtermbenefitstothenationandlocalcommunities.Theseplanswillprovideopportunitiestomakebestuse


of lands for various purposes such as creation of tourism infrastructures and facilities,plannedcommunity settlement, improvementofurban/rural transport facilities, efficientmanagementofresourceseventuallycontributingtosustainedgrowthoftourismactivities.Landzoninghelpsdevelopattractivesettlementsandstandardizedfacilitiestothetourists,protectthepropertyvalues,preventhaphazardgrowthoftourismsitesandallowsoverallplanneddevelopmentoftourismdestinations.ImprovedAccessandTransportation:Component2oftheproject(enhancinginfrastructureforaccessanddiversification)willhaveconsiderableimpactstoawiderangeofstakeholdersincluding the local individual and communities. The rehabilitation and maintenance ofexistingroadswithintargetedprojectdestinations(e.g.nationalparksroads,provincialandmunicipalroads,lastmilesconnections)willimprovetheaccesstopeoplethroughimprovedtransportnetworksandfacilities.

Increased Work Opportunities: The project intends to mobilize the local people andcommunitiesfortheconstructionandmaintenanceofsmallprojectsdevelopedlocally.Thealready formed community user groups namely the Conservation Area ManagementCommittees (CAMCs) and Buffer Zone User Committees (BZUCs) andNGOswith provenexperienceinminorconstructionaswellasconservationandmanagementwillbebenefiteddirectlyfromsimilaractivitiesimplementedlocally.Variousconstructionworkssupportedbytheprojectatlocallevel(i.e.construction/improvementofroadsconnectingtheparksand conservation area, public transport facilities, trekking trails, water and sanitationfacilities,wastedisposalandmanagementandminorfacilitiesinsideparks)willcontributetoincreasedemploymentandincomeofthelocals.

BenefitstoLocalEntrepreneurs:Allentrepreneursengagedintourismactivitiesvizhotels,homestays,trekkingandtravelagenciesincludingthesmallandmediumentrepreneurswillbebenefitedbyprojectsupportedactivities.Thiswillincludediversetourismoperationsand value chains (such as handicraft, guide services, adventure and cultural eventorganization, transportation) activities in the project destinationswhowill be benefitedthrough increased demand for their services. Support for the establishment of cottageindustries/ small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will directly contribute to increasedopportunities foremploymentand incomegenerationof localpeople.Local communitieslosing their traditional occupations (tailoring, iron works, shoemakers, etc.) will haveopportunitiestorevivetheiroccupationsusingmodernefficienttechnologies.

Benefits to Women and Indigenous Groups: Women of indigenous groups viz Gurungs,Thakali,Tharushavesignificantpresenceintheprojectdestinations.Giventheexperienceofwomengroupsofthesecommunitiesinoperatinghotelsandhomestaysinthepast,thesegroupsholdtremendouspotentialitiestoupscaletheirbusinessvolumethroughenhancedqualityservicesinfuture.Theskills,knowledgeandtechnologiessupportedbytheprojectwillsignificantlyenhancetheircapabilities.

LocalProductionandMarketing:Theprojectwillalsocontributetoincreasedproductionandmarketingof local farm(fruits,vegetables, fisheries,poultry,dairyproductsetc.)andoff-farmproducts(woolencarpets,garments,otherhandicrafts)oftheprojectareas.Increased


demandwillcomefromtheconstructionworkforceduringprojectimplementationwhereastheseproductswillhaveincreaseddemandfromthetouristsinthelongterm.

IncreasedFlowofTourists:Improvedaccessandnewfacilitiescreatedwithintheparkanddestinationswill attractnew tourists intensifying their flowbymuchhigher rate thanatpresent.Smallinfrastructuretofacilitatediversificationofoffering,suchasheritagetourism(beautificationofheritageandculturalsites),adventuretourism(archeryplayground,cavevisit, horse riding ground), river tourism activities (rafting platforms, campsites, anglingsites),mountainbiking,green tourism incommunity forests (birdwatching,picnicspots,etc.)willcontributetoincreasedtouristflow1.

Enhanced Opportunities for Heritage and Cultural Tourism: The project destinations areinhabited by a large percentage of indigenous people viz Gurungs, Thakalis andMagars(about30%)inAnnapurnaandManasluConservationAreasandTharusinBanke,BardiaandShuklaPhanta(morethan25%)NationalParks.Thesegroupsareendowedwithrichtraditionandcultureofferingsignificantpotentialtoblendculturaltourismevents(dance,songs,indigenousfood,etc.)aspartofnature-basedtourismwhichwouldcreatelonglastingopportunitiesforincreasedemploymentandincomelocally.Capacity Building: The activities supporting improved planning, implementation andmonitoring,particularlyatlocallevel,willhelpenhancelocallevelskillsandcapacityofthestakeholdersworkinglocally.ThelocalgovernmentbodiesvizWardandPalikaOffices,localcommitteesandgroups(CMACs/BZUCs)wouldparticularlybenefitfromtheseactivities.

Appreciation of Assets Value: The project will directly contribute to the appreciation ofproperty value of the people, mainly the land and commercial structures. Theseopportunitieswill generate increased income to the locals through rental and leasing ofthesefacilities.

4.3.2PotentialAdverseSocialImpactsandMitigationThe adverse social impacts are not expected to be significant in the project.Most of thenegative impacts would be from construction and renovation/maintenance oftrails/trekking routes or other construction of small facilitiesmight warrant a situationwherebyacquisitionofsmallpiecesof landsforoneorotherphysicalactivitieswouldbeessentialduringproject implementation.Considering the likelihoodof sucha situation, aResettlement Policy Framework (RPF) has been prepared as part of ESMF which willthoroughly guide the project to manage such issues. All adverse impacts of the projectcausinglandacquisitionanddisplacementofthehouseholdswillbemanagedaspertheRPF.Additionally, majority of the beneficiaries in the project are from IPs community andmarginalizedgroups.ThereisariskofexclusionofIndigenousPeoplesandothervulnerable

1The total number of tourist arrival in the five project destinations was 185,814 in the year 2017 (144,409 ACAP, 5,475 Manaslu, 17,697 Krishnasar, 17,959 Bardia and 4 Banke National Parks, Source: Gandhi Associates, 2019.


groups leading to further impoverishment. Vulnerable Community DevelopmentFramework (VCDF) prepared as part of the ESMF provides a framework to preparedestination level Vulnerable Community Development Plan (VCDP)which will include aculturallyappropriatesupportmeasurestargetingtheIPsandthevulnerablegroups.

Table2: PotentialAdverseImpactsandProposedMitigationMeasures

SN TypeofImpacts/Issues LikelihoodofOccurrence ProposedMitigationMeasures

1 Loss of land and land-basedassets/infrastructuresandlivelihoodssources

Construction of new trails/ bridges,water and waste management orsanitation facilities and widening/maintenanceofroadswouldcausetheseimpacts.

These impacts will vary fromminor tomajor for the affected householdsdependingonthescaleoflosses.

Land zoning plans, tourism plans, andcommunity level settlement plans maylead to long term adverse impacts onphysical and economic displacement ofHHs.

The project will avoid any kind of landacquisitionthroughchangeindesign.Incaseofany loss of land or assets, the project wouldadopttheRPFcontainedinthisframeworkandpaycompensationandotherassistancestotheaffectedhouseholds.

2 Damage/ disruption ofcommunity resources/localfacilities

Construction may damage/disrupt thewatersources,irrigationchannels,trees,bushes;damagethelocalfoottrailsandanimaltrailsusedbylocals.

Theprojectrequiresholdingconsultationswiththe locals to identify the damages; it willdevelopandimplementplanstoreplacethelostfacilities in consultation and participation ofaffectedpeopleandgetthemrehabilitated.

3 Pressure on localresources (drinkingwater, forest productslike fuel wood/ timber,etc.)

Thismayoccurdue to influxofoutsidelaborers for construction works.Contractors often bring laborers fromoutside from their prior constructionworks.

Inordertoavoidsuchimpacts,theprojectneedto find ways to use local laborers and do theconstructionworksthrough"localusergroups"basedontheiravailabilityandskills.Theprojectshould put such clause in the contractdocument.

4 Obstructionandnoisepollutiontotourists/trekkersduringconstruction/maintenance

This is likely to occur in case ofrenovationandmaintenanceofexistingtrails/ trekking routes and will besignificantduringpeaktrekkingseason.

Theprojectwillconsiderdifferentmeasurestomanage the impacts viz i) do theworkduringlean trekking season ii) take measures tominimizethepollution,andiii)regulatespecifictime/hoursfortrekking.

5 Loss of standing crops/orchards/trees

Thismay take placewhile constructingnewfacilitiesviz trails/trekkingroutesorwideningtheexistingones.

The owners of such losses should becompensatedfairlyasperESMFprovisions.Thecompensationprovisionsshouldbemadeinthecontractdocuments.

6 Conflictsassociatedwithconstructionworkforcesorconflictbetweenlocalsandoutsiders

This may occur if outside laborers areused in construction activities. Thishappens normally due to clashesbetweenoutside laborersand locals fordifferent social, cultural and financialissues.

The project will take different measures toaddresstheissue.Thisincludesmeasuresto:i)educate the laborers/ working force tounderstandlocalcultureandvalue,andii)uselocallaborerstotheextentpossible.



7 Increased socialissues/problems

Increased rate of illicitbehaviorandcrime

Theseissuesnormallyoccurintheformof alcohol consumption/ prostitution(including spread of communicablediseases)andgender-basedviolenceandareassociatedwithconstructionworks.

The project needs to develop code of conductand complied fully by contractors as well asworkers.Besides,regularmonitoringshouldbecarriedoutby theproject staff and consultantonaregularbasis.

8 Socialissuesandtensionbetween local andoutsiders (e.g.workforce)

This may occur when the communitiesareexposedtodiseasesuchasCOVID-19andarecompeting for scarce resourcesand constrained health services.Relationshipwiththecommunitycanbedifficultandconflictcanarise.

The project will need to take adequateprecautionstopreventlocaloutbreakofdiseaselikeCOVID-19. Bothmedicalandnon-medicalmeasuresshouldbeputinplace.

Regularcommunicationswiththecommunityinvicinity should be put in place. Differentcommunicationapproachandmaterialsshouldbedevelopedwhichisclearanddesignedtobeeasily understood, particularly by thevulnerablegroupsincludingindigenouspeople,peoplewithdisability

9 Child labor, child safetyandotherlaborissues

There are chances of using child laborand child abuse by the contractor atcheap wage rate. The contractors alsooften pay different wage rates to thelaborersbasedoncasteandgender.

Theproject should take stringentmeasures toavoid the use of child laborers. Use of laborshould be monitored on a regular basis andequal wages will be paid to the workersirrespective of ethnicity and gender. Strictenforcement of Code of Practice ensuringavoidance of child labor and child relatedmalpracticeswillbeensuredatsubprojectlevel.

10 Gender Based Violence(GBVs)

Potential risk of GBV due to increasedworkers for constructions activitiescomingfromoutsidethetargetareasaswellasthroughincreasedtouristarrival.

Identify key GBV risks in project areas.Sensitization of project staffs and differentstakeholders. Develop Code of Conduct andinclusion in contracts. Establish a functioningGRM.

11 Issues related to chancefinds or issuesencountered duringworks on physicalculturalresources

Physical cultural or chance find issuesmay occur during construction viztemple/shrines, spiritual/holy andmystic sites of cultural and religiousimportancefoundinconstructionsites.

Avoidsuchsiteswherepossibleorrestorethemif necessary, in consultation with thelocals/priestsensuringthatthemeasurestakendodiminishthelocalculturalvalues.

12 Laborinflux Contractors often bring labor groupsfromtheirpreviouscontractworksandthere can be large number of laborerscomingfortheproposedworks.

Use of local laborers or laborers fromneighboringareas,ifemployed,wouldminimizethe potential influx of laborers from outsidecreatingsocial,environmentalandGBVrelatedrisks.Contractdocumentsshould includesuchclauses. A functioning GRM should beestablished and an effective communityengagementshouldbecarriedoutroutinely.

13 Exclusion of IPs/VGs indecisionmakingprocess,during planning/implementation/ lack ofinformedconsultations

Thismayhappenduringprojectdesign/planningifprojectteamdidnotconductmeaningfulconsultationswiththelocals,especiallytheIPs/VCs.

Project to comply fully with consultation,communicationandcitizenengagementprocessspecified in the ESMF and shall undertakeregular consultations with the APs/ localcommunities;deployFPICprocesstodealwithIPs/VGs.



14 Project activities mayunintentionally result indisplacement oftraditional occupations/occupational groups inthecommunities

This may happen in absence ofmeaningful consultations with suchgroupsandlackofmeasurestoconsiderthe preservation and promotion oftraditional occupations and the groupsduringsubprojectdesignandplanning.

Projectwill conduct consultations consideringthe risks of replacement of traditionaloccupational practices and erosion ofassociatedsocialpractices.Mitigationmeasuresof such risks will be addressed inRAP/VCDP/GAPasrelevant.

15 Human Wildlife Conflict(HWC) resulting inincreaseddamage/lossesinthecommunities

HWC is an ongoing problem in bufferzone areas where subprojectinterventions will be made. HWC as aconservationissuemayalsooccurinthisproject.

TheprojectwillidentifyHWCpronesubprojectareasandgivespecial consideration to reduceHWC during subproject planning and design.Although this is not the direct impact of theproject activities, theprojectwillmakeeffortstowardsmitigating/reducingHWC.

4.4 EnvironmentalandSocialApproachEnvironmentalandsocialapproachtotypesofsubproject/activityundertheprojectwillvary.TheprojectsupportsTechnicalAssistance(TA)leadingtoorcontributingtopolicies,regulation, strategy,plans andprograms, aswell strengthening capacity and institutions.Severalenvironmentalandsocialimpactsandissues,andrisksarisefromorarelinkedtopoliciesandplanthatmaybepreparedthroughTechnicalAssistance(TA).Hence,TAswillbesubjected toenvironmentalandsocialassessment in the formof reviewsoroverviewanalysis so that social and environmental aspects are considered upstream. Such anoverview analysis would be based on an issue scoping exercise involving stakeholderparticipation. Objective of such overview type review/analysis is tomainstreaming E&Sissues into thepolicies andplan, andhence contribute to a socially andenvironmentallybetterpolicyandplan.ThefollowingguidingprinciplesorconceptsbecomerelevantwhileapplyingE&SOverviewinaTA:

• IntegrateenvironmentalandsocialobjectivesintotheTAprocess;• Promotetransparencythroughstakeholderparticipation;• Promoteinnovativeenvironmentalandsocialassessments;• Promoteanalysisofalternatives;and• Promoteenvironmentalandsocialcapacitybuildingandinstitutionalstrengthening.

Thesubsequentinvestmentinphysicalinfrastructuresubproject/activitywillbesubjectedtostandardE&Sprocessandproceduresincludingscreening,assessment,preparationofenvironmentalandsocialmanagementplan,andmonitoringduringimplementation.

ApproachtoTechnicalAssistancetoPolicy,Regulation,PlanandProgram

These types of TAs will be subjected to environmental and social assessment analyzingpotential environmental and social issues/implications, in the form of E&S Overview,preferably at the following stages: scoping and inception stage, and Draft Report stage(Annex9(a)EnvironmentalandSocialOverviewAssessment).Scopingexercisewillbedone


inaparticipatorymannerinvolvingrelevantstakeholders.PreparationofTAsandOverviewE&SAssessmentwillbedoneinparallel,interactingeachothersothatPolicies,Regulation,Plan and Program are informed of the potential environmental and social aspects, andinternalizethem.Thelevel/depthofassessmentrequiredwilldependupontheactivityandthe selected destination involving stakeholders at different levels. If there is presence ofIndigenous Peoples, consultations should be carried out through free, prior, informedconsultationthatleadstobroadcommunitysupportsonthedevelopmentscenario.PIEandPIU, within their respective jurisdiction, are responsible for environmental and socialoverviewofpoliciesandplans/TAs

If the project funds the infrastructure subproject included in a plan and program, thesesubprojectswillbesubjecttoApproachtoInvestmentinInfrastructureSubprojectdescribedintheSection4.5.

ApproachtoStrengtheningcapacityandinstitutions

TA/activitiesaimingtostrengthencapacityandinstitutionswillbereviewedfromthesocialandenvironmentalperspectivetoensuretheseactivitiesderiveand/orenhancesocialandenvironmentalbenefits.Eachproposalofthistypewillbesubjectedtoreviewtoidentifyifthereareenvironmentalandsocialissues,andtoincorporaterelevantenvironmentalandsocial best practices in the training plans and curriculums. E&S aspects will bemainstreamed/strengthenedintheproposal,ifneeded.Thereviewwillalsoassessifthereis land taking, and/ or other social and environmental issue, in which casetraining/consulting firm will be required to prepare specific environmental and socialmitigationplantoensureenvironmentalandsocialmitigationmeasuresareincorporatedandimplemented.Trainingfacilitiesorupgradingplanswhichnecessitatecivilworkswillbe required to follow the approach described in the section 4.5. PIE andPIU alongwithconcernedagencieswillberesponsibleforfulfillingsafeguardrequirements.

ApproachtoAddressingIssuesrelatedtoIndigenousPeoplesandOtherVulnerableGroups

TheprojectinterventionswillhaveanimpactonIPsandothervulnerablecommunitieswhoare themainbeneficiariesof theprojectarea.Eachdestinationhasuniquesocio-culturalfeatures. Thus, screening and social assessment of the potential impacts of each projectinterventionontheIPsandvulnerablegroupswillbedoneforeachdestinationbasedontheVCDF prepared as part of the ESMF (see Chapter 6 for details). Consultations should becarriedoutthroughFPICswiththeaffectedIPcommunitiesandothervulnerablegroupsthatwill lead to broad community support. Based on the social assessment destination levelVCDPwillidentifyspecificsupportmeasurestoaddressIPandvulnerablegroupsissuesforeachoftheprojectactivityincludingpreparationofplans,policies,regulations,trainingsandinfrastructuretoensureculturallyappropriatebenefitspercolatestoallgroups.PIEandPIUalongwithrelatedstakeholderssuchasBDS,contractorsareresponsibleforimplementationofsupportmeasures.


ApproachtoInvestmentinPhysicalInfrastructureSubproject

Eachinfrastructure/physicalsubprojectinvestmentwillbesubjectedtostandardsocialandenvironmental process and procedures including screening, assessment, preparation ofESMP,RAP,asneeded,andmonitoringduringimplementation.Thesearedescribedbelow(Section4.5).

4.5 Socialandenvironmentalplanningprocessandstepsininfrastructuresubproject

The effectiveness in addressing the project's environmental and social impacts largelydependsonhowwelltheseareidentifiedontimeandnecessarymeasuresareputinplacetoaddressthem,inrelationtosubproject-cycle.Thiswouldrequireusingdifferenttoolstoidentifythepositiveandnegativeimpacts.Thebeneficialenvironmentalandsocialimpactslikely to occur due to subproject activities should be promoted through enhancementmeasures.Similarly, incaseof identifiedadverse impacts, thesubproject'senvironmentaland social safeguards expert(s) should be able to identify them accurately and takeappropriatemeasures.AsummaryoftheE&SproceduresininfrastructuresubprojectduringsubprojectPlanning,Design,andConstruction&OperationStagearegivenintablebelow.

Table 3: KeyStepsandProceduresinE&SManagementinInfrastructureSubproject

S.N. Subprojectcycle Steps Procedures Responsibility1 Planning/Designing 1) Subproject

identificationandcategorization

2) E&Sscreening3) E&S

planning/detaildesigning

• Deskreview• DetailedE&Sscreening

(walkthroughandconsultation)• ToRdevelopmentand

preparationofE&Splans(ESMP/IEE,RAP,GAP)ensuringsafeguardconsiderations/budgetindesign/biddocuments

• Approvaloftheplans• Disclosureoftheplans

• PIU/PIE• FIUs/Safeguard

team• UCOsandCPs

2 Implementation 1) Orientationandtraining

2) ImplementationofE&Ssafeguards

3) Supervisionandmonitoringduringexecution

• PreparationofE&Sguidelines/manuals/modules

• E&Ssafeguardcomplianceo Consultationo Contractor'ssafeguardimplementationcompliance

o Socialsafeguardcompliance(RAP,VCDP,GAP)

o EHScomplianceo SS-EMPscompliance

• PIU/PIE• FIUs• UCOsandCPs• Contractors• Local

stakeholdercommittees

• PAauthorities• PG/LG

3 MonitoringandReporting

1) Monitoring2) Reporting

• E&Sregularmonitoring• Thirdpartymonitoring-annual

• FIUs/E&Steam• PIU/PIE


S.N. Subprojectcycle Steps Procedures Responsibilityo Baseline/Compliance/Impactmonitoring

• Monthlyprogressreportatfieldlevel

• Quarterlyprogressreport• Annualreports

• E&Steam• External

consultant/firm

Theprocessof identifying the impactsandmitigationmeasures,basedon thesubprojectcycle,includesbroadlythefollowingsteps.

Step1:EnvironmentalandSocialScreeningandCategorizationofSubproject

Step 2: Environmental & Social (E&S) Assessment and Preparation ofManagementPlans

Step3:ImplementationoftheE&SMitigationMeasures

Step4:Safeguardsmonitoringandreporting

4.5.1Step1:EnvironmentalandSocialScreeningandCategorizationofSubproject

Checkingsubprojecteligibility.Certaintypesofsubprojects/activitiesarenot-eligibleforsupport under the project due to potentially high social and environmental risks andimpacts. Subproject activities with potential significant adverse environmental or socialrisks and/or impacts that are diverse, irreversible, or unprecedented are excluded. Theprojecthasdevelopedexclusionlistofprojectactivitieswhichhelpstomakedecisionsonwhetherasubprojectand/oractivitythereinshouldbeprocessedforfundingornot.Firstthingthatneedstobedoneaspartofscreeningistochecktheeligibilityofsubprojectandactivities.Thenegative listofsubprojects tobeexcluded for fundingunder theproject isprovidedinAnnex1(a):ExclusionListofProjectActivities.

SubprojectE&SScreeningandCategorization.EnvironmentalandSocialscreeningisanessentialandprimarystepintheassessmentofenvironmentalandsocialrisksandimpactsof subproject/ activities. The results of the screening form the basis for assigning theenvironmentalandsocialriskcategoryofactivitiesandinformsdecisionsontheextentanddepth of environmental and social duediligence thatwill be undertaken. Theprocess ofscreeningidentifiesthekeyaspectsthatmayneedtobefurtherexaminedandmanaged.TheobjectivesoftheE&Sscreeningareto:

• IntegratetheE&Saspectsintosubprojecttostrengthensocialandenvironmentalsustainability;

• Identifypotentialsocialandenvironmentalrisksassociatedwithasubprojectandtheirsignificance;

• Determinethesub-project’sriskcategory(TypeI,IIandIII);and


• DeterminethelevelofE&Sassessmentandmanagementrequiredtoaddresspotentialrisksandimpacts.

Sub-project will be screened and categorized based on the potential sensitivity of theenvironmentalandsocialrisksandimpacts.Subprojectcategorizationisessentialforearlyunderstanding of the type, nature and scale of impacts. It is necessary to make suchcategories in order to take timely decisions about the planning requirements both fromenvironmentalandsocialconsiderations,proportionatetotherisk/impactofasubproject.The project will also pay particular attention to IP issues as per the support measuresidentifiedintheVCDPdevelopedforeachdestination,asneeded.SeeAnnex3(a) fortheinformationneededfortheSubprojectCategorization.Thesubprojectmayfallinoneofthefollowingtypes:

(a)TypeI:AproposedsubprojectoractivityisclassifiedasTypeIifitislikelytohaveadverse environmental and/or social impacts that are moderate, limited to site of afacility and its immediate surroundings, and can be addressed through mitigationmeasures that are known or readily available. Type I subprojects are of higher risksamong the subprojects/ activities that are eligible for project support (Annex 1 (a) –ExclusionListofProjectActivities)andmayrequireInitialEnvironmentalExamination(IEE)asperthegovernmentregulation.

Moreover,fromsocialaspect,theTypeIsubprojectmayinvolvephysicaldisplacementduetoinvoluntarylandacquisition.Further,itisrecognizedthatTypeIsubprojectmayhaveimpactsonIndigenousPeoples.

E&Sassessments:TheTypeIsubprojectswillberequiredtoprepareESIAsorIEEandcorrespondingESMP.IfE&Sscreeningindicatesphysicaldisplacement,preparationofRAPswillberequired.IPissuesidentifiedduringthescreeningwillbeaddressedthroughsupportmeasures suggested in the destination level VCDPs.Other plansmay also berequired, as determined by E&S Screening e.g. biodiversity management plan if asubprojectislocatedwithinaprotectedarea.Stakeholderengagementactivitieswillberequired.ThesafeguarddocumentsofaTypeIsubproject,afterreviewbytheprojectteam(finaldraftversion),willbesubmittedtotheWorldBankforreview,no-objectionand/orclearance.E&SriskaswellaslevelofassessmentsrequiredwillbeagreedwiththeWorldBank.

(b) Type II: A proposed subproject is classified as Type II if its potential adverseenvironmentalorsocialimpactsonhumanand/oronenvironmentarelessadversethanthoseofTypeIsubprojects.Theseimpactsarelimitedtositesofafacility,reversible,andmitigation measures are known or can be designed more readily than for Type Isubprojects.Moreover,aproposedsubprojectisclassifiedasTypeIIiftheaffectedpeopleare not physically displaced. Type II subproject may not require IEE as per thegovernmentregulation.

E&Sassessments:TypeIIsubprojectswillberequiredtopreparesitespecificESMP,and


EAorIEEmaynotbeneeded.Additionally,anabbreviatedRAPswillbepreparedifE&SscreeningindicatesthataTypeIISubprojecttakeland.DestinationlevelVCDPwillguidethe support measures required to address IP issues. The World Bank will reviewsafeguarddocumentsofTypeIIsubprojectsonrandomsamplebasisand/oroncasebycasebasis/onthebasisofperceivedrisk.

(c)TypeIII:AproposedsubprojectisclassifiedasTypeIIIifitislikelytohaveminimalornoadverseenvironmentalandsocialimpacts.

E&Sassessment:IncasetheproposedsubprojectisclassifiedasTypeIIIWBwillreviewthe subprojects on samplebasis.TheType III subprojectwill not require assessmentbeyond screening. The screening report of a Type III subproject will recommendmitigationsmeasuresfortheminorissues/impactsidentifiedbythescreeningexercise–thismaybeintheformofgoodpracticesorcodeofpractice.Insomesituation,abrief/abbreviatedandsite-specificEnvironmentalandSocialManagementPlan(ESMP)maybe needed for Type III subprojects thatmay haveminimal environmental and socialimpacts,andastakeholderengagementactivitymaybeneededwherethereareaffectedcommunities.

4.5.2 Step2:E&SAssessmentandPreparationofManagementPlans

Based on the E&S screening findings and type of subproject, appropriate safeguardinstrumentswillbeprepared.ThesubprojectmayneedtoaddressIPissuesinaccordancewiththeVCDPdevelopedforeachdestination,asneeded.

TypeIsubproject:willrequireESIAsandcorrespondingESMP,andmayrequireInitialEnvironmentalExamination(IEE)asperthegovernmentregulation.RAPsmayneedtobeprepared ifphysicaldisplacementofpeople is likely. Supportmeasures for any IPissuesidentifiedduringthescreeningwillbeguidedbytheVCDPfordestination.Otherplansmayalsobenecessary,e.g.biodiversitymanagementplanifasubprojectislikelytohaveimpactonbiodiversity/protectedarea.Stakeholderengagementactivitiesmayalsobeneeded.The safeguarddocumentsof aType I subproject, after reviewby theproject(finaldraftversion),willbesubmittedtotheWorldBankforreview,no-objectionand/orclearance.E&SriskaswellaslevelofassessmentsrequiredwillbeagreedwiththeWorldBank.

TypeIIsubproject:TypeIIsubprojectswillberequiredtopreparesitespecificESMPfocusingontheissues/impactsidentifiedbythescreening.TypeIIsubprojectmayormaynotrequireEAorIEEasperthegovernmentregulation.Additionally,anabbreviatedRAPsmaybeprepared ifE&Sscreening indicates thataType IISubproject take land.VCDPspreparedatdestinationlevelwillguidethesupportmeasuresrequiredtoaddressIP issues.TheWorldBankwillreviewsafeguarddocumentsofTypeIIsubprojectsonrandomsamplebasisand/oroncasebycasebasis/onthebasisofperceivedrisk

Type III subproject: Beyond screening, the Type III subproject will not requireassessmentsuchasIEEorESIA,etc.ThescreeningreportofaTypeIIIsubprojectwill


recommend mitigations measures for the minor issues/ impacts identified by thescreeningexercise-thismaybeintheformofgoodpracticesorcodeofpractice.Insomesituation,abrief/abbreviatedandsite-specificEnvironmentalandSocialManagementPlan (ESMP) may be needed for Type III subprojects that may have minimalenvironmentalandsocialimpacts,andastakeholderengagementactivitymaybeneededwherethereareaffectedcommunities.TheWorldBankwillreviewTypeIIIsubprojectonsamplebasis.

4.5.3Step3:ImplementationoftheE&SMitigationMeasures

The E&S management plans will be implemented as per the subproject schedule. Thesubproject specific environmental and social impact mitigation measures will beimplementedtoaddresstherelevantE&Ssafeguardissues.Subproject’sengineeringplananddesign,biddingdocuments,contractclauses,includingDPR,willbereviewedbytheE&SSpecialistssothatenvironmentalandsocialmitigations/recommendationsoftheESIA,ESMP,RAP,VCDP,etc.areincorporated.Thecontractorsandusergroupsareresponsibleforandaccountabletocomplywiththeconstructionperiodsafeguardmeasures.PublicconsultationincludingFPICwillbeheldwithrelevantstakeholdersasappropriate.Capacitybuildingtraining/orientationwillbeprovidedtothefield-basedstaff,contractorsandcommunitymembersonsafeguardrelatedissues,planningandcompliance.Inordertofacilitate the implementation of the safeguard measures, necessaryguidelines/ToRs/manuals/moduleswillbeprepared. Anycorrectivemeasuresneededtoimprovethesafeguardperformancewillbeundertakenasnecessary.

4.5.4Step4:Safeguardsmonitoringandreporting

DetailsontheSupervision,MonitoringandEvaluationareprovidedinChapter11.E&SMonitoringwillbeanintegralpartofoverallprojectmanagementandcarriedoutonaperiodicbasis.Regularmonitoringwillbecarriedoutinternallybytheproject,centrallyorthroughtheFIUasmaybeappropriate.Theexternalmonitoringwillbecarriedoutbytheindependent consultant/firm. The PIE and PIU, respectively for the activity within theirjurisdiction,willhavetheresponsibilityofmonitoringtheE&Scompliance,documentationanddata,permits,processandprocedures,grievances,workscoveringinputs,processandoutputs.TheE&SsafeguardexpertsoftheprojectwillberesponsibleforregularsupervisionoftheimplementationofE&Ssafeguardmeasuresatthesites.TheFIU,withsupportfromcenter,willensureday-to-daysupervisionsandimplementationofthesafeguardmeasures.The E&S teamwill produce periodic E&S status reports – E&S team at PIE and PIUwillprovidesummaryofE&Sprogressinthequarterlyprogressreportandaconsolidatedstatusreportinsix-months,coincidingwiththeBank’ssupervisionmission.Externalmonitoringreportwillbepreparedattheendoftheexternalmonitoring,annuallyuntiltheMid-Term


Review(MTR)andasdecidedbyMTRthereafter.PIEandPIUwillberesponsibletoreporttheprogressonsafeguardscomplianceduringtheirregularreportingtotheWorldBank.4.6 ConsultationandParticipationConsultationwith key stakeholderswill be an integral part of environmental and socialsafeguard studies, assessment and plan preparation and implementation. TheseconsultationswillincludebothformalandinformaltypesbutnotlimittoFGDs,KII,publicmeetings,communitydiscussions,etc.Consultationswillbeundertakentoenablemaximumparticipation of the affected people where they can raise their concerns. In theseconsultations, PAPs’ participation will be fully ensured. Details of these consultationsincludingdates,namesofparticipants,issuesraisedandhowthesehavebeenaddressedwillbedocumentedandrecorded.Outbreak of infectious disease like COVID-19 may restrict consultation and stakeholderengagementwith different stakeholders. In such situations, consultationmechanismwillneed to be adapted to prevent orminimize the risk of infectious disease. For details onproject'scommunication,consultationandcitizenengagement,pleaserefertoChapter8.

4.7 InformationDisclosureFinalE&Ssafeguarddocuments,e.g.ESIA,ESMP,IEE,SA,RAP,VCDP,etc.willbedisclosedboth in theprojectwebsiteandtheWorldBank infosite forpublic.Hardcopiedof thesedocumentswillbedisclosedanddisseminatedatdifferentlevelsviz.PIE,PIU,FIUsandlocalgovernmentofficesinconsistentwiththeBank’spolicies.ThesummaryofESMFandE&Splans will be made available in Nepali language to the project offices, affected people,beneficiariesandMunicipalities/Palikas.

4.8 ConsiderationswhereComponent5(ContingencyEmegencyResponse–CERC)isactivated

TheParagraph12oftheIPFPolicy1appliesoncetheComponent5(ContingencyEmergencyResponse–CERC)istriggered.AllactivitiesfinancedthroughtheCERCaresubjecttoWorldBank safeguard policies2. The CERCwill rely asmuch as possible on the existing ESMF.However,thisESMFmaynotaddressallthepotentialenvironmentalandsocialrisksandimpacts arising in relation to the CERC. The type and nature of likely emergency andindicative listofactivities thatwillbe fundedthroughCERCcannotyetbedetermined. IfCERC is activated, this existing ESMF will either be updated, or a CERC-ESMF will be

1 Projects in Situations of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints 2 Paragraph 17 of the Bank Guidance – Contingent Emergency Response Components, October 16, 2017


preparedanddisclosed,withinthreemonthsfromthetimeCERCisactivated.Theadditionalcostsofanyneededinstruments(preparationandimplementation)shouldbeincludedinthebudgetfortheEmergencyActionPlan(EAP).TheEAP,totheextentpossible,willfocusonactivities that canbe readily implementedon thegroundandwhichwillnot result inadditionalenvironmentalandsocialrisks.TheEAPwillincludeasummaryofthesafeguardimplicationsoftheproposedactivities,and,ifneeded,listanynewsafeguardinstrument(s)to be prepared. The sequencing for completing additional safeguard activities (includingrequirementsforimplementationandmonitoring)willbedeterminedatthattime.

In the interest of delivering a rapid response in such emergency situations, the updatedESMF, or CERC-ESMF where prepared, will adopt a flexible, “adaptive management”approach.ArapidassessmentoftheenvironmentalandsocialbaselineoftheCERCactivitieswill be undertaken, based on readily available information. A phased approach toimplementationmaybeused.BasedontheEAP,theCERCactivitieswillbegroupedinto:(i)thoseactivitieswhichcanproceedassoonastheCERCisactivatedandwithnoadditionalenvironmental and social assessment; (ii) those activities which would require anenvironmental and social assessment, stakeholder consultation, and disclosure of therelevantmanagementplans(egESMP),priortoCERCactivitiescommencing.

TheupdatedESMForCERC-ESMFwilldescribe:thepotentialemergenciesandthetypesofactivitieslikelytobefinanced(positiveandnegativelist)andanevaluationofthepotentialrisks andmitigationmeasures associatedwith those activities; identify likely vulnerablegroups and/or locations and includes, where needed, a social assessment to guideemergencyresponses,suchaspotentialofexacerbatingexistingsocialconflicts.TheESMFwill include a screening process for the potential CERC activities, the institutionalarrangementsforenvironmentalandsocialduediligence,andanyneededcapacitybuildingmeasures to implement theCERC-ESMF,genericguidanceonemergencysmall scale civilworks,andanyadditionalsafeguardinstrumentswhichmayberequiredfortheCERC.

ItwillbedeterminedatthetimeofCERCactiviationwhetherMOFE,MoCTCAandNTNCwillbe retained as the implementing agency, or if a different agencywill be responsible forimplementing the CERC activities. If procurement of goods and services is required, therevisedESMForCERC-ESMFwillprovidehowthiswillbeundertaken.

AdditionaldetailsregardingCERCimplementationwillbeoutlinedinthePIMforSTENPAaswellasintheCERCImplementationManual.


E&SSafeguardPlanning

Preparation of Screening Report (ESSR) FIUs

Desk Review and Risk Categorization (FIUs)

Desk Review & Site Visit for making the Information in ESSR Consistent

Public Consultation to Identify Additional Environment and Social Issues

• Detail Technical Survey, Design and Estimates of the Mitigation Measure and Analysis of Options for Implementation

• Review DPR/Bid document by E&S expert

PIE/PIU Authorizes Budget to FIUs for Implementation

Community Based Monitoring and Evaluation (CBME)

Monitoring and Evaluation from PSC, PCC, WB, NTNC E & S Specialist and

Concerned Stakeholders

Learnings of the Sub-Project Implementation

Feedback for the Sub-Project Implementation

Im

plem

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tion

Mod

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E

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ent a

nd S

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Prep

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ESS

R

Prep

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Sub-Project Level E & S Screening

Submission of ESSR to PIU/PIE for Review and Clearance & Sharing approved ESSR to WB and other line agencies

Sharing ESSR findings at Subproject Area for preparing ESMP

Preparation and Submission of ESMP to PIE/PIUs/WB for Review& Clearance

PIE/PIUs, FIUS, Provincial and Local governments

Implementation of Mitigation Measures

Completion of Sub-Project Activities


Chapter5: ResettlementPolicyFramework

5.1 Introduction

The project supports preparation of investment plans, construction or rehabilitation oftourismrelatedphysicalinfrastructureinPAsandgatewaycitieswhichmayleadtotakingofland.ThusOP/BP4.12(WBPolicyonInvoluntaryResettlement)istriggered.However,significant social impacts from the project interventions on land acquisition andresettlement isnotexpected.Activities thatcouldhavesignificantsocialadverse impacts(See Annex 1(a): Exclusion Lists of Project Activities) will not be eligible for projectinvestment.Thefactthatmanyoftheinvestmentplansunderthetourismprojectvizlandzoningplans,integratedtourismdevelopmentplans,communitylevelsettlementplansandconstruction or renovation of physical infrastructures and facilities, which are largelyunknownatthemoment,makesitnecessarytodevelopthisRPFfortheoverallprojectwhichservesasaplanningtoolwhichshallbecompliedfullybytheprojectimplementingagencies.ThebasicpremisebehinddevelopingtheRPFistoprovidetechnicalinputsandguidancetotheprojectimplementingagenciesinidentifyingandmanagingtherisksandimpactscausedbyinvoluntaryresettlementofpeople.

ThisResettlementPolicyFramework(RPF)establishestheresettlementandcompensationprinciplesandprocedurestoaddresstheneedsofthepeoplewhoareimpactedadverselydue to involuntary resettlement. This may involve impacts triggered by land and otherpropertyacquisitionofthefamiliesresultinginlossofshelter,assetsorlivelihoods,and/orlossofproductiveresourcesbytheactivitiesundertheproject. Thispolicyframeworkisprepared in consistentwith the policy and legal framework of GoN and theWorldBankInvoluntaryResettlementPolicy(O.P4.12).

5.2 PolicyObjectivesandPrinciplesTheobjectiveoftheRPFistoensurethatadequatemeasuresaredesignedandimplementedtomakesurethataffectedfamiliesthroughlossofassetscouldimproveoratleastrestoretheir livingstandards.Possible impactsmay include lossof land(homestead,agriculture,communityland),lossofstructures(residential,commercial,community),lossoflivelihood,lossofstandingcrops/trees,lossofaccesstocommonpropertyresourcesandfacilities.

ThekeypolicyprinciplesoftheRPFareasfollows.

(i)Involuntary land acquisition and involuntary resettlement should be avoidedwherefeasible,orminimized,exploringallviablealternativeprojectdesigns;


(ii)Whereitisnotfeasibletoavoidinvoluntarylandacquisitionandresettlement,itshould be executed as sustainable development program and displacedpersonsshouldbemeaningfullyconsultedandresettled;and

(iii)Displacedpersonsshouldbeassistedintheireffortstoimprovetheirlivelihoodsand standards of living or at least to restore them, in real terms, to pre-displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of projectimplementation,whicheverishigher.

5.3 PolicyGapsandRecommendedMeasures

The Government of Nepal (GoN) has its own policies and legal requirements for landacquisition and compensation while implementing the development projects. However,thereareapparentgapsbetweenthenationalpoliciesandlegalframeworkwiththatoftheWorld Bank policies. These gaps, therefore, call for additional measures with furtherspecificationsfortheentitlementsthatmeettherequirementsoftheWorldBankpolicies.FollowingsarethemajorgapsidentifiedbetweentheBankandtheGoNlegalframework.

Table4: KeyPolicyDifferencesbetweenWorldBankandGoNLegalFramework

Description WorldBankPolicy GoNLegalProvisions

Land/propertyacquisition andcompensation

Compensation to land regardless oflegalownership.

Legal ownership is required, however,registered tenants with the Land RevenueOfficealsoacknowledged.

Compensation to all affectedstructuresincludingencroachers.

Encroachers/squattersandcustomarylandusersarenotentitledforcompensationandassistance.

Compensationamount/value

Compensation for affected assets atreplacementvalue.

Compensation determined by theCompensation Determination Committee(CDC);nationallawissilentonreplacementvalue.

R&Rassistance The displaced persons of allcategories (non-title holders) areentitledforR&Rassistance.

No provision for assistance to the projectaffected/displacedpersons to restore theirlivelihoods.

Consultations andCommunications

Free, prior, informed, consultation(FPIC) is mandatory when APsincludeindigenouspeople.

National law is silent on consultations,especially FPIC when the vulnerablegroups/IPsareaffected.

Fromtheaboveinformation,somegapsareapparentbetweentheWorldBankpolicyandtheGoNlegalprovisions.Followingsarethepolicyrecommendationstofulfillthesegapsandlimitations:

• All project affected persons who have formal legal rights to land (including

customaryandtraditionalrightslegallyrecognizedbytheGovernmentofNepal).


• Allprojectaffectedpersonsirrespectiveoflegaltitlesuchastenants,encroachers/squatterswillbeeligibleforcompensationforlossatreplacementcosts.

• All affected people should be assisted for livelihood improvement and

entitlementsshouldbeestablishedforeachcategoryoflossincludingvulnerablegroupstoregaintheassets,incomeandemployment.

• TheprojectshouldpayResettlementandRehabilitation(R&R)assistanceforall

displacedfamilies/peopleirrespectiveoflegalownershipovertheproperty.

• Alllandandnon-landassetsshouldbecompensatedatreplacementvaluewithoutdeductingdepreciation.

• This policy places emphasis on regular andmeaningful consultationswith the

affectedgroupsandmakesFPICmandatorywhenIPsareaffected.

5.4 ApproachesforObtainingLandfortheProjectDifferent approaches are practiced obtaining land in Nepal for the development works.Theseincludemainlythefollowings.

Acquisition through Formal Procedure: GoN can acquire the land through a formalprocedureasper theLandAcquisitionAct (1977).TheActempowers thegovernment toacquireanyland,onthepaymentofcompensation,forpublicpurposesorfortheoperationof any development project initiated by government institutions. The acquisition andcompensation of privately-owned land and assets are completed according to a formalprocedurewhichisbroadlyasfollows.

• PreliminaryOfficerfromtheprojectinitiatesacquisitionprocedures;• Investigationoflandforacquisition(areaselection,landsize/type,qualityofland

etc.)iscarried;• Formalacquisitionnotificationissuedtothelandowners;• Formation of Compensation Determination Committee (CDC) and land price

fixationiscompleted;• Compensationnotificationandpayment;and• Appealprocedure.

AcquisitionthroughNegotiation:Negotiatedsettlementisconsideredasanalternativetoformal expropriation proceedings. The project proponent negotiates directly with theowners over the terms of acquisition of the property deemed necessary for the publicbenefit. The owner retains the choice to either negotiate a satisfactory compensationamount or to contest eventual expropriation terms. The Land Acquisition Act (1977)includesaprovisionforacquisitionoflandthroughnegotiationsandthusprovidesspaceforvoluntarydonation.Clause27of theActstates that "notwithstandinganythingcontained


elsewhere in this Act, the Government may acquire any land for any purpose throughnegotiationswiththeconcernedlandowner. Itshallnotbenecessarytocomplywiththeprocedurelaiddowninthisactwhenacquiringlandthroughnegotiations."

WillingBuyerWillingSeller:Landacquisitioncanalsobemadebasedonwillingbuyerandwillingseller.Projectactivityshouldnotbesite-specific.TheLandinquestionmustbefreeofsquatters,encroachersorotherclaimsorencumbrances.Thewilling-buyerwilling-sellerapproachpurchasesorleasesapropertyatapricevoluntarilyagreedtobybothfutureuserandpresentownerwithoutexplicitthreatofstateexpropriationasanalternativemeansofacquisition.Theowner(s)haveapowerofchoicetorefuseproposedtransaction.

VoluntaryDonation:Insomecircumstances,landtobeusedfortheprojectisdonatedonavoluntarybasiswithoutpaymentoffullcompensation.Voluntarylanddonationisacceptableonlyiftheprojectdemonstratesthat:

• TheProjectmustnotbesite-specific.• The potential donor or donors have been appropriately informed and consulted

abouttheprojectandthechoicesavailabletothem;• Potentialdonorsareawarethatrefusalisanoption,andhaveconfirmedinwriting

theirwillingnesstoproceedwiththedonation;• Theact of donation isundertakenwithout coercion,manipulation, or any formof

pressureonthepartofpublicortraditionalauthorities;• Consultationswiththeaffectedhouseholdsareconductedinafreeandtransparent

manner;thisneedstobecompliedfullywithfree,prior,informedconsultation(FPIC)approachincasethedonorsareindigenousorvulnerablepeople;

• Theamountoflandbeingdonatedisminorandwillnotreducethedonor’sremaininglandareabelowthatrequiredtomaintainthedonor’slivelihoodatcurrentlevels;

• Nohouseholdrelocationisinvolved;• The landbeingdonatedmustbe freeof squatters,encroachers,orotherclaimsor

encumbrances.• Thedonorisexpectedtobenefitdirectlyfromtheproject;• For community or collective land, donation can only occur with the consent of

individualsusingoroccupyingtheland;• Allfamilymembers(includingspouses)mustbeawareofthedonation,tominimize

therisksofwomenusersof the landtobedonatedbeingpassedover indecision-makingonlanddonationandtherisksofcross-generationconflicts;

• Incaseofnontitleholders,thePAPswillbeconsideredaslanddonorandtheprocessshouldofferthemnecessarycompensation/astitleholder;

• Amemorandumofagreementwillbeestablishedasameansofrecordingthelocationand size of land being donated aswell as thewritten consent andnames of localwitnessesforthosecommunitymembersdonatinglandsvoluntarily.Asampleformatof land donation and agreement between donor and the project or land users isprovidedinAnnex12.


The borrower will maintain a transparent record of all consultations and agreementsreached.Allalternativeswillbeexploredtoreducetheimpactstopeopleduetolossofland,damagetostructures,livelihoods.Repairandrestorationassistancewillbeextendedtotheaffectedfamiliesaspertheentitlementmatrix.Leased Land: The project or its grant recipients may use leased land for subprojectimplementation.However,thisshouldcomplywiththeconditionsspecifiedinthecontractdocumentandsuchcontractdocumentshouldhavebeenpreparedasperthelegalprovisionofNepal.5.5 ResettlementPlanningResettlement planning involves set of actions from screening to social assessment andpreparationresettlementplanwhichwillcontributenotonlytoaddressadverseimpactstotheaffectedpeoplebutalsohelprestoreandimprovetheirlivelihoods.

Resettlementplanningundertheprojectwillfollowtheproceduresthatinvolvescreening,preparationofrelevantplans,implementationofplansandmonitoringandreporting.Thescopeandlevelofdetailoftheresettlementplanvarywithmagnitudeandcomplexityoftheprojectimpact.Thenormalprocedureswouldinvolvefollowingactivities.5.5.1 SocialScreeningEveryproposedactivitywillbesubjectedtosocialscreeningprocessbeforeitisselectedforinclusion in the project. Social screening will be undertaken at an early stage in allsubprojectswhichwillprovidenecessaryinformationonthepotentialsocialimpactslikelytobeencounteredduringimplementation.Theobjectiveofsocialscreeningistoestablishthe need to carry out any further investigation/survey/ assessment for preparation ofResettlementActionPlan(RAP)andtoprovideguidanceregardingsocialrequirementsandstepsthatneedstobetakenforaddressingtheidentifiedissues.

Socialscreeningwillbecarriedoutincloseconsultationwithvariousprimarystakeholders-beneficiaries;affectedpeople,women,vulnerableandindigenouspeople,Dalitsandotherlocal key informants. Social screening reportwill provide information as determined byscreeningchecklistpresentedinAnnex3(a).

Social screening provides first stage information about the subproject area and alsoidentifies:(i)beneficiarypopulationlivingintheareabysocialgroups(ii)landrequirementandlandavailabilityforthesubproject iii)numberof landownersadverselyaffected(iv)impactsonpoorandvulnerablegroupsincludingneedsandpriorityforsocialandeconomicbetterment,(v))risksrelatedtoGBVintermsofwomen’ssafety/security,vulnerabilityandchancesofactivitiesrelatedtosextourism,andvi)other impacts, ifany.Socialscreeningreportsarecrucialtodecidewhetherornotaparticularsubprojectshouldbeconsideredundertheproject.Aparticularsubprojectoractivitywillbeconsideredforfundingunder


the tourismprojectonly if thesocial screeningconfirms that thesubprojectdoesnot fallundertheexclusionlist(Annex1).

5.5.2 SocialImpactAssessment(SIA)Incasescreeningresultshowedadversesocialimpactstolargercommunitiesincludingtheindigenousandvulnerablepeople, theprojectwillundertakeaSocial ImpactAssessmentincorporatingsocio-economicsurveybasedon15-20%samplehouseholdsofsub-projectarea,will conduct survey for identification of the persons and their families likely to beaffected by the project or subproject. Every survey shall contain municipality or ward(Palika)/village-wiseinformationoftheprojectaffectedfamiliesasfollows.

• Informationonsocio-culturalandeconomicconditionincludinglivelihoodsofthepeopleinthesubprojectarea.

• Details on the presence of various social groups including vulnerable andindigenouspeople,theirmutualdependencesandsupports.

• Members of families who are residing, practicing any trade, occupation orvocation in the project affected area and livelihood sources taking intoconsiderationtheriskoftraditionaloccupationalandsocialreplacementresultingduetosubprojectactivities.

• Projectaffectedfamilieswhoarelikelyto losevariouspropertiesbytypesi.e.house, commercial establishment, agricultural and other land, employment,income wholly or partly from the main source of their trade occupation orvocation.

• Households losing access to private property or common property resources/naturalresources.

• Perceptions of affected families/households about compensation of their lostpropertieswiththeirchoicesforresettlement.

• PresenceofotherstakeholdersworkingintheareawhichcouldbethepotentialpartnersduringplanningandimplementationoftheprojectsuchasGovernmentagencies,INGOs/NGOs,community-basedorganizations,etc.

• IncidenceofanydomesticviolenceorGBV/SEAintheareaandmechanismsthatexist for prevention, mitigation and response on these, including NGOs/CBOsactivelyengagedintheseissues.

• Presenceoftraffickingforlaborworks,sexandanyotheractivitiesandperceptionofcommunities.

• Presence of sex tourism in the area and observation on the chances of usingtourisminfrastructureforsextourismincludingperceptionofthecommunityandwomeningeneral.

TheSIAwillhelp indetermining themagnitudeofprospective losses,better targetingofvulnerable groups, ascertainingmagnitude of the resettlement and costs, preparing andimplementingresettlementandotherplansasrequired.


5.6 ResettlementActionPlanTheResettlementActionPlan(RAP)isamajorplanningdocument,whichisbasedontheirinformationgatheredfromcensussurveyofaffectedpeopleandinventoryoflostassets.Thecontentof fullRAPshould includea statementof involuntary resettlementobjectiveandstrategy,with(i)organizationresponsibilities,(ii)communityparticipationanddisclosurearrangements; (iii) findingof thesocio-economicsurvey ; (iv) legal framework, includingeligibility criteria and entitlementmatrix; (v)mechanisms for resolution of conflicts andappeals procedures; (vi) compensation and resettlement measures; (vii) inventory,valuationof,andcompensationfor,lostassets;(vii)landownership,tenure,acquisition,andtransfer; (viii) access to training, employment, and credit; (x) shelter, infrastructure andsocial services; (xi) environmental protection and management; (xii) monitoring andevaluation; (xiii) a detailed cost estimate with budget provisions; and (xiv) animplementationschedule,showinghowactivitieswillbescheduledwithtime-boundactionsincoordinationwiththecivilworks.TheRAPshouldestablishaneligibilitycut-offdate.

Iftheimpactsareminor1,anAbbreviatedRAP(ARAP)willbeprepared.ARAPcoversthefollowingminimumelements:

• Acensussurveyofdisplacedpersonsandvaluationofassets.• Descriptionofcompensationandotherresettlementassistancetobeprovided.• Consultationwithdisplacedpeopleaboutacceptablealternatives.• Institutionalresponsibilityforimplementationandproceduresforgrievanceredress.• Arrangementsformonitoringandimplementation.• Atimetableandbudget.

Asampletableofcontents(ToC)forRAPisprovidedinAnnex6.5.7 PolicyMeasuresatOperationalLevelThepolicyaimstoresettleandrehabilitatetheaffectedpersonsinamannerthattheydonotsufferfromadverseimpactsandshallimproveoratminimumretaintheirpreviousstandardof living, earning capacity and production levels. Special attention will be paid for theimprovementsoflivingstandardsofmarginalizedandvulnerablegroups.FollowingsaretheprinciplesthatwillbefollowedinRAPpreparationandimplementation:

i) The adverse impacts of the project induced activities/interventions would be

either avoided to the extent possible or minimized. Where such impacts areunavoidable,theproject-affectedpersonsirrespectiveoftheir legaltitlewillbeassistedinregainingtheirstandardofliving.

1Impacts are considered ‘minor’ if the affected people are not physically displaced and less than 10 percent of their productive

assets are lost.


ii)Theprojectwillconsiderfeasiblealternativeprojectdesignstoavoidorminimizeinvoluntarylandacquisition,placingdueattentiontotheimpactsonthepeople,especiallythepoor,disadvantaged,indigenousandvulnerablecommunities.

iii)Underthispolicy,preferencewillbegiventoland-basedresettlementstrategies

foraffectedpersonswhoselivelihoodsareland-based.iv) In the proposed project, the absence of formal titles will not be a bar to

resettlementassistanceandrehabilitation.v) Attentionwill bepaid to theneedsof vulnerabledisplaced groups, especially

thosebelowthepovertyline,thelandlessincludingsquattersandencroachers,theelderly,womenandchildren,indigenouspeoples,ethnicminoritiesorotherdisplaced persons who are not protected through national compensationlegislation.

vi)Theprojectaffectedpeoplewillbeadequatelyconsultedandinformedabouttheir

options and rights pertaining to resettlement and are offered choices andprovidedwithtechnicallyandeconomicallyfeasibleresettlementalternatives.

vii)Consultationswillbecarriedoutandculturallyappropriatelivelihoodsupports

will be provided to the affected communities, especially the vulnerable andindigenouspeople.Affectedpeopleincludingindigenouspeoplewillbeidentifiedandassistedtoimprovetheirlivelihoods.

viii) Nophysicalworkswillbecarriedoutpriortothepaymentofcompensationat

replacementcostandotherassistancestotheaffectedpeopleinaccordancewiththispolicyframework.

ix)Grievanceredressmechanismwillbeestablishedat theproject level toensure

timelyredressalofthegrievancesandspeedyresolutionofdisputes.x)Allinformationrelatedtoresettlementpreparationandimplementationwillbe

disclosed to all concerned, and people’s participation will be ensured duringplanningandimplementationoftheproject.

xi) When possible, resettlement plans should be conceived as development

opportunities,sothatthoseaffectedbenefitfromprojectactivities.


5.8 Eligibility,AssetsValuationandEntitlements5.8.1 EligibilityTheWorldBankPolicyonInvoluntaryResettlementPolicy(O.P4.12)makesitmandatorytopaycompensationatreplacementcoststoallprojectaffectedpersonsbothtitledandnon-titledholders(i.e.squatters,encroachersandtenants)andresettlementassistanceforlostincome and livelihoods.1 In the project, the absence of formal titleswill not be a bar toresettlementassistanceandrehabilitation.However, thenon- titleholders,especially thesquattersandencroachers,willbecompensatedfortheirstructuresonlyandnotthelandwheretheyhavebeenliving.

Theprinciplesadoptedhereincontainmeasuresandassistanceforanyvulnerableaffectedperson(AP).Personsaffectedby landacquisition,andrelocationand/orrehabilitationofstructures/assets(businesses,houses,etc.)areentitledtoacombinationofcompensationmeasuresandresettlementassistance,dependingonthenatureofownershiprightsoflostassetsandscopeoftheimpact,includingsocialandeconomicvulnerabilityoftheaffectedpersons. Thus, the affected persons in the project will be entitled to various types ofcompensation and resettlement assistance that will help in the restoration of theirlivelihoods,atleast,tothepre-projectlevels.

Thecut-offdatefortitleholdersisbasedaccordingtotheLandAcquisitionAct,andfornon-titleholdersthedateofthecensussurvey.Thosewhoencroachintothesubprojectareaafterthecut-offdatewillnotbeentitledtocompensationoranyotherassistance.

5.8.2 AssetsValuationValuationofaffectedassetsiscriticalwhiledeterminingthecompensationtotheaffectedfamilies,andthiscallsforcensussurveyofallfamiliesaffected.Allassetsthatwillbeaffected,asidentifiedbythesurveyteams,willbeproperlyrecordedandverifiedinthepresenceoftheconcernedpersonsandfamilies.Thedetailedmeasurementsurveyoflandand/ornon-landassetswillbeusedfordeterminingactualimpacts,andreplacementcostsurveys(orasset valuation) will be carried out. This information will be used by CDC for thedeterminationofcompensationorusedtoinformthenegotiationoflandvaluebetweentheCDCandlandowneraspertheLAA.The valuation of affected assets will be undertaken by the District-level CompensationDetermination Committees (CDCs) of the government and the compensation will be

1Displaced persons or Project Affected persons may be classified in one of the following three groups: (a) those who have formal legal rights to land (including customary and traditional rights recognized under the laws of the country); (b) those who do not have formal legal rights to land at the time the census begins but have a claim to such land or assets--provided that such claims are recognized under the laws of the country or become recognized through a process identified in the resettlement plan, and (c) those who have no recognizable legal right or claim to the land they are occupying.


determinedonthebasisofreplacementcost.1Replacementcostisthemethodofvaluationof assets that helps determine the amount sufficient to replace lost assets and covertransactioncosts.Inapplyingthismethodofvaluation,depreciationofstructuresandassetsshouldnotbetakenintoaccount.Normally,thevaluationoflandandotherpropertieswilltakeintoaccountthefollowings.

• Market/replacementvalueoflandbytypesofland• Transaction costs involved inpurchasing land i.e. registration/ transfer feesandothercosts

• Replacementvalueofstructuresandfacilitieswithoutdeductingdepreciation• Prevailingwageratesforconstructionofstructures• Value of trees/fruits/ orchards based on the rates of concernedagricultural/forestoffices

The CDC for the project activitieswill be the district level Compensation DeterminationCommitteeconstitutedbytheGovernmentofNepalasperthelaw.TheProjectDirectororprojectstaffwillrepresenttheprojectinthecommitteeandthedecisionsofthecommitteewillbebindingtoall.Similarly,thecommitteewillalsoberepresentedfromamongthePAFsto raise voice and do negotiations during assets valuation and determining thecompensation.

5.8.3 Entitlements

TheEntitlementPolicyspecifiescompensationand/orrehabilitationmeasuresfortwounitsof entitlement; individuals (i.e. affected individuals and their households) and groups.EntitlementsforeachtypeofAPsarebasedonthetypesandlevelsoflosses.Generally,theentitlementsunderthisprojectcoverthefollowings.

• Fullcompensationoflostlandandotherassetsatreplacementvaluetothetitle

holders.Incaseofvulnerablegroup(IPs,Dalits,socio-economicallypoor,womenheadedfamily),preferencewillbegivenforlandcompensation,ifavailable,

• Resettlement and rehabilitation assistances as per the framework or RAPs asapplicable,

• Compensationtonon-titleholdersaspertheframeworkorRAPsasapplicable,• Compensationtolostlandeveniftheownershavenoformallegalrightstoland

atthetimeofthecensusbuthavearecognizablelegalrightorclaimtosuchlandorassets,and

1"Replacement cost" is the method of valuation of assets that helps determine the amount sufficient to replace lost assets and cover transaction costs. In applying this method of valuation, depreciation of structures and assets should not be taken into account.


• Compensationtothelandthathasbeenusedbyaffectedpersonsunderleasewith.

KeyDefinitions

Thefollowingdefinitionsareusedinthedocuments

Cut-offdateforeligibilitytoentitlement:Thecut-offdateforeligibilitytocompensationandassistancewouldbethedateofissuingthepreliminarynoticeundertheLandAcquisitionAct2034.Incaseswherepeoplelacktitle,thecut-off-dateshallbethedateofstartoftheCensussurveyundertakenbytheprojectauthority.Project Affected Person: AffectedPersons are thosewho stand to lose all or part of theirphysicalandnon-physicalassetsincludinghomes,productiveland,communityresources,commercialproperties;livelihood;andsocio-culturalnetwork.ProjectDisplacedperson:Adisplacedpersonisapersonwhoiscompelledtochangehis/herplaceofresidenceand/orworkplaceorplaceofbusiness,duetotheproject.VulnerableHouseholds:HouseholdsdefinedasvulnerableinVCDF.ProjectAffectedFamily(PAF):Afamilywhoseprimaryplaceofresidenceorotherpropertyor source of livelihood is adversely affected by the acquisition of land for a project orinvoluntarydisplacementforanyotherreasonWageEarner:Apersonwhoisworkingwithacommercialestablishmentorworkingasalabourinanagricultureland,whichisbeingaffectedbytheproject.Encroacher:Aperson,whohastrespassedGovernmentland,adjacenttohis/herownlandorasset,towhichhe/sheisnotentitled,andderivinghis/herlivelihoodpriortothecut-offdate.Squatter:Squatterisapersonwhoislandlessandhassettledonpubliclyownedlandwithoutpermissionandhasbeenoccupyingpubliclyownedbuildingwithoutauthoritypriortothecut-offdate.Vulnerable Person: The vulnerable person includes both socially aswell as economicallydisadvantaged persons such as Janjatis, Dalits, disabled/handicapped, woman headedhouseholds, destitute, orphans, widows, unmarried girls, abandoned women or personsabove sixty years of age;whoarenotprovidedor cannot immediatelybeprovidedwithalternativelivelihood,smallandmarginalfarmers,andlandlesswageearners.


EntitledPerson:personadversely impactedbytheprojectand isentitledtosomekindofassistanceaspertheprojectentitlementframeworkTitleholders(THs):Personswhopossesslegaldocumentsinsupportofclaimsmadetowardsownershipofstructureorlandaretitleholder.Replacement Cost: With regard to land and structures, “replacement cost” is defined asfollows:

• Foragriculturalland,itisthepre-projectorpre-displacement,whicheverishigher,marketvalueoflandofequalproductivepotentialoruselocatedinthevicinityoftheaffected land, plus the cost of preparing the land to levels similar to those of theaffectedland,plusthecostofanyregistrationandtransfertaxes.

• For houses and other structures, it is themarket cost of thematerials to build areplacementstructurewithanareaandqualitysimilartoorbetterthanthoseoftheaffected structures or to repair a partially affected structure, plus the cost oftransportingbuildingmaterialstotheconstructionsite,plusthecostofanylaborandcontractors’fees,plusthecostofanyregistrationandtransfertaxes.

Temporary Impact: Impact expectedduring implementation of theproject in the formofearth,spoil,tremors,vibrations,etc.affectedlandandstructure.


Table5: EntitlementMatrix

LossesbyType EntitledPersons/Family Entitlements ImplementationProcedures1.1Acquisitionofprivate,tenancy,orGuthiland

• Titleholder• Tenants

i) Landofequivalentsizeandquality(ifavailable),orcashcompensationatreplacementvalue.

ii) In ceaseof vulnerable groupspreference shouldbe toreplacelandforland.

iii) Any transfer costs, registration fees or charges to bebornebytheproject.

iv) Legaltenantswillbeentitledforcompensationasperthelaw.

v) Ifremaining landbecomesunviableasaresultof landacquisition,landownerwillhaveanoptiontorelinquishtheremainingparcel(s).

vi) Forlossofincomeduetolandloss,oneyearofminimumagriculturalwagesasassistancetowardslossofincome.

vii) Advancenoticeforharvestingstandingcropsandifnotpossible,paycompensationforthecroploss.

viii) Training for skill upgradation to encourage for self-employmenttorestorethelivelihood.

• A list of available ailani land in eachRM/M isrequired.

• A list of affected and entitled persons and theareaoflandlossisrequired.

• Noticetovacatewillbeservedatleast35dayspriortoacquisitiondate.

• Case-wisecompensationwillbeeitherbycashor cheque, depending on the owner’spreferences.

• Toensurefaircompensation,determinationofrateswillbeestablishednotmorethanoneyearpriortopropertyacquisition.

• Land registration in the name of both landowner and spouse (in case of land for landcompensation)

• Incaseofcashcompensation,deposited intoajoint account in the name of both land ownerandspouse.

1.2i)Lossoftenancyland

• Landownersand• Tenants

i) Boththe landlord&thetenantwillbeentitled for50percent of land compensation amount each (As per2058B.S.amendmentinLandReformAct).

ii) Non-registered tenant/renter/lease holder does notqualifyforcompensationforlandlosses;however,theywillbeentitledtocompensationforcrops.Anyupfrontcostforthetenancyagreementwillbereimbursed.

• Where a renter/leaseholder has a sharecropping arrangement, the compensationpayableshouldbeapportionedaccordingtothearrangement.

• An advance prior notice will be provided tolandlordandtenant

1.2ii)Lossofland

• Non-titleholders i) Non-titleholders with traditional land use rights andrecognizedbyGoNandwhoare inprocessofgettinglandownershiptitlewillbeprovidedcompensationforland.

ii) Resettlement assistance in lieu of compensation forlandoccupied(land,otherassets,employment)atleastto restore their livelihoodsandstandardsof living topre-displacementlevel.

• 60daysadvancenotice toshift fromoccupiedland

• CDCtodecidethestatusofsuchnon-titleholder• Assistanceinfindingalternativeland


1.2iii)LandUserestrictionontraditional,customaryorcommunitymanagedland

• Non-titleHolder i) Landofequivalentsizeandquality(ifavailable)ii) One-timegrantequivalenttothreemonthsofminimum

agriculturalwageincaseoflossoflivelihood.iii) Advancenoticeforharvestingstandingcropsandtrees

andifnotpossible,paycompensationfortheloss.iv) Alternativestorestoretheirlivehoodssuchastraining

forskillupgradation.v) Preferential involvement in project construction

works.

• Alistofavailableailanilandintheareaisrequired.

• Assistanceinfindingalternativeland.• Alistofaffectedandentitledpersonsandthe

areaoflandlossisrequired.• Inventoryoftheaffectedassetsandlivelihood

lossisrequired.

2.Temporarylossofland

• Titleholder/Non-titleholders

• Tenants

i)One-monthPriornoticebeforecivilworksallowingtheownerstosalvagetheirassetsandcrops.

ii) Compensation for any damage caused tostructure/assetsorstandingcrops(Thecontractorwillbe responsible for compensating for any temporarydamage to property business, assets, crops and treesduring civil works which will be reflected in thecontractagreement)

• Theowner/entitledpartywillsigntemporaryoccupation contract specifying: period ofoccupancy, terms and conditions forcalculationandproductionlosses,frequencyofcompensation, annual inflation adjustment,and land protection and rehabilitationmeasures.

• Contractor/developer to negotiate a contractagreement on the rental ratewith the ownerfortemporarytakingofland.

• Land shouldbe returned to the owner at theendoftemporaryacquisitionperiod,restoredtoitsoriginalconditionorimprovedasagreedwiththeowner.

3.Lossofresidential,commercial,andotherstructure

• Owner/Titleholders• Tenants• Non-titledholders

i) Compensationforfullorpartiallossatreplacementcostoftheaffectedstructure(s)tobothtitleholders/non-titleholders.

ii) Transportation allowance for residential andcommercial structures to cover actual transportationcost.

iii) Rental allowance equivalent to three months ofagriculture wage income as one-time grant to theaffectedfamilylosingresidence.

iv) Non-titleholderswillnotbeprovidedanycompensationforland,butwillbeprovidedreplacementvalueforthestructure.

• ReplacementcostatmarketvalueofstructureswillbedeterminedbytheCDCinconsultationwith local experts and compensation priceswill be finalized with participation of APrepresentativesandCUG.

• Other structures include: toilet, sheds, walls,fences,watermills,workshop,etc.

• Materialsmaybesalvagedwithnodeductionfromcompensation.

• Notice to vacate at least 35 days prior toacquisition.

• Renter/ lesseeholderwill not be entitled forcompensation of structures. However if thestructures are made by them, they will be


entitledtocompensationorwillbeaccordingtothelesseeagreement

4.Lossofcommunitystructuresand/orresources

• Theusersofthefacilityorcommunityorgroup

i) Reconstructionofsimilarfacilitiesinanequalorbetterconditionthantheywerebefore,or

ii) Cashcompensationtothelegal/communitycustodiansat full replacement cost without depreciation ofdeductionforsalvagedmaterial;or

iii) Negotiatedrelocationofsimilarfacilitiesinconsultationwiththecommunity

• The land revenue office in the district andconcerned Rural Municipality(RM)/municipalitywillberequested toassistcommunitiesforlandreplacementidentifyingtheareanearby.

5.Lossoftreesandcrops

• Owneroftheaffectedfruit/orchard

i)CashcompensationbasedonannualvalueoftheproduceandcalculatedaccordingtoDepartmentofAgriculture(DOA)norms.

ii)Threemonthsofminimumwageamounttotheaffectedfamilyagainstlossoffutureincomefromfruits/orchard

• Inventoryof theaffected treesandcropsandowner.

• Advance notice for crop harvesting. Cropsgrownaftertheissueofnoticewillneedtobecompensated.

• The works schedule should be adjustedconsidering the crop season to avoiding cropdamage.

• Owneroftheaffectedtimberandfoddertrees

iii) Cash compensation based on calculation of theproduction and calculated according to the districtnormsasdecidedbytheDepartmentofForestry

iv) Onemonthofminimumagriculturewageamounttotheaffectedfamilyasassistanceagainstlossofincome.

• Ownersandsharecroppersofaffectedcrops

v)CashcompensationbasedonlocalmarketpricesfortheproduceofoneyearandcalculatedasperthenormsofDistrictAgricultureDevelopmentOffice

vi) 50% cash compensation of the lost crop for thesharecroppers/legaltenant(Mohi)

vii)Non-titledpersonswillbe informed6monthsprior toconstructionorprovidecompensationforcrops.

6.Businessdisruptionlossescompensation

• Permanentbusiness(Shops/trade/otherbusiness)

• Ithasbeenassumedthattherewillbenofullclosureofthebusiness/shopsduetotheprojectactivitiesduringconstruction/rehabilitation period. As a result, onlypartial disruption to some businesses is expected. Aonetime grant equivalent to one week’s earning (Rs.2000.00X7days)=Rs.14000.00shallbecompensatedatminimumtothoselosingincomefromshops/trade.

7.Lossofeconomicopportunity

• Personsinthesubprojectvicinitywhomaybeaffectedadverselybutmaynotloseassets

i) Preferentialinvolvementinprojectconstructionworksii) Skillstrainingsupportforeconomicrestorationiii) One-timegrantequivalenttothreemonthsofminimum

agriculturalwageincaseoflossoflivelihood.


8.Landdonation

Voluntarylanddonationisacceptedonlyif:i) ThePAFhavebeen

appropriatelyinformedandconsultedabouttheproject,rightsandthechoicesavailabletothem

ii) TheamountoflandbeingdonatedisminorandwillnotreducethePAF’sremaininglandbelowthatrequiredtomaintainthedonor’slivelihoodatcurrentlevels

iii) Nohouseholdisrelocationisinvolved;

iv) Thedonorisexpectedtobenefitdirectly;

v) Alladultfamilymembershaveagreedtodonate;

vi) PAFareawarethatrefusalisanoption,andhaveconfirmedinwritingtheirwillingnesstoproceedwithdonation

vii) Landisfreefromdisputesregardingownershiportenure.

i) Nocompensationforthedonatedland,butentitledforcompensationofotherassetssuchasminorstructure,trees,crops,allowances,etc.

ii) Transferoflandownership

iii) Freeofanytransfercosts,registrationfeesorcharges

• Verifytherequirementsofthedonation• Carryoutduediligenceontheownersandusers

oflanddonated:identifyrightfulowner(s);anycompeting claims of ownership or use;structures and assets on the land; anyencumbrancesontheland.

• Ensureappropriateconsultationanddisclosure• Establish informed consent of the person

donatingland• Signwrittencommitment; localwitness(es)or

third-party verification to the commitmentletter

• Maintain a transparent record of allconsultationsandagreementreached.

9.Assistancetovulnerablegroups

AffectedfamiliesfromvulnerablegroupsasdefinedintheVCDF

i) One-timefinancialassistanceincaseofloss;orii) Skilltrainingandincomegenerationsupportiii) Preferentialaccesstoprojectconstructionand

maintenanceemploymentopportunities.


5.9 Consultations,ParticipationandDisclosure5.9.1 ConsultationsandParticipation

Consultations are the corner stone for successful planning and implementing the socialmanagementplansvizSMPs,RAPs,VCDP,GAP,etc.

Thissectionoutlinestheconsultationmechanism,particularlyforthepreparationofRAPand its implementation.Publicconsultationwill includeboth localgovernmentsandcivilsocietywhere the affected peoplewould be regularly providedwith information on theprojectandtheresettlementprocesspriortoandduringthepreparationforresettlementactions.Thesectionbelowdetailsthemeasurestobeundertakenandthemechanismsofconsultationandparticipationwillincludemainlythefollowings:

• Public meetings in the project area, especially with the affected families/communities;

• Interviews/surveyswith the affectedhouseholds/families todetermine thelosses/impacts;

• Focus group discussions with the affected groups viz owners of affected;properties,theirperceptionsaboutcompensationandresettlement;

• Information/awarenesscampaignsthroughdifferentmedias;• Interactionswithlocalgovernmentbodiesi.e.Palikaoffices/districtofficesas

necessary;and• Grievance handling and management: For grievances coming from the

communityandotherstakeholders,drop-inboxesshouldbemadeaccessibleinpubliclyaccessiblelocationsandothermediums(suchasphonecalls,onlineplatformandotherlocallyaccessiblecommunicationchannels).

Consultationsshouldbeundertakentoenablemaximumparticipationoftheaffectedpeoplewheretheycanraisetheirconcerns.PAPs’participationshouldalsobeensuredduringfinalassessmentofcompensation,resettlementandmonitoring. Detailsoftheseconsultationsincludingdates,namesofparticipants,issuesraisedandhowthesehavebeenaddressedwillbedocumentedinthesubprojectSMPs/RAPs.

Consultation is critical for resettlement planning, but outbreak of infectious disease likeCOVID-19 require the public to exercise specific measures such as social distancing topreventspreadofdisease.Thiscouldhavesignificantimpactonprojecttimelines.Insuchsituation, the PIE will assess the level of consultation required, including loction andcategoriesofstakeholders.Basedontheassessementdifferentchannelsofcommunicationswillbeconsideredconsideringtheneedforsocialdistancing.

Fordetailsonproject'scommunication,consultationandcitizenengagement,pleaserefertoChapter8.


5.9.2 InformationDisclosure

InconsistentwiththeBank’spolicies,thesummarizedreportsofResettlementActionPlansincluding ESMFwill bemade available inNepali language to the project offices, affectedpeopleandbeneficiaries.LocalNGOsandpublicofficesintheprojectsitewillbeprovidedcopyofESMFbyPIE.ThedraftandfinalESMFandtheRAPwillbedisclosedinthewebsitesof (WorldBank Infoshop andprojectwebsite) and concernedMunicipalities/Palikas andpublicplaces.For all activities under the project, information will be disseminated to beneficiaries atvarious stages. In the initial stage, the project office will be responsible for informingpotential stakeholders/affected parties/persons (APs) and the general public about landacquisition requirements through leaflets and publication in local media outlets andnewspapers.Theprojectwithsupport fromitssiteofficeswillconductconsultationsanddisseminate information to all beneficiaries during the initial stages to create awarenessabouttheprojectandinformthepeopleaboutprojectimpactsandmitigationmeasures.


Chapter6: VulnerableCommunityDevelopmentFramework

6.1 IntroductionTheprojectwillmakeinvestmentindiversenature-basedtourismdevelopmentactivitiesinthe defined project areas where majority of the beneficiaries may be underserved,vulnerable andmarginalized. It is expected that therewould be Indigenous Peoples (IP)communities present in the project destinations. TheWorld Bank’s OP 4.10 (IndigenousPeoples)isthereforetriggered.Giventhatthesubprojectsitesarenotknownatthemoment,Vulnerable CommunityDevelopment Framework (VCDF) has been prepared in linewithdomestic and World Bank safeguard policies to guide the preparation of VulnerableCommunityDevelopmentPlans(VCDP)foreachdestinationtoensurenegativeimpactsonthesecommunitiesarereducedandpositivebenefitsareenhanced.During implementation, the project may affect indigenous and vulnerable people andcommunitiesbothpositivelyandadversely.While thepositive impactswill contribute tobringimprovementinthelivelihoodsofthevulnerablepeople,theadverseimpactswillleadtofurtherimpoverishmentofthesepeople.Notonlythis,theinterventionsmayalsoresultindiscriminatoryimpactscausingfurtherhardshipsanddifficultiesinthelivelihoodsofpoorand vulnerable groups including indigenous people and Dalits, if the projectactivities/intervention are not aligned well with their needs and aspirations. Similarly,womenindevelopingcountrieslikeNepalalsofallunderthevulnerablecategorybecauseofprevailing discriminatory traditional/customary/religious practices hindering theirupliftment; their lack of access to basic public services such as education, health andemployment;andtheiroverallbackwardnessinthecontextofprevailingpatriarchalsociety.ThepurposeofVCDFistodevelopsystematicprocedureofidentifyingproject'simpactsonvulnerable people and develop mechanism for meaningful consultations, participation,informationdisclosureaswellasdeployingstrategicmeasurestoaddresstheimpacts.Theframework also provides measures to develop culturally appropriate assistances andsupportstothetargetgroupsinaccordancewiththeirprioritiesandneeds.Thisframeworkisbasedonthenationalpolicies/strategiesaswellastheWorldBank’sIndigenousPeoplesPolicy(OP4.10).Theprincipalobjectivesoftheframeworkareto:

• Ensurethatprojectbenefitsareaccessibletothevulnerablecommunitiesoftheprojectarea;

• Avoidadverseimpactsonvulnerablecommunitiesandifunavoidableensurethatadverseimpactsareavoidedtotheextentpossible,ifunavoidable,ensurethattheadverseimpactsareminimizedandmitigated;

• Ensurethattheprojectengagesinfree,prior,andinformedconsultationwithaffected Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable communities leading tobroadercommunitysupportfortheproject;


• Ensure vulnerable peoples’ participation in the process of preparation;implementationandmonitoringofthesub-projectactivities;

• Ensure enhanced use of indigenous knowledge, skills and technology asappropriate during subproject designs and use appropriatemeasures/technologiestopreserveandimproveindigenousknowledge;and

• Minimizefurthersocialandeconomicimbalanceswithincommunities.6.2 LegalFrameworkandPoliciesBoththeGovernmentofNepal(GoN)aswellastheWorldBankhavetheirrespectivepoliciesandframeworkthataredesignedtosafeguardtheindigenousandvulnerablepeoplefromgetting exposed to higher risks and vulnerabilities while implementing developmentprojects. The constitution of Nepal promotes cultural diversity and puts emphasis onenhancingskills,knowledgeandrightsofIndigenouspeopleandothervulnerablegroups.The National Foundation for the Upliftment ofAdivasi/JanajatisAct, 2058 (2002) is theformalentity recognizedby theGovernment tohear thevoicesof indigenouspeopleandaddressthemproperly.Eversinceitsexistence,thefoundationhascomeacrosslongwayincraftingandreformingpoliciesandlegalprovisionsforthecombinedinterestsofindigenouspeople.TheNationalHumanRightsActionPlan2005,theEnvironmentProtectionAct2019,and the Forest Act 1993 have also placed emphasis on the protection and promotion ofvulnerablegroupsingeneralandIPs’knowledge,andculturalheritageinparticular.In1999,theLocalSelf-GovernanceActwasamended todevolvemorepower to the localpoliticalbodies, including authority to promote, preserve, and protect the IPs’ language, religion,culture,andtheirwelfare.

The World Bank policy on indigenous people is aligned with poverty reduction andsustainabledevelopmentensuringthatthedevelopmentprocessfullyrespectsthedignity,human rights, economies, and cultures of indigenous peoples. For all projects that areproposedforBankfinancingandaffectindigenouspeoples,theBankrequirestheborrowertoengageinaprocessoffree,prior,andinformedconsultation.TheBankrecognizesthattheidentitiesandculturesofIndigenousPeoplesareinextricablylinkedtothelandsonwhichthey live and the natural resources onwhich they depend. These distinct circumstancesexposeIndigenousPeoplestodifferenttypesofrisksandlevelsofimpactsfromdevelopmentprojects,includinglossofidentity,culture,andcustomarylivelihoods,aswellasexposuretodisease. According to World Bank, indigenous peoples are frequently among the mostmarginalizedandvulnerablesegmentsof thepopulation.Becauseof this, theireconomic,social,andlegalstatusoftenlimitstheircapacitytodefendtheirinterestsandrightstolands,territories,andotherproductiveresources,and/orrestrictstheirabilitytoparticipateinandbenefitfromdevelopment.


6.3 IndigenousPeopleandVulnerableGroupsinNepalGoN’s Constitution identifies economically poor, socially or culturally backwardwomen,Dalits, Janajatis, Khas Aryas, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, minorities, marginalized,endangeredcommunities,gender-basedandsexuallyorientedminoritiesandthedisabledor thosewhoarephysicallyormentally incapacitatedor citizensofbackwardregionsasvulnerable groups and has special provisions for the protection, empowerment oradvancementofthesegroups.

InNepal, thetermindigenouspeople(Adibasi)equateswithethnicgroups(Janajati).TheconstitutionofNepalrecognizesindigenouspeopleasJanajatisorNationalities.TheNationalFoundation for the Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFDIN) has definedindigenous people as ‘those ethnic groups or communities who have their ownmothertongue and traditional customs, distinct cultural identity, distinct social structure andwrittenororalhistoryoftheirown’.Basedonthisdefinition,NFDINhasidentified59groupsinNepalasethnicindigenousgroupsornationalities.

Table6: PresenceofIndigenousGroupsbyRegions

Regions IndigenousGroups Tota

lNo.Mountain Barah Gaunle, Bhote, Byansi, Chhairontan, Dolpo, Larke, Lhomi (Shingsawa), Lhopa,

Marphali,Mugali,Siyar,Sherpa,Tangbe,Thakali,Thudam,TopkegolaandWallung.17

Hills Baramo,Bhujel,Chepang,Chhantyal,Dura,Fri,Gurung,Hayu,Hyolma,Jirel,Kusunda,Lepcha, Limbu, Magar, Newar, Pahari, Rai, Sunuwar, Surel, Tamang, Thami, Kumal,YakkhaandTinGaunleThakali.

24

InnerTerai

Bankaria,Bote,Danuwar,Darai,Majhi,RajiandRaute. 7

Terai Dhanuk (Rajbanshi), Dhimal, Gangai, Jhangad, Kisan, kushubadia, Meche, Rajbanshi(Koch)Satar(Santhal),TajpuriaandTharu.

11

Total 59Source:NFDIN,IndigenousNationalitiesBulletin(Issue3)2005.

Indigenous peoples have their wide presence in many districts of Nepal. Among theidentified groups, the highest 24 groups have settled in hills followed by 17 groups inmountain,11groupsinTeraiand7groupsininnerTerai.Adhibasi/Janajati among themselves are diverse groups who also differ considerably interms of socio-economic conditions. NFDIN has further classified these groups in fivedifferentcategoriesmainlybytheirlivelihoodsoreconomicconditions.AccordingtoNFDIN,theseconstitutethefollowings:

i) EndangeredgroupsvizBankariya,Kusunda,Kushbadia,Raute,Surel,Hayu,Raji,

Kisan,Lepcha,Meche(10groups)


ii) HighlymarginalizedgroupsvizSanthal,Jhangad,Chepang,Thami,Majhi,Bote,Dhanuk(Rajbansi),Lhomi(Singsawa),Thudamba,Siyar(Chumba),Baramu,Danuwar(12groups)

iii) MarginalizedGroupsvizGangai,Dhimal,Bhote,Darai,Tajpuria,Pahari,Dhokpya(Topkegola),Dolpo,Magal,Larke(Nupriba),Lhopa,Dura,Walung(20groups)

iv) DisadvantagedGroupsvizJirel,Tangbe(Tangbetani),Hyolmo,Limbu,Yakkha,Rai,Chhantyal,Magar,Chhairotan,TingaunleThakali,Bahragaunle,Byansi,Gurung,MarphaliThakali,Sherpa(15groups)

v) AdvancedGroupsvizNewar,Thakali(2groups)Inadditiontotheindigenousgroups,therearealsosubstantialnumbersofothergroupsthatarenotincludedintheindigenouscategorybutidentifiedbytheGoNasmarginalizedgroups,e.g.,DalitsandMadhesis.TheNationalDalitCommissiondefinesDalitsasmostdeprivedsocial groups in the country, comprising some13%of the totalpopulation.Recently, thegovernmenthaspassedNationalDalitCommissionAct,2074(2017)whichwasadoptedtoprotect,preserveandpromotethehumanrightsandinterestsoftheDalitcommunityandtoreducediscriminationderivedfromcaste-basedbias.

The2001censushaslisted15differentDalitcastes,whiletheNationalDalitCommissionin2002 prepared a schedule of 28 social groups.Dalits generally tend to lag behind othergroupsineveryhumandevelopmentindicator,aswellasintermsofrepresentationinstatemechanisms.Countrywide,about4.5millionDalitsareestimatedtolivebelowthepoverty.Thestatusofwomen,childrenandgirlsamongDalitsareparticularlyworse.

Table7: DalitCommunitiesofNepal

HillGroup NewarGroup TaraiGroupBadi, Chunar, Damai,Gaine, Kadara, Kami,Parki, Sarki, Sunar (9groups)

Chyame, Kasai, Kuche,Kusule,Pode(5groups)

Bantar, Chamar, Chidimar,Dhainr,Dom,Dusadh,Gothe,Halkhar, Jhangad, Khatawe,Lohar, Musahar, Paswan,Tatma(14groups)

Source:NationalDalitCommission,2002Othervulnerablecommunitycouldbethecommunitieswhoarecommonlywomenheadedhouseholds,landless,marginalfarmerslivingbelowsubsistencelevelandoftenex-kamaiyas(bondedlaborers).Moreover,thesegroupshavenoorlimitedaccesstopublicresources,andtheyalmostneverparticipateinnationalplanning,policy,anddonotparticipateindecisionmakingprocessesorindevelopmentinitiatives.Asaresult, theirriskoffallingbelowtheincomepovertylineisextraordinarilyhigh.


DifferentindigenousgroupslivingthethepriorityprojectdestinationsareGurung,Thakali,Loba,Lama,MagarinAnnapurnaandManasluConservationAreas.IncaseofthebufferzoneofNationalParks,Tharusarethepredominantindigenousgroups.

6.4 PotentialRisksandImpacts6.4.1 BeneficialImpactsThe project will have positive impacts to the local people including the indigenous andvulnerablegroupsoftheprojectarea.Inmostsubprojectsitesofthetourismprojectwhereproject interventionsaremade, the localpeople including thevulnerableand indigenouspeople will realize the benefits as these groups tend to be the direct beneficiaries. Thebeneficialimpactsoftheprojectwilloccurindifferentwaysasoutlinedbelow.

• Improvedaccesstotransportfacilitiesintheconservationareas,parksandthe

bufferzones;• Increased employment and income opportunities generated by project

activitiesincludingcivilworksviztrails/trekkingroutes,suspensionbridge,lastmile roads, localmarketdevelopmentandotherpublic tourismrelatedconstructionworks;

• Increasedopportunitiesforproductionandmarketingoflocalfarmandoff-farmproducts.Inlongrun,increasedflowoftouristsandincreasedgrowthofhotels/restaurantswillcreatedemandsoflocalproducts;

• Increasedlandvalueduetoimprovedaccessibilityi.e.trails,road,bridgesandotherfacilitiescreatedbytheproject;

• Increased opportunities for business/ trade of local as well as non-localproductsandmaterialsaswellasseveralservicesandfacilities;

• Increasedopportunitiestopromoteculturaltourismutilizingtherichculturesand traditions of the indigenous people viz Gurung, Thakali, Loba, Lama,Magar,Tharu,etc.;and

• Capacitybuildingoflocalpeopleandusergroupstoengageintourismrelatedservicesandproducts,economicempowermentduetoenterpriseintourismrelatedvalue-chain,increasedaccesstomarketsandfinance,accreditationofbusiness,businessdevelopmentservices.

6.4.2 AdverseImpactsandMitigationThesubprojectactivitiesandinterventionsarenotexpectedtocauselonglastingadverseimpacts to the IPs and VCs. Nonetheless, following negative risks and impacts areanticipated:

• Riskofexclusionduetolackofinformationandvoice,socialdiscrimination,lowliteracy,remoteness,language;


• Risk related to gender-based violence and low-cost labor exploitation due totourisminfrastructureandservices;

• Lossof intangibleand tangible culturalheritage (their sharedbeliefs, customs,values,languageanddialects),lossofindigenousknowledgeandpractices;

• Impactonculturalassimilationandcommunityaspirations;and• Disruptionofcustomaryrightsofuseandaccesstolandandnaturalresources.

6.5 Indicative Issues, Mitigation and Approaches for Vulnerable CommunityDevelopment

Fromtheplanningperspective,thefollowingvulnerablegroupsareidentifiedatthisstagefromthesixdestinationsoftheproject.

• Indigenous Peoples – Bhote, Sherpa, Thakali, Chhantyal, Lepcha, Gurung, Jirel,Magar,Newar,Thami,Sunuwar,Bote,Majhi,Raji,Tharu

• EndangeredGroups–Raji• HighlyMarginalizedGroups–Majhi,Bote,RanaTharu• MarginalizedGroups–Lepcha,Bhote• DisadvantagedGroups–Tangbe,Magar,Thakali, Bahragaunle,Gurung,Marphali

Thakali• Dalits–Badi,Chunar,Damai,Gaine,Kadara,Kami,Parki,Sarki,Sunar,Musahar• Madhesi• Womenheadedhouseholds• Landlessandmarginallandholders

Table8: Indicative Issues and Activities for Vulnerable Community Development ofSTENPAProject

SN ProjectImpacts Barriers Mitigation/EnhancementMeasures

Responsibility

ProjectComponent1–ImprovingDestinationManagement,PlanningandCoordination

1 PossibleexclusionofVCs/IPsandwomenduringplanningprocess,exclusionoftheirpriorities,needsandconcernsinNBTplans

LackofinformationaboutthisprojectactivityLowlevelofknowledgeLanguagebarrierCulturaltaboos/barriers

DetailedsocialmappingandidentificationofIPsandothervulnerablegroupsindestinations.Incorporateamechanismtoensuretheirmeaningfulparticipation,FPICinplanninganddecisionmaking.InvolvelocalfacilitatorswhocanspeakthelocallanguageandculturalpracticesoftheIPsandothervulnerablegroups.

PIUandPIE,FIUs


IP/VCbasednetworksidentifyandmobilize.Educationandawareness.EnsureproportionalrepresentationofIPsandotherVCsinlocallevelcommitteesandinstitutions,DMOs,Provinciallevelcommitteesthroughguidelinesandstandards.

ProjectComponent2-EnhancingAccessInfrastructure,EnvironmentalManagementandTourismFacilitiesforDiversification

2 Riskofexclusionfromplanninganddesignofpublicinfrastructuresandservicesinthedestinationsandgatewaysresultinglackofownership,benefitstothecommunity

LackofinformationSocialandculturalnormsWeakimplementationofpoliciesandguidelines

Ensuremeaningfulconsultations,FPICduringplanninganddesigntoaccommodatetheaspirationsandneedsoftheIPsandthevulnerablegroups.Targetedinformationdisseminationandoutreach.

PIUandPIE

3 Lossofaestheticvalueofthecommunitywithimplicationonculturalheritage

Lackofguidelinesandstandardswithrelevantrequirementsrelatingtoculturalheritageinconstruction

Mappingofculturalheritage(bothtangibleandintangible).Incorporatinginthedesign.Reviewandrevisedstandardsandguidelines.

PIUandPIEContractor

4 Missedjobopportunities

LackofskillsLackofinformation

Targetedinformationdisseminationandoutreach.Linktoprime-minister’syouthemploymentprogramtoidentifylocallyunemployedpopulation.Linkwithvariousdevelopmentprogramworkingskilldevelopmentprogram.

PIUandPIE

Component3-Upgrading nature-based tourism quality standards and promoting local communities’ participation


5 PossibleexclusionofstudentsbelongingtoVC/IPgroupsingettingaccesstointernshipopportunitiespotentiallygivingtotheconditionofyouthdiasporatodifficultforeignjobs

Students/youthsfromVC/IPgroupsareofteningreaterfinancialburdentosupporttheirfamily,repaydebts,etc.leadingtoseclusiontothewidersociety(education,joboptions)Limitednetworksandinformationchannelsforinternships

EnsureVCandIPsaretargetedinpaidinternshipprogramme.Partnershipwithhospitality/tourismrelatedacademiatosetIP/VCandwomeninternshipquota.Maintaindisaggregateddata.

PIUandPIEFIUBDS,trainingfirms

6 PossibleexclusionofVCsingettingaccesstoskillstrainingwhichmayfurtherleadtosocialbias/disparityandtheirfurtherbackwardness

LackofinformationSocialCulturalnorms

Targetedinformationanddisseminationandoutreach.Ensureinclusiveselectioncriteriaandprocess.SetquotasforIPsandVCsparticipation.


7 PossibleexclusionofVCsinoperatingNBTenterprise/business

NodestinationspecificconcessionairemechanisminplacethatisalsoconduciveforcommunityinvestmentLackofinformationSocialCulturalnorms

PositivediscriminationstrategiesforVCs:subsidies,supportforproposalwritings,facilitatedregistrationandcertification,etc.SetquotasforIPsandVCs.TargetedtechnicalsupporttotheIPsandVCstoupgradetheircapacitytomeettheeligibilityforBDSservices.SocialAwarenesscampaigns.


8 NocapacityinVCstodevelopinnovationbusinessmodels/products,TCTsolutions,webplatformswillfurtheraggravatesocialinequality

LowliteracyLackofknowledgeandskillLimitedaccesstoITfacilitiesLackofentrepreneurshipskills

TargetingBDSservices.Knowledgesharing.Formationofplatformsoruseofexistinggroups/networksforpeersupportwithtechnicalsupportfromBDS.



6.6 ImpactAssessmentProcedureTheprojectdestinationsidentifiedforsupportsareAnnapurnaandManasluConservationAreasandRaraNationalParkinhillsandmountainsandBanke,BardiaandShuklaPhantaNationalParksintheWesternTerai.Giventhepredominationofindigenouspeopleintheseareas,theVCDPswillbepreparedforprioritydestinationlevel.FollowingprocedureswillbeappliedinpreparingVCDPs.

i) SocialScreeningSocial screening is the initial stage action to determine the magnitude of impacts onindigenous and vulnerable groups by project activities. The screening will also provideinformationaboutthepotentialdamage/lossofcommunitystructures/facilities,culturalandheritagesites.AsamplescreeningchecklistfortheidentificationofvulnerablepeopleisprovidedinAnnex13.

ii) SocialAssessment

For each project destination, the project requires to undertake a comprehensive socialassessment.Theassessmentisasystematicprocesstoidentifyvulnerablegroups,evaluatethe project's potential positive and adverse effects on these people and explore designalternativeswhereadverseimpactsaresignificant.TheSAprocessinvolvesvariousmethodsof information collection such as social mapping, socio-economic survey, focused groupdiscussionswithvariousstakeholders,etc.FreePriorInformedConsultation(FPIC)willbecarriedwiththeIndigenousPeoplesthatresultinbroadcommunitysupporttotheproject.Thesignificanceoftheimpactsoftheprojectactivitiesonvulnerablecommunitieswillbedeterminedbyassessingthemagnitudeofimpactintermsof(a)customaryrightsofuseandaccesstolandandnaturalresources,(b)socio-economicstatus;(c)culturalandcommunalintegrity;(d)health,education,livelihood;(e)thelevelofvulnerabilityoftheaffectedgroup(SeeAnnex7forToCforSA).

iii) PreparationofVCDP

VCDPwillbepreparedbasedonthefindingsfromSocialAssessment.TheVCDPwillincludemitigationmeasuresofpotentialnegative impacts throughmodificationofprojectdesignand development assistance to enhance distribution of project benefits. It will take intoconsiderationaspirationsandneedsofIPsandvulnerablegroups.Incaseoflandacquisitionorstructurallossesinvulnerablecommunities,theprojectwillensurethattheirrightswillnotbeviolatedandthattheywillbecompensatedfortheuseofanypartoftheir landorpropertyinamannerthatissociallyandculturallyacceptabletothem.ThecompensationmeasureswillfollowtheRPFoftheproject(SeeAnnex8forindicativeToCforVCDP).


iv) DisclosureofVCDP

TheimplementingagencyisresponsibleforthedisclosureoftheframeworkaswellastheVCDP.Itshouldalsobeensuredthatthedocumentsareavailabletotheaffectedindigenousandvulnerablecommunitiesinanappropriateform,manner,andlocallanguage(Nepaliandother),ifrequired.ThehardcopiesoftheframeworkandplansshouldbedisclosedatPIE,unitofficesandprojectofficesaswellasinthecommunities.Similarly,thesoftcopieswillneedtobedisclosedinthewebsiteofthePIEaswellasintheinfoshopoftheBank.

6.7 GenderDevelopmentFramework 6.7.1 OverviewTheGenderDevelopmentFramework(GDF)outlinesthespecificgenderissuesandindicatescorrespondingstrategies/interventionmeasurestoaddresstheissuesunderthetourismproject. Thiswill help ensure increasedwomen’sparticipation and gainoptimal benefitsfromproject activities.Themajor toolsused to identifyanddealwithgender issuesare:gender analysis, incorporation of gender issues in project design, gender-sensitiveconsultations, and gender related activities and indicators. Gender analysis will be anintegralpartoftheinitialsocialassessmentcarriedoutaspartofthesafeguardscreeningandsocialplanning.Allsocialissuesidentifiedatthescreeningstageincludinggenderissuesofthesubprojectareawillbeassessedduringthepreparationofthesubprojectinvestmentsplans,adequatelyaddressedduringimplementation,monitoredandreported.

Thenature-basedtourismdevelopmentprojectoffersamplescopetoabsorbsizablenumberof women and men through the generation or expansion of diverse income generatingactivitiesinthesubprojectsites.Incaseoftourism,especiallyonmountaintrekkinginACAandMCA,womenofindigenousgroups,namelyBhote,Sherpa,Thakali,Chhantyal,Lepcha,Gurung, Jirel, Magar, Newar, Thami, Sunuwar, Bote, Majhi, Raji are traditionally the keyactorsplayingimportantroleinhotelandhomestaybusinessandthereareopportunitiestodiversifyandexpandtheirbusinessinfuture.Similarly,TharuwomenlivinginthebufferzonesofBanke,BardiaandShuklaPhantaNationalParkscouldbeinvolvedasentrepreneursinoperatingtourismbasedsmallandmediumenterprises.InthecaseofRaraNationalPark,thosebelowpovertyandhighlyexcludedgroupswillbebenefitedfromtheproject.Inordertotapthesepotentials,gender-informedapproacheswillbemainstreamedinthedesignandimplementation of the project taking into account different needs and opportunities forwomen, men, and the youth. The project activities, particularly those targeted atcommunities living within the targeted protected areas, will be geared largely towardswomenofindigenousgroupstotheextentpossible.


6.7.2 GoNPoliciesandLegislationsonGenderEquityandWomenThe government has made notable efforts with regard to gender equality and women’sempowerment.TheConstitutionofNepal2015isamajordepartureinthisdirection.Article43oftheconstitutiondealswiththerightsofwomenthatincluderightstolineage,righttosafematernityandreproduction,rightagainstallformsofexploitation,andequalrightsinfamilymattersandproperty.TheGenderEqualityAct,2006brought tangible changes inlawsrelatedtosexualviolenceagainstwomen.Alsoimportantisthe2009DomesticViolence(CrimeandPunishment)Act,whichforthefirsttimerecognizesdomesticviolenceasacrimepunishablebylaw.TheNationalWomenCommissionistheconstitutionalbodyestablishedto protect the issues of women and help them fight against all kinds of problemsencountered.

TheGovernmentofNepalisworkingtoincorporategenderequalityinallitsdevelopmentpoliciesandprogramsattemptingtopromotewomen'sparticipationandrepresentationinpolitical, social, economic and professional domains. The government's efforts are wellreflected by some key policy measures viz gender parity in work, gender responsivebudgeting, equalwage forequalworks, etc.Thedonor fundeddevelopmentprojectsandINGOs/NGOs working in the country are also apparently implementing their activitiesplacingdueemphasisongenderwithaffirmativeactionstoempowerwomeninmanycases.

TourismpolicyNepal (2008) underlines about sharing benefits from tourismamong thedisadvantagedgroupsofsocietyincludingwomen.Thepolicyfurtherhighlightsonfosteringruraltourismactivitiesledbywomenorwomengroups.

Also,Nepal’s Tourism Strategic Plan (2016-2025) has identifiedwomen as key actors indestination communities on the ground that women play roles as caretakers of bothhouseholdsandcommunitiesatlarge.16.7.3 GenderIssues/BarriersandInterventionsRequiredGenderissuesareverycommonandwidespreadatalllevelsandsocieties.InNepal'scase,gender issues normally occur in several forms and, quite often, remain the underlyingreasonsaffectingadverselythepsychosocialconditionandproductivityofwomen.Theseissues,nomatterhowserioustheyare,alsogetentrenchedfarandwideandaredifficulttobeidentifiedandaddressedataoneeffort.Manyoftheissuesrequiremultipleinterventionsatvariedlevelsbackedupbylegalreforms.

1 Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. 2016. National Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025. Kathmandu: Government of Nepal, p. 184.


Table9: GenderandDevelopmentFramework

Issues Strategy ProposedActivities/Indicators ResponsibilityComponent1:Improvingdestinationmanagement,planningandcoordinationDifficultyinfollowingformalprocesses1serveasaconstrainttotakefulladvantageofopportunitiesinthetourismvalue-chain.

Understandtheopportunitiesforincreasedparticipation,employmentandotherbenefitstowomenincludingIPandethnicwomen.

Carryoutagenderassessmentaspartofsocialassessmenttoidentifykeygendergaps,opportunitiesaspartoftheproject.

PIE+FIU

Underrepresentationandparticipationindecisionmakingwithpatriarchicanddiscriminatoryvaluesagainstwomeninmanycommunities,especiallyinruralareas

Enhancewomenrepresentation/participationinkeydecisionsmakingsingroups/committees.

Increasewomenrepresentation/participationingroups/committeesmandatorily(atleast33%).

PIE+FIU

Mendominatethesectorandwomenholdonlyasmallproportionofhigherendtourismjobsintermsofincome,decision-makingandpositions,resultingtolimitedaccesstoandcontroloverresources.

Engagewomenbeneficiaries,womenledtourismenterprises,womeninprivatesectors.

Consultwomenbeneficiaries,womenledtourismenterprises,womeninprivatesectorsandrepresent(atleast33%)theminconsultations,planningandbudgetingforNBTinvestments,andinpreparationofDVIPinprojectdestinations.

PIE+FIU

Nepal’stourismpolicies,strategiesanddestinationmanagementplanslackexplicitattentiontogenderequality.

ConsidergenderrelatedimplicationsandadoptgenderprovisionsintotheNationalTourismPolicyandregulations.

Reviewthepolicies,strategiesandplansfromgenderlensandincorporategenderfriendlyprovisions.

PIE+PIU

Lackofdataandstudiesavailableonthepositionofwomeninthetourismvaluechainandtheirvalueaddition.

Strengthennationalstatisticswithdisaggregateddata.

Collectsexdisaggregateddata. PIU+PIE+FIU

Limitedaccesstoandcontrolover

Encouragewomentoown

Conductawarenessprogramsforwomenbeneficiaries.

PIE+FIU

1 Such as lengthy paper works for registration and/or licensing, lack of subsidies, difficulty in accessing finance, lack of information on market, and other business development services, and lack of skilled human resources


Issues Strategy ProposedActivities/Indicators Responsibilityresources(land,house,cash,familyincome,etc.)barringwomentousepropertiesascollateralforborrowingloanstooperatecommercialactivities

resources/assetsintheirnameandtheirmobilization.

Component2:Enhancingaccessinfrastructure,environmentalmanagementandtourismfacilitiesfordiversificationWomenandothersocialgroupsarenotadequatelyconsultedand/ornotpartofthedecisionmakingresultingtothemnotwantingtousetheinfrastructureorbeengagedinthemaintenanceofit.

Engagewomenbeneficiaries,womenledtourismenterprises,womeninprivatesectorsinmeetings.

Consultwomenbeneficiaries,womenledtourismenterprises,womeninprivatesectorsandrepresent(atleast33%)themindecisionmakingmeetings.

PIE+FIUs

Safetyandsecurityissuesofwomen–vulnerabilityofwomenintourismsectorandgender-basedviolence

Reform/developrules/regulationsonsafety/securityofwomen/GBV.

Designgendersensitiveinfrastructurei.e.separatesanitationfacilitiesinalongthetrekkingroutesandpublicplaces,withadequatelightingandsignage.Regulateworkinghoursduringdaytime/closemonitoring.

PIE+FIUs

Womenareinmorevulnerablepositionthanmenfrombeingsexuallyexploitedandabusedintourismsector.

Ensuretheirinvolvementinthemanagementandmaintenanceofinfrastructureinvestments.

ImplementGBVmitigationplansaspertheGBVriskassessment.

PIE+FIU+BDS

Component3:Upgradingtourism-relatedproductsandeconomicopportunitiesforlocalcommunitiesLackofcapacityandskillstoupgradeanddiversifytourismrelatedbusinessbywomen

Imparttraining/skillsandbusinessliteracyoncapacitybuildingofwomentoupgrade/diversifybusiness.

Skillandknowledgeenhancementthroughtraining/orientationbasedonneedsassessment.

BDS

Inabilitytofollowbureaucraticprocessforregistrationandlicensing/bureaucratichuddles

Orientation/facilitationtowomenonbusinessregistration/licensingintourismsector.

Literacyandknowledgesharingonregistration/licensing,

PIE+BDS


Issues Strategy ProposedActivities/Indicators ResponsibilityLackoftechnicalandmarketingskillsleadingtolessopportunityforjobsandasentrepreneur,lackofaccesstofinancialinstitutionsforloans,etc.

Improvewomen’saccesstoproductiveresources/assets/markets/MFIs.

Training/exposurevisitsonmarketing/businessliteracyandlinkagedevelopmentwithMFIs.

PIE+FIU+BDS

Lackofnetworksorsupportmechanismstopromotewomenenterprises/ventures.

Mobilizationofwomenintogroupsandnetworks.

Developnetworkstosupportwomenintourismbusiness.

PIE+FIU+BDS

Womenintourismaremorelikelytobeundertakingpart-time,informal,seasonal,andcasualworks.

Addressconstraintswomenfaceincontinuingtheirjobs.Developspecialpackagestosupportwomenfarmers/entrepreneursandfacilitatetheirparticipationinprojectactivities.

Givecapacitybuildingorientationtoserviceproviderstoenablethemtoprovidebettereconomicoptions,upscalingandjobsforwomeninanenablingenvironmentthatissafeandsecuresothattheyareabletocontinueandretaintheirjobs.

FIU+BDS

Limitedorlowerfigureofgraduatesthatgetinternshipopportunitiesandsecurejobswithinspecifiedtime

Increaseinternshipopportunitiestargetinggirls/womenintourismsectoractivities.

Increasesupporttointernshipopportunities(atleast25%women).

PIE+FIU

Component4:Projectmanagement,monitoringandevaluationMendominatethesectorandwomenholdonlyasmallproportionofhigherendpositionsingovernmentinstitutions.

Ensuretheprojectteamisinclusiveintermsofgenderandcaste/ethnicity.

Encouragerecruitmentofwomenmembers/staff/trainers/supervisors/businessdevelopmentserviceprovidersintheprojectactivities.

PIE+FIU

InthecontextofSTENPAproject,theopportunitiestoaddresswomenissuesandgetthemempoweredappearquitesignificant.Toaddressthegapsidentified,theprojectwillensuretheparticipationofwomeninconsultationsandplanning,infrastructureinvestmentswillbegendersensitive,andwomen-ledenterprisesandcommunitymemberswillbeadequatelytargetedforprojectsupportandnewskillsandknowledgethroughnewtechnologies.


6.7.4 GenderInclusiveDesignandPreparationofGAPTheGenderActionPlan(GAP)fortheprojectrequiretobedevelopedtakingintoaccounttheneedsandaspirationsofthewomenindifferentprojectandsubprojectsitesofACA,MCA,Banke,Bardia,ShuklaPhantaandRaraNationalParks.Inviewofalargenumberofwomenwhoarealreadyengagedintourismbusinessinthesesites,itisimportanttovisitthesesitestoupdatethelatestsituationofwomenincludingtheirneeds,capabilities,opportunitiesandaspirationsfortheirbettermentandminimizenegativerisksandimpacts.Oncethefeedbackfromthetargetwomengroupsarecollectedthesemayneedtobefitintheprojectplanninganddesign1.Ingeneral,differentstrategicmeasuresspecifiedinthetablebelowshouldbeconsidered to develop the proposed gender action plans for the women of differentsubprojectsites.

6.7.5 ProcessforPreparingGAPTheprojectshouldengagecompetentGenderExperttopreparetheGAP.Theexpertshouldundertakefieldvisitofthesubprojectsitesandcollectsufficientinformationtopreparetheplan. The minimum requirements to collect information are: i) consultations with thewomengroupstocollectprimaryinformation,ii)interactionswithlocalgovernmentoffices,NGOsandmicrofinanceagenciesfortheircoordinationandsynergybuilding,iii)sharingthekeyelementsofplanswiththeprojectofficials,andiv)disclosureofthedocument.

1Fieldvisitissuggestedforthepreparationofgenderactionplansastheactivities/actionstendtodifferindifferentsitesdependingupontheneedsandprioritiesofwomen


Chapter7: ActionPlan–GenderBasedViolenceRiskMitigation

7.1 NeedandPurposeNepalranks118outof160countriesontheGenderInequalityIndex1.Inrelationtothat,mostwomen facevariouskindsofviolence since the time theyare conceived tooldage.Violence againstwomen are gender basedwhere there is unequal distribution of powerdynamicbetweenmenandwomen.NDHS2016records23percentwomenexperiencingphysicalviolence.MadhesiDalitwomenat44percent,Muslimsat38percentexperienceditthemostwhileninepercenthillBrahminhadtofaceit.Byprovince,women’sexperienceofphysicalviolencevariesfromalowof12percentinProvince4toahighof34percentinProvince2.About12percentwomenexperiencedemotionalviolencewith17percentto19percentMadhesiBrahmanChhetri,hillDalitandNewarwomen,respectivelyexperiencingit.Marital control ishighofmen.Sevenpercentofwomenage15-49experiencedsexualviolence.Divorced,separated,orwidowedwomenaremuchmorelikelytohaveexperiencedsexualviolence(20%)thancurrentlymarriedwomen(8%)andnevermarriedwomen(2%).Womenwith only primary or no education aremore vulnerable to sexual violence thaneducatedwomen.

The current status of gender inequality and gender-based violence in Nepal reveals theserious need to mainstream gender sensitivity and GBV risk mitigation measure at allorganizationlevelsandallphasesofprojectcycle.InNepal,GBVisprevalentduetounequalgenderrelationsanddiscriminationtowardswomeninbothpublicandprivatesphere.Ithasdirectimplicationsonthereproductivehealthstatusofwomenandphysical,emotional,andmentalhealthoftheirchildren.The purpose of this action plan is to identify the issues, stakeholders, possible serviceprovidersandassesstheircapacityanddocumentthe legalandinstitutionalmechanismsthat aid in accessing grievance redressal. The action plan will focus on sensitizing thecommunitiesandotherstakeholders,strengtheningtheinstitutionalcapacities.Asurvivor-centricapproach is followed -all through,victim/survivors’ careandprovidingaccess todifferentreferralmechanismsareconsideredkeyaspectsofthisplan.TheprojectsfundedbyWorldBankinProvince4,5,6and7primarilyintheBardiaNationalPark,theBankeNationalParkandtheShuklaPhataNationalPark,theirbufferzonesintheTerai; theRaraNationalParkand itsbuffer zone in theMiddleHills, and theAnnapurnaConservationAreaandtheManasluConservationAreaintheMiddleHillsandHimalayas.Thesub-projectswillincludeconstruction/upgradation/settingupofinformationcentersand trailswhichwillbeexecutedbycontractorswhoseworkers (generallyskilled)comefromwithinandoutsidethetargetareas.Itislikelythattheworkerswillcomeintocontactwith the community and vice-versa. Also, the trails where the tourists travel will pass

1 UNDP Human Development Report 2017


throughtheschoolareasandcommunities.Withvariedculturalandeconomicbackgrounds,the likely interactions between communities, human resources and touristsmay lead topotentialwomensafety issues,making itpertinenttocreateawarenessongender issues,gender-basedviolenceandriskmitigation,inparticular.Moreover,duetotheproximitytothe Indian border, the destinations in Terai are at high-risk in terms of forced labor,trafficking for both labor and sex, and face greater vulnerability in terms of sexual andgender-basedviolence.Furthermore,according to thestudyby IFCStrategicDiagnosisofE&SRisks (SDESR)Report 2019, there are also instances of previous victims ofmodernslavery (the ex-Kamaiyas) becoming victims of human trafficking for labor, due toinadequate rehabilitation by the government. One of the risks in terms of trafficking ofpersons,inthetourismsector,istheuseoffacilitiessuchashotels,lodgesetc.formovementofvictimsoftraffickingandintermsoftheriskofuseoftourisminfrastructureandthestaffforsextourisminNepal.Based on the GBV Risk Assessment checklist and assessment carried out on the project(Sustainable Tourism Enhancement in Nepal’s Protected Areas) by theWorld Bank, theproject’sGBVrisksareassessed tobe “Low”.Accordingly, thisactionplanhasaddressed“Table–1:RecommendedactionstoaddressGBVRisksinIPFProjects”asperthe“GoodPracticeNote”publishedbytheWorldBankinSeptember2018.Thisactionplanisintendedforandapplicabletoprojectimplementingagenciesincludingcontractorsandcoverproject’sfootprintandadjoiningcommunities.7.2 LegalandPolicyEnvironmentforWomen’sSafety

Nepal is party to 16 international human rights instruments including the InternationalCovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,1966,theInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,1966, theSecondOptionalProtocol to the InternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,1989,theConventionAgainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatment or Punishment, 1984 and the Convention on the Elimination of allformsofDiscriminationAgainstWomen(CEDAW),1979.Byratifyingtheseconventions,theGovernmentofNepalhascommittedtoguaranteeingequalitytobothmenandwomeninallspheresoftheirlives,whichentailsensuringthattheyarenotsubjecttosexualharassment.GeneralRecommendationNo.19(eleventhsession,1992)oftheCEDAWCommitteeclearlystipulated that gender-based violence is a form of discrimination that seriously inhibitswomen'sabilitytoenjoyrightsandfreedomsonthebasisofequalitywithmen.UndertheConstitutionofNepal2015,GBVhasbeenquotedunderthefundamentalrightsofwomen (Article 38) as " No woman shall be subjected to physical, mental, sexual,psychologicalorotherformofviolenceorexploitationongroundsofreligion,social,culturaltradition, practice or on any other grounds.” Similarly, Part 4 of the constitution, underdirectiveprinciples,policiesandobligationsofthestate,directsthepoliciesrelatingtosocialjustice and inclusion be directed toward making self-dependent the women who arevulnerable,subjectedtosocialandfamilyexclusionandvictimsofviolenceself-reliantbymakingtheirrehabilitation,protectionandempowerment(Article51-j-2).Theconstitution


underPart27makesprovisionsforvariousconstitutioncommissionsandunderArticle253,filingcasesagainstanypersonsorbodiesonmattersofviolenceagainstwomenorbeingsubjectedtosocialill-practicesorinfringementofordeprivationofenjoymentofwomen’srightsislistedasamajorfunction,dutyandpowerofNationalWomenCommission.TheGenderEqualityActin2006,broughttangiblelegalchangestosexualviolenceagainstwomen.Amajorachievementofthisactistheprovisionthatanoffenderconvictedforrapemustcompensate thevictim formentalandphysicaldamage.Also important is the2009Domestic Violence (Crime andPunishment)Act,which recognized for the first time thatdomesticviolenceisacrimepunishablebylaw.However,whiletheactrecognizesdomesticviolence as a crime, it contains provisions for negotiations through police offices,whichseems contradictory. Also, the National Civil Code Act 2017 states not to commit anyinhumane or degrading treatment or domestic violence and the Criminal CodeAct 2017states that violence against women in form of accusing of witchcraft or practicing of‘chhaupadi’traditionandsexualviolenceistreatedascriminaloffense.Althoughtherearesomelawsandprovisionsagainstdomesticviolence,manyvictimsareleftwithoutsupportmainly because of the poor mechanism to deliver support services as well as a lack ofawarenessamongpeopleregardingsuchprovisions.The Human Trafficking Act (2007) extended the definition of trafficking to include theoffenseof transportationforthepurposeof trafficking.Withthisextendeddefinitionandothersupportmeasures,thenewActhelpstocontrolhumantraffickingandaffordsneededsupportandcareforvictims.Apart from these actions, the Supreme Court has also issued orders at different timesprohibitingdifferentmalpracticesthatcontributetoGBV.Forexample,theSupremeCourtissuedadirectiveorderthatrequiredthegovernmenttodeclareChhaupadiasamalpracticebased on superstitious beliefs. Similarly, the court issued a directive order requiring thegovernment to launchamassive awareness campaign to stop the exploitationofwomenaccusedofpracticingwitchcraft.The government's National Safe Motherhood Plan (2002-2017) recognizes GBV as animportant issue forwomen'shealth.TheNepalHealthSector ImplementationPlan2010-2015hasoutlinedGBVasanintegralcomponentofhealthcareprovision.ProtocolsonthemanagementofGBV,includingsexualabuse,havebeendevelopedandarenowoperational.TheseprotocolswillstudythefeasibilityofimplementingascreeningandsupportprogramatMaternityHospital,KathmanduforGBV.


7.3 RecommendedActionsTable10: RecommendedActionstoaddressGBVRisksObjective Indicator Activities Timeline Responsibility

ProjectPreparationandAppraisalTrainandsensitizePIU

PIUandprojectstaffsensitizedandtrained

Training/orientationsessioncarriedout

TTL/TaskTeam,WB

IncludeassessmentofGBVrisksaspartofthesocial/genderassessmentinproject’sEnvironmentalandSocialImpactAssessment(ESIA)/ESMP

GBVriskshighlightedandpreliminarymitigationmeasuresidentified

ConductconsultationsandidentifykeyGBVrisksinprojectareas

PIE

MappingofGBVserviceprovidersinprojectareas(inhighriskprojectareasNGOserviceprovidersshouldbehiredtoprovideservicestoGBVsurvivors,whererelevant)

Mappingcompletedofavailable,qualityservicesintheprojectaffectedarea

MapoutGBVpreventionandresponseservicesinprojectareaofinfluence

FIU

InformcommunitiesinprojectareasofGBVrisksandoptionsforresponse

#ofawarenessandconsultationsheld

ToRdevelopedforcommunityawarenessraisingactivities(specializedserviceproviders/contractors/NGOsidentifiedandhiredundercontract)andawarenessandconsultationscarriedout

PIE/FIU

Formulateandadoptcodeofconductincludingsectionsonsafetyofwomenandgirls

CoCdeveloped,includedinallcontracts,andstaff,consultants,contractorstrained.

CoCdeveloped,includeinallcontractsandprovidetrainingtoall

PIE

HiringaGenderSpecialistwithexpertiseonGBVtoadviseandmonitoraction

Appointmentofspecialist

Implementthe‘ActionPlan’.Providetechnicalsupportforconductingthetrainings.

PIE


Objective Indicator Activities Timeline Responsibilityplanduringprojectimplementation

Developmodules,monitorandevaluatetheactionplanitemsandreportmonthly,quarterlyandannualbasis.

ProjectImplementationReflectGBVrisks,andmeasurestoaddressthem,inprojectESMPandContractorESMPincludingthecosts.

GBVActionplanincludedintheESMPProcurementforGBVrelatedactivitiesandcostsoutlinedinthecontract.

AddresshowGBV-relatedcostswillbepaidinthecontract,intheprocurementdocumentstomitigaterisks.ClearlydefinetheGBVrequirementsandexpectationsinanotetobidders.

PIE

Establishandstrengthengrievanceredressal

GRMestablishedthatiscapableofhandlingGBV/SEArelatedcomplaints.AvailabilityofaneffectiveGRMwithmultiplechannelstoinitiateacomplaint/parallelGBV.IECmaterialonGBV,CodesofConduct,etc.putupintheworksite,laborcamps,surroundingcommunities.NumberofGRMmemberstrained.InclusiveGRMsysteminplace.NumberofGBVgrievancesthathavebeenreferredtoGBVServicesProviders

GRMguidelinereviewedandmechanismforGBV/SEArelatedcomplaintestablishedandmadefunctionalProperdocumentationismaintainedforcomplaintregistrationandmanagement.Provideappropriatereferraltocomplainants.Atprojectlevel,selectonewomenmemberasfirstpointofcontactforthesurvivorsofGBVandprovideappropriatetrainingtothem.ConductcommunityawarenessraisingaboutGBVmitigationmeasures–eg.CodesofConduct,GRM,howtoreportandprovidemultipleentry-points

Genderspecialistoftheproject

ProjectMonitoringUndertakeregularM&EofprogressonGBVactivities

SuccessfulimplementationofagreedGBVActionPlan(Y/N)

ConductM&Efieldvisits.

PIE,FIU,GenderSpecialist


Objective Indicator Activities Timeline ResponsibilityReportinthequarterlyprogressreportandreviewduringISRmissions.


Chapter8: Consultation,CommunicationandCitizenEngagementFramework

8.1 GeneralConsultationsandcommunicationswillbeanintegralpartintheenvironmentalandsocialimpactassessmentandimpactmanagement.Effectiveconsultationsatsubprojectlevelwillnot only help identify the issues and impacts to different groups but also understandappropriate mitigation measures to address the impacts appropriately. As the localcommunities are better able to comprehend their economic, social, and biophysicalsurroundings, consultations with them will be useful in formulating environmentalmitigationmeasuresorresettlementoptionsthataddresstheneedsofaffectedpeoplesandhelpimprovethetechnicalandmanagerialrequirementsoftheoptions.

Consultationsforimplementingtheactivitiesinthedesignatedtourismsiteswillbecarriedoutfromtheearlystageofsubprojectplanningtoimplementationandmonitoring.OneoftheprimeconcernsoftheESMFistoensurethatthelocalcommunitiesinallconservationareas and national parks including indigenous and vulnerable groups arewell-informed,consultedandmobilizedtoparticipateintheprojectactivitiessupportedunderthetourismproject.Basedonthisframework,concernedstakeholderswillberegularlyconsultedatallstagesofsubprojectplanningandimplementation.Consultationswilltakeplaceatallstagesfromscreeningtoenvironmentalandsocialimpactassessment(ESIA),andpreparationandimplementationofESMP,RAPs,VCDPs,andIEEsasrelevant.

8.2 StakeholdersIdentificationandConsultationHierarchies8.2.1 StakeholderIdentificationEach stakeholders groupplays a distinct role in theplanning and implementation of theactivities under the project. A comprehensive participatory consultation process will beadoptedwhichshouldbedesignedandimplementedafteridentifyingallpotentialprojectstakeholders along with their specific interests and needs. Stakeholders’ identification,consultation and analysis will be continued throughout the project cycle and remaindynamic.Therelevanttypesofstakeholdersarethefollowing.

• Beneficiariesoftheactivities/investmentsofdifferentsubprojectsundertourismproject;

• Peoples/communitiesaffectedadverselybythesubprojectinvestments,directlyorindirectly;

• Poorandvulnerablegroups,womengroupsandprofessional/occupationalgroups;• LocalcommitteessuchasConservationAreaManagementCommittees(CAMCs),

BufferZoneUserCommittees(BZUCs)andUserGroups;• Entrepreneursengagedintourismactivitiesvizhotels,homestays,trekking,travel

andtours;


• Communitybasedorganizations,INGOs/NGOsandcommunityleaders;• Governmentagencies,andgovernmentofficialsatnational,provincial,Palikas

(RuralandMunicipal)andWardlevel;and• Donoragenciesanddonorsupportedprojects.

8.2.2 ConsultationandStakeholderEngagementHierarchiesandStrategiesConsultationsandstakeholderengagementwilltakeplaceatcentral/federallevel,projectdestinationlevelandlocal/communitylevels.Theprojectwilldifferbetweenconsultationsandengagementstrategies(issues,targetgroups,formsofengagement)dependingonthelevel(asshownbelowinTable11).

Table11: ConsultationandEngagementstrategy:Stakeholders/Institutions,IssuesandMethods

ConsultationLevels

Stakeholders/Institutions IssuesforConsultation Methods/Tools

CentralLevel • MoFE• MoCTCA• DNPWC• NTNC• NepalTourismBoard• NFDIN/NEFIN• NationalWomenCommission• NationalDalitCommission• HotelandTrekkingAssociations

• Nationallevelissuesontourismdevelopment

• Issuesonnature-basedtourism

• Issuesrelatedtopolicy,legalandregulationsinthemanagementoftheconservationareas,nationalparks/bufferzones

NationallevelworkshopsHighlevelmeetings/Discussions

ProjectLevel(ParksandDestination)

• ACAP• Manaslu• Banke,Bardia,ShuklaPhantaandRaraNationalPark

• ProvinceandDistrictOffices/Agencies

• HotelandTrekkingAgencies• CAMCs/BufferZoneUserCommittees(BZUCs)andUserGroups

• INGOs/NGOs• Localcommunities

• Projectlevel(Parksanddestination)issues

• Feedbackaboutprojectimpacts/issuesandmitigationmeasures

• Planningandimplementationmodalities

• Resourcesharing/utilization

• WorkingmodalitiesbyCAMCs/UserCommittees/Groups

ProjectArealevelworkshopsMeetings/DiscussionsCAMC/UserCommittees

Local/SubprojectLevel(Communityandhouseholdlevel)

• UrbanandRuralMunicipalities

• Projectaffectedcommunities/households

• Womengroups• Indigenousandother

vulnerablesocialgroups(Dalitandmarginalizedgroups)

• Impactstolocalpeoplebysubprojectinterventions

• Livelihoodsissuesofthepeopleinducedbythesubprojects

• Mitigationmeasuresthatareculturallyacceptabletotheaffectedpeopleincludingcompensation/resettlement,rehabilitationandlivelihoodrestoration

CommunitylevelmeetingsSurveys/FocusedgroupdiscussionsInterviews(groups/HHs)


• Localcommunity-basedorganizations(CAMCs/UserCommittees/Groups)

• Agenciesinvolvedintourismsector

• Youthgroups• Communityforestryuser

groups• Bufferzoneuser

committees/groups

• RolesandfunctionsofdifferentstakeholdersinimplementingthemitigationplansvizESMPs/RAP/VCDPs/GAP/IEE,etc.

ConsultationandEngagementPrinciples

Consultations and stakeholder engagementwill be an integral part of subproject design,implementation,impactassessmentandimpactmanagement,M&E,andwillrelyonasetofimportantprinciples–inparticulartheyshouldbe:

• Focused in terms of consultation needs and information collection on theissue/impactsaswellstakeholderselection;

• Beparticipatoryintermsofsocialgroups,genderoreconomicstatusoftheprojectaffectedpeople/beneficiaries;

• Free,priorandinformedconsultations(FPIC);incaseofindigenousandvulnerablepeople,FPICwillbemandatorytoheartheirvoices,obtaincollectivedecisionsandaddresstheissuesinculturallyappropriatemanner;

• Wherenecessary,organizedinlocallanguagetoallowindigenouspeopletoexpresstheirneeds/issuesfreely;

• Well facilitated by qualified persons to solicit the expected information from theparticipantsofalltypes/categories;

• Two-waycommunicationswillbeuseful inorder tocommunicate the informationclearlybetweentheparticipantsandtheproject;and

• Well planned and organized in convenient locations to encourage maximumparticipationofthetargetgroups.

Consultationswillbeheldwithspecialemphasisondiversegroups,however,notlimitedtothevulnerablegroupsvizindigenouspeople,womenandothervulnerablegroups.Consultation and stakeholder engagement strategywhen there are constraints onconductingpublicmeetingsinfectiousdiseaselikeCOVID-19:Consultations are the corner stone for successful planning and implementing theenvironmental and social management plans viz ESMPs, SMPs, RAPs, VCDP, GAP, etc.However,with theoutbreakandspreadof infectiousdisease likeCOVID-19,peoplehavebeenadvised,ormaybemandatedbynationalorlocallaw,toexercisephysicaldistancing,and specifically to avoid public gatherings to prevent and reduce the risk of the virustransmission. Countries have taken various restrictive measures, some imposing strict


restrictions on public gatherings,meetings and people’smovement, and others advisingagainstpublicgroupevents.Atthesametime,thegeneralpublichasbecomeincreasinglyaware and concerned about the risks of transmission, particularly through socialinteractions at large gatherings.Owing to theunforeseeable future and theuncertaintiessurroundingtheinfectiousdiseaselikeCOVID-19risksanditsspread,alternativewaysofmanagingconsultationstakeholderengagementisimportanttostaveoffrisksandspreadofthevirus. This section outlines the consultation mechanism, particularly for the preparation andimplementationofenvrionmnetalandsocialmanagementplanswhentherearecontraintsinconductingpublicgatherings.TheProjectshall:

• Reviewtheinfectiousdiseasesituationintheprojectareaandtherestrictionsputinplacebythegovernmenttocontainthediseasespread

• Set out a plan for consultation and stakeholder engagement, particularly theapproach,methodsandformsofengagementproposed,andassesstheassociatedpotential risks of transmission of disease in conducting various engagementactivities.Appropriateadjustmentstobemadetotakeintoaccounttheneedtopreventspreadofinfectiousdiseases.

• Makesurethatallprojectpersonnelarticulateandexpresstheirunderstandingson social behavior and good hygiene practices, and that any stakeholderengagementeventsbeprecededwiththeprocedureofarticulatingsuchhygienicpractices.

• Avoid public gatherings (taking into account national restrictions), includingpublic hearings, workshops and community meetings, and minimize directinteractionbetweenprojectagenciesandbeneficiaries/affectedpeople.

• Assess the level of proposed direct engagement with stakeholders, includinglocationandsizeofproposedgatherings,frequencyofengagement,categoriesofstakeholders

• Ifsmallermeetingsarepermitted,conductconsultationsinsmall-groupsessions,suchasfocusgroupmeetings.

• Identify vulnerableordisadvantaged individuals or groups and the limitationstheymayhaveinparticipatingand/orinunderstandingtheprojectinformationorparticipatingintheconsultationprocessamidsttherestrictions(forexample,languagedifferences,lackofsafetransportationtoevents,accessibilityofvenues,disability,lackofunderstandingofaconsultationprocess).

• Where direct engagement with project affected people or beneficiaries isnecessary, such as would be the case for preparation and implementation ofResettlementActionPlansandcannotbepostponed,identifychannelsfordirectcommunicationwitheachaffectedhouseholdviaacontextspecificcombinationofonlineplatforms(wherefeasibleonly)ordedicatedphonelines.

• If physicalmeetings arenotpermitted, diversifymeansof communication andconsiderwhichcommunicationchannelsareapplicableinthelocalcontext.Relyon local engagementpartners tounderstandwhich channels areusedby localcommunitymembers inthisnon-normalsituation inordertodeterminewhich


mechanisms can be used to reach the right audience. List out both ICT-basedmechanismsandnon-ICTapproachesthatsuitlocalconditions.

• Information/awarenesscampaignsthroughdifferentmedias;• Interactionswithlocalgovernmentbodiesi.e.Palikaoffices/districtofficesas

necessary;and• Grievancehandlingandmanagement:Forgrievancescomingfromthe

communityandotherstakeholders,drop-inboxesshouldbemadeaccessibleinpubliclyaccessiblelocationsandothermediums(suchasphonecalls,onlineplatformandotherlocallyaccessiblecommunicationchannels).

Consultationsshouldbeundertakentoenablemaximumparticipationoftheaffectedpeoplewheretheycanraisetheirconcerns.PAPs’participationshouldalsobeensuredduringfinalassessmentofcompensation,resettlementandmonitoring. Detailsoftheseconsultationsincludingdates,namesofparticipants,issuesraisedandhowthesehavebeenaddressedwillbedocumentedinthesubprojectESMPs/RAPsorVCDPs.

8.3 Central/FederallevelconsultationatprojectdesignAnationallevelconsultationworkshopoftheproject'sEMSFwasheldonApril30,2019todisseminateprojectinformationanddiscussonenvironmentalandsocialissues.(AlistofthemeetingparticipantsisprovidedinAnnex22.)Theworkshopwasparticipatedbywiderange of project stakeholders comprising of government officials from the relevantministries and departments, participants from national NGOs working on gender andindigenous peoples, tourism and trekking associations, conservation partners, etc. Theworkshopwasheldtoinformthestakeholdersabouttheproject,howitintendstoaddresstheenvironmentalandsocialissuesandgathertheircommentsandfeedbacktoenhancethedocument.ThedraftofthedocumentwasmadeavailabletothestakeholdersthroughthePIE'swebsite.ThepresentationabouttheESMFwaswellreceivedbythestakeholderswhoprovidedtheircomments/suggestionsandfeedbackwhichareincorporatedinfinalizationofthisdocument.Themajorissuesandrecommendationvoicedbytheparticipantswereasfollows.

• Project activities may unintentionally result in social and occupationreplacementandwillhavetobecarefullyanalyzedandconsideredduringtheplanning,designingandimplementationofthesubproject.

• PreparationofGAPwillneedtohavemeaningfulparticipation.• Implementation approach of project activities will need to gear for social

changeandnotjustparticipation.• Most women and IPs are victims of conflicts with wild animals, perhaps

considertheirrelocation.• FPICandparticipatoryplanningshouldbeensuredinsubprojects.• MoreimportancetoIPsintheVCDF/VCDPshouldbegiven.• CustomaryinstitutionsshouldbeincorporatedinGRM.


• Culturaltourismindestinationtourismplanningshouldbeincorporated.• 50%inparticipationandaccesstobenefitsforwomenshouldbesecured.• GESIapproachtosocialandgenderplanningneedstobeconsidered.• Depending on the subproject geographic location, consider transformative

andsensitivityapproachtosocialplanningaccordingly.• TourismpolicyneedstoberevisedfromGESIperspective.• Issuesofchildsafetyneedstobeaddressedinsocialplanning.• Local based solutions and traditional knowledgewill need to be examined

duringsubprojectassessmentandplanning.• EnsurepeoplelivingaroundthePAsaredirectlybenefittedbytheproject.• LessonsfromotherPasshouldbeincorporated.

8.4 FutureConsultationsDuring project implementation, future consultationswill be needed depending upon theactivitiesenvisagedunderdifferentcomponentsoftheproject.Component1oftheprojectinvolves activities related to improvement of management, planning and coordinationamongthefederalanddestinationlevelstakeholders involvedinthetourismsector.Thiswill also include activities involving central/federal level policy reforms, planning,coordinationandregulatoryprovisionsforeffectiveconservationandmanagementoftheproject destinations and national parks including touristic sites and the gateways.Central/federal level consultationswill be crucial to refine and reform or formulate thepolicies and plans among wide range of stakeholders. Component 2- Enhancinginfrastructure for access and diversification of the project involves activities related toaccess improvement, environmentalmanagement, and tourismdiversification and safetyplans. Similarly, Component 3 will involve upgrading nature-based tourism qualitystandardsandpromotinglocalcommunities'participation.Therefore,Component2and3wouldthusinvolveconsultationsatsubprojectlevelsengagingwide-rangeofparticipantsinproject area including affected people, women, IPs, private sector service providers intourismsector,etc.(asdescribedinTable11)

ForprojectM&Eandimpactassessment,alongwithinterviewswithfederallanddestinationlevelstakeholders,locallevelconsultationswouldtakeplaceinvariedformssuchasfocusgroupdiscussions(FGDs),publicmeetings,communitydiscussions,and in-depthandkeyinformant interviews in addition to the socio-economic surveys required as part of theprojectM&Eframework.8.5 CommunicationStrategyGenerally,effectivecommunicationiscrucialinordertounderstand,documentandmanagethe issues, at both destination and local/community levels. Special approach tocommunicationwillbeparticularly importantwhereprojecteffectsareaswithsignificantpresence of indigenous groups and other ethnic groups– and in the context of higher


illiteracyofdisadvantagedsocialgroupsincludingthewomenandDalitsintargetedareas.Well designed and implemented communicationmeasureswill allow the local people toexpresstheirneeds,grievancesandfeedbackthatareimportantforthepreparationofsitespecific environmental and social plans viz ESMP/RAP/VCDP/IEE, etc. The projectcommunicationstrategiesshouldbuildon the followingprinciples(thoughnot limited tothem):

• To transfer themessage effectively and to reach out, communications should usemultiplechannels(applications,facetofacediscussions,telephone,SMS,emailetc.)dependingontargetedaudience;

• Communication strategy should be open and inclusive of all members of thecommunitywhowillbeaffectedbytheproject;

• Totheextentpossible,itshouldbeinlocallanguagetoenabletheparticipantscapturethedetailsandtoexpresstheirviews/opinionsintheirownlanguagesclearly;

• Thereshouldalwaysbeatwo-waycommunicationamongthepeopleandproject;• Information,EducationandCommunication(IEC)materialsshouldbepublishedand

distributedwidelyandwith theuseofpropervisitationamong thepublic/projectaffectedpeople;

• All information shouldbe shared/disclosedamongwiderpublicwherenecessary;and

• Allmessages/informationshouldbeproperlydocumented.

8.6 CitizenEngagementCitizen engagement is an integral part of the above-described Communication andStakeholder Engagement strategy (Chapter 8.2.2). In general, the project will place duepriority for enhanced citizen engagement throughout the project cycle from planning toimplementation and monitoring and evaluation. Enhanced citizen engagement will beensured throughdifferent strategies and approaches thatwill be applied fully beginningfromtheplanninganddesignofsubprojectinterventions(seeTable11).

Theprojectwillalsoplaceenhancedemphasisinforgingpartnershipwiththestakeholders.Thestakeholderswillincludelocalcommunities,hotelandrestaurants,travelandtrekkingagencies,homestayoperatorsandotherentrepreneursengagedintourismsectorcateringdifferentservicestothetourists.Womenandotherentrepreneurgroupsworkingintourismbusinesswillbeencouragedtoparticipateinprogramsdesignedforskillenhancementforpromoting quality tourism. The Conservation Area Management Committees (CAMCs),Buffer Zone User Committees (BZUCs) and User Groups (UGs) already instituted in theproject sites will be engaged in undertaking project activities at local level whereappropriate. Likewise, participatory planning will be incorporated especially with localgovernments to carry out the local development works under the project. Besides, theprojectwillinvestingrievancesredressmechanism(GRM)sothatthestakeholderscouldchanneltheirvoiceandconcernsorprovidefeedbackthroughaproperlydesignedsystem


toelicit responses from the local governments. Functional feedbackmechanismswillbedeployedwhichwillincludebutnotlimitedtothepublicengagementinthebaseline,mid-lineandimpactstudies.

8.7 InformationDisclosureInconsistentwiththeBank’spolicies, thesummarizedreportsofenvironmentandsocialplansincludingESMFwillbemadeavailableinNepalilanguagetotheprojectoffices,affectedpeopleandbeneficiaries.LocalNGOsandpublicofficesintheprojectsitewillbeprovidedcopyofESMFbyPIE.ThedraftandfinalESMFwillbedisclosedinthewebsitesof(WorldBankInfoshopandprojectwebsite)andconcernedMunicipalities/Palikasandpublicplaces.For all activities under the project, information will be disseminated to beneficiaries atvarious stages. In the initial stage, the project office will be responsible for informingpotential stakeholders/affected parties/persons (APs) and the general public about landacquisition requirements through leaflets and publication in local media outlets andnewspapers.Theprojectwithsupport fromitssiteofficeswillconductconsultationsanddisseminate information to all beneficiaries during the initial stages to create awarenessabouttheprojectandinformthepeopleaboutprojectimpactsandmitigationmeasures.


Chapter9: GrievanceRedressalMechanism

9.1 IntroductionAgrievancehearingandredressmechanismwillbedevelopedandputinplacetoaddressthegrievances intheproject.Giventhe largenumbersofactivities thatareenvisagedforimplementationwithproject’ssupports, it islikelythattherecouldbecomplaintscomingfrompeopleandthecommunitiesondifferentaspects.Ingeneral,complaintstendtooccurinaprojectwhentheactivitiesresultinadverseimpactstothepropertyandlivelihoodsofthepeople.

Incaseoftheproject,complaintsfromlocalpeopleandcommunitiesmayoccuronvariousissues such as use/misuse of project funds, governance, transparency, loss ofincome/livelihoodsof people, etc. To settle suchpotential problems, a grievance redressmechanismwillbeestablishedwithdifferentcommitteesformedatthreelevels-oneatthePIElevelinthecenter,anotheratprojectdestinationlevelandthelastatunit(community)level. Planning and designing of the project's GRM will also identify local customarygrievance/disputeresolutionsystemsinthedestinationcommunitiesandincorporatesuchpracticesintheproject'sGRM.These,forexample,amongothersincludetheMukhiya(villagehead)systeminthecommunitiesofManang/MustangandBadgharinTharucommunity.Anygrievanceorcomplaintregardingprojectimpactandissueswillbeheardandmanagedinoneorotherleveldependinguponwheresuchgrievanceshavebeenfiled.

9.2 GRMStructuresTheGRMwillhavecommitteesformedfromamongtheprojectstaff,beneficiaries,affectedpersons, and local government representatives. These committeeswill be formed at PIElevel, project site level and unit level. At the central level (PIE), the Grievance RedressCommittee(GRC)willconsistofthefollowingmembers.

1. JointSecretary,DepartmentofNationalParksandWildlife-Chairperson2. ChiefofTourismBoard-Member3. RepresentativeofTourismEntrepreneurs-Member4. TourismProjectStaff-Member5. ProjectLeader,TourismProject-MemberSecretary

TherewillbeDestinationLevelGrievanceHandlingCommittee ledbyConservationAreaChieforWardenincaseofnationalparks.Thiscommitteewillconsistoffollowingmemberstohearandredressthegrievances.

1.ProjectChief-Coordinator 2.ProjectAreaSafeguardsExpert-Member 3.ProjectArea/NationalParkBufferZoneChief–Member 4.ElectedRepresentative-Member


5.RepresentativeofAffectedPeople/Beneficiaries–Member

Similarly,a local level (unit)GrievanceHandlingCommitteewillbe formedat the lowestlevel of grievance handling mechanism. This committee will consist of the followingmembers.

1. Localprojectstaff-Coordinator2. SafeguardsExpert-Member3. LocalelectedWardChairman-Member4. Electedrepresentative-Member5. RepresentativeofAffectedPeople/Beneficiaries-Member

Thesecommitteeswillbeformedoncetheprojectbecomeseffective.Therespectiveprojectchiefs leading the project site offices and unit offices will take lead role in forming thecommittees andmaking themeffective in their operations. All these committeeswill beresponsible to register the grievances at their respective level, assess each and everygrievanceand take timelydecisions foractionswithin thespecified time frame.Once thedecisionsaremade,everygrievancecomplainantwillbenotifiedonthedecisionstaken.

AsampleformatforsubmittingthegrievancesisprovidedinAnnex10.9.3 GrievanceFilingandManagement

AcomplaintcellwillbeestablishedunderthePIEtocollectcomplaintsandtransmitthemtotheGRC.Theaffectedpersons/communitiescanregistertheirgrievancesthroughmultiplewaysincludinglockedboxesattheprojectofficethatcanonlybeopenedbyadesignatedperson, email, a designated telephone number, and individual or joint applications ofcomplainsintheGRCsatunit,projectorcentrallevelasrelevantwherethetourismprojecthasbeenimplemented.Theaffectedfamily,personorgroupscanapproachtheGRCsdirectlyandfiletheirgrievancesthroughoneorothermeansspecifiedabove.

Allgrievancesfiledshallberegistered,categorizedandprioritizedbythecomplaintcell.Allcommitteesestablishedatdifferentlevelswillmeetregularlyonafortnightlybasisandthecommitteeswillreviewthegrievancesandtakedecisionsfortheirresolutionattheirlevels.Thegrievancesfiledintheunitandprojectofficeswillberedressedlocallyinaconsultativemannerandwithfullparticipationoftheaffectedhouseholds,ortheirrepresentatives,alongwith project officials and local government representatives. All grievances should beresolvedwithinone-monthtime.Anygrievancesnotsettledattheunit(community)levelwithin the timeframe will be referred to the project site office level. If thegrievances/disputes arenot resolved in this level, theywill be referred to thePIEat thecentre.Thecomplainantmayhavefinalrighttoappealthecaseinthecourtifshe/heisnotsatisfiedwiththedecisionsmadebyGRCs.


CommunitiesandindividualswhobelievethattheyareadverselyaffectedbyaWorldBank(WB)supportedprojectmaysubmitcomplaintstoexistingproject-levelgrievanceredressmechanismasmentionedaboveortheWB’sGrievanceRedressService(GRS).TheBank’sGRSconsistsofanindependentInspectionPanelwhichdetermineswhetherharmoccurred,or could occur, as a result of WB non-compliance with its policies and procedures.ComplaintsmaybesubmittedatanytimeafterconcernshavebeenbroughtdirectlytotheWorldBank'sattention,andBankManagementhasbeengivenanopportunitytorespond.For information on how to submit complaints to theWorld Bank’s corporate GrievanceRedress Service, please visit http://www.worldbank.org/GRS and the World Bank’sInspectionPanelWebsite-visithttp://www.inspectionpanel.org.


Chapter10: InstitutionalArrangementsforESMFImplementation

10.1 ProjectImplementingAgenciesTheMinistryof Forests andEnvironment (MoFE)will be themain implementing agency(MIA) considering the focus of the project on nature-based tourism (NBT). Ministry ofCulture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) will be the implementing agency (IA)responsiblefortheimplementationofasmallerpartoftheprojectforactivities(component1.2). A PSC chaired by theMoFE and comprising representatives from theMoCTCA, theMinistryofFinance(MoF)andotherkeyministriesanddepartments,andNTNCwillprovidestrategicoversightandguidance.A Project Technical Committee (PTC) will be chaired by the DNPWC. It will compriserepresentativesofkeydepartmentsandagencies involved in theproject(that isDNPWC,NTNC, and Department of Tourism-DoT) and will meet periodically to review projectprogresstoinformtheSteeringCommitteemeetings.The Project Implementation Manual (PIM) will delineate responsibilities and detailedarrangements. NTNCwill be themain Project Implementing Entity (PIE). DoT will be aProject Implementation Unit (PIU) in charge of implementing Component 1.2 activities.MoFEandMoCTCAwill ensure thatNTNC/PIEandDoT/PIUare adequately staffedwithexpertise from relevant technical, administrative, environmental and social safeguards,procurement and finance units. NTNC/PIE and DoT/PIU, in the activities within theirrespectivejurisdiction,responsibleforensuringcompliancewithsafeguardrequirementsasdescribed in the project’s ESMF. NTNC and DoT will consolidate their project progressreportsandsubmittothePTCasneeded.NTNC/PIEwillhavetheoverallresponsibilityofcompilingdataandreportingontheResultsFramework. The project progress will be monitored and evaluated through multipleagencies,mechanisms,anddataprovidersunderwithoverallcoordinationofPIE.M&EwillbeoverseenbyadedicatedM&EspecialistresponsibleinPIE.


Figure:ProjectImplementationArrangement

10.2 SafeguardsPlanningandImplementationTheoverallsafeguardsplanningintheSTENPAprojectwilltakeintoaccountallpotentialenvironmentalandsocialrisksthatmightoccurinanyformordegree.Thelandzoningplans,communitysettlementplansor tourismdestinationplans,etc. tobedevelopedundertheprojectpertainmostlytosystematicplanningoflanduseforvariouspurposesinthelongterm. The preliminary activities of these plans involve land use mapping for variouspurposes(ruralorurbansettlements,tourismspotsforsightseeing/trekking,adventures,hotelsandrecreationzones, forestandwildlife,etc.), resourceassessment, infrastructuredevelopment, etc. Technical or expert judgement alone will not be sufficient whiledeveloping these plans. Intensive community consultations and due consideration ofpeoples’feedbackintheplanninganddesignwillbeofutmostimportanceduringsubprojectplanningandimplementation.In case where project activities involve the new establishment or upscaling of cottageindustriesvizsmallandmediumenterprises(SMEs),theprojectwillensurefullythatthefundamentalpolicyprinciplesofESMFaredulyadheredandputintopractice.Insuchcase,thefinancingagencieswillrequiretocompletetheenvironmentalandsocialscreeningoftheactivitiestobefundedundertheproject.ItshouldbeensuredthatthefinancingagenciesmeetthesafeguardsrequirementsofNRBandWorldBank.Althoughresettlementplanningandimplementationtakesplaceatcommunitylevel,theremust be a competent in-housemechanismwithinNTNC to perform all tasks on time.Atcentrallevel,qualifiedsocialsafeguardsexpertsshouldbeonboardtoprovidecontinuousguidancetoallthesocialteamsworkingatsubprojectanddestination/communitylevelandthey should have the capacity to undertake proper planning. This would require: i)


placementofqualifiedsocialexperts/officersatsubproject/destinationlevelii)socialteamshould have possessed all safeguards planning documents viz ESMF as well asmanuals/guidelinesforscreeningandESMP/RAP/VCDPiii)planfororientationtothesafeguardsteamatlocalleveliv)periodicmeetingonsafeguardsamongthesafeguardsexperts,andv)properdocumentationaswellasmonitoringandreportingofsafeguardscompliance.10.2.1 CentralLevelThe Project Implementing Entity (PIE) at NTNC will have dedicated Social andEnvironmentalUnit(SEU1)responsibleforoverallsafeguardoversightandmanagementofproject’s social and environmental functions including planning, management,implementation,andmonitoringofsafeguardmeasures.Likewise,ProjectImplementationUnit(PIU)atDoTwillhavesocialandenvironmentalspecialiststosupportinthesafeguardmattersintheprojectactivitiesunderthejurisdictionoftheDoT.ThesafeguardstaffandM&EOfficerwillworktogether incoordinationTheSEUatPIEwillprepareconsolidatedsafeguard report of the project, in coordination and collaborationwith DoT’s social andenvironmentalspecialists. TheenvironmentalandsocialsafeguardsexpertsbasedatPIEand PIU will be responsible for all planning as well implementation and monitoring ofsafeguards measures in their respective jurisdiction. Normally, the safeguards relatedactivitieswillincludethefollowings.

• Preparationofsafeguardsrelatedguidelinesandmanualsforuseatfieldlevel;• Orientation to field level staff on safeguards planning, implementation and

monitoring;• Ensure project TAs are subjected to E&S Overview by conducting the E and S

Overvieworbyprovidingguidanceandsupport,asmaybesuitedandneeded;• Ensurethateachphysicalinvestmentsubproject/activityfundedundertheSTENPA

Projectissubjectedtosocialandenvironmentalscreening;• Conduct /guide to carry out social and environmental screening, social and

environmentalassessmentofsubprojects,ifrequired;• Prepare/guide to prepare social and environmental plans viz ESMP/EMPs, RAP;

VCDP,GAP, IEE,etc.basedontherequirementsofsubproject interventionsandasrevealedbyscreeningreports;

• Coordinatetoimplementthemitigationmeasuresincompliancewiththesocialandenvironmentalmanagementplans;

• Monitorthesafeguardscompliance;and• Prepareprogressreports.

1 Though NTNC has prepared Environment and Social Management: Safeguard Policies and Procedures (2017), this has not been effectively implemented. NTNC does not have safeguard experts and unit. Hence, NTNC may wish to adopt a strategy to gradually develop the STENPA Project’s SEU to a formal and permanent safeguard unit of the NTNC by the end of the project.


In addition, the SafeguardsExpertswill be responsible tomonitor, and report safeguardcompliancetotheSafeguardsTeamoftheWB.Onacasebycasebasis,theprojectwillprovidetechnicalandfinancialsupporttoSNGsforimplementingparallelprojectsidentifiedintheDVIPs.TheMinistriesofIndustry,Tourism,ForestandEnvironmentofconcernedProvinces(P-MITFE)willactasthemaincounterpartsofthePIEandFIUstoensurecoordinationattheprovinciallevel.

10.2.2FieldLevelAPAOversightCommittee(PAOC)andaFieldImplementationUnit(FIU)willbeestablishedineachprovincewhereprojectdestinationsarelocated.TheNTNC’sexistingdecentralizedunitsinPokhara,BardiaandShuklaPhantawillhosttheinitialFIUsfortheinitialprojectdestinations. The network of decentralized NTNC units will serve as FIUs at additionalprojectdestinations;incaseswherethereisnosuchdecentralizedunitintheproximityofaprojectdestination,theNTNCwillestablishanewFIUintheconcernedprovince.PAOCswillbeestablishedunderthechairmanshipoftheconcernedmanagementinstitutionofthePAandensurethereisadequatecoordinationbetweenvariousdepartments,unitsandagenciesoperatingintheconcernedPAs.

TheFieldImplementationUnit(FIU)willimplementthesafeguardsmeasuresproposedforeachsubprojectactivity.TheFIUwillneedexpertsupportfromthecenter(e.g.fromSEU).Additional staffs will be hired at the field level to support field implementation withsafeguard responsibility. The Conservation Area Management Committee (CAMCs) andresponsibleunitNationalPark(Banke,ShuklaPhanta,BardiaandRaraNationalParks)willbeengagedinfieldlevelregularmonitoring.Atfieldlevel,thecontractorsandusergroupsformedbytheprojectwillbethekeyactorsinundertakingcivilworks.Assuch,allthecontractorsandusergroupsareresponsibleforandaccountable to comply with the construction period safeguard measures. The contractclausesinthecaseofcontractor,orMemorandumofUnderstandingorAgreementwiththeUsersGroupwillhavesubprojectspecificsafeguardclauses.

10.3 CapacityassessmentandCapacityBuildingCapacityAssessment:NTNC'scurrentorganizationalstructureatthemainofficeconsistsoftheProgram,FinanceandAdministrationsectionswithteamsofsupportingstaff.Thereare about forty staff altogether engaged in various capacity from A3 (assistants) to D2(director) positions. Senior staffs of O3 (manager) position hold the responsibility ofsupervising andmanagingNTNC's projects specificworking areas in themountains andTerai.ThestaffinO1(officer)positionhaverespectiverolessuchasConservationOfficer,


M&EOfficer,GESIOfficer,InformationOfficer,ProcurementOfficer,AdministrativeOfficerandGISOfficer.Therearenoseparateunitssetupyetfortheabove-mentionedfunctionsbutisplannedtoupscaletheinstitutionalcapacityinsuchmanner.ThereisnodedicatedSocialandEnvironmentalUnit,norsocialand/orenvironmentalsafeguardexpert.Inviewofthisexistingcapacity,NTNC'scapacityisshorttohandlingaprojectoflargerscopeandsizesuchasSTENPA.Similarly,thefieldofficesaremanagedbyateamofstaffcomprisingtheProjectChief,ConservationOfficer,SocialMobilizer,TourismOfficer,GESIOfficer,etc.,butnosocialandenvironmentalsafeguardstaffandexpertise.Therefore,thePIEwillhavetoplaykeyroleinthecapacitybuildingofallactors.NTNC’scapacityinmanagingenvironmentalandsocialimpactandrisksislimitedasthereislackofdedicatedstaff,expertiseandexperienceinmanagingenvironmentalandsocialsafeguard.Capacity strengthening measures: The project, in recognition of the limited capacity,includescapacitystrengtheningsupportforenvironmentalandsocialmanagementthroughtrainings and orientations, hiring of safeguard consultants, and external monitoring.Orientation on safeguards planning and compliance to all stakeholders involved in theproject activities is importantandnecessary. Therefore, theprojectwillhire specializedexperts toundertakevarious rolesnecessary for theproject's smooth running.PIE'sandPIU’scapacityonE&Ssafeguardswillbestrengthenedthroughdifferentmeasuressuchas(i) hiring of specialized E&S experts at the center and field level, asmay be needed (ii)trainingandorientationonsafeguardplanningand implementation (iii)hiringofgenderexpert, (iv) hiring of M&E expert, (v) hiring of social mobilizers, and engaging externalmonitoring. Capacity development activities will also be provided to other stakeholderswhich include DNPWC, Contractors, and CAMCS, User committees / groups andrepresentativesofbeneficiaries.Capacitybuildingofthestakeholderagencieswouldinvolveorientationandtrainingmainlyinthefollowingareas.

• Orientation on ESMF planning andmitigation, potential E&S issues/ impacts andmitigations;

• TrainingsonsafeguardsplanningprocessvizE&SOverview,E&Sscreening,EA,SIAsurvey,censussurvey,etc.;

• Consultationproceduresandframework;• PreparationofsafeguardsplansvizESMP/EMP,RAP,VCDP/IEEetc.;• Implementation of safeguardsmeasures vizminimize adverse impacts, change in

design,entitlements/compensationforlosses;• Grievancefiling,recordingandmanagement;and• Safeguardsmonitoringandreporting.

AspecimenToRforE&ScapacitybuildingexpertisprovidedinAnnex11.


Chapter11: Supervision,MonitoringandEvaluation11.1 GeneralProject implementation and monitoring will be mainstreamed within the projectimplementation arrangement1. The overall Project Implementation Entity (PIE) will behostedbyNTNC.NTNC,incoordinationwiththeMOFE/DNPWCandMOCTC/NTBwillberesponsiblefortheoveralloversightandimplementationofthisframeworkandplansandensurethatanyadverseimpactsoftheprojectactivitiesareminimizedandmitigatedfully.NTNC/PIEandDoT/PIU,intheactivitieswithintheirrespectivejurisdiction,areresponsibleforensuringcompliancewithsafeguardrequirementsasdescribed intheproject’sESMF.NTNC/PIE may, among other staff, have the Social Safeguards, and EnvironmentalSafeguards Specialist. Other staffs both at center and field level, asneeded,mayalsobeappointed.NTNC/PIE,willhavededicatedSocialandEnvironmentalUnit(SEU).DedicatedimplementationteamsatthefieldlevelinACA,MCA,BardiaNP,BankeNP,ShuklaPhantaNPandRaraNPwillbesetup.Atminimum,thefieldteamswillcompriseaProjectLeadanddedicatedofficersresponsibleforfinance,procurement,safeguardsandM&E.Thefieldstaffwillbeorientedandtrainedintherelevantsafeguardrolesandfunctions.

NTNC andDoTwill consolidate their project progress reports and submit to the PTC asneeded.NTNC/PIEwillhavetheoverallresponsibilityofcompilingdataandreportingonthe Results Framework. The project progress will be monitored and evaluated throughmultipleagencies,mechanisms,anddataprovidersunderwithoverallcoordinationofthePIEs.M&EwillbeoverseenbyadedicatedM&EspecialistresponsibleinPIE.11.2 SupervisionThecontractorsandusergroupsareresponsible forandaccountable tocomplywith theconstructionperiodsafeguardmeasures.TheE&Ssafeguardexpertsoftheprojectwillbeprimarily responsible for organizing regular supervision of the sites to check E & Scompliance,collectdocumentations&data,provideexpertguidanceasmaybeneededetc.ThecentralE&Steamwillcoordinatewithand/ormobilizethefield-basedteam,includingFieldImplementationUnit(FIU)andPAOversightCommittee(PAOC)asmayberelevant,for regularsupervisionat sites.All theworkssupportedwith the tourismprojectwillbesupervisedbyFIUs,withneed-basedsupport fromcenter,onaday todaybasis,provideexpert guidance, and any faults noticed will be corrected immediately to maintain thestandards.ImportantobservationswillbeimmediatelysharedwiththePAOC,PIEor/andPIUasmayberelevantandneededactionswillbetaken.

1 See Chapter 10 of the ESMF, PAD paragraph 49 – 52, PAD Annex 1


11.3 MonitoringEandSMonitoringwillbeanintegralpartofoverallprojectmanagementandcarriedoutonaperiodicbasis.Intheproject,thePIEandPIUrespectivelyfortheactivitywithintheirjurisdictionwillhavetheresponsibilityofmonitoringtheE&Scompliance,documentationanddata,permits,processandprocedures,grievances,workscoveringinputs,processandoutputs. Suchmonitoring is expected to provide feedback to themanagement in takingtimelydecisionstoimprovetheE&Sperformance.PIEandPIUwilluserisk-basedapproachinmonitoringandvisitsamplesitesformonitoring.AspartofthebroaderM&Eframework,theprojectwillalsocarryoutdifferentstudiesvizbaselinestudy,independentstudiesandevaluation.Monitoring of safeguards implementationwill be an integral part of tourismprojectcycleandincludethefollowings.

• Undertake periodic monitoring1 to ensure the implementation of safeguardscomplianceandmitigationmeasures;

• Ensurethatinformationforallkeyindicatorsasdepictedintable14belowrelatedtovarioussocialandenvironmentalimpacts/compliancesarefullycapturedandcollected;

• Dotheverificationofdatavisaviskeyresultmonitoringindicatorcovered;• Providerecommendationsforcorrectivemeasuresbasedonthefindingsfrom

monitoring;and• Reporttheoutcomesofmonitoring.

Twotypesofmonitoringwillbecarriedoutundertheproject.One isregularmonitoringwhichwill be a part of project implementation andwill be carried out internally by theproject. The other is external monitoring which will be carried out by the independentconsultant/firm.

11.4 RegularMonitoringNTNC has a fully dedicated focal person (M&EOfficer) for themonitoring of its regularprogram.Currently,monitoringislimitedtooccasionalsitevisitstosamplesitesbasedontherisks.Inordertocarryoutmonitoringandevaluationofsafeguardsmeasureseffectively,theM&EsystemofNTNCwillbestrengthenedgraduallywithaddedsafeguardsexpertsatPIE.ThesafeguardexpertsatPIE/PIUwillberesponsibleforimplementingESMFandcarryoutperiodicmonitoring to ensure that safeguards compliancehasbeenmadeasper therequirements.Regularmonitoringispartofproject’sinternalmonitoring,willbecarriedoutby the project’s E&S team (lead by the central teams), andwill focus on key outcomes/outputsandimplementationprogress.

1Periodic monitoring will be done on quarterly basis by the PIE and PIU.


11.5 ExternalMonitoringInadditiontoregularor internalmonitoringasmentionedabove,theprojectwillengageconsultant or consulting firm for external monitoring of the E&S compliance. Externalmonitoringwillbescheduledasfollows:

• Annually until Mid-Term Review (MTR), one external monitoring report will bescheduledinsuchawaythatitwillinformtheMTR;and

• Frequency/timingof theexternalmonitoringaftertheMTRwillbedecidedbytheMTR.

ThelastexternalmonitoringwillbescheduledattheendofprojectimplementationthatwillalsoservethestatusreportonE&Satprojectcompletion.

Thescopeofexternalmonitoringwillinclude,butnotlimitedto:

• ESMFimplementationstatusandcompliancewiththemitigationmeasures;• Compliancewithlegalaspectsincludingpermits,clearancesandnoobjections;• Trackingenvironmentalandsocialimplementationperformances;• Reviewingstakeholderengagementandconsultations;• Reviewinggrievancemanagement;• Undertakingsitevisitstovalidatedocumentedinformation,meetingwithworkers,

management,andstakeholders,etc.;• Identifyingcorrectiveandpreventiveactionstobeincorporatedinmanagementtool

oftheclientinamanneracceptabletotheBank;and• Identifygoodpracticesandlessonslearned.

Exampleofpotentialmonitoringindicatorsareprovidedinsection11.6,andadraftToRforExternalMonitoringisprovidedinAnnex14.

11.6 MonitoringIndicatorsSelectionofcorrect indicators is important inorder tocomeupwithrealisticmonitoringplanandreporting.TheSafeguardsExpertsassignedintheprojectwilldevelopmonitoringplansalongwiththekeyapplicableindicatorsonvarioussafeguardsmeasures,guidedby,howevernotlimitedto,thefollowings.


Table12: KeyMonitoringIndicators,MethodsandResponsibility

KeyMonitoringIndicators Methods ReportSchedule ResponsibilityA. CommonIndicators

No. of safeguard documents prepared,Screening checklists/ ESMPs/EA/RAPs/VCDPs,etc.prepared)

Review progressreport, individualsubprojectdocuments

Quarterlyreport PIE and PIU/SafeguardsTeam

Compliancewithlegalaspects(permits,clearances, No objections as may beneeded)

Review progressreport, individualsubprojectdocuments

Quarterlyreport PIE and PIU/SafeguardsTeam

Disclosure and dissemination ofsafeguarddocuments

No. of social/environmental issuesincorporated in subproject design (i.e.change in design, route/place, etc. toavoidadverseimpacts)

Review progressreport, review ofproject documents/DPR,etc.,sitevisittosamplesubprojects/

Quarterly PIE and PIU/SafeguardsTeam

B. SocialIndicators No. of affected families by type ofloss/impactsrecorded

Review progressreport

Prior toSubprojectapproval

PIE and PIU/SafeguardsTeam

No.ofusergroupsformed/involvedinvarious construction works/ wagepaymenttothelocalusergroupswithintheconservationarea/parks

Review contactdocuments/sitevisit

Quarterly Project siteoffice/SafeguardsTeam

No. of community consultations held;IPs/ vulnerable groups and womenparticipatingindifferentconsultations.

Review progressreport

Quarterly PIE/SafeguardsTeam

Compensation for losses as perentitlement matrix/ other assistancepaid,ifany,totheaffectedpeople(Rs)

Verify with CDCdata/reviewprogressreport


No. of local user committees/groupsawardedtheconstructionworks

Verify with Sub-projectOffice

Quarterly PIE/SubprojectOffice

Value of works awarded to localcommittees(Rs)

Verify with Sub-projectOffice

Quarterly PIE/SubprojectOffice

No.ofgrievances/disputesregisteredatdifferent levels (PIE, PA/Parks, Unit)andnumberredressed

Review grievancerecords/progressreport


C. EnvironmentalIndicators Protectionof forestandCompensatoryPlantation/NTFPplantationcarriedoutagainsttreefelledasperGoNnorms

ReviewProgressReport,projectdocuments,samplesitevisits

Annually PIE and PIU/SafeguardTeam

Solid waste management (pollution,sanitation)

Review ProgressReport, projectdocuments, sample sitevisits

Quarterly PIE andPIU/SafeguardTeam

Wastewater, including effluent,management(pollutionofwaterbodies,land)


Quarterly PIE and PIU/safeguardteam

Protectionoffertileagriculturalland Review ProgressReport, project



documents, sample sitevisits

Protectionofinfrastructure Review ProgressReport, projectdocuments, sample sitevisits


Maintenance of scenic and aestheticvalue



Pressure on wildlife and biodiversity(including hunting, poaching, fishing,NTFPetc.)

Review ProgressReport,project documents,samplesitevisits


Conduction of Environmentalawarenesstrainingprogram

ReviewProgressReport,projectdocuments,samplesitevisits


EnhancementmeasuresforTerrestrial,wetlandhabitats,etc.

ReviewProgressReportprojectdocuments,samplesitevisits


Increase/reduction of human animalconflictsoranimalvehiclecollision,etc.



Landslide/ erosion prone areatreatmentwithbioengineeringorotherindigenous techniques andconservationoftopsoil



Health and safety of workers andcommunity



Landusechange ReviewProgressReportprojectdocuments,samplesitevisits


11.7 ReportingTheprojectwillberesponsibletomakemonitoringreportpubliconaspecifiedtimeframe.In the project, monitoring reports on safeguards compliance will be prepared by thesafeguardteams.Internalreportswillbepreparedbyfieldteam(e.g.FIU)onaregularbasis.Central teams,atPIUandatPIE,willproduceperiodicE&Sstatusandprogressreports,coincidingwiththeprojectquarterlyprogress(orasanattachmenttothequarterlyprogressreport–providingasummaryofE&Sprogressandstatus).Additionally,thePIU/PIEwillprepare separate consolidated safeguard progress and status report once in six-month,coincidingwiththeBank’ssupervisionmission.Similarly,externalmonitoringreportwillbeproducedafterthemonitoringattheendoftheexternalmonitoringasscheduledinSection


11.5-annuallyuntiltheMTRandasdecidedbytheMTRthereafter.ThePIEandPIUwillberesponsibletoreporttheprogressonsafeguardscomplianceduringtheirregularreportingtotheWorldBank.


Chapter12: BudgetforImplementingESMFThischapterprovidestheindicativebudgetforimplementingtheESMF.ThebudgetincludesthecostforE&Sscreening, implementationofESMP,RPFandVCDPimplementation,E&Sexpertfees,GRMimplementation,safeguardcapacitybuildingandM&E.

SafeguardActivities CostEstimation(NRs.In'000)

Remarks

a) EnvironmentalandSocialScreening 1000

Tentativebuget forcarryingoutESscreeningbasedonpastexperienceOne environmental and one SocialExpert will be hired in the twogeographical destinations (expertfeeandtravel)

b) Implementation of ESMP prescribed byEnvironmentandSocialAssessment

15000Mitigation measures related withidentifiedsub-project

c) Disclosures and dissemination ofenvironmentalsafeguarddocuments

2500

Cost involve for FGD, publicconsultation, notice publication,uploading including logisticarrangement associated duringconsultation.

d) Supervision,MonitoringandReporting 5000

Sub project level as well asmonitoring from PIE (includestravelcost)

e) RPFandVCDPimplementation 10000Skill enhancement training,provisionofequipment,etc.,fortheprojectstaff

f) Environmental Safeguard Expert(Remuneration)

7500As per your organogram orcustomize for thisproject,PIE,PIU,FIU,etc.levelandsubprojectlevel.

g) SocialSafeguardExpert(Remuneration) 5000 Sameasaboveh) E&Ssafeguardmonitorsandfacilitators 10800 Atsubprojectlevel

i) GrievanceReaddressCommittee 1500Committees allowance,transportation, etc. at subprojectlevel,ProvincelevelandPIElevel

j) GenderActionPlanimplementation 9875Gendersensitizationworkshopsandtraining for staff, hire GBV victimserviceproviders,GenderSpecialist,

k) External Monitoring during the projectperiod

7500It shall be carried out byindependentconsultantorfirm

l) E&SSafeguardcapacitybuilding 23400Hiring E&S experts, training andorientation at FIUs, GESI expert &M&Eexpert

m) Safeguard capacity building/training–Staffs (NTNC staffs PIE and field level,Wardens, provincial and local level, CBOs,CFUGs,Implementingentities,etc.).

8000E&S safeguard screening, planning,designing, implementation andmonitoringtraining

Total 107,075


Annexes


Annex1(a): ExclusionListofProjectActivities

Thefollowingtypeofactivities(ExclusionList)willnotbeimplementedundertheprojectinordertoavoidsignificantadverseimpactsthataresensitive,diverseorunprecedentedandmay affect an area broader that the site or facilities subject to physicalworks. ThisexclusionlistalsoexcludesthoseactivitiesthatrequireafullEIAbytheGoN'slegislationandtheCategoryAactivitiesundertheWorldBank'sOP4.01EnvironmentalAssessment,OP/BP4.04NaturalHabitats,OP/BP4.36Forestry,OP/BP4.11PhysicalCulturalResourcesandOP/BP4.12InvoluntaryResettlement.

1. EnvironmentalActivityLists• Newalignmentandconstructionofthroughroadinthecorezoneof

protectedarea;• Interventionstodisruptnaturalcorridorfunction;• Highraisinginfrastructureconstructionthatdoesnotblendwithlocal

environment;• Constructioninimportantbiodiversityareasthataffectscriticalhabitats;• Megaconstructionprojectse.g.hydropower,dam,high-tensionlineetc.• Introductionofinvasivespecies;• Linearinfrastructurethatfragmentcriticalhabitats;• Subprojectcreatingexcesspollution(sound,waste,toxins,water)and

releasingexcessivepollutants;• Generation,production,storage,useordisposalofhazardouswasteor

materials• Quarryofminesandminerals.• Activitylikelytohavesignificantadverseenvironmentalimpactsthatare

sensitive,diverse,orunprecedented.Theseimpactsmayaffectanareabroaderthanthesitesorfacilitiessubjecttophysicalworks

• Activitythatwouldinvolvelargescale/significantconversionordegradationofcriticalforestareasorrelatedcriticalnaturalhabitats;

• Activitythatinvolvesignificantconversionordegradationofcriticalnaturalhabitats,includingadjacentordownstreamcriticalnaturalhabitats(criticalnaturalhabitincludes,butnotlimitedto,legallyprotectedorofficiallyproposeforprotectionorunprotectedbutofknownhighconservationvalue)

• Activitythatwouldhavesevereadverseimpactsoncriticalorotherwisevaluablenaturalorculturalresources

• Activitythatwouldlikelyhavesignificantimpactsonphysicalculturalresources(movableorimmovableobjects,sites,structure,groupsofstructures,naturalfeaturesandlandscapesthathavearcheological,paleontological,historical,architectural,religious,aesthetic,orotherculturalsignificance)ofinternationalornationalreputation(suchasUNESCOsites,and/orincludedinthenationalregistryofculturalsitesetc.).Theactivity


may,forexampleinclude:(a)significantexcavations,demolition,movementofearth,flooding,orotherenvironmentalchanges;and(b)anyactivitylocatedin,orinthevicinityof,aphysicalculturalresourcessite.

• ActivitythatcontraveneapplicableinternationalenvironmentalagreementsinwhichGovernmentofNepaland/orWorldBankare/ispartyto;

2. SocialActivityLists

• Largescaleinvoluntaryresettlementand/orforcedphysicalrelocationofpeople.• Increasedcommunityexposuretodisease(waterborne,waterbased,water related,vectorbornediseaseaswellascommunicabledisease);• Applicationofadverseordiscriminatorypracticesleadingto

impoverishmentofpeople;• Useofchildlaborsandotherformsofforcedlabors;• Activitieswithenhancedriskofgender-basedviolence;• Nolandwithanykindofdisputes/conflictswillbeusedforthesubprojects;• Restrictiontoaccessinglandandnaturalresourceofindigenouspeople

subjecttotheirtraditionaluseandcustomaryrights;and• Excavationsofarcheologicalandcultural/nationalheritagesites.


Annex1(b): ExampleofActivitiesthatrequireInitialEnvironmentalExamination(IEE)andEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as per Environmental ProtectionRules26ofGovernmentofNepal

IEERequiredActivities(activitiesthatarelargerthantheIEErequiredactivities,willrequireEIA)

• Clearfellingorrehabilitationofnationalforestswithanareaofnotmorethan5hectares

• Preparationofmanagementplansofnationalparks,wildlifesanctuaries,conservationAresandtheirbufferzonesorlaunchingofdevelopmentandconstructionactivitiesspecifiedinsuchplans

• ConstructionofforestpathsuptoFiveKilometerlong• EstablishmentofcoldstoragehavinginvestmentoftotalfixedcapitalexceedingRs.

Onemillion• ConstructionofOnetoFive-Kilometer-longropewayorcablecarroutes• Constructionofthefollowingroads:(a)Districtroads(b)Urbanroads(c)Rural

roads(d)Smallfeederroads• Constructionofmajorbridges• EstablishmentandoperationofhotelwithFiftytoHundredbeds• Extensionoftheareasoftheexistingairports• Openingofnewareasforthepromotionoftourism.• Operationofraftingactivitiesonanyriverhavingfishorotheraquaticlife.• Operationofnewgolfcoursesandorganizedformofwatersports.• PromotionoftourisminanumberexceedingTenThousandperyearatanaltitude

aboveFiveThousandmeters.• Disposalandmanagementofwasteemittedfromtrekkingpoints• ActivitiesrelatingtocompostplantsinanarearangingbetweenOnetoFive

hectares.• Commercialfish-farminginanareaofmorethanOnehectare

EIARequiredforactivitieslocatedinthefollowingtypeofsensitiveareas

• Historical,culturalandarcheologicalsites.• EnvironmentallyweakandwetAreas.• Nationalparks,wildlifesanctuariesandconservationareas.• Semi-arid,mountainousandHimalayanregions.• Floodproneandotherdangerousareas.• Residential,schoolandhospitalareas.• Areaswithmainsourcesofpublicwatersupply.

26TheEnvironmentalProtectionRuleisintheprocessofrevisionfollowingnewEnvironmentalProtectionAct2019.Thislist(Annex1(b))needstobeupdatedfollowingthenewRule.


• Establishmentofhotels,resorts,safaris,educationalinstitution,hospitalandindustriesofotherconstructionactivitiesinsideforestareas,nationalparks,sanctuaries,conservationareas,bufferzonesandenvironmentconservationzones


Annex1(c):ExampleofActivitiestobesupportedunderSTENPAProject

Component 1: Improving destination management, planning and coordination Sub component 1.1: Enhancing destination management and Planning 1 Develop a sustainable tourism development strategy for all of Nepal's PAs,

review and update PAs management plans and develop guideline for integrating sustainable tourism development (all PAs)

Consultancy

2 Incorporate nature-based tourism development plan into the provincial level tourism master plan (All destinations)

Consultancy

3 Short-term trainings (fiduciary, E&S safeguard, M&E, financial, procurement, project management, tourism, GIS, wildlife management, trail auditing, etc.) to build capacity of MoFE, DNPWC, NTNC and other institutions involved in PA management

Service

4 Knowledge generation and exchange (national and international knowledge sharing platforms including IUCN, International Ecotourism Society, etc.)

Service

5 Analysis to identify project-relevant gaps between males and females, especially in light of country gaps identified through SCD and CPF with GESI action plans in Terai and mountain

Consultancy

6 Project promotion and outreach (brochures, destination maps, leaflets, fam-trips, photographic documentation, video-graphic documentation, and other promotional materials)

Consultancy/ Service/Goods

7 Prepare a tourism road upgradation development plan and specific standards for sustainable tourism development

Consultancy

8 Training and beneficiary's engagement with SNGs and local community organizations - management committees, tourism committees and women's groups

Service

9 GIS and Remote Sensing software and equipment, project management software, surveillance equipment (drones), wildlife research tools (camera traps, GPS, field gears, Artificial Intelligence, etc.)

Goods/Service

10 Establish destination coordination mechanism and partnership with key representatives of federal and local government and communities

Services/ Consultancy

11 Upgrade the drafting and enforcement of rules and guidelines Service/ Consultancy

12 Landscape zonation development and planning for tourism development using digital tools

Consultancy/ Works

13 Conduct a carrying capacity in all destinations Consultancy/ Works

14 Design and implement a monitoring plan to analyze tourism impact in selected destinations

Consultancy/ Works


15 Assess rural tourism services and facilities (homestays, etc.) Consultancy 16 Assess impact of climate change in tourism and livelihood Consultancy 17 Assess and explore exclusive wildlife observation sites Consultancy

18 Preparation of DVIP for ShuNP and RNP including demand and market analysis, connectivity gap analysis and identification of activities (ShuNP and RNP)

Consultancy

Sub component 1.2: Integrating NBT into National Tourism Policiesand Branding 1 Review adapt and support tourism act, online tourism service, online tourism

enterprise registration system develop and implement etc. Service/ Consultant/ Goods

2 TSA - improve data collection, compilation and analysis relating to destinations and support

Service/ Consultant/ Goods

3 Tourism branding and marketing strategies of Nepal PA's offering including support to national campaigns

Service/ Consultant

4 Develop and renovate services in local airports and Visitor Centers in gateway cities

Service/ Consultant/ Goods

Component 2: Enhancing Infrastructure for Access , Environmental Management and Tourism Diversification Sub component 2.1: Enhancing tourism infrastructure for access to PAs 1 Develop a signage plan (all destinations) Consultancy 2 Produce and place new trail signage (include directional signs, information signs,

interpretative signs, etc.)- all destinations Good/Works

Annapurna Conservation Area (CA) Priority connecting road upgrading in ACA 1 Prepare detail survey report (DPR) along with E &S safeguard measures of

prioritized last mile roads (2, 3 and 4) Consultancy

2 Milan Chowk (Hemja) - Lwang Work 3 Phedi-Dhampus Work 4 Besi Sahar- Bhujung Work Upgrade public tourism-related facilities

1 Survey for helipads sites in ACA, MCA and RNP Consultancy

2 Develop helipads in identified sites in ACA, MCA and RNP Work 3 Design, develop and enhance public services and transportation system (Bus stops

and terminals taxi stands, street lights, rest stop with toilets) Work/ Consultancy

Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) Priority connecting road upgrading in MCA 1 Prepare detail survey report (DPR) along with E &S safeguard measures of

prioritized last mile roads (Aarughat - Jagat) Consultancy

2 Upgrade Aarughat- Jagat Work Upgrade public tourism-related facilities 3 Design, develop and enhance public services and transportation system (Bus stops

and terminals taxi stands, street lights, rest stop with toilets) Work/ Consultancy


Bardia National Park (BNP) Priority connecting road upgrading in BNP 1 Prepare detail survey report (DPR) along with E &S safeguard measures of access

roads and park network roads Consultancy

2 Develop and upgrade Thakuradwara - Betahani-Hattishar road and road to Banjaria and Blackbuck area

Work

Upgrade public tourism-related facilities 1 Design, develop and enhance park entry and public services (Bus stops, street

lights, rest stop with toilets, information center, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc.) Work/ Consultancy

Banke National Park (BaNP) Priority connecting road upgrading in BaNP 1 Prepare detail survey report (DPR) along with E &S safeguard measures of all-

weather access road inside BaNP Consultancy

Upgrade public tourism-related facilities Shukla Phanta National Park (ShuNP) Priority connecting road upgrading in ShuNP 1 Prepare detail survey report (DPR) along with E &S safeguard measures of access

road to the park and all-weather roads inside ShuNP Consultancy

2 Develop access road to park HQ Work Upgrade public tourism-related facilities

1 Design, develop and enhance park entry and public services (Bus stops, street lights, rest stop with toilets, information center, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc.)

Work/ Consultancy

Sub component 2.2: Upgrading environmental management and tourism-related infrastructure 1 Develop and implementation of local adaptation plan of action (LAPA) for

reducing climate and disaster vulnerability (for all destinations) Consultancy/ Work

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) 1 Develop Detailed Project Report (DPR) along with E&S safeguard measures for

Round Annapurna Alternative Trekking Trail (RAATT), Mardi Himal Trekking Trail, Nilgiri Trekking Trail, Annapurna Base Camp, Seven Passes Trekking Trail, Sikles-Timang and Ghandruk - Ghorepani Trekking Trail

Consultancy

2 Develop and upgrade trekking trail facilities in RAATT, Mardi Himal, Nilgiri, Annapurna Base Camp, Seven Passes, Sikles-Timang and Ghandruk - Ghorepani including bridges and safety barriers

Work

3 Develop signage, porter shelters, safe drinking water stations, location boards, peak lens for mountain identification, rescue shelters and waste management facilities RAATT, Mardi Himal, Nilgiri, Annapurna Base Camp, Seven Passes, Sikles-Timang and Ghandruk - Ghorepani

Work

4 Develop DPR with E&S safeguard measures for beautification, enhancement and access to lakes of ACA

Consultancy


5 Beautification, enhancement and access to lakes of ACA including information boards, permeable pavements, toilets, waste disposal, resting benches, fencing and tea shops

Work

6 Assessment and recommendation for solid waste management system Consultancy

7 Development of state-of-art solid waste prevention and management; and biological waste water treatment system in ACA (reduction, collection, packaging and technology)

Work

8 Develop visitor tracking and safety management system Consultancy/ Goods/Works

9 Establish digital weather stations Goods/Work 10 Upgrading and management of tourist check posts with area specific information

and weather information Works

11 Develop DPR for heritage village development in ACA Consultancy 12 Support to develop heritage villages Work 13 Develop detailed inventory of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of ACA Consultancy

14 Renovate tangible heritage (monasteries, caves, maane, chhortens, temples, and other archeological sites)

Work

15 Support to revive intangible heritage (festivals, indigenous culture, local cuisines, local costumes, traditional practices, etc.)

Service

16 Design, develop and upgrade heritage/cultural museums Work/ Consultancy

17 Design and develop interactive visitor information center Consultancy/ Work/Goods

18 Develop and enhance adventure/sports tourism (archery playground, cave visits, horse racing, mountain biking, rock climbing, etc.)

Work

19 Design and develop wildlife experiencing sites with special focus on snow leopard, Himalayan wolves, argali, demoiselle cranes, etc. (side trails, signage, wildlife hides/blinds, glamping/camping sites, viewing platform)

Consultancy/ Works

20 Design and promote heritage village and agro-based tourism in Tetang and Zhong villages

Consultancy/ Service/Work

21 Design and enhance religious tourism experience in Muktinath (waste management, biological waste water treatment, greening, shelter, upgrading tourism services, signage, information)

Consultancy/ Service/Work

22 Management of high-altitude rangeland (corrals, rangeland improvement, waterholes, solar lights, etc.)

Work

23 Support restoration work of rhododendron forest in Ghorepani Service/Work Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) 1 Develop Detailed Project Report (DPR) along with E&S safeguard measures for

Tsum Valley trekking trail, Rubinala trekking trail, Ganesh himal trekking trail, Bihi-Chumchet trekking trail and Larke trekking trail

Consultancy

2 Develop and upgrade trekking trail facilities for Tsum Valley trekking trail, Rubinala trekking trail, Ganesh himal trekking trail, Bihi-Chumchet trekking trail and Larke trekking trail including bridges and safety barriers

Work


3 Develop signage, porter shelters, safe drinking water stations, location boards, peak lens for mountain identification, rescue shelters and waste management facilities in Tsum Valley trekking trail, Rubinala trekking trail, Ganesh himal trekking trail, Bihi-Chumchet trekking trail and Larke trekking

Work

4 Develop DPR with E&S safeguard measures for beautification, enhancement and access to Kaal Tal

Consultancy

5 Beautification, enhancement and access to Kaal Tal including camping site, information boards, permeable pavements, toilets, waste disposal, resting benches and fencing

Work

6 Development of state-of-art solid waste prevention and management; and biological waste water treatment system in MCA (reduction, collection, packaging and technology) based on MCA assessment

Work

7 Develop visitor tracking and safety management system Consultancy/ Goods/Works

8 Establish digital weather stations Goods/Work 9 Upgrading and management of tourist check posts with area specific information

and weather information Works

10 Develop DPR for heritage village development in Sama Gumba Consultancy

11 Support to develop Sama Gumba heritage village Work

12 Develop detailed inventory of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of MCA Consultancy

13 Renovate tangible heritage (monasteries, caves, maane, chhortens, temples, and other archeological sites)

Work

14 Support to revive intangible heritage (festivals, indigenous culture, local cuisines, local costumes, traditional practices, etc.)

Service

15 Develop interactive visitor information center Consultancy/ Work/Goods

16 Assessment and management of high-altitude wild animals (corrals, solar fence, fox lights, solar lights, etc.)

Work

Bardia National Park (BNP) 1 Construct and upgrade culverts/ bridges Work 2 Develop all weather road network inside BNP Work 3 Design and upgrade Tharu cultural heritage museum Work/

Consultancy 4 Design and develop interactive visitor centre at park headquarter Work/

Consultancy 5 Assessment and recommendation for solid waste management system Consultancy 6 Develop state-of-art solid waste prevention and management in BNP (reduction,

collection, packaging and technology) Work

7 Study on the potentiality of walking trails in Guthi-Hariharpur, Chisapani-Gainekanda, Telpani-Harre, etc.

Consultancy

8 Develop walking trails as per the recommendation of the study along with tourism facilities and services

Works


9 Improving wildlife safari experience through improved wildlife safe and silent safari vehicles

Goods

Improve park facilities 10 DPR of improve park facilities Consultancy 11 Develop campsites Work 12 Support to upgrade existing breeding centre Work/Service 13 Design and construct wildlife observation towers, wildlife hides, bird blinds, etc. Consultancy/

Work Wilderness Enhancement 14 Grassland management works 15 Water hole construction for animals works 16 Wetland restoration works 17 Endangered species monitoring involving high-end tourists Service Tourism Product Diversification BNP Service 18 Develop DPR for Tharu heritage village Consultancy 19 Support to develop Tharu heritage village Work 20 Assess, design and develop exclusive wildlife observation sites Consultancy/

Service/Work Banke National Park (BaNP) 1 Design and develop natural history museum and interactive visitor centre at park

headquarter Work/ Consultancy

2 Develop all weather road network inside BaNP Work 3 Construct and upgrade culverts/ bridges Work 4 Develop state-of-art solid waste prevention and management in BNP (reduction,

collection, packaging and technology) Work

5 Study on the potentiality of walking trails Consultancy 6 Develop walking trails as per the recommendation of the study along with tourism

facilities and services Works

Improve park facilities 7 Develop Detailed Project Report (DPR) along with E&S safeguard measures for

developing park's tourism facilities (campsites, wildlife rescue center, observation towers, wildlife hides, bird blinds, etc.)

Consultancy

8 Develop campsites Work 9 Develop wildlife rescue centre Work 10 Develop wildlife observation towers, wildlife hides, bird blinds, etc. Work Wilderness Enhancement and wildlife management 11 Grassland management Service 12 Water hole construction for animals Service 13 Endangered species monitoring Service 14 Design and develop wildlife guiding fence along the canal Consultancy/

Work 15 Protect and manage Kamdi Corridor with local participation (habitat management,

livelihood, wildlife conflict management, wildlife monitoring, etc.) Consultancy/ Work

Tourism Product Diversification BaNP Service 16 Design forest canopy walk with tourist information and facilities Consultancy

(international)


17 Design and develop forest canopy walk Work/Goods Shukla Phanta National Park (ShuNP) 1 Develop all weather road inside ShuNP Work 2 Construct and upgrade culverts/ bridges Work 3 Design and develop interactive visitor centre at park headquarter Work/

Consultancy Improve park facilities 4 DPR to improve park facilities Consultancy 5 Develop campsites Work 6 Design and construct wildlife observation towers, wildlife hides, bird blinds, etc. Consultancy/

Work Wilderness Enhancement 7 Grassland management Work 8 Develop Detailed Project Report (DPR) along with E&S safeguard measures for

Rani Tal and Tara Tal restoration and beautification; and Blackbuck area Consultancy

9 Wetland restoration and beautification of Rani Tal and Tara Tal Work 10 Enhance Blackbuck habitat management Work 11 Endangered species monitoring involving high-end tourists Service Tourism Product Diversification ShuNP Service 12 Develop and enhance tourism facilities in Blackbuck area in Hirapur (visitor center,

teashop, tower, toilet, etc.) Work/Service

RNP 1 Develop Detailed Project Report (DPR) along with E&S safeguard measures for

developing three-tier trails (permeable pavement, horse riding trail and bicycle trail) around Rara lake and nature hiking trail

Consultancy

2 Develop three-tier trails (permeable pavement, horse riding trail and bicycle trail) around Rara lakewith tourism facilities (signage, rest/view platform, toilets, teashop, etc.)

Work

3 Develop nature hiking trail with tourism facilities (signage, rest/view platform, etc.) Work

4 Design and manage upstream catchment area of Rara lake with bio-engineering Consultancy/ Work

5 Design and develop interactive visitor information center in park HQ Consultancy/ Work

6 Establish waste management system and sanitation improvement Work/ consultancy

Component 3: Adapting Tourism Products and Providing Economic Opportunities in Tourism-Related Value Chains Subcomponent 3.1: Upgrading and adapting tourism products to emerging market trend 1 Pre-assessment of existing standards of tourism services (accommodations, food,

safety standards, sanitation, etc.) Consultancy

2 Develop and institutionalize Business Development Services (BDS) Centers Service/ Consultancy

3 Capacity enhancement and exposure of tourism operators to upgrade their offerings and equip existing local community-based organizations through BDS

Consultancy/ Goods

4 Assessment of tourism value chain Consultancy


5 Improve Information and Communications Technology (ICTs) for branding, bookings, marketing

Work/Service

6 Improve access to markets through integrating with international accreditation programs and establishing partnership with global travel website companies

Work/Service

7 Support the local tourism entrepreneurs in the accreditation process (authentic local architecture designs, basic hygiene and sanitation, energy efficiency technology, safety and security improvement)

Work/Service

8 Generate employment opportunities and upscale service quality through internships (paid) for hotel management and hospitality graduates with high preference to female graduates

Service

Subcomponent 3.2: Promoting the inclusion of local communities in tourism related value chains 1 Identify and promote viable community products and services (NTFP, agro-

products, homestays, souvenirs, cultural groups, guide services, local cuisines, transport service)

Consultancy/ Service/Goods

2 Support to improve access to finance (FIs and MFIs) for local entrepreneurs Service

3 Establish and upgrade small scale tourism investments (room insulation, solar panel, processing equipment and storage, packaging and branding) to enhance livelihood opportunities with increased participation of disadvantaged communities

Service

4 Design and implement a training program related to tourism/environmental protection/TICs/and a skill development program (handicrafts, etc.), etc. for local communities/buffer zone communities

Component 4: Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation 4.1 Overall Project Management and monitoring 4.2 Management of DoT’s specific project activities 1 Conduct baseline study and perception survey in all destinations Consultancy/

Service 2 Meetings and workshops (inception workshop, steering committee meeting, project

technical committee meeting, field coordination meeting, national tourism workshop, team building workshop, etc.)

Service

3 Office operation cost of PIE and FIU (Audit fee and expenses, printing and stationery, communication, utility, repair, fuel rent, etc.)

service

Component 5: Contingency Emergency Response (CERC) This component will allow for rapid reallocation of uncommitted project funds from

other components to support immediate response and recovery needs in the event of a natural or man-made disaster or crisis. The type and nature of activities are unknown at this stage.


Annex2: InformationusedinpreparationofESMFThefollowinginformationwerecollectedrelatedtospecificaspects: (a) PhysicalResources

• Land,waterandair;• Maps(thematic,GISmaps),etc.;• RelevantdatapublishedbyBureauofStatistics;• Otherpublisheddocumentationontourism,nature-basedtourismand

wildlifeconservationareas.

(b) BiologicalResources• Scientificpublicationsonlocalbiotasurveys;• Ecologicalstudiescarriedoutintheprojectareaandbufferzones;• Directobservationduringfieldvisitsandsiteinvestigation;• InformationreceivedduringFGDs;• Otherrelevantpublicationandresearcharticles.

(c) Socio-EconomicandCulturalResources

• Publisheddemographicdataandmaps;• Householdsurveyscarriedduringfieldinvestigation;• InformationreceivedduringFGDs.


Annex3(a): EnvironmentalandSocialScreeningGuidelineandChecklist

GuidelineforConductingEnvironmentalScreening

1. The E&S screening teammust be familiar with subproject’s background throughsecondaryinformationbeforewalk-throughsurvey;

2. Duringwalkthroughtheteamshouldhelddiscussionorinquireswithcommunitiesandobservation,inspectionalongtheway;

3. Useballpenorpenciltofillthechecklist.Donotusewashableinkorthatcanerase

theinformation;

4. Insertnewpageifthespacesprovidedisnotsufficient;

5. Theteammustcarrytopographicalmapwiththem,markimportantenvironmentalfeatures/infrastructuresonthemapandrefertoappropriatesectionofthechecklist.Themapshouldbeincludedasannextothescreeningreport;

6. The team should take photographs of areas with environmental and socialimplications,andattachinthereportwithcaption;

7. The team should include summary of the screening findings, listing mainenvironmentalandsocialissues/concernsrelatedtosubproject.

A. SubProjectIntroduction

1 DistrictandMunicipalities/RuralMunicipalities: 2 Nameofsubproject: 3 BriefdescriptionofActivitytobeundertaken:5 Implementationapproachandinstitutionsinvolved:

B. Anyactivity/componentnot-eligibleasperexclusionlist(Annex1)

C. BaselineInformationandImpactsofSub-ProjectS.N. MajorAttributes

1 Protected/BufferZoneArea(Name/LocationwithFloraandFauna)

IfYes,describeindetail.


S.N. MajorAttributes

IfPotentialImpactsareexpected,describeindetail.

2 NationalPark,WildlifeConservation,ForestArea(NameLocation,FloraandFauna)

Ifyes,describeindetail


3 Majorwatersources-streams/rivers/ponds/lakes/springs(Name,locationwithaquaticanimal)



4 Landslideslocationwithcurrentcondition



5 Settlement(Name,Location,withmajorCaste/Ethnicity)



6 TradeCenters(Name/TypesandNatureofTrade)



7 PublicUtility(Name/Number)





8 Historical/Religious/CulturalSitessuchastemple,mosque,communityhall,etc.



9 OpenPublicSpaces/Places



10 SignificantDevelopmentPotential(Homestay,horticulture,livestock,floriculture,windpower,Microhydro,Biogas,etc.)



11 Landusetypeandpattern



12 Quarrysites



13 Tippingsites(Spoildisposalsites)



14 ExistingSituationandavailabilityoflabors





15 Locationsforestablishinglaborcampsifrequired.



16 Existingsituationofwastemanagementandprobablelocations



17 PollutionStatus(Air/Water/SoilandNoise)



18 CommunityHealthandSanitationStatus



19 Communitysetting,homogenous,heterogeneous

20 Communityacceptance,willingnessandmindsetforchanges/development

21 Experienceofcommunityinsimilarsubprojectactivityinthepast.



ConclusionoftheScreening:

NameofProposedProject:

A.EnvironmentalandSocialScreeningOutcome

Selectfromthefollowing:

� Eligibility.Eligibleorineligible(Annex1(a):ExclusionListofProjectActivities).BeyondtheScopeoftheProjectandexcluded.

o Eligible:o Not-eligible:

� Eligible,TypeI.Subprojectwithrelativelyhigherrisk/impactdueto……………….Mainissues/risks and impacts are……………………Require following assessments/ studies and plans:…………………………………..

� Eligible,TypeII.SubprojectwithrisksandimpactslowerthantheTypeI.Mainlikelyissues/risks/ impacts likely are……………………………. This subproject require following assessmentand/orplan……………..

� Eligible, Type III. Subproject that may not require assessment beyond Social and EnvironmentalScreening.Mainrecommendationsare………………

B.EnvironmentalandSocialIssues(forprojectsrequiringfurtherenvironmentalandsocialreviewandneedtoprepareEnvironment&SocialManagementPlan(ESMP).

Inthissection,listoutbrieflythekeypotentialenvironmentalandsocialissuesrelatedwiththesubprojectimplementation.Thisincludesbothenvironmentalandsocialopportunitiesthatwillbeseizedtostrengthentheproject,aswellasrisksthatneedtobemanaged.Theabovetableshallbeusedtohighlighttheissuesandcandidopinionshallbeprovidedforfurtheractions.

Screenedby:SignatureDate:

1………………………………..……………………..…………………..

2………………………………..…………………….………………….


Annex3(b)-EnvironmentalIssuesandMitigationMeasuresduringSubprojectPlanning,Design,andConstruction&OperationStage

S.N. InvestmentTypology/Sub-

projects

PotentialImpacts/Issues/Ris

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PotentialMitigationMeasuresPlanning&DesignPhase Sub-projectExecution&

OperationPhase1 Development of new

Integrated TourismDevelopment Plans(ITDPs)inlinewiththespirit of “SustainableTourismEnhancementin Nepal's ProtectedAreas"

Impacts due towrong planningincludes changes tobiophysicalenvironments andecosystems,biodiversity, andnatural resourcescaused directly orindirectly includingglobal warming,environmentaldegradation(suchasmass extinction andbiodiversity loss,ecological crisis, andecological collapse,overexploitation ofresources, pollution,and deforestation,etc.).

Exclusion list in Annex 1shall be considered whilepreparingITDPs.Theeligiblesubprojectsactivitiesshallbeplanned duly consideringmitigation hierarchy (avoid,minimize, mitigation andcompensation). Failing toformulate pragmatic ITDPswill have both direct andindirect impacts with highlikelihoodofoccurrencesandseverity.HenceITDsshallbeformulated considering thepointsmentioned hereunderbutnotlimitedto:o Respect land form,

natural processes andsystems;

o Protectandusesoils inasustainableway;

o Protect and enhance thewater resourcesincludingnaturalsprings,small rivulets and riversystems of surroundingarea (such as Water,biodiversity, population,human health, fauna,flora, climatic factors,material assets, culturalheritage and landscape,etc.);

o Protect, enhance andwhere necessary restore(specified) species andhabitats;

o Protect, enhance andwhere necessary restorelandscapecharacter,localdistinctivenessandscenicvalues;

o Protect, enhance andcreate green spacesimportant for recreation,biodiversity and grazinglands;

• Activities at field shall becarried out as per theenvironment and socialassessmentandmitigationmeasuresprescribedintheESMPorSS-EMP.

• Periodic Monitoringinvolving warden, CFUGs,community,NGOsorotherentity at local level as perESMP or SS-EMPprovisions.



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OperationPhaseo Provisions to regenerate

degraded environmentsand respect rural form,settlement pattern andidentity;

o Protect, enhance andwhere necessary restorethehistoricenvironment,restore buildingcharacter and townscapeatlocallevel;

o Improvedesignqualityinnew development,reducing energyconsumption andprovisions for reducingwaste production tofurther protect the areafrom pollution. Facilitaterecycling and re-use ofmaterialinwastetipsandconstruction wastes in aenvironmentallyacceptablemanner.

o Identify supportingactionsforenvironmentalimprovement that canassist the delivery ofeconomicdevelopment;

o Promotewastetoenergyprogram (household orcommercial level) asappropriate;

o Define broad areassuitable for wind andother renewable energydevelopments or, whereappropriate, specificsites;

o Provide guidance onappropriate locations fordiffering wastemanagement facilitiesincluding special andclinical wastes andwastewater treatmentplants;

o Set out criteria againstnew ski and associateddevelopmentsopportunitiesconsideringenvironmentalcriterion;



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OperationPhaseo Setstandardsforfoottrail

construction includingdefinitionofareaswhereparticular sensitivity isrequired to ensure thatfoot trail standardsreflect the existingcharacterandamenityofthearea.

Prior of executing any plansthat will be subjected toinclude in STENPA, an E&Soverview need to be carriedout for mainstreaming E&Sissues. The detailedinformation on process andprocedures for carrying outE&S overview of such planswill be provided in Annex 9(a) including the ToR inAnnex 9 (b) for consultancyservices for carrying out theassignment

2 Foot TrailImprovement andconstruction andvillage roadconstruction insidebuffer zones or anyinfrastructureconstruction ordevelopment

The types ofactivitiescarriedoutwill be small scalewidening as per therequirements anddealing with theimprovement ofexistinginfrastructures, notinvolvinglargescalecutting orexcavation and noblasting shall beinvolved.Henceit isenvisaged thatimpacts shall beminimum, sitespecific andreversible, ifactivities shall bemanaged dulyrespecting theenvironmentalsetting of thesubproject area(Hilly and Plainarea) and theirneighborhood.Nonetheless,following impacts

• Whilecarryingoutplanningfor trail enhancement ornew construction works,the mitigation measuresadoptedareofpreventiveinnature with two basicobjectives: (1) avoidingcostly mitigation and (2)awareness among thestakeholders for theenvironmental protectionwhile constructing andoperating infrastructureservices.

• Select routesappropriatelytoavoidorminimize theenvironmentaldegradation primarily intermsoflossoffloraandfauna, minimum or noslope instability or soilerosion, disruption ofwater bodies, minimumloss of fertile andcultivable lands and nolossofvaluablepersonalproperties;

• Conduct census surveyand assess the potential

• Establish outfall locationinclosecoordinationwithlocalcommunity;

• Carryout drainageimprovement works asperdesign;

• Apply proper Turfing(small scalebioengineering works,vegetation or grassplantation,etc.onafreshlyfilledorcutembankmentsor slopes for preventingscouring and erosionsgiving priority to plantspecies useful for thecommunity (endemicgrasses, Broom grass(Amriso in Nepali), fruitsaplings,foddertrees,etc.)

• All provisions mentionedin the EnvironmentManagement Action Plan(EMAP) or Environmentand Social ManagementPlan (ESMP) shall bereflected in the Bill ofQuantity (BoQ) explicitlywhile issuing TenderDocumentforthebidding.



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OperationPhaseshall be envisionedwill have inducedimpacts, if theseaspects shall beoverlooked duringexecution ofsubprojects:

i. Scouring/erosion onembankmentdue toincreasedsurfacerunoff

impacts and losses ofproperty and lands andestablish the baselinedataforcompensation;

• The design shall adoptthe labor-intensiveapproach as far aspractical and plan forusinglocalresourcesandmanpower;

• Assessment shall becarriedoutbasedon theforest road audittechniques;

• Include adequatedrainage improvementworks for surface runoffaswellasoutfalllocationshallbeplannedcarefullyand located at existingrivuletsorstreams.

• The following additionalpoints need to be takeninto consideration whilerehabilitatingthetrails:o Alignment shall followridgeline and awayfrom cliff edge toensure safety; avoidwetandpoorlydrainedsoils;

o Alignment shall passthrough interestingpointsaspracticalsuchas cascade, waterfalls,historic and culturalfeatures and throughavenues of largecanopytrees;

o Farmland,constructionproblematic area thatinclude cliffs or steepslopes,wetlands/swampyareasshallbeavoided.

• In addition, followingmitigations shall also beprescribed:o Trails slope shall begentle as far aspossible;

o Provision of naturalvegetable buffer and

• IfESMPactivitiesshallbecarried out involvingcommunity, a writtenperformance-basedagreement shall bemade.Effective monitoringmechanism shall be inplace ensuring judiciousutilization of resources atcommunitylevel.



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OperationPhasevistas and safetyhandrails to ensuresafety along nakedtrails.

ii. Borrow Pit:Lossoftopsoil,land andproductivity,Watercongestion,vectorproliferation,spreadofwaterborne diseases,physical injury,accident andevendeath

• Burrow pits shall beavoidedin landsclosetoembankmenttoelineandsettlement;

• Burrow pits shall beavoidedin landsclosetoembankment toe line (innocaseslessthan1.5m)and in irrigatedagriculturallands;

• Incase borrow pit is inagricultural land, thedepthshallnotexceed45cmandmaybedugouttoadepthofnotmorethan30cmafterstrippingthe15cmtopsoilaside;

• In case of riverside,borrow pit should belocated not less than 15m from the toe of thebank,distancedependingon the magnitude andduration of flood to bewithstood;

• Provide lead distance ofmore than 50m as perneed.

• Avoidfollowingareas:o Grazinglands;o Landswithin 0.5 km ofsettlement;

o Environmentallysensitiveareas;

o Core protected areas /forests

o Unstablesite-hillso Waterbodies;o Streams,swamps,waterlogging and seepageareas;

o Areas supporting rareplant / animalspecies/habitat;

• Prepare, approve andverify burrow pitrestoration plan beforestarting of constructionwork as a part of

• Avoid formation ofburrow pits as far aspossible;

• Operate suitable size ofborrow pits as perrequired volume ofmaterials and based onplan;

• Balance earthworkquantity of embankmentand side drains tominimize additionalborrowpits;

• Monitor burrow pitrestoration activities, asper proposed restorationplan.



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OperationPhaserestoration/rehabilitationplan

iii. SpoilDisposal

• Impacts onagriculturalland, forestsand grazingland due tospoildisposalofexcavatedmaterials, andotherconstructionwaste;

• Loss ofproductiveland,forestlandand grazingarea.

• Provideprovisionofleaddistance of more than50m (as per sitecondition) and as perneed to make effectiveand practical for spoilmanagement;

• Prepare verify andapprove tipping plan(SpoilDisposalPlan)asapart ofrestoration/rehabilitationplan;

• Maintain cut and fillbalanceasfaraspossibleinthedesign;

• Make provision ofadequate walls, slopegradingandplantationtomanage disposed spoilwith proper drainagearrangements;

• Identifyandapprovesitefor material storage inclose consultation withlocalpeople;

• Consultwithlocalpeopleto finalize the alignmentespecially to avoidlandslide area, to decidelocation for culverts andother drainagestructuresandtakepriorapproval from theconcernedstakeholders.

• Complywithspoil tippingsiteplan;

• Explore opportunities ofmanagingspoilandwaste;

• Reclaim degraded landsusing spoil and waste incoordination with localcommunities;

• Restore cultivated landdamagedthroughspoil;

• Follow safe and carefultipping practices withoutmixing spoil and wastewithcultivatedland/soil;

• Rehabilitate and reinstatedecommissioned materialstorageyard

iv. Protection andreinstatementof public andprivateutilities,cultural,historical andreligious issuesrefers toprotectionreinstatementof communityprivateinfrastructuressuch as watersupply andirrigation and

• Maintain inventory oflikely damage to publicand private utilities,cultural, historical andreligious sites and theirtemporaryarrangement;

• Provide provision ofadjustment of alignmentto protect cultural andreligiousassets;

• Include cost forrelocation,reinstatementand improvementincluding enhancementmeasures for public andprivate utilities, and

• Consult properly withproject beneficiariesbefore relocation andreinstatement of socialandculturalresources;

• Consult owner of theburied sites andgraveyards prior to carryoutconstructionactivitiesatsuchsites;

• Provide awarenessprogram onenvironmental & socialprotection to foottrail/road users/



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OperationPhasegraveyards,buried sites,monumentsandtemples.

religious and culturalsitesinBoQ.

neighbors throughout thealignment.

v. Dust and noisepollution-Healthproblems,anxiety,etc.

• Addressissuesrelatedtodust and noise pollutioninthedesignphase;

• Provision of PersonalProtective Equipment(PPE) for constructionworkers;

• Provision to plant closecanopy trees and shieldearthen trails/roads toabate dust pollution inpublic places and schoolarea;

• Monitor the provisionsprescribed in designdocument.

• Provide environmentalawareness onenvironmental protectionandsafetytotrailandroadusers.

vi. Labor campmanagementincluding laborsafety, childlabor or forcedlabor andGender BasedViolence (GBV),Impactsencounteredthroughconstructionworkers campincludedisposalofsolidwaste (i.e.organic waste,plastic andmetal scarps,and domesticeffluent)Pressureontheexisting publicutilities suchas(drinkingwatersources, healthpost) and poorsanitation,transmission ofcommunicablediseases, use ofalcohol,poaching &hunting,gambling and

• Provide clause ofarrangement for allPersonal ProtectiveEquipment (PPEs) forworkers, including firstaid facilities atconstruction sites atcontractdocument;

• Follow best practices onlabor campmanagementguidelines related toconstructionindustry;

• Follow labor safetyguidelines prepared asper IFC sustainabilityguidelines.

• Provide first-aid trainingto construction workersfor safety of workers forall types of constructionrelatedinjuries;

• Orient about labor campmanagementguidelinestocommunity andcontractor’srepresentative foreffectiveimplementation;

• Provide adequate

attention for labor campmanagement and laborsafety;

• Provide PPEs (helmets,

boots, masks, safety vest,etc.) to constructionworkersandalsomonitortheiruse;

• Maintain proper

sanitation at camps withprovisionofpotablewaterand regular healthcheckups of constructioncrew.



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OperationPhaseconflict withlocalcommunitiesleading to fatalaccidents andon site/workaccidents.

vii. Extraction ofquarrymaterialforconstruction:Constructionmaterials suchas stones,gravels, sand,aggregates, andsoils, etc. areusuallyextracted fromquarry.Extraction ofthese materialsis restrictedfromenvironmentally and sociallysensitiveareas.

• Identifyaquarryincloseconsultation with thecommunity and preparequarrysiteplanbasedonthe requirementsinvolvinggeologist;

• Quarry Restoration Planshall be developed toreinstatethequarryaftercompletionofworks.

• Follow recommendationof quarry sitemanagementplan;

• Reinstate the quarry siteas per therecommendation andmonitorit.

viii. Vegetation andWild life:habitatdestruction,loss ofbiodiversityand protectedspecies.

• Avoid sections of trailalignment that passesthrough core sensitiveforest land/highbiodiversityarea;

• Avoiddisposalofspoilinforestedarea;

• Prepare compensatoryplantation plan as perneed, ensuringreinstatement of theconditionat least to thatof pre-projectimplementationstage;

• Avoid areas with majorlandslides and stabilityproblems

• Organize environmentalawareness raisingprograms for allstakeholdersinsubprojectimplemented communityareaandneighborhood;

• Restrictclearanceoftreesandbushestotherequiredwidth;

• Maintain an inventory ofcleared tree species withtheirnumbersandgirth;

• Involve CFUGs, inplantation and protectionof saplings along withCommunity BasedOrganizations(CBOs)/communities/otherstakeholders;

• Make arrangement tomonitor the performanceof plantation andprotectionofsaplingsandbioengineering works forat least five years



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OperationPhaseinvolving CFUGs onperformance-basedmodality;

• Usewood(formwork)forconstruction in minimumamountandefficiently;

• Regulate movement oflabor force, theirdependencyonforestandpoaching/hunting;

• Provide alternative fuel(like kerosene, LPG, etc.)totheworkforcetocontrolencroachment in theforest;

• Restrict constructionactivities to day time toprevent disturbance towildlife.

3 TourismEnterpriseDevelopment

Business increasemay lead toadditional landneeds and potentialdamage to theenvironment tomeet the addeddemand by tourismgrowth inagriculture, forestsand other naturalresources.

Unplannedenterprisedevelopment maycause risk of poorwork place healthandsafetyandwastemanagement.

Resulting newfacilitiesconstruction due togrowing tourismenterprisemayhavedirect and indirectadverse impacts totheenvironment.

Developmentofnewinfrastructure toreciprocate growthin tourismenterprise facilities

Environmental awareness tobe included in relevantenhancement training,including relevant aspects ofEHSGuidelines, including thebusinesssectorguidelinesfortourism and hospitalitydevelopment.

• Organize environmentalawareness raisingprograms for allstakeholdersinsubprojectimplemented communityareaandneighborhood.

• Use wood and hazardousmaterials forconstructionin minimum amount andefficiently.

• Incorporate planning indevelopmentofenterpriserelated structures tominimize pressure toexisting public facilities,conversion of cultivatedland,etc.

• Incorporate EHSGuidelines

• Provide EnvironmentalCodeofPractice.

• Ensure wastemanagementpractices.



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OperationPhasemay have severeimpacts on existingfacilities such assewerage system,solid wastemanagementsystem,exponentially highdemand of waterrequirements,electricity demands,etc.

4 ProductDiversification Business increasefrom productdiversification mayimpact agricultural,livestock and otherlocal productionbase leading tounsustainableproduction to meetaddeddemands.

New tourismfacilitiesconstruction mayhave direct andindirect adverseimpacts on thephysicalenvironment.

• Sustainable productionand harvesting plans tobe incorporated inproductdevelopment.

• Recommend minimumenvironmentalstandardsforfacilitiesconstructionduring productdiversification planningstage.

• Organize awarenessraisingforallstakeholdersin relation to sustainableproduction andharvesting; andenvironmental standardsinconstruction.

• ProvideEHSguidelines.• Provide Environmental

CodeofPractice.

5 DevelopmentandConservationofwildliferescuecenters

Riskscommontotheconstructionactivities:• Loss of vegetationand topsoil fromlandclearing• Soil erosion andstreamsedimentation•Dust• Noise and air

emissions fromheavyequipment;

• Improperdisposal ofconstructionwaste;

• Exclusion list inAnnex1shallbeconsidered.

• The site should be lessecologicallysensitiveandshould be far fromwetlandandforestsarea.

• Unnecessary humaninterference strictlychecked. Proper disposalof wastes at constructionsite.

• Close monitoring ofworkers assigned for thejob

• Close monitoring will bedone of the vehicles andmaterials brought fromoutside,aswellasthesiteand the surroundings forpossiblecontaminations.



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OperationPhase• Damage to

otherinfrastructureor physicalculturalresources;

• Risks from

constructionand operationofwatersupplyweirs andstream channelstabilization;

• Workplace and

health andsafetyrisks;

• Injuries and

falls from notusing properpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)protectionwhile carryingoutconstructionactivities;

• Risk to

surroundingcommunitiesfor notprovidingenoughbarricades orhazardssignageto inform theboundaryproject arearisksduringon-goingconstructionactivities;

• Improper

disposal ofconstructionwastes andwaste fromworker’s campas somecontractors donot provide



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OperationPhaseproperportabletoiletsandgoodhousekeepingpractices.

6 Wilderness

EnhancementWildernessenhancement willinvolve improvingthe natural state ofvarious wildlifehabitat such asgrasslands andwaterholes.Therefore, negativeimpacts to theenvironmentarenotanticipated.However, thefollowing risks areanticipated duringenhancementstage.Risk of wildlifeattacks during fieldinvestigationsImproper sitingcausing negativeimpacts onbiodiversity andhabitatsImproper disposalof debris (removedvegetationincludinginvasive species)includingburningofuprootedvegetationandspreadof forestfiresImproper de-silting,excavation andexpansionactivitiesUse of equipmentand vehicles thatdisturbsthehabitatsandbiodiversityRemovalofplantsofconservationvalue

Siteselectionformanagementwillbebasedonexpertopinioninordertoensuretheecologicalimpactislow.

• A study plots will beestablished to monitorthe changes to theecologyofthesite

• Further technicalassessment will also becarried out to ensure itseffectiveness and toavoid/minimize thenegative impacts onecology.

• A separateworkmanualwill be developed basedon the technicalassessment

• Safetyprecautionswillbeadopted to minimizeattracting or aggravatingwildlife

• TheinvasiveplantswillberemovedfromtheNPanddisposedinasuitablesiteinascientificway

• Goodhousekeepingpracticeswillbepracticedincludinguseofdesignatedpaths,speedlimits,parkingofvehicles,timingofactivities,etc.;

• All equipment thatgenerates noise includingheavyvehicleswillbewellmaintained and servicedtoreducethelevelofnoisepollution; Appropriateand non-invasive noisebarriers will be set up atthesiteifneeded


• Arrangements will bedone to clean upimmediately if invasivespeciesgetsestablished

• Allsoil thatareexcavatedwill be disposed outsidetheNP, unless to be usedimmediately for anotherpurpose



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OperationPhaseSpread of invasivespecies fromvehicles andequipment broughtinto the park fromoutside

7 WasteCollectionandManagement

Groundwaterpollution byleachate wastesbecause of locationon unsuitable soils,malfunction,orpoormaintenanceOdors and healthhazards caused byinadequate wastemanagementSurface waterpollution fromcontaminatedrunoffor uncollected orinadequatelytreatedleachate

• Survey of all areas andprocesses to identifytypesand sourcesofon-sitewastegeneration;

• Promotion of waste toenergy program(household level orcommunity leveldepending on thesituation);

• Plan to reduce GHGemissionsattributabletothe prevention andrecycling,respectively,ofvarious waste fractions.Eachkgoforganicwastesent to anaerobicdigestion with energyrecovery avoids 0.35 kgCO2 eq. from wastemanagement anddisplaced energygeneration1.

These risks can be mitigatedby: a) environmental analysisof alternatives in FSs; b)preparation of goodEnvironmental and SocialManagementPlans(ESMPs);19c) implementation EHSGuidelines; and d) providingEnvironmental Code ofPractice (ECOP) or StandardOperationProcedures

8 ParkFacilityDevelopment

Risks common tothe constructionactivities:• Loss of

vegetation andtopsoil fromlandclearing;

• Soilerosionandstreamsedimentation;

• Dust

generation;• Noise and air

emissions fromheavyequipment;

• Improper

disposal of

• Exclusion list inAnnex1shallbeconsidered.

• The site should be lessecologicallysensitiveandshould be far fromwetlandandforestsarea.

• Unnecessary humaninterference strictlychecked. Proper disposalof wastes at constructionsite.


• Close monitoring will bedone of the vehicles andmaterials brought fromoutside,aswellasthesiteand the surroundings forpossiblecontaminations.

•

1WasteandResourceActionProgramU.K.2011



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OperationPhaseconstructionwaste;

• Damage to

otherinfrastructureor physicalculturalresources;

• Risks from

constructionand operationofwatersupplyweirs andstream channelstabilization;

• Workplace and

health andsafetyrisks;

• Injuries andfalls from notusing properpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)protectionwhile carryingoutconstructionactivities;

• Risk to

surroundingcommunitiesfor notprovidingenoughbarricades orhazardssignageto inform theboundaryproject arearisksduringon-goingconstructionactivities;

• Improper

disposal ofconstructionwastes andwaste fromworker’s camp



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OperationPhaseas somecontractors donot provideproperportabletoiletsandgoodhousekeepingpractices.

9 Hotel&LodgeStandardizationandAccreditation

• High valuetourist andtourismmaybenotbeattractedif Non-standardizationand non-accreditationprevailed.

• Collate data onenvironmentalmanagement forbenchmarking;

Establishment ofEnvironment ManagementSystem(EMS)suchas:• ISO 14001 - Basic

compliance withapplicable legalenvironmentalrequirements andmonitoring andreporting of keyenvironmentalperformanceindicators;

• EMAS (EC, 2009) -Basiccompliance withapplicable legalenvironmentalrequirements andmonitoring andreporting of keyenvironmentalperformance indicators.Latest version (EMAS 3)requiresorganizationstoreport sector-specificindicators and considerbest environmentalmanagement practiceoutlined in sectoralreferencedocuments.

• Viabono(Viabono,2012)- A German ecolabel foraccommodation thatincludes customerservice andenvironmental criteria,relating to theconservation ofresources, wastegeneration, energyefficiency, water

• Organize training,awareness program andfacilitation to implementthe EMS system toenhancebusiness;

• Organize training torepresentatives from LG,local hotel association onanaerobicdigesters,slurrystoragefacilitiesandfarmbuilding diversificationwith respect to theprotected landscape andensure that this isembedded within theLocal DevelopmentFramework;

• Provision of Environment

Award based onexcellence duringexecution andimplementation andrenewed annually aftercarrying out performanceaudit.

• Development of practical

guidelines foraccommodationproviderstoimproveenvironmentalperformance



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OperationPhaseefficiency,GHGemissionsand biodiversityconservation.

• Travelife SustainabilitySystem for Hotels(Travelife, 2011) - Aninternational touroperator (supply chain)driven sustainabilitycertification that isawarded as Bronze,SilverofGolddependingonperformanceacrossarange of environmentalandsocialcriteriasuchaswater, energy andeffluent management,housekeeping, usage oforganicproducts;genderand equality in themanagementprocessetc.

• Green Key (Green Key,2010)- An internationalsustainability standardwithaglobalbaselineforcertification based on aset of 100 criteria, someof which are optional.These include specificenvironmentalmeasuresand, in some cases,quantified benchmarks(e.g. labelled foodsmustrepresentatleast5%byvalue after one year ofcertification, andincreaseannually);

• Green Globe (GreenGlobe, 2011)- Primarilylegal compliance andsustainabilitymonitoringcriteria, but alsoqualitative requirementsto implement betterenvironmental practices,e.g. 'Local and fair-tradeservices and goods arepurchased by thebusiness, whereavailable'.

10 LandscapeZonationandPlanning

• Rampantgrazing by

• Undertake audit andresearch on theperceptions and

• Support the developmentand adoption of theBiodiversity and Geo-



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OperationPhasedomesticatedanimals;

• Impacts onsensitivelandscape inthe absence ofproperplanning;

• Haphazardfelling of treesof firewooddegrade theexistingenvironmentaswellasescalatethe GHGemission.

attitudesofcommunitiesand visitors on grazinganimals and the issue ofgrazing within habitatmanagement, applyingthe knowledge todemonstrationsites;

• Produce a robust anddefensible GreenInfrastructure Strategythatspecifiesanddefinessemi natural habitatcorridors to ensure thatthis supplement theLocal DevelopmentFramework, inconjunction with theBiodiversity and Geo-diversity Best PracticeGuide;

• Carryout LandscapeCharacter Assessment ofthe area for detailunderstatingofcharacterunder considerationincluding ‘EcosystemGoods and Services’provided by thelandscapes;

• Carryout landscapesensitivity and capacitystudies for renewableenergy and housingdevelopment;specifically, a sensitivitystudy onwind and solarPV, including guidanceon the siting and designof smaller scale windturbines and PV panelswithin the protectedlandscape to furthersupport and embedwithin the emergingRenewable and LowCarbon EnergySupplementary PlanningDocument.

• Identifyopportunitiesfornew woodland creationincluding commercialplantations inappropriatelocations;

diversity Best PracticeGuidewithintheemergingLocal DevelopmentFramework;

• Audit and monitor tosupporttheworkofcleaninitiatives to reduce litterinthearea,especiallyriverbanks, zone dedicated forrecreational oramusementactivities;

• Undertakeanauditof thetechnical and financialskills of rural businessesin project areaneighborhoodandprovideappropriatetrainingtofillgaps, utilizing fundsavailablefromthisproject.

• Organize training to LGrepresentatives onanaerobicdigesters,slurrystoragefacilitiesandfarmbuilding diversificationwith respect to theprotected landscape andensure that this isembedded within theLocal DevelopmentFramework.


Annex3(c):AnIndicativeChecklistonOHS,CHS,Hygiene&Sanitation,DiseasesSafetytosafeguardagainstCOVID-19orsimilarinfectiousdiseaseduringexecutingsmallcivilworks

This checklist is prepared based on World Bank’s ESF/SAFEGUARDS INTERIM NOTE:COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION/CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS as well asgovermnet’sguidelinesavailableatthetimeofdrafting.Thisshouldbeusedasareferencematerialsandadapted,sitespecificchecklistandprocedurestailoredtothespecificcontextandsituationshouldbeprepared.

S.N List of Activities Yes No N/A Remarks Ergonomics and Working Environment

1 Completion of a self- assessment checklist (Self Declaration Form) to ensure workers comply with good ergonomic practices.

2 Appointment or designation of a contact person at the workplace so that workers can talk to about any concerns.

3 Set up ways of communication with workers to connect with them daily (ex. morning meetings, group SMS, etc.).

4 Provide information to workers about the support available to them (ex. through group SMS, meetings, or morning meetings, etc.).

5 Ensure automatic alerts set up on computer systems to remind workers about washing hands and not touching eyes, nose, and face.

6 If possible, accept only cashless transactions. 7 Increase access to closed bins in your workplace.

Planning Ahead 8 Pre-approval for the deployment of new workmen from Project

Director /Project Manager.

9 Avoiding entry of new workmen from known hotspots of COVID 19.

10 Allocating separate rooms for the new workmen in the workmen habitat.

11 A medical checkup by a doctor and contactless thermal scanning. 12 Ensure the signing of MoU with the COVID -19 designated hospital/

Primary Health Care Unit and availability of medical practitioner with COVID-19 know-how in the locality or near vicinity of the workplace.

13 Assess if the proposed project require additional health services. 14 Develop a plan (Emergency Preparedness Plan) to ensure business

continuity if there is a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 in the workplace.

15 Planning and procedure in place if any worker is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, including how to support that workman and what needs to be done to ensure the workplace remains safe for other workers.

16 Ensure appropriate cleaning products and personal protective equipment available to disinfect the workplace following an outbreak.


S.N List of Activities Yes No N/A Remarks 17 Put a protocol in place for reopening your workplace after an

outbreak or quarantine period.

18 Medical Insurance of all workers before resuming a worksite. 19 Detailed profile of the project workforce, key work activities,

schedule for carrying out such activities, different durations of contract, and rotations (e.g. 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off, or instructed by the Project Director/Project Manager).

Symptoms Monitoring 20 Put up signs about the symptoms of COVID-19 in the workplace. 21 Instruct workers to stay home if they are sick, and if they are

displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

22 Instruct workers to inform if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19 or has been tested for COVID-19.

23 Remind and ensure the staff of their leave entitlements if they are sick or required to self- quarantine.

24 Treat personal information about the individual worker’s health carefully and confidentially.

Physical Distancing at Workplace and Office 25 Put up posters around the workplace on keeping at least 1.5 meters

distance between everyone at the workplace.

26 Erect signs at the entrances to meeting rooms to ensure the maximum safe capacity is not exceeded.

27 Move work stations, desks, and tables in staffrooms further apart to comply with social distancing.

28 If possible, bring in shift arrangements so less staff are in the workplace at once.

29 Instruct workers to organize meetings by phone (if required) instead of in person. If not possible, require they meet in a large space and keep meetings short complying with physical distancing.

Hand Washing and Hygiene 30 Ensure hand sanitizer stations at entry and exit points and around the

workplace.

31 Ensure bathrooms are well stocked with hand wash, cleaned frequently, and well ventilated with toilet paper (as applicable).

32 Ensure separate sanitary facilities for male and female workers. 33 Put up posters with instructions on how to hand wash/hand rub. 34 Instruct workers on other ways to limit the spread of germs, including

by not touching their face, sneezing into their elbow, and staying home if feeling sick.

35 Instruct workers to limit contact with others– no shaking hands or touching objects unless necessary.

36 Put up signs to request workers only touch tools & equipment they require and use during execution of works.

Cleaning 37 Ensure any areas frequented by workers or others (e.g. visitors to the

premises) are cleaned at least daily with detergent or disinfectant.


S.N List of Activities Yes No N/A Remarks 38 Instruct workers to wear gloves when cleaning; wash their hands

thoroughly with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after wearing gloves.

39 Clean frequently touched areas and surfaces several times a day with a detergent or disinfectant solution or wipe. This includes equipment, switches, levers, handrails, tables, countertops, doorknobs, sinks, and keyboards.

40 Instruct workers to clean personal property that comes to work, such as sunglasses, mobile phones, laptops with disinfectants.

41 Ensure waste management plan is in place. Workmen Camp 42 Daily thermal screening and symptom checking of cooks. 43 Cleaning and disinfection daily once the cooking is over. 44 Staggered Timings for dining to be adopted to limit the number of

workmen using the hall or dining table to maintain social distance or Increase the Space of dining facility where possible.

Quarantine and Isolation Rooms 45 An adequate number of rooms or beds complying with social

distancing with cross ventilation shall be identified and reserved to accommodate symptomatic workmen.

New Worker Dwelling 46 Provisions should be made to provide OHS orientation

training to all new employees to ensure they are apprised of the basic site rules of work at / on the site and of personal protection

47 New workers shall not be accommodated in the same rooms as the existing workmen.

48 Dwelling units/rooms shall be suitably organized to ensure the avoidance of proximity of the worker groups, limiting the number of workmen in dwelling units maintaining social distancing.

Resources at the Workplace 49 As far as possible, grocery shops, saloons, and other items shall be

made available within the workplace to avoid the movement of workmen outside the camp.

Restriction of a worker from Camp 50 Worker exit access shall be restricted to avoid infection from outside

the community.

51 Any worker going out of the habitat shall get a gate pass from the camp supervisor or authority.

Consultation and Grievance Mechanisms 52 Ensure mechanisms for worker’s consultation designed and in place. 53 Ensure fair conflict resolution mechanisms in place. 54 Ensure an efficient process for dealing with community grievances, 55 Ensure community representatives provided with easy means to

voice their opinions and lodge complaints.

Community Health and Safety 56 Ensure project information board is available. 57 Ensure safety sinages are posted around the sites. 58 Ensure security guards are deputed.


S.N List of Activities Yes No N/A Remarks 59 Ensure protection of construction (exacaveted sites) with barricades

to prevent accidental fall.

60 Pr Enures that the project does not result in potential increased health risks for the community through increased demands on exsisting health facilities and other communicable diseases.


Annex4: StepsinESAssessment(GoNrequirementIEE&EIA)and(WBrequirementonESIA)

S.N. Steps GoNRequirement WBRequirement StepstosatisfybothGoNandWB

IEE EIA

1 Screening/Planning/Designing

Schedule 1 ofEPR, 1997(Based onthresholdlimit)

Schedule 2 ofEPR 1997(Based onthresholdlimit)

Based on Risk category andinvestmentceiling.

• Detailed screening ofsubprojects includingconsultations/FPIC withaffected people and IPs asrelevant

• Preparationofdetailedplans(ESMP, RAP, VCDP, GAP)consideringAP'sconcerns

• DisclosureofESMFandotherplans

2 ProjectImplementation LimitedoptionsasprescribedinEPR,1997

• Implementation of ESMFrequirements

• Exploration of detailedalternativedesigntosuitE&Srequirement through activeconsultation

• Implementation of ESMF(ESMP and SS-EMPs, socialplans)

• EHScompliance• Public consultation and

capacitybuilding

3 MonitoringandReporting Provisionofprojectauditattheendoftheproject

Stringent monitoring of ESMF'srequirementscompliance

• Close supervision andmonitoringofsafeguard/EHScompliance

• Use of adequate indicatorsduringmonitoring

• Periodic and third-partymonitoring(independent)


Annex5: IndicativeOutlineofESMP

OutlineoftheESMP1. Introduction

1.1. BackgroundofProjectArea

1.2. DescriptionofProjectanditsActivities

1.3. ScopeofESMP

1.4. ObjectivesofESMP

2. ProjectPrinciplesandProcedures

2.1. Sub-ProjectImplementationModality;

2.2. DeskReview;

2.3. ConsultationMeetingandFieldVisit;

2.4 DocumentationandApprovalProcess;

2.5 DisseminationandDisclosure.

3. DescriptionofBaselineSituationinProjectArea(Physical,BiologicalandSocio-EconomicandCulturalEnvironment)

3.1 PhysicalEnvironmenta. ClimaticandweatherconditionsinProjectArea;

b. AccessibilitytotheProjectArea;

c. Informationonnaturalresourcessuchasstream,river,rivulets,availabilityofdrinking

watersources,flood,landslide,etc.;

d. Availabilityofconstructionmaterials,quarrysites,etc.;

e. Debris/SolidWaste/EffluentManagementpracticesinProjectArea;

f. ExistingInfrastructureandcurrenttrendofinfrastructureDevelopment.

g. Health,Sanitation&SafetyandDrainageSystem;

h. Existingtrailsandtheircharacteristics;

i. UseofChemicalfertilizersandpesticides

j. Anyotherspecificissues.

3.2 BiologicalEnvironmenta. FloraandFaunainProjectArea;

b. NaturalHabitatandCommunity;

c. ForestandNTFPresources;

d. EcologicallySensitiveAreas(Wetland,BreedingCenters,hotspotsCoreareas,etc.)

e. Anyotherspecificissues

3.3 Socio-EconomicandCulturalEnvironmenta. Social,economicculturalsetting;

b. Commercializationandcroppingpatterns;

c. BeneficiaryHouseholdInformation;

d. VulnerableHHs/Community;

e. ResettlementandRelocation;

f. Diseasesorhealthhazards;


4. EnvironmentalandSocial(E&S)ImpactAssessmentandMitigationManagementPlan

5. E&SMonitoringandReportingMechanismandPlan

6. CapacityDevelopmentandTrainingforSubprojectImplementation

7. E&SMitigationandMonitoringCost

8. GrievanceRedressMechanism

9. ConclusionsandRecommendation

10. Appendices


Annex6: IndicativeOutlineofRAP

ABBREVIATIONS

EXECUTIVESUMMARY

1. Introduction1.1 ProjectDescription1.2 ObjectivesofPlan1.3 ScopeofResettlementActionPlan1.4 SurveyofAffectedPeople(MethodologyusedforcensussurveyofHHs,FGDs,KeyInformantSurvey,

etc.)

1.5 SurveyofAffectedProperties(Measurement,assetsvaluation,dataverification,etc.)1.6 EffortstoAvoidandMinimizeImpacts

2. ResettlementPolicyFramework2.1 ResettlementPrinciples2.2 GoNPoliciesandRegulatoryFramework2.3 WorldBankPolicies2.4 PolicyGapsandFulfillment

3. Socio-economicProfilesoftheAffectedPeople(TobebasedonCensusSurvey)3.1 ProjectAreaandLocations3.2 Social Profiles ofAffectedPopulation (Directly and indirectly affectedpopulationby social groups,

gender,occupations/income,etc.)

3.3 EconomicProfilesofAffectedPopulation(Incomesources/levels,livelihoodsourcesincludingland,livestockandotherassetscoveringbothfarmandoff-farmsources)

3.4 SocialFacilitiesAvailable(Education,health,market,transportation,water,etc.)

4. ImpactAssessmentandMitigation(TobebasedonCensusSurveyofAffectedHHs)4.1 IdentificationofImpacts(lossoflandandincomeincludingphysicalandeconomicdisplacement)4.2 BeneficialImpactsandEnhancementMeasures4.3 AdverseImpactsandManagement(lossofland,businessorotherincomesources,lossofemployment,

lossofaccesstophysical/naturalresourcesetc.Detailedlossofland,structuresandotherassetsof

eachhousehold tobedocumented andput in the annexbasedon the survey andmeasurementof

losses)

4.4 MitigationOptionsofLostAssets4.5 ResettlementImpacts(Lossofdifferentassetsownedbytitleholdersandnontitleholdersandlegal

status)

4.6 DetailedEntitlements

5. PublicConsultationsandInformationDissemination

6. ResettlementBudget6.1 CompensationforLostAssetsandBasis6.2 ResettlementandRehabilitation(R&R)Assistance6.3 SupportsforLivelihoodsImprovementandOtherAssistances7. ImplementationPlan7.1 ImplementingAgencies7.2 ImplementationSchedule8. GrievanceManagement9. MonitoringandEvaluation


Annex7: IndicativeOutlineofSocialAssessment

Thesocialassessmentwillbedoneatthedestinationlevel.Itincludesthefollowingelements,as

needed:

• Areview,onascaleappropriatetotheproject,ofthelegalandinstitutionalframework

applicabletoIndigenousPeoples.

• Gatheringofbaselineinformationonthedemographic,social,cultural,andpolitical

characteristicsoftheaffectedIndigenousPeoples’communities,thelandandterritories

thattheyhavetraditionallyownedorcustomarilyusedoroccupied,andthenatural

resourcesonwhichtheydepend.

• Takingthereviewandbaselineinformationintoaccount,theidentificationofkeyproject

stakeholdersandtheelaborationofaculturallyappropriateprocessforconsultingwiththe

IndigenousPeoplesateachstageofprojectpreparationandimplementation(seeparagraph

9ofthispolicy).

• Anassessment,basedonfree,prior,andinformedconsultation,withtheaffected

IndigenousPeoples’communities,ofthepotentialadverseandpositiveeffectsofthe

project.Criticaltothedeterminationofpotentialadverseimpactsisananalysisofthe

relativevulnerabilityof,andrisksto,theaffectedIndigenousPeoples’communitiesgiven

theirdistinctcircumstancesandclosetiestolandandnaturalresources,aswellastheir

lackofaccesstoopportunitiesrelativetoothersocialgroupsinthecommunities,regions,or

nationalsocietiesinwhichtheylive.

• Theidentificationandevaluation,basedonfree,prior,andinformedconsultationwiththe

affectedIndigenousPeoples’communities,ofmeasuresnecessarytoavoidadverseeffects,or

if suchmeasures arenot feasible, the identificationofmeasures tominimize,mitigate, or

compensate for such effects, and to ensure that the IndigenousPeoples receive culturally

appropriatebenefitsundertheproject.


Annex8: IndicativeOutlineofVCDP

AtypicalVCDPwillhavegenerallythefollowingcontents:

i. ProjectbackgroundandasummaryoftheSocialAssessment

ii. A summary of results of the free, prior, and informed consultation with the affected

IndigenousPeople’scommunitiesthatwascarriedoutduringprojectandthatledtobroad

communitysupportfortheproject

iii. Aframeworkforensuringfree,prior,andinformedconsultationwiththeaffectedIndigenous

Peoplesandothervulnerablecommunitiesduringprojectimplementation.

iv. An action plan of measures to ensure that the Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable

communityreceivesocialandeconomicbenefitsthatareculturallyappropriate,including,if

necessary,measurestoenhancethecapacityoftheprojectimplementingagencies.

v. WhenpotentialadverseeffectsonIndigenousPeoplesandothervulnerablecommunityare

identified, an appropriate action plan of measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, or

compensatefortheseadverseeffects.

vi. ThecostestimatesandfinancingplanfortheVCDP.

vii. Accessible procedures appropriate to the project to address grievances by the affected

IndigenousPeoples'andothervulnerablecommunitiesarisingfromprojectimplementation.

Whendesigningthegrievanceprocedures,theborrowertakesintoaccounttheavailability

of judicial recourse and customary dispute settlement mechanisms among the affected

Peoples.

viii. Mechanisms and benchmarks appropriate to the project for monitoring, evaluating, and

reporting on the implementation of the IPP. Themonitoring and evaluationmechanisms

shouldincludearrangementsforthefree,prior,andinformedconsultationwiththeaffected

IndigenousPeoples’communities.

ix. Implementation arrangement which includes respective roles and responsibilities of the

implementingagencyforVCDPimplementation,othergovernmentagenciesinvolved,their

traditional institutions and organizations, and where appropriate other civil society

organization.


Annex9(a): EnvironmentalandSocial(E&S)OverviewforPolicy,Plan,andProgram

Introduction

STENPA,inadditiontoinvestingintourismrelatedphysicalinfrastructure,aimstoimprove

NatureBasedTourism(NBT)throughTechnicalAssistance(TA)leadingtoorcontributing

toPolices,Programs,PlansandCapacity& Institutional Strengthening (seeChapter4.4 -

ApproachtoTechnicalAssistancetoPolicy,Regulation,PlanandProgramoftheESMF).Theseforexampleincludestourismpolicies;sustainabletourismdevelopmentstrategy,upgrading

the design and enforcement of key regulations, Protected Area Management Plan,

DestinationVision&InvestmentPlan(ITDP), IPsandgender inclusiveplans; landzoning

plans,park&conservationareamanagementplan,tourisminvestmentplansattheproject

destinations, community-level infrastructure/ settlement plan, as well as variety of

trainingsandstrengtheningthecapacityofstakeholderandinstitutions.

Severalenvironmentalandsocialimpactsandissues,andrisksarisefromorarelinkedto

PoliciesandPlanthatmaybepreparedthroughTechnicalAssistance(TA).SinceTAcantake

many forms, there are a range of safeguard instrumentswhich could be appropriate. In

virtually all cases it will be possible to prepare some level of analysis of potential

environmentalandsocialissuesrelatedtoaproposedTAorproductofaTA.Suchananalysis

orbriefshouldbebasedonanissuescopingexerciseinvolvingstakeholderparticipation.

In STENPA, the policies and plans will also be subjected to Environmental and Social

Assessment in the form of Environmental and Social Overview1 for their potential

environmentalandsocialimplications,risksandimpacts.ObjectiveofsuchOverviewtype

review/analysisistomainstreamingE&Sissuesintothepoliciesandplan,toinformensure

that thepolices andplans are informedof thebroad/ relevant environmental and social

aspects,andhencecontributetoasociallyandenvironmentallybetterpolicyandplan.The

followingguidingprinciplesorconceptsbecomerelevantwhileapplyingE&SOverviewina

TA: Integrate environmental and social objectives into the TA process; Promote

transparency through stakeholder participation; Promote innovative environmental and

socialassessments;Promoteanalysisofalternatives;andpromoteenvironmentalandsocial

capacitybuildingandinstitutionalstrengthening.

ProcessandProceduresforEnvironmentalandSocial(E&S)Overview

TheEandSOverviewshouldbeoperatedasacreativeand iterativeprocesswhichhelpshapingandimprovingthepolicy/program/plan.Thevalueisintheprocessofconducting

1 The E&S Overview is a rapid E&S Assessment tool for use during the formulation stages of polices, plans and programs. It is a simple but effective tool to apply frequently and to a wide range of drafting polices, programs, plans, strategies, etc. to assist with mainstreaming cross-cutting concern of environment and social safeguards into policy/program and plan formulation stages. It is undertaken interactively in a group situation (around the table and with a flip chart or using a computer and projector) with a group drawn from a range of line agencies or will be limited to small group of stakeholders associated with the STENPA as appropriate and is conducted in a structured format. The structure requires the group addressing a series of questions in a particular sequence that focus the group on the E&S issues and opportunities associated with the proposals (Plans, program, policies, etc.) and how these can be incorporated in the proposal if it is seen to be necessary.


the Environmental Overview and getting right inputs. Policy/program documents pass

throughmanydraftsintheirprogress.Itisduringthisdraftingandredrafting-preferablyasearlyaspossibleintheprocess-thattheEnvironmentalandSocialOverviewcanprove

mosteffective,allowingthepolicy/strategy/plantoberevised/modified,ifnecessary,toreducethepotentialsocialandenvironmentalrisksandimpactsandtoenhancebenefits.

TheEandSOverviewshouldnotbejustaone-offactivity,butpartoftheiterativeprocess

providingcreativeinputsintoseveraldifferentiterationsofthepolicy/planpreparation.

Step-1:PreparationofInitialideaofapolicy,plan,strategy,etc.

ThepoliciesandplanssupportedundertheSTENPAProjectmayfallinoneofthefollowing

groups:

Group1:TAtoPolicy,Regulation,Strategy,PlanandPrograms

Group2:Strengtheningcapacityandinstitutions

Group3 :InvestmentinPhysicalInfrastructure

Step2: InitialDiscussionwithenvironmentalandsocialstakeholderson the initialidea

Thestakeholdersmayvarydependingonthetypeofpolicyandplan.Thediscussionwillbestructured,andparticipatory.Thediscussionwillbeguidedbythefollowingquestions:

Questionsrelatingtothebaselineconditionsforthepolicy/program/plan:• What are the social and environmental conditions of the areas where the policy/programwill

apply?• Whatarethemajorenvironmentalandsocialissueswhichcurrentlyexistintheareas?• Whataretheeconomicforceswhicharecurrentlyoperatingintheareas?• Whatarethecurrentmanagementpracticesandcapabilitiesintheareas?

Questionsrelatingtoimpactsandopportunitiesofthepolicy/program,followedbyhowthepolicy/program/planmaybeimprovedfromsocialandenvironmentalconsideration:• Whatare themajornaturalandsocio-economic impacts/ risksandopportunities thatmightbe

associatedwithproposedpolicy/program/plan?• Howthepolicy/program/planmaybeimprovedfromsocialandenvironmentalconsiderations?

Whatmodifications/alternativesarethereforpolicy/program/planthatresultsbettersocialandenvironmentaloutput/outcomes?

• Whatmaybe theoperational strategy toenhance the socialandenvironmentalbenefits,and toaddresstheimpactsorimprovebaselineconditions?

Step3:PreparationofdraftPolicy,Strategy,Plan,Program

Consideringtheinputsfromstep2,draftpolicy,strategy/plan/programwillbeformulated.


Step4:EandSOverviewWorkshop

ThedraftstagePolicy/Plan/Program/Strategywillbesubjectedtomorerigorousreview

throughanEandSOverviewWorks.ThequestionsinStep2willprovideoverallguidancefor the review. The E and S team will prepare a desk review of the draft policy/plan/

program/ strategy guided by the questions – these will be presented in the Overview

Workshop.Choosing right stakeholders for theworkshopand sharing information (draftpaper,andE7Sdeskreviewfindings)withthemintimeisimportant.


Annex9(b): TermsofReferencetoCarryoutEnvironmentalandSocialOverview

OBJECTIVESOFCONSULTANCY

Theoverallobjectivesoftheproposedconsultancyareto:

• Carry out E&S overview of plans under Component 1 of STENPA: Improving NBT

management,planningandcoordinationenvisionedtoimproveNatureBasedTourism

(NBT)managementplans (suchas ITDPs, IPs andgender inclusiveplans land zoning

plans, park & conservation area management plan, tourism investment plans at the

projectdestinations,DCFestablishmentandstakeholdercapacitybuildingplans,etc.)

SCOPEOFCONSULTANCY• To carry out E&S Screening, identify and assess potential positive and adverse E&S

impactsaswellasenvironmentalandsocioculturalsettingsfordetailinvestigations,andrecommend further action required includingdirect, indirect, and induced impacts in

terms of magnitude, extent and duration that may be expected to occur due to

formulationofplan,program,strategy,etc.

• To review all available relevant secondary data to establish a comprehensive E&Sbaseline(includingphysical,biological,social,culturalandeconomicenvironments)for

the Project Area of influence; analyze and include the issues and recommendation

identified from E&S screening. The following guiding question concerns the baselineconditionsfortheplan/policyandprogram:

o What are the biophysical and social environments of the areas where theplan/policy/programwillapply?

o WhatarethemajorE&Sissueswhichcurrentlyexistsinthearea?

o Whataretheeconomicforceswhicharecurrentlyoperatinginthearea?o Whatarethecurrentmanagementpracticesandcapabilitiesinthearea?

The next guiding questions concerning the plan/policy/program impacts and

opportunities followed by how draft plan/policy/program can be redrafted to take

baselineconditionsintoaccount:o What are the major natural and socio-economic impacts and opportunities

associatedwiththeimplementationoftheplan/policy/program?

o What modification/alternatives to be required in the plan/policy/programdesign?

o Whataretheoperationalstrategytoaddresstheseandthebaselineconditions?

• Todevelopproposedmeasurestoavoid,reduce,mitigate,manageand/orcompensateforsuchimpacts,includingtheinstitutionalarrangementsandrequiredcapacityforthe

implementation of all such measures and monitor their effectiveness and suggestchanges to the arrangements (as per new federal structures) as well as capacity

strengtheningmeasures,ifnecessary;


• Toconductapublicconsultationprocess/ParticipatoryRuralAppraisalasappropriate(with the consent of client) that ensures that project affected people and other

stakeholdersareinformedabouttheprojectanditspossibleimpacts,aswellasoffered

theopportunitytosharetheiropinionsandfeedbacksoastoinputintotheE&Soverviewandtheirimplementation;and

• Todocumentalloftheabovemitigationanddevelopmentinterventionsinappropriate

formsandformatstobefurtherdiscussedandagreeduponwithSTENPAandinlinewith

WorldBankstandards;

TheConsultantshallensurethattheE&Soverviewoutputswillcomplywithandmeetthe

legal and technical requirements of the Government of Nepal (GoN) and World Bank

SafeguardPolicies.

KEYEXPECTEDDELIVERABLES1. E&Sscreening/assessmentandcategorizationReport;2. DetailedE&SoverviewandPlanningReport.


Annex10: GrievanceFilingFormat

Grievance/ComplaintFormatforLocalUnitLevelOffice

ofConservationAreasorNationalParksSustainableTourismEnhancementinNepal’sProtectedAreasProject,

To,

TheCoordinator,

FieldUnitOffice

ACA/MCA/Banke/Bardia/SuklaPhantaNP/RaraNP

Subject:RegardingGrievance/Complaint

With regard to ……………………………………… under the Sustainable TourismEnhancement in Nepal’s Protected Areas Project, located at

…………………..District……………..Rural Municipality/Municipality, Ward No…… I/we doherebysubmitthecomplaintasfollows:

Detailsofcomplaint

AttachedDocuments………………….

1.

Yours'Sincerely

2.

Signature:…………

Name:…………

Address:…………..

MobileNo:……….

Date:……………


Annex11: SpecimenToRforE&SCapacityBuildingExpert

TermsofReference(ToR)For

Environmental/SocialSafeguardCapacityDevelopmentExpert

SCOPEOFTHECONSULTANCYSERVICE:

TheConsultantshallworkunderthemanagementofthePIE.TheConsultantshallhowever

ensurethattheservicescarriedoutarefullyadequatetoattaintheobjectivessetoutinthe

ESMFofSTENPAproject.TheConsultant’sdutiesshallincludebutnotnecessarilybelimitedto:

SupportandGuidance:

• Ensure the compliance of Environmental and Social ManagementFramework(ESMF)preparedfortheimplementationoftheSTENPA,World

banksafeguardpolicyandotherprojectdocumentsandsupportinpreparingEnvironmental safeguards implementation actionplan onbehalf of thePIE

andinclosecoordinationwithFIUs;

• Support and guide the Environmental Specialist based at PIE and FIUs foreffective compliance of Environmental and SocialManagement Framework

(ESMF) of the project during planning, implementation, monitoring andsupervisionofthesafeguardworks;

• SupportandguidetheEnvironmentalsafeguardspecialistatPIEandFIUstounderstand their responsibilities for environmental safeguard friendly

implementationofsub-projectsinaccordancewithproject’splananddesign,budget,specifications,estimatedcost,biddocumentsandcontractagreement

clause;

• Support and guide PIE and FIUs to prepare Environmental Screening andEnvironmental management plan EMP/EMAP) of the proposed subproject

activities;

• Support and guide to record and resolve grievances regarding

social/environmental/technicalinthesubprojectareas;

• SupportandguidetoPIEandFIUsforresolvingsitespecificenvironmental

issuesduringtheimplementationofthesub-projects;

• Supportandguideforthepreparationofplanofactionregardingconduction

ofusercommitteemeeting,collectinginformationandorganizesubprojectsrelated information dissemination/awareness raising program to

stakeholders as well as general users on sub projects improvement,constructionandmaintenanceproceduresandprovisionoftheESMF;


• SupportPIEandFIUstocarryouttheoperationalsafetyandhealthrequiredforlaborsandworkersattheconstructionsite;

• Support and guidance for undertaking Community Based PerformanceMonitoring(CBPM),aspertheprocedurepresentedintheESMF;and

• AllkindofsupportandguidancerelatedwithenvironmentalsafeguardtoPIEsandFIUsasrequested.

Orientation,trainingandworkshop:

• Provide orientation to safeguard specialists at PIE and FIUs on

implementation plan of Environmental safeguard and provisions of ESMFunderSTENPA;

• Assistand facilitate toconductorientation to local level stakeholdersalongwith contractors on the provision of ESMF and environmental safeguards

issues;

• Assist to conductorientation to contractors andworkerson issuesof child

labor,modeofpayment,participationofwomenandlocallabor,applicationoflaborcampmanagementandOccupationalHealthandSafetyGuidelines;and

• Assist to design and implement the programs such as; awareness onenvironmental safeguard issues, and different trainings as required during

projectimplementation.

MonitoringandSupervision:

• Capacitate inmonitoringandsupervisionofperformanceofEnvironmentalspecialists and safeguard consultantbasedatPIEandFIUs, respectivelyon

undertakingthesafeguardactivities.Monitoringofcomplianceofsafeguardmeasures including implementation of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP),

Gender Action Plan (GAP), and Vulnerable Community Development Plan

(VCDP);and

• Capacitateinmonitoringandsupervisionofcomplianceofrecommendations

madebycentralandfieldlevel.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONREQUIREDFORELIGIBILITY

Theapplicantsmustsatisfythefollowingthreeeligiblecriteria.

• The applicant must have Master degree in Environmental Engineering/Environmental Management /Environmental science /Social science or

equivalentfromarecognizedUniversity/Institution.

• Minimumseven(5)yearsofgeneralexperienceinrelatedwithEnvironmentalandSocialsafeguardworks.

• Minimum Five (3) years of specific experience in tourism relatedEnvironmental/Socialsafeguardworks.


Annex12: LandDonationAgreementForm

The following agreement has been made between the resident of ………………… zone ……………….. district

………………VDC/Municipalitywardno……grandson/daughter/daughter in lawof……………………………….. the

sun/daughter/wifeof…………………………agedMr./Mrs/Miss……………………(hereaftercalledsecondparty)and

theProjectExecutingAgency…..,,…………………(hereaftercalledfirstparty).

1.Thesecondpartyhasaccepted(ornotaccepted)therequestofthefirstpartytodonate……….areaofland

out of ……… area of land registered in her/his name situated in ……………….. district,

………………VDC/Municipalitywardno…………recordedinsheet/mapno…………andparcelno………….

2. The second party hereby grants/not grants donation of the area land mentioned in article 1 for the

construction/improvementof…………………………………….freeofcostforthebenefitofthecommunityand

tourismdevelopmentofthearea.

3.Thevalue land/ofbuildings/structures,others… in thedonated landmentioned inarticle1 isagreedas

follows:

Land :Rs…………………

Building/hut/shop :Rs.…………………

Cattleshed/otherstructures :Rs.…………………

Others Rs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Otherthantheland,thefirstpartywillprovidecompensationforotherlosseswithin………daystosecondparty.

4.Thesecondpartywillvacanttheland/removethecompensatedbuilding/structures,treesandcropswithin

………daysofsigning.Ifthesecondpartywon'tvacantthelandtillthementioneddatethenthefirstparty

willhavefullrighttoenterintothedonatedland.

5.Thesecondpartywillnotclaimanycompensationagainstthedonationofthislandasset,norobstructthe

constructionprocessonthelandafterthisdate.

6.TheEA……………………shallconstructandimprovetheschoolfacilitiesandtakeallpossibleprecautionsto

avoiddamagetoadjacentland/structure/otherassets.

7.Bothpartiesagreethatthesubprojectsoconstructedshallbecomepubliclyowned.

8.Theprovisionofthisagreementwillcomeintoactionfromthedateofsigningofthisdeed.

Signatureoffirstparty Signatureofsecondparty

Name: Name:

Designation: Address:

Office: RightLeft

Witness(ThirdParty)

Wecertifythatthereisnopressureuponhimtodonatelandvoluntarily

1)

2)

3)……………………………….

Witnesses

1.


Annex13: IPsandVulnerableGroupsImpactScreening&CategorizationForm

A.ProjectData

Sub-projectTitle:

B.IdentificationofImpactonIPs/VulnerableGroupinSub-projectArea

ImpactonIndigenousPeoples(IPs)/EthnicMinority(EM)/VulnerableGroup

Notknown

Yes No Remarksoridentifiedproblems,ifany

Are there Dalits, Janajatis, or ethnic minorities present inprojectlocations?

Do they maintain distinctive customs and traditions and

economicactivitiesintheirlocality?

Will the project in any way affect their economic and social

activityandmakethemmorevulnerable?

Will the project affect their socioeconomic and cultural

integrity?

Willtheprojectdisrupttheircommunitylife?

Will the project positively affect their health, education,

livelihoodorsocialsecuritystatus?

Will the project negatively affect their health, education,

livelihoodorsocialsecuritystatus?

Will the project alter or undermine their local knowledge,customarybehaviorsorinstitutions?

AreIPandVChouseholdslikelytolosecustomaryrightsover,

accesstoland?

Are IPs and VCs likely to lose shelter/business and be

displaced?


Incasenodisruptionofindigenouscommunitylifeasawhole,

willtherebelossofhousing,stripofland,crops,treesandother

fixed assets owned or controlled by individual indigenous

households?

C.SpecificImpactsonIPsandVCs

NoofIP

families

losingland

NoVC

familie

s

losing

land

NoofIP

HHs

losing

house

over10%oftheir

residence

Govt

land

require

dinSq.

mts.

Forest

land

required

inSqmts

Noof

IP/VC

houses

affected

Noof

IP/VC

shops

affected

Noof

other

IP/VC

structure

saffected

Noof

IP/VC

Squatters

affected

Public

utilities

affecte

d

D.Anticipatedprojectimpactsonindigenouspeoples

Projectactivityandoutput Anticipatedpositiveeffect Anticipatednegativeeffect1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

E.DecisiononCategorization

Afterreviewingtheabove,itisdeterminedthatthesub-projectis:

-CategorizedasanAproject,anIndigenousPeoplesDevelopmentPlan(IPDP)isrequired

-CategorizedasaBproject,aspecificactionfavorabletoindigenouspeoplesisrequiredand

addressed throughaspecificprovision inrelatedplanssuchasaResettlementPlan,ora

generalSocialActionPlan

-Categorizedasa‘C’project,noIPDPorspecificactionrequired

___________________________ _____________________________

Preparedby:Reviewedby:Date: Date:______________________________ _______________________________

Approvedby: Endorsedby: Date: Date:


Annex14: DraftToRforThirdPartyMonitoring

DraftTermsofReference1

SustainableTourismEnhancementinNepal’sProtectedAreas(STENPA)ToRforEnvironmental&SocialSafeguardConsultanttoconductThirdPartyMonitoring

Position:ThirdParty/IndependentEnvironmental&SocialSafeguardConsultant

BaseStation:Flexible/ProjectManagementOffice.

Project:SustainableTourismEnhancementinNepal'sProtectedAreas

ExpectedDatetoStarttheAssignment: Duration:

Reportsto: Title:BACKGROUND

Briefprojectdescriptionandrationaleforhiringthirdpartyconsultant.

OBJECTIVESTOBEACHIEVEDObjectiveoftheworkistopreparethereportonoverallsafeguardperformance/complianceinlinewiththe

project’sEnvironmentalandsocialmanagementframework(ESMF)

SCOPEOFTHEWORK(RolesandResponsibilities)• UndercloseguidanceofProjectDirectorandco-operationwithprojectteam,theconsultantwillcarry

outhis/herdutiestopreparetheIndependentSafeguardsComplianceReportforTourismProject.

• Reviewproject’ssafeguardobjectivesandimplementationmoDalitiesandotherdocumentsoftheprojectininProtectedAreas.

• Reviewperiodicmonitoringreportsandassessenvironmentalandsocialsafeguardsplanningprocess

adoptedatsubprojectlevelsincludingconsultationsanddocumentations.

• Undertakefieldvisitinsamplesitescoveringenvironmentalandsocialsafeguardsconsiderationsand

assesssafeguardcomplianceandbestpracticesadopted(i.eenvironmentalandsocialscreening,

preparationofESMPs,RAPandothertoolsincludinglanddonationsforminorinfrastructuresas

relevant)duringplanningandimplementation.

• ReviewandassessesGrievanceRedressMechanism(GRM)followedatdifferentlevels/hierarchiesof

theprojectanditseffectiveness.

• Reviewproject'sinternalmonitoringandreportingsystemonsafeguardscompliance.

• Drawinferencesandproviderecommendationsonsafeguardscomplianceoftheproject.

SPECIFICTASKS• Consultantshouldbefullycommittedtofinishthetaskingiventimeframe.

• Reviewandanalyzetheprojectactivities(sub-projectscreening,ESMP,ECoPsandE&Smonitoringand

reportingaspertheEnvironmentalandSocialManagementFramework)andotherplans,ifany.

• Assesssafeguardscomplianceatplanningandimplementationincludingcompensation,livelihood

/incomerestorationofpeopleincludingvulnerablegroups,skillsandtrainingprovidedtothepeople;

landdonationsanddocumentations,transfers/lease(donationforms,signedMOUs,landpurchase,legal

transfer/leasedocumentsetc.

• Projectactivitiesdisclosure(communicationandco-ordination)

• Goodpracticesadoptedinsafeguardscomplianceduringtheimplementationofsubprojectactivities

undertheproject

• GESIandwomeninvolvinginsafeguardscomplianceincludingtheirinvolvementinlivelihood

improvement,skillsenhancement,incomegeneration,managementanddecisionmakings.


• MonitoringofCommunityDevelopmentPrograms/Activities/infrastructuresdevelopedwiththe

project’ssupports.

• Assessproject'sgrievanceredressmechanismincludingtheirdocumentationandmanagement.

Assesssafeguardsmonitoringandreportingpractices.

KEYOUTPUTS/DELIVERABLESREQUIREDCOMPETENCIES

_________________________________________________________

1Tobeupdatedasrequiredduringconsultantrecruitmentprocess.


Annex15: MajorHighlightsofLaborRules,2018(2075)relatedwiththeE&SSafeguard

TheGovernmentofNepal(“GoN”)hasframedtheLaborRules,2075(2018)("LaborRules")byexercising thepowerconferred to itunderSection184of theLaborAct,2074(2017)

(“LaborAct”)whichwaspassedby theCouncilofMinistersonMay28,2018(Jestha14,2075).TheLaborRulehasbeenpublishedinNepalGazetteonJune22,2018(Asar08,2075)

with immediate effect and has repealed the then Labor Rules, 1994 (2050) (“PreviousLaborRules”).MajorhighlightsoftheLaborRulesrelatedwiththeenvironmentandSocialSafeguardhavebeenbrieflydescribedinthefollowingparagraphs.

OccupationalsafetyandhealthpolicyFormulation of Health and Safety Policy: Employers are required to maintain anoccupational health and safety policy. The policy should cover different measures in

accordancewiththeentity’snatureofbusiness.Thepolicyshouldbedraftedinawaywhich

includes provisions related to arrangements Employee’s safety and security, Employee’shealth,probableaccidentinworkplace,precautionstobetakenwhileoperatingdevicesand

machinesinworkplaceandprecautionstobetakenwhileusingchemicalsubstances.

AdditionaldutyoftheEmployeronworkplacesafety:TheEmployerisrequiredto(a)makenecessaryarrangementstotaketheEmployeetothehospitalorhealthcenterincase

ofsicknessoraccidentwhileworking(b)informtheLaborOfficeregardingthefulfillment

ofobligationstowardstheEmployeesregardingoccupationalsafetyandhealth.

Dutiesofmanufacturer,importerandsupplier:PursuanttotheLaborRules,itshallbetheduty ofmanufacturer, importer and supplier to provide sufficient information to the

Employerregardingmanagementandprecautionstobetakenforchemicalsubstancethatmaynot come intouse and regarding safeuse and storageof chemical productsused in

workplace.

FormationofSafetyandHealthCommittee:TheLaborRulesrequiresthatasafetyandhealthcommitteeshouldbeformedineveryentitywhere20ormoreworkersareengagedinwork.TheLaborRuleshaslaiddowntheworks,dutiesandrightsofthesafetyandhealth

committee.Itisfurtherrequiredforthesafetyandhealthcommitteetoconvenemeetingsat

atimeandplacedecidedbytheCoordinatoratleast4timesayear.Pleasealsorefertothecommitteetothisbrieffortheformationandhealthandsafetypolicy.

Specificprovisionsrelatingtothesafetyoftheworkshavinghealthhazards:TheLaborRuleshasprovidedthedetailsafetymeasurestobefollowedbyEmployersuchasforthe

safetyofeyes,fortheoperationofpressureplants,preventionfromfire,chemicalsubstance,

testingpressureplantandboilers,safetyfromhazardousmachineandequipment,etc.The

LaborActhasalsoprescribedthelimitsforweightliftingwhichis(a)55kgforadultmale,

and(b)45kgforadultwoman.Thisweightliftinglimitisnotapplicableforliftingofsacks

jointly.


General Environment of Work Place: The Labor Rules has also specified certainrequirementsforworkplaceintermsandhealthandsafety.

The requirement include, among others (a) proper cleanliness, (b) passage of fresh air,properlightandtemperature,(c)solidwastemanagement,(d)soundcontrolmeasures,(e)

15 cubicmeter space to Employees to the extent possible as per the nature ofwork, (f)

healthydrinkingwater,(g)bathroomormoderntoilet,(h)tobaccofreezone,(g)mandatorymedical checkup for the entitiesundertakinghealthhazardous activities, and (i) provide

appropriatetimeforthelunch/tiffintotheEmployees.

SpecialprovisionrelatingtotheEmployeesperformingintellectualwork:LaborRulesrequires Employers to arrange suitable environment in workplace in order to prevent

fatigueortirednessoftheEmployeescontinuouslyworkingoncomputersforalongtimeor

Employeesengagedinmentalorintellectualwork.

OtherHealthandSafetyArrangements

S.N. Arrangement Details Remarks

1 ChildCareCenter Triggers where 50 or more female

Employeesareengagedatwork.

Can be arranged by

individualEmployerorin

the association with

otherEmployers

2 RestRoom Triggerswhere50ormoreEmployeesare

engagedatwork.

3 Canteen Triggerswhere50ormoreEmployeesare

atthesametimeatsameworkplace

4 FirstAid For theprimary treatmentofEmployees

incaseofanyaccidentatworkplace.

AlsotriggersincasetheEmployeemeets

accident.

Employer shall bear all

thecostincurredforsuch

treatment.

Notice of Accident:Employer or the representative of Employer should provide notice,within7days,totheLaborOfficeincaseanyEmployeemeetsaccidentwhichresultsinjuryordeathofsuchEmployee.Suchnoticeshouldincludethedetailsincludingthedate,time,

reasonandplaceofaccident,andthename,addressoftheEmployeeincludingthenameof

hospitalwheretreatmenttakesplace.

List of occupational disease and compensation: The Labor Rules authorizes theGovernment to publish list of the occupational diseases in Nepal Gazette. Any dispute

relating to whether or not a disease is an occupational disease can be settled by the

committeeformedbytheGovernmentcomprisingofspecializedmedicalpractitionerasper

the criteria set out by International Labor Organization. The Ministry of Labor has the


authority to specify the amount of medical costs and compensation to be paid to the

EmployeebytheEmployerinthecaseofoccupationaldiseases.

LaborAuditTheEmployerisrequiredtoconductalaborauditbytheendofthemonthofPoushasperNepaliCalendareveryyear(Mid-January).TheLaborAuditshouldbeconductedasperthecriteriadefinedbytheMinistryofLabor.

Theauditmaybeconductedbythemanagerial levelEmployeeof theentityoranyother

individualorentityassociatedinthefieldoflabor.Ifanyfalsedetailsarefoundinthelaboraudit report,DepartmentofLabor can imposeup to twenty thousandrupees fineon the

personprovidingfalsedetailsorthemanagementoftheentity.

AcopyofthereportoflaborauditshouldbeprovidedtotheLaborRelationCommittee.The

reportshouldalsobesubmittedtothefollowingregulatoryauthoritiessuchas(a)toNepal

RastraBankbythebankandfinancialinstitutions,(b)toInsuranceBoardbytheinsurance

companies,(c)toDistrictAdministrationOfficebyNon-governmentorganizations,(d)tothe

authorityestablishingorissuinglicenseforapprovalbyotherentities.

Maintenanceofpersonalrecordsandretentionofsuchrecord:AspertheLaborRulestheEmployershouldmaintainpersonalandattendancerecordoftheEmployees.Therecord

should includename,address, familydetails,citizenshipcertificatecopy,contactnumber,

emailaddressandotherimportantdetailsoftheEmployeeworkingwiththeEmployer.The

EmployerisrequiredtoretaintherecordsofEmployee’sremunerationandattendancefor

atleastfive(5)years.

PublicHoliday andWeeklyOff of DomesticWorkers: The Labor Rules provides thatdomesticworkersareentitledtotwelve(12)daypaidpublicholidayandone(1)daypaid

weeklyoffeveryweek.Iftheworkerisengagedinworkonweeklyofforpublicholiday,the

Employershouldprovidereplacingholidaywithin21daysorovertimepaymentforsuch

work.


Annex16: GoNprescribedNationalStandardsonAir/Noise/Water/Effluent

A. AirNepaldoesnothaveanyspecific lawonairpollutioncontrol.EnvironmentProtectionAct(Official Gazette, June 24/1997) and Environment Protection Rules (Official Gazette, June26/1997)areumbrellalegislation.Emission standards for in-use and new diesel generators (DG) sets, industrial boilers,cementindustries,crusherindustriesanddieselgeneratorswereintroducedin2012.Thegovernmenthasalsointroducedbrickkilnstackemissionstandardin2008.

According EPR, 1997, all industries as referred to in Schedule-7 has to obtain theprovisionalpollutioncontrolcertificate.Thiscertificateisissuedbyconcernedbodyforone year of operation of such industry shall cause no Substantial adverse impact onenvironmentorthereispossibilityofreducingorcontrollingsucheffect.Whereasifindustryspecific standards are available, the industry has to obtain the permanent pollutioncontrolcertificatevalidforthreeyearstothoseindustriesafterhavingtheirexaminationfrom the designated laboratory or as mentioned. Ministry of Forests and Environment(Previously named as Ministry of Population and Environment) and/or Department ofEnvironmentdecides onwhat,when andhowpollution abatementmeasures/equipmentshalltheplantimplement(Rule15,SubRule5,EPR,1997).

B. NoiseNepaldoesnothaveaspecific lawtoaddressnoisepollution.EnvironmentProtectionAct(Official Gazette, June 24/1997) and Environment Protection Rules (Official Gazette, June26/1997)areumbrellalegislation.SoundQualityNationalStandard,2012areputinplacefor noise. According to Environment Protection Rules (Official Gazette, June 26/1997),Ministry of Forests and Environment (Previously named as Ministry of Population andEnvironment)istheinchargeofimplementingthepropermeasuresfornoisereduction.

AccordingtoSoundQualityNationalStandard,2012noiselimitsdiffersbasedonthetypeoflocation.Therearetwotypesofnoiselimit-dayandnightlimits.Thenoiselimitfornightarestricterthenday.

Zone NoiselimitinDecibel

Daytime Nighttime

Industrial 75 70

Commercial 65 55

RuralResidential 45 40

UrbanResidential 55 50

MixedResidential 63 55

Silent 50 40


C. DrinkingWater1Government of Nepal issued notice to implement National Drinking Water Quality

Standards,2062(2006)undertheprovisionofWaterResourcesAct,2049(1993),Clause

18andSubClause1.TheStandardareasfollows:

I. NationalDrinkingWaterQualityStandardS.N

. Category Parameters Units

Concentration

RemarkLimits

1 Turbidity NTU 5(10)

2 pH 6.5-8.5*

3Physical

Color TCU 5(15)

4 TasteandOdor

Non-

objectiona

ble

5 TDS mg/L 1000

6 Electrical

conductivity(EC) µs/cm 1500

7 Iron mg/L 0.3(3)

8 Manganese mg/L 0.2

9 Arsenic mg/L 0.05

10 Cadmium mg/L 0.003

11 Chromium mg/L 0.05

12 Cyanide mg/L 0.07

13 Fluoride mg/L 0.5-1.5*

14 Lead mg/L 0.01

15 Ammonia mg/L 1.5

16 Chloride mg/L 250

17 Chemical Sulphate mg/L 250

18 Nitrate mg/L 50

19 Copper mg/L 1

20

TotalHardnessmg/Las

500

CaCo3

21 Calcium mg/l 200

22 Zinc mg/L 3

23 Mercury mg/L 0.001

24 Aluminum mg/L 0.2

25

ResidualChlorine mg/L 0.1-0.2*insystems

using

chlorination

1 National Drinking Water Quality Standards, 2005 Implementation Directives for National Drinking Water Quality Standards, 2005


26

E.Coli

MPN/100

0

Microbiological

ml

27 TotalColiform

MPN/100 0in95%

ml samples

* Thesevaluesshowlowerandupperlimits()Valuesinparenthesisreferstheacceptablevaluesonlywhenalternativeisnotavailable.

II. RuralGroundWaterSupplySystemsCategory Parameter Unit Maximum Remarks

Concentration Limits

Physical Turbidity_ NTU 5(10)

pH 6.5-8.5*

Color TCU 5(15)

Taste&Odor Non

objectionable

ElectricalµS/cm 1500

Conductivity

Iron mg/l 0.3(3)

Manganese mg/l 0.2

Arsenic mg/l 0.05

Fluoride mg/l 0.5-1.5*

Ammonia mg/l 1.5

Nitrate mg/l 50

TotalHardness mg/l 500

Calcium mg/l 200

ResidualChlorine mg/l 0.1-0.2* Insystems

Chemical

using

chlorination

Microbiological E-Coli MPN 0

/100

ml

TotalColiform MPN0(95%sample)

/100ml



III. RuralSurfaceWaterSupplySystems

Category Parameter Unit Maximum Remarks Concentration Limits

Physical Turbidity_ NTU 5(10)

pH 6.5-8.5*

Color TCU 5(15)

Taste&Odor Non objectionable

Electrical

µS/cm 1500

Conductivity

Iron mg/l 0.3(3)

Manganese mg/l 0.2

Chromium mg/l 0.05

Fluoride mg/l 0.5-1.5*

Ammonia mg/l 1.5

Nitrate mg/l 50

TotalHardness mg/l 500

Calcium mg/l 200

ResidualChlorine mg/l 0.1-0.2* Insystems

Chemical using chlorination

Microbiological E-Coli

MPN/100ml 0

TotalColiform

MPN/100ml

0(95%sample)


D. WasteWater(EffluentorSewage)EPR 1997 requires for industrial unit which generate effluents to meet the pollutionstandardsspecifiedinSchedule7ofEPR.AccordingtoEPR1997,nooneshallemitorcausetoemitthenoise,heatandwastefromanymechanicalmeans,industrialestablishmentoranyotherplaceincontraventionofthestandardsprescribed.


GovernmentofNepalhasgenericandspecificstandardsforspecificindustries.Thespecificstandardsareastolerancelevelforindustrialeffluentstobedischargedintoinlandsurfacewatersfortanningindustries,woolprocessingindustries,fermentationindustries,vegetablegheeandoilindustries,paperandpulpindustries,dairyindustries,sugarindustries,cottontextileindustries,shopindustries,galvanizingandelectroplatingindustries,paintindustries,non-alcoholic beverage industries and pharmaceutical industries. Similarly, genericstandards are also in place for industrial effluents to be discharged into inland surfacewaters, into public sewers, and into inland surface waters from combined wastewatertreatmentplant.Therearealsosamplingandanalyzingmethodsforsame.

According EPR, 1997, all industries as referred to in Schedule-7 has to obtain the

provisionalpollutioncontrolcertificate.Thiscertificateisissuedbyconcernedbodyforone year of operation of such industry shall cause no Substantial adverse impact onenvironmentorthereispossibilityofreducingorcontrollingsucheffect.Whereasifindustry

specific standards are available, the industry has to obtain the permanent pollutioncontrolcertificatevalidforthreeyearstothoseindustriesafterhavingtheirexaminationfromthedesignated laboratoryorasmentioned.While issuingprovisionalorpermanentpollution control certificate, the concerned body may, as required, prescribe terms and

conditionstobecompliedbyindustry(Rule15,SubRule5,EPR,1997).

GENERALSTANDARDSANDCRITERIAFORTHEDISCHARGEOFINDUSTRIALEFFLUENTS

INTOINLANDSURFACEWATERS1

Characteristics ToleranceLimitTotalSuspendedsolids,mg/L,Max 50

Particlesizeoftotalsuspendedparticles Shallpass850-micronSieve.

pH 5.5to9.0

Shallnotexceed40degreeCinanysectionof

the

streamwithin15metersdown-streamfrom

the

Temperature effluentoutlet.

Biochemicaloxygendemand(BOD)for5

daysat

20degreeC,mg/L,Max 50

Oilsandgrease,mg/L,Max 10

Phenoliccompounds,mg/L,Max 1

Cyanides(asCN),mg/L,Max 0.2

Sulphides(asS),mg/L,Max 2

Radioactivematerials:

a.Alphaemitters,c/ml,Max 7-Oct

1GoN, Urban Environment Management Framework 2068 (2011).


b.Betaemitters,c/ml,Max 8-Oct

Insecticides Absent

Totalresidualchlorine,mg/L 1

Fluorides(asF),mg/L,Max 2

Arsenic(asAs),mg/L,Max 0.2

Cadmium(as,Cd),mg/L,Max 2

Hexavalentchromium(asCr),mg/L,Max 0.1

Copper(asCu),mg/L,Max 3

Lead(asPb),mg/L,Max 0.1

Mercury(asHg),mg/L,Max 0.01

Nickel(asNi),mg/L,Max 3

Selenium(asSe),mg/L,Max 0.05

Zinc(asZn),mg/L,Max 5

Ammonianitrogen,mg/L,Max 50

ChemicalOxygenDemand,mg/L,Max 250

Silver,mg/L,Max 0.1

E. WasteManagementinNepal

EPR1997requiresforindustrialunitwhichgeneratewastetomeetthepollutionstandardsspecifiedinSchedule7ofEPR.AccordingtoEPR1997,nooneshallemitorcausetoemitthenoise,heatandwaste fromanymechanicalmeans, industrial establishmentoranyotherplaceincontraventionofthestandardsprescribed.

According EPR, 1997, all industries as referred to in Schedule-7 has to obtain the

provisionalpollutioncontrolcertificate.Thiscertificateisissuedbyconcernedbodyforone year of operation of such industry shall cause no Substantial adverse impact onenvironmentorthereispossibilityofreducingorcontrollingsucheffect.Whereasifindustry

specific standards are available, the industry has to obtain the permanent pollutioncontrolcertificatevalidforthreeyearstothoseindustriesafterhavingtheirexaminationfromthedesignated laboratoryorasmentioned.While issuingprovisionalorpermanentpollution control certificate, the concerned body may, as required, prescribe terms and

conditionstobecompliedbyindustry(Rule15,SubRule5,EPR,1997).TheEPA1997also

madeprovision for appointingEnvironment Inspector in order to effectively carry out a

controlmeasurestobemadebybusinessestomitigate,avoidorcontrolthepollutionthey

generateoractivitiesrequiredtobecarriedoutinaccordancewiththeIEEorEIA.

Thefirstpolicyonwastemanagement“NationalPolicyonSolidWasteManagement”was

formulatedin1996totacklethegrowingproblemofsolidwastemanagementproblemsdue


to urbanization and industrialization. The policy emphasized on waste management in

municipalandurbanareas.Thekeyobjectivesofthispolicyaretomakemanagementwork

ofthesolidwastessimpleandeffectiveandminimizeenvironmentalpollutioncausedbythe

solidwastesandadverseeffectthereoftothepublichealth.

According to Local Self Governance Act, 1999, the local government authorities areresponsible for solid waste management activities within its jurisdiction. Solid WasteManagementAct2011cameintoexistencewiththeobjectiveofmanagementofthesolidwaste in a systematic and effectiveway by reducing at its source, re-use, processing ordischargeand formaintainingacleanandhealthyenvironment through thereductionofadverseeffectsthatmaybecausedtothepublichealthandenvironment.Thisactmadelocalbodyshallberesponsibleforthemanagementofsolidwastebyconstructionandoperationofinfrastructureliketransferstation,landfillsite,processingplant,compostplant,biogas-plant and also collection of waste, final disposal and processing. As of this act, litteringeverywhere, placing, discharging or causing to discharge harmful waste by industrialenterprise or health institutions, emanating from industry or health institution shall beconsideredtohavecommittedanoffense.


Annex17: GuidelinesforprotectingPhysicalCulturalResourcesAvoidingImpactson

CulturalandHistoricalProperties

Cultural heritage are sites, structures, and remains of archeological, historical, religious,

cultural,andaestheticvalue.Itisimportanttoassesssitetounderstandthesignificanceofa

siteandtoprovidedueprotectionaccordingtheaesthetic,historical,scientific,andsocial

value.

• PreventiveMeasureso Specify in theworks contracts/agreements all required steps, notifications

and preservative actions in case new/undiscovered archeological or other

culturally interesting termsandencounteredduringexcavationworks.The

clauseswillspecifywhomtoinformandhowtoproceedwithworksafterthe

respectiveapproval;

o Alignthetrailoranyotherdevelopmentalactivitiesinsuchawaythatsites

knownforculturalheritageisatreasonablyfairdistance(topreventpossible

impacts by development activity induced impacts such as air pollution,

vibrations,damageaestheticsandnoise,etc.

• MitigationMeasureso The contractors (if involved) or community workers are responsible for

strictlyinstructingworkerstostayawayfromrespectedlocalculturalassets,

toavoidanydirectharmtothoseitemsortohurtthetraditionalfeelingsof

localpeople;

o Avoidanyactionsthatbeartherisktodestroythesitesoraltertheirscientific

oraestheticcharacter;

o Incaseofaccidentaldamages,theresponsibleagencywillbeobligedtoinform

immediately the archaeological department who will then decide further

actions;

o In case of accidental damages, the Contractor will be obliged to carry out

immediatecorrectiveandrepairmeasurestosatisfythelocalpopulationand,

asapplicable,therepresentativeofthearchaeologicaldepartment.


• ChanceFindProcedures

Assubprojectswillbelocatedacrossthenation'sNationalParks,WildlifeReserves

andConservationAreas,possibilityofencounteringculturalsitesduringconstruction

maybeinevitable.

Ifsuchphysicalculturalresourcesdefinedas“movableorimmovableobjects,sites,

structuresorgroupsofstructureshavingarchaeological,pale-ontological,historical,

architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other cultural significance is found during

construction,thishastobeimmediatelyinformedtothelocalauthorityasperthelaw

oftheland.

AllfindingsbelongtotheGovernmentofNepal.ThedepartmentofArcheologywill

determine the final destinationof any artifact (object) that is salvagedduring the

constructionprocess.Constructionactivitywillimmediatelyhaltandwillnotresume

untilauthorizedby thecompetentauthority (RepresentativeLocalGovernmentor

DepartmentofArcheologyorChiefDistrictOfficer,etc.).

Alltheworkersneedtobetrainedorawarebyresponsibleagency,especiallythose

workingon earthmovements and excavations, on recognitionof artifacts (object)

most likely to be found in the area. The Department of Archeology, or any other

recognizedHistorical or Archaeological Institute can be requested to provide this

training.


Annex18: SpeciesprotectedunderSchedule-1ofNPWCAct

(Source:NationalParksandWildlifeConservationAct,1973)

MammalsAssameseMonkey - MacacaassamensisPangolin - ManiscrasscaudataandM.pentadactylaHispidHare - CaprolagushispidusGangeticaDolphin - PlatanistagangeticaGreyWolf - CanislupusHimalayanBrownBear - UrsusarctosRedPanda - AilurusfulgensLingsang - PrionodonpardicolorStripedHyena - HyaenahyaenaLeopardCat - Felis(Prionailurus)bengalensisLynx - LynxlynxCloudedLeopard - NeofelisnebulosaTiger - PantheratigristigrisSnowLeopard - PantheraunciaWildElephant - ElephasmaximusOne-hornedrhinoceros - RhinocerosunicornisPygmyHog - SussalvaniusMuskDeer - MoschuschrysogasterSwampDeer - CervusduvauceliiGaur - BosgaurusWildYak - Bosgrunniens(mutus)WildBuffalo - BubalusarneeGreatTibetanSheep - AmmonhodgsonilTibetanAntelope - PantholopshodgsoniBlackbuck - AntilopecervicapraFour-hornedAntelope - TetracerusquadricornisBirdsBlackStork - CiconianigraWhiteStork - CiconiaciconiaSarusCrane - GrusantigoneCheerPheasant - CatreuswallichiiImpeyonpheasant - LophophorusimpejanusCrimson-hornedPheasant - TragopansatyraBengalFlorican - HoubaropsisbengalensisLesserFlorican - EupodotisindicaGiantHornbill - BucerosbicomisReptilesPython - PythonmolurusGharialCrocodile - GavialisgangeticusGoldenMonitorLizard - Varanusflavescens


Annex19: PlantSpeciesandForestproductsprotectedundertheForestRegulations,

1995(amended2001)

S.N. BotanicalNameorForestResources

VernacularName IUCNStatus CITISCode

SpeciesBannedforCollectionandExport

1 Dactylorhizahatagirea PanchAule II

2 Picrorhizascrophulariiflora Kutki

3 Juglansregia(bark) Okhar

SpeciesBannedforExportwithoutProcessing

1 Abiesspectalilis Talispatra

2 Cinnamomumglaucescens Sugandhakokila

3 Cordycepssinensis YarsaGomba

4 Lichenspecies Jhyau

5 Nardostachhysgrandifloral Jatamansi

6 Rauvolfaserpentine Sarpagandha V II

7 Taxusbuccatasub-sp.Wallichiana

LothSalla

8 Valerinajatamansii Sugandabala

TiberTreeBannedforFelling,TransportationandExport

1 Acaciacatechu Khayer

2 Bombaxceiba Simal T

3 Dalbergialatifolia Satisal

4 Juglansregia Okhar

5 Micheliachampaca Champ

6 Petrocarpusmarsupium BijaySal E

7 Shorearobusta Sal,Sakhuwa

Note:IUCNThreatCategories:E=endangered;T=threatened;V=vulnerable


Annex20: SomeGoodPracticesinConservationandPAManagement

Biogastechnologyinbufferzonecommunities

Deforestation, degradation and conversion of forest lands into agriculture and settlement puts

tremendouspressureontheforests.Communitiesresidinginthebufferzonesaroundtheprotected

areasaredependentonforestfortimber,fuelwood,thatchgrassesandnon-timberproductstomeet

theirbasicneeds.Majorityofthehouseholdspracticetraditionalmethodsintheireverydayactivities

suchasusingfuelwoodforcookingandheating,harvestingtimberandgrassesasbuildingmaterials

and depend on local plants formedicinal, commercial and cultural/religious use. A large bulk of

demandforforestproductsareforenergyneedsandabout77percentofthetotalenergydemandof

the country is fulfilledby fuelwood (WCES2010).Whileharvestingof forestproducts forenergy

demands exert pressure on forest resources, the associated health hazards from using fuelwood

indoorsarealsohighthatresultinpoorrespiratoryhealth.Fetchingfuelwoodfromtheforestisalso

timeconsumingandreducestheworkefficiency,especiallyofwomenwhobeartheresponsibilityof

doinghouseholdchores.

Asanalternativetofuelwood,introductionofbiogastechnologyinthebufferzonehouseholdshas

broughtmajorbenefittothehouseholdsandcontributedtoimprovinglivingstandards.Themajor

conservationbenefitofbiogasisonthedirectreductionofforestdeterioration.Theuseofbiogasis

most valued by the benefitting households for its significant time saving and increasing work

efficiency; reduced work burden; better, renewable, quicker and easier fuel than firewood; and

improvementof familyhealth.While theobviousenvironmentalbenefitsofusingbiogas is in the

reductionofpressureonforest,usingbiogasalsoinfluencepositivefamilyrelations,positivechange

oftheindividualingeneralcleanliness,indirectsavingsonhealth-relatedexpenses,andincreased

timeallocationbywomenandchildren incontinuing theireducation.All thesepositiveeffectsof

biogastechnologyhaveresultedinthecommunitiestoembraceandunderstandthevalueofusing

cleanenergyintoconservingthesurroundingenvironment.NTNChasalonghistoryofengagingthe

bufferzonelocalcommunitiesinenvironmentprotectionbyadoptingbiogastechnologythroughout

theTeraiArcLandscape(TAL)region,makingthisconservationendeavoramodelofsuccess.Some

of the major sites where biogas has brought positive change in people's lives and enhanced

environment conservation are Shivapur, Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs of Bardia district;

Bacchauli,KhumrojandPadampurVDCsofChitwandistrict;andBhimduttamunicipalityandJhalari

VDC of Kanchanpur districtwhere in totality,more than 1,800 households have installed biogas

throughNTNC.


Ahouseholdwithbiogasplant

Protectingtreesthroughalternatives

HouseholdsofACAManangfollowBuddhisttraditionwhousetreesforDharjyo,whichisapoleusedtomountprayercloths.Theprayerflagsarereplacedmorethanonceayearineachhouseholdand

naturallytendtoputunduepressureonforests.Inefforttoreducethefellingoftreesforthispurpose,

NTNC-ACAP inMananghas introduced ironpolesas substitutes to thewoodenprayer flags.This

initiativehasbroughtsuccessinchangingthelocalbehaviorofrelyingonforestsforDharjyoandintheprocess,localcommunitieshaveinternalizedthevalueofusingironpolestoprotecttheforests,

and thatdeforestation isavoidablebyusingsimplebutpractical solutions.Before theuseof iron

poles, significant number of trees were cut from the already limited forested areas in Manang.

However, this has changed for good because iron poles have replacedwooden poles, saving the

forests.Thiscaseexemplifieshowpeoplearewillingtochangewhensuitablealternativesareputin

placeandthetranslationofwillingnessintoactionsstimulatestheprotectionofthecommongood.


ADharjyo

CultivatingcommunityparticipationforconservationinACA

Themajorobjectiveofconservationareamanagementistoaddresslocalissuesbyaccommodating

local communities in the process of protected area management. The objective has some good

justifications.First,thereisacloselinkbetweensocio-cultureandtraditionoflocalcommunitieswith

the resources of the area. Second, communities have traditional knowledge, skills, and practices

required for themanagement of local resources. Third, the livelihoods of local communities are

primarilyderivedfromlocalresources,whichjustifytheirrightandresponsibilitytobeinvolvedin

themanagement.Moreover,theinvolvementoflocalcommunitiesinconservationareamanagement

alsorationalizestheconservationcostbyplowingbacktherevenuegeneratedfromtheconservation

area.InordertoimplementtheACAprograms,theoperationalplan1986madeprovisiontoforma

villagelevelnon-politicalConservationandDevelopmentCommittee(CDC)thatcouldmakedecision

about local issues including forest resourcesbasedonpeople’s consensusas faraspossible.This

provisionofCDCdrasticallyreducedpeople’sburdenofgoingtothedistantlylocateddistrictforest

office(DFO)andfacingtheadministrativeandbureaucraticprocedurestogetpermissionfortimber

andothermaterialsforconstructionofhousesandlivestockshelters.Withthetime,theCDCgathered

morepracticalexperienceanddevelopeditsownrulesandregulationstoprotecttheVDC’sforests.

Theyevenstartedtofinetherulebreakers(KMTNC-ACAP1997).ConservationAreaManagement

Regulations2053(1996)andConservationAreaManagementDirectives(1999)empoweredtheCDC

and renamed it as Conservation Area Management Committee (CAMC). The CAMC is a Village

Development Committee (VDC) level organization with 15 members represented from all nine

wards,onechairmanandonesecretary,andfournominatedmembersfromsocialworkers,women,

anddisadvantagedgroups.

There are57CAMCsnowoperating in allUnit ConservationAreas (UCOs) inACAwho fulfill the

responsibility toconserve thenatural resourcesandcontribute in the localdevelopment through


mobilizationoflocalresources.ThecommitteesoperatebyVDClevelconservationanddevelopment

plansandimplementthemincollaborationwithVDC,DistrictDevelopmentCommittee(DDC),and

local lineagencies.Basedon localneeds, theCAMCshavesub-committeesofForestManagement,

TourismManagement,MotherGroups,VillageElectricityManagement,etc.,whichcouldexercisethe

authoritiesandresponsibilitiesdelegatedbytheCAMC.Thesecommitteesareauthorizedtocollect

users’feeandutilizetherevenueforconservationanddevelopmentofthearea.Allthesegrassroot

effortshaveensureda lastingharmonybetweenthepeopleandenvironmentwhilebalancingthe

need of economy and development. The success of CAMC approach to community-based

conservationdemonstrateshowconservationanddevelopmentcango together througha strong

localsupportgainedbyentrustingthemanagementofconservationareastotherightfulownersand

stewards.

ActiveparticipationofMother'sGroup


CAMCmembersindiscussionofconservationagenda

Alternativeenergytechnology

OneoftheobjectivesofIntegratedConservationandDevelopmentProgram(ICDP)istodevelopor

introducenewtechnologyorimprovetheexistingonetofitlocalneedsandpreventenvironmental

impacts. Biomass energy consumption (e.g., firewood anddung) is one of the prime examples of

environmentaldegradation.FirewoodconsumptioninACAwasthemajorcauseofdeforestation.The

forestareawasshrinkingandtherewasanacuteshortageoffirewoodduring1970s-1980s.Thiswas

arealburdenparticularlyforwomenandchildrenwhoexhaustedtheirtimeandenergyinsearchof

firewood.Therewasnoalternativesourceofenergyforheatingandcooking.ACAPtookupthisissue

urgently for intervention because it was the priority of local people. Various alternative energy

sourcessuchashydropower,solar,biogas,andimprovedcookingstoveswereintroducedinorderto

curtailtheuseoffirewoodandothersourcesofbiomassenergy.Startingfrom1987,ACAPintroduced

2,183improvedcookingstoves,906biogasplants,254solarunits,and20hydropowerprojectsby

2006.Introductionofenergytechnologywasaccompaniedbyawarenessprogram,communityforest

program, treeplantation indegradedareas,andsoon.Thesealternativeenergysources together

withotherrelevantprogramseffectivelysubstitutedtheuseoffirewood,whichgeneratedmultiple

positiveimpactsinACA:a)regenerationandincreaseofforestarea,b)reductionofenvironmental

pollution,c)betterhealthandsanitation,andd)availabilityofextratimeofwomenandchildrenfor

productiveworklikeincomegenerationandschooling.


Communitymanagedmicrohydro

SafeDrinkingWater

Unavailability of safe drinking water in destination areas is one of the major problems that

contributestoenvironmentalpollutionbecauseofplasticwaterbottlesbroughtalongbythevisitors.

Purchasingplasticwaterbottlesalongthetrekkingroutesisalsonotagoodideaasitcontributesto

plasticwastegeneration.Thebottlesarenotrecycledandendupinrefusepits.Boileddrinkingwater

areavailablethroughhotelsbutcanbecostly,raisingthedailyspendingjustformaintainingthebare

minimum forhealth care. Inorder to reduce thisproblem,ACAhasbeenproviding safedrinking

waterforvisitorsthrough"CleanWaterStations"spreadacrossvariouspointsinthetrekkingtrails.

Sofar,thereare26stationinACA.Thewaterstationsuseozonegeneratormachinestopurifywater

ofharmfulpathogensthroughtheprocessofozonation.Asaresult,visitorshaveeasyaccesstoclean

drinkingwaterandreplacedtheneedtobringorpurchasebottledwater.Asasuccessfulexampleof

thisinitiative,nowadays,theGhandrukvillageofACAhassignificantlyreducedtheuseofplastic

bottlesthathascontributedtothereductionofnonbiodegradablewastes.

Tourismasdriveroflocaldevelopment

Povertyalleviationisthefocusofeconomicdevelopmentprogram.InACA,itfocusedprimarilyon:

a)incomegenerationactivitiesbasedonlocalopportunities,b)promotionofskilldevelopmentfor

qualityimprovementsofexistingproductsandservices,andc)manufacturingandmarketingnew

products (e.g., products of nettle fiber and carpets from sheepwool). Promotion of tourismwas

consideredasaviableoptiontoachievetheseobjectivesofeconomicdevelopmentintheAnnapurna


region. Tourismwas linked to commercialization of agriculture such as cultivation of tea, fruits,

vegetables,andproductionofvegetableseedsinthearea.

TourismisamainstayofACA.Itcanfetchamplebenefitstolocalcommunitiesandgenerateresources

and enthusiasm for nature conservation as well. The number of tourists visiting ACA increased

steadilyfromthe1980sandreachingmorethan37,000bytheearly1990sandmorethan76,000by

theyear2000afterwhichitdeclineddrasticallyduetoinsurgencyinthecountry.Althoughtourism

hasinflictedsomeadversesocialandenvironmentalimpacts,ithasbeenthefocalprogramforICDP

andsustainabledevelopmentofACAforseveralreasons.First,revenuecollectedfromtourism(e.g.,

trekkingpermits)providedfinancialsustainabilityforitsconservationanddevelopmentactivities.

Forexample,trekkingrevenuecoveredmorethan85%duringtheperiodof1996-2001.Second,inaddition to supporting local entrepreneurs (e.g., local hotel and teashop owners) for income

generation, tourism has also significantly contributed to motivating the entrepreneurs for

environmentalconservation.Third,ithasintroducednewskillsandtechnologyandupdatedrelevant

information through volunteer and self-help programs. Tourists/visitors have donated and

establishedfundsforsomeactivitiessuchasscholarshipsforschoolchildren.Finally,besidesmany

other contributions, tourism has also helped diversify conservation programs and change the

attitudeoflocalpeopletowardsconservationanddevelopment.

Both the Operational plan andManagement plan of ACA considered these negative and positive

aspects of tourism in developing tourism management activities. For example, local hotel and

teashopownerswerelackingideasandskillsinhotelmanagement,foodpreparation,guestrelation,

sanitation,andcommunicationandinformationaccordingtothetasteofvisitors.TheACAPprogram

providedsuchskillsthroughanumberofformalandinformaltraining,whichsignificantlyhelpedin

improving the services. Now, there are more than 700 such teashops and hotels with skilled

manpower, alternative energy sources, and environment friendly products from local resources.

Economicindicatorssuchaslifestyle(e.g.,housingandconsumptionpattern),purchasingcapacity,

possessionofhouseholdappliances (e.g., television), schools,healthposts, etc. suggested that the

economic status of local people has been rising. Tourism is largely responsible for such positive

changes in the economic status ofACA. In order to enhance the economic development and also

maintainthebalancebetweeneconomyandenvironment,ACAshouldgoforqualitytourisminfuture

byattractingqualitytouristswhoarereadytopaymoreentrancefeesandspendmoredays.This

demandsthatACAbedevelopedasaspecialdestinationwithimprovedfacilities,diversifiedproducts

andprograms(e.g.,newroutesandsites),andnewstyleofmarketingandpromotionoftourism.


Annex21: DescriptionofExistingEnvironmentofDestinationAreas

1. BardiaNationalPark

1.1 Physicalenvironment

Location

The Bardia National Park is primarily located in Bardia district and spreading

towards Surkhet and Banke districts. It is the largest protected area in the Tarai

regionofNepalwhichcoversanareaof968sq.km.Thetotalareaofthepark'sbuffer

zone(BZ)isof507sq.km.InadditiontoBardiadistrict,thebufferzoneisextended

toBankeandSurkhetdistricts.TheBZincludes110Wardsof20VillageDevelopment

Committees(VDCs)withthepopulationof1,14,201and17,146households.

Topography

Thepark'slandscapeconsistsoftwobroadphysiographiczones;Siwalik/Churiaand

FlatTarailand.Thelargenorthernpart,Siwalikiscomprisedofsteeptomoderately

steepundulatingterrainandsouthernpartisalmostflat.Importantlandscapesare

Karnalifloodplain,theBabairivervalleyandSiwaliks.Mostoftheparkandbuffer

zoneareaiscoveredbyforests(76%)andfollowedbycultivatedlands(13%),shrub

land(3.64%),grasslands(1.47%),andwaterbodies(1.63%).

Climate

Twobio-climaticzonesexistintheBNPincludinglowertropicalzone(below500m)

anduppertropicalzone(501-1000m).Theuppertropicalzoneiscomparativelycool

whichexperiencelikesub-tropicalmonsoonwhereaslowertropicalzoneistoodry

and hot. Recorded mean annual temperature of the park is 210 C with lowest

temperatureof30Cduring Januaryandmaximumtemperatureover400Cduring

May-June.Threedistinct seasonscanbeobserved inayear, theyare:hotanddry

season(Februarytomid-June),hotandwet(mid-JunetolateSeptember),andcool

anddry(lateSeptembertoFebruary).Annualrecordedrainfallrangesfrom2000mm

(atChisapaniarea/Churia)to1400mm(atGulriya/Southernlowland).Monsoonrain

is prevalent in the area, about 90%of the total precipitation occurs during three

months(July,AugustandSeptember).Winterrainsarescantybuthavesignificant

roleinmaintainingthehydrologyofthepark.

Geology/Soils

TheSiwalikHillsarecomposedofunconsolidatedrockmaterialsmainlymade-upof

sedimentaryrocks(mostly limestoneandquartz)andbigboulderswhicharevery

weak,andtherefore,vulnerabletorapiderosion.TheBhabarbeltisformedthrough

theaccumulationofgravel,boulders,stonesandsandwhicharewasheddownfrom

thefoothills.Theflatplainismade-upofalluvium,layersofunconsolidatedmaterials

depositedbytherivers.Riverfloodplainsaresandywhereasotherlandconsistsof


Siltytoclaysoiltype.Massmovementssuchaslandslidesandmudflowsarecommon

intheSiwaliksduringtherainyseasonacceleratingfloodandremovalofvegetation.

TheSiwalikdegradationcausedbyencroachment,illegalcollectionofforestproduct,

grazingandfirehasdetrimentaleffectsongroundwaterandriverwaterpollution.

Hydrology/Drainage

TheparkislocatedalongtheKarnaliriverbasin,thebiggestriverbasinofthecountry.

Karnali,BabaiandOrahiriversarethemajortributariesthatdrainthepark.Karnali

River,thelargesttributaryofthebasinpassesthroughtheparkfromnorthtosouth.

Thesouth-westernKarnalifloodplainofanareaofabout100sq.kmisregardedas

"biodiversityhot-spot".TheBabaiRiver,originatedfromtheridgesoftheSiwaliks,

flowsfromeasttowestatthemiddleoftheparkstretc.hesabout40kmwithinthe

park.OtherriversofSiwalikoriginsuchasOrahi,Ambasa,KareliaNalaandMaan

Kholadraintheeasternsectorofthepark.Onlyfewox-bowlakesarefoundinsidethe

park.

1.2 Biologicalresourceandlanduse

FaunaFifty-sixspeciesofmammals,438birds,52herpetofauna,and121fisheshavebeen

recorded from the park area. The park is prime habitat for Royal Bengal Tiger

(Pantheratigristigris).Othersymbolicmammalianspeciesincludes:AsianElephant(Elephus maximus), One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Dolphin(Platanista gangetica), Swamp deer (Cervus duvaucelli), Black buck (Antelopecervicarpa), Hispid hare (Caprologus hispidus) and Common leopard (Pantherapardus).Theparkisalsorichinungulatediversity.Outoftotal6speciesofdeer,5speciessuchasSamberdeer(Cerviousunicolar),Spotteddeer(Axisaxis),Hogdeer(Axis porcinus), Swamp deer (Cervus duvaucelli) and Barking deer (Muntiacusmuntjak)arefoundinthepark.EndangeredGharialcrocodile(Gavialisgangeticus),Marsh Mugger (Crocodilus palustris), and Burmese Python (Python molurus) aresymbolic reptiles of the park. Bird species symbolic to the park include the

Endangered Bengal florican (Houbaripsis bengalensis) and lesser florican(Sypheotidesindica),CriticallyEndangeredWhite-rumpedvulture(Gypsbengalensis),Peacock (Pavo cristatus) and Bar-headed gees (Anser indicus), Giant Horn Bill(Bucerosbicornis),EurasianEagleOwl(Bubobubo).

Flora

Atotalof839speciesofflorahavebeenestimatedinthepark.Amongthese,170are

estimated to be vascular plants. Eight pteridophytes, 1 gymnosperm, 140

dicotyledonsand26monocotyledonshavebeenrecordedsofar.Theparkconsistsof

mainlythreemajorvegetationtypesviz.(i)Chirpineforest,(ii)hillSalforestand(iii)

lower tropical Sal andmixed broad-leaved forest. Chirpine and hill Sal forest are

found in the Siwaliks and the latter in the foothills. Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii) is


found above 500 meter in the northern Siwalik region. Sal is the dominant tree

species(71%)ofthepark.OthermajorassociatesoftheSalforestincludes;Karma

(Adina cardifolia), Bot-Dhangero (Lagerestromia parviflora), Asna(Terminaliatomentosa), Barro (Terminalia belerica), Jamun (Syzgium cumini), Tantari (Dilleniapentagyna), Sindure/Rohini (Malotus philipinenansis), Mahuwa (Madhuca indica),Bhalayo (Semicarpus anacardium), Rajbriksha (Cassia fistula), Siris (Albiziasp), Bel(Aegle marmelos), etc. Major dominant riverine species includes: Khair (Acaciacatechu),Sisoo(Dalbergiasisoo),Simal(Bombaxceiba),andVellor(Trewianudiflora).Dhangero (Woodfordia fruticosa), Lwangful (Lantana camara), Besarma/Bihaya(Ipomea fistulosa), Titepati (Artimissia dubia), Asare/Kadipatta(Murraya koenigii),Kurilo(Asparagusrecemosus),Tapre(Cassiatora)arethemajorshrubsfoundinthepark. Themajor grassland species of the park includes: Elephant grass (Themedavillosa), Kans(Saccharum spontaneum), Siru (Imperata cyllindrica), Dubo (Cynodondactylon),Babiyo(Eulaliopsisbinata),andKhar(Vetivariazizanoides).

Ecosystem

AltogethersevenforestecosystemtypeshavebeenidentifiedinBNP;UpperSiwalik

Chirpine-Oak forest, Siwalik Chirpine-Oak forest, Tropical hill Sal forest in inner

valleys,TaraiTropicalSalforest,Khair-Sisooscrubandriverineforest,Bhabarlight

forest and Tarai cultivated land (NBRB, 2007). Of the 200 global eco-regions

identifiedbyWorldWildlifeFund(WWF),theparkholdstwoeco-regions,theTarai-

duarsavannasandgrasslands,andtheSub-tropicalBroad-leafForests.

Landuse

Theparkcanbedistinguishedintofivedistinctlandusetypes,viz.(i)theSiwalik,(ii)

the Bhabar, (iii) the river valley, (iv) the alluvial lowland, and (v) the riverine

floodplains.ImportantlandscapesareKarnalifloodplain,theBabairivervalleyand

Siwaliks. Most of the park and buffer zone area is covered by forests (76%) and

followedbycultivated lands (13%), shrub land (3.64%), grass lands (1.47%), and

waterbodies(1.63%).About33%ofthebufferzoneareaisundergoodforestcover,

17%undergrasslandanddegradedforest,over43%underagriculturallandand7%

otherlanduse.

1.3 Socio-economyandhumansettlement

Locatedinprovincefiveofthecountry,BardiadistrictissituatedintheTerairegion

ofthecountrywithelevationstartingfrombelow300mandgoingupto1,564masl

andhottropicalclimate.Withanareaof2,025km2andpopulationof426,576living

in83,147households,about56%ofthetotalpopulationareIndigenousPeople(IPs)

withTharuasthemostpopulousethnicgroup.Bardiadistricthasbeendividedinto

sixmunicipalitiesandtworuralmunicipalities.Madhesicommunitywithmanycastes

and sects are the dominant population in the district with Tharu being themost


common language spoken. The average household size of the district is 5.23 and

predominantoccupationofthedistrict isagriculture,buttheproductionsystemis

traditional and mostly subsistence. Integrated crop-livestock farming is the

predominant production system. Rice and wheat are the predominant crops

cultivatedin50,000haand17,800harespectively,producingabout202,800MTof

riceand66,300MTofwheatin2015/16.Theaverageannualhouseholdincomeis

$1,086with28.7%ofthepopulationinpoverty.Householdstatisticsshowthat96.3%

owntheirownhomebuthomesaremostlymudbondedinfoundationandwall,and

roofedbygalvanizediron.Woodistheusedasthemainfuelforcookingat87.6%and

62.6%haveaccesstoelectricity.Thehumandevelopmentindicesofthedistrictare

notveryencouragingastheliteracyrateisonlyat65%where58%ofwomenare

literate and 74% of males are literate; and 50.6% children under age five are

malnourished.WildlifetourismisBardiaNationalParkisgrowingsteadilyoverthe

pastfewyearswheretouristsvisittoexperiencethepristinewildernessofthepark.

Thefast-flowingwateroftheRaptiriverandwildnessoftheparkprovideexcellent

jungle safari and rafting expeditions. Since the past few years, more tourists are

drawntotheparkbythehighprospectofsightingtigersinthewild.In2017/18the

parkreceived17,959visitors,althoughanincreasecomparedtothepreviousyears,

itismuchlowerthanotherparkssuchasChitwanNationalPark.

1.4 Physicalculturalresources

Besidesthenationalpark,BardiadistrictisknownforitsTharuculture.Thedistrict

ismainlyinhabitedbyDanguaraTharupeoplewhohavetheirownlanguage,customs

andtraditions.SmallvillageslikeDallaandKailashiinthecountrysidearesomeof

theculturalattractionswithrichTharuculture.Differentculturalexperienceincludes

folk dance, handicraft sale and exhibits, museum displays, traditional customs,

religious rituals and festivals. Homestay facilities operated by local communities

provide various cultural and traditional programs. The Thakur baba temple of

ThakurwaramunicipalityisamajorreligiousattractiontoHindupilgrims.

1.5 KrishnarConservationAreaSituated in Khairapur of Bardia district, Krishnasar Conservation Area was

established in an area of 16.95 km2 by the GoN to protect and conserve the last

remainingherdofblackbucksinin-situstate.Thetotalareaofcoreblackbuckhabitatis5.27km2andthesurroundingareaofinfluenceis11.68km2.InNepal,blackbucks

were almost extinct until a small herd of nine blackbucks were discovered in

KhairapurofBardiadistrictin1975whichinitiatedtheirconservationefforts.Today,

conservationeffortshavehelpedtheblackbuckpopulationtorebound,growingto

293andstandingasthenorthernmostsurvivingherdofblackbucksintheworld.In

ordertoensuresustainablemanagementoftheconservationarea,aprotectionfence

of10.25km2enclosesthecoreblackbuckhabitattodeterlivestockgrazingandavoid


unwanted contactswithpotentialdiseasevectors andpredators suchasdomestic

dogsandhyaenas.Inaddition,tominimizetherisktotheblackbucksfromflooding,

fivehillockshavebeenconstructed for their refuge.Otherwildlife suchashyaena

(Hyaenahyaena),AsiaticRockPython(Pythonmolurus)andGoldenMonitorLizard(Varanus flavescens) are also recorded in the area. The first reintroduction of 28captive blackbucks in Shukla Phanta NP have resulted in a population of 70

individuals in thewild. It stands as apotential tourismproductwhich can attract

touristsvisitingtheBardiaNP.Theconservationareareceived17,697foreignvisitors

in2017.

2. BankeNationalPark


Location

BankeNationalParkextendsover550km2inBankedistrictanditsbufferzone,343

km2, encompasses parts ofBanke,Dang and Salyandistricts. It is connectedwith

BardiaNationalParktowardsthewestwhichfurtherlinkswithKaterniaghatWildlifeSanctuaryinIndiavianationalandcommunityforestsofKhatacorridor.Similarly,it

also adjoins with Kamdi corridor, through national and community forests, andconnectsSuhelwaWildlifeSanctuary(SWS)ofIndia.Itisanimportantcomponentof

TeraiArcLandscape(TAL)whichprovidesadditionalhabitatfortigers.

Topography

Plains:This isanarrowstripwhichstretc.heseasttowestparallel totheNationalHighwayinthesouthernpartoftheParkwithelevationrangingfrom153mto250masl.Thisregioncontainsvariousforesttypes:Salforest,Riverineforest,Floodplain

forest,andKhair-Sissooforestalongthestreams.

Bhabar/foothills:This is the region north of the plains and at the foothills of theChuriahills.Thealtitudinalvariationrangesfrom250mtoabout600m.Themainforest types found in this region are: Hill Sal forest, Mixed hardwood forest, and

Riverineforest.

Churiaridge:ThisistheChuriahillregionwithaltitudinalrangefrom600mupto1247masl.MixedChuriahillforestisthemainforesttypefoundintheareawithhill

Salforestsfoundscatteredinplaces.

Climate

Theparkhassub-tropicalmonsoonalclimatewithsummermonsoonfrommid-JunetoearlyOctoberfollowedbyrelativelylong,colddrywinter.Therearethreedistinct

seasons:hot-dry(Februarytomid-June),monsoon(mid-JunetoearlyOctober),and

colddry(earlyOctobertoFebruary).Theareaislocatedinthefar-westernclimaticzoneandhasa tropicalmonsoonclimatewithhighhumidity throughout theyear.


Summerischaracterizedbyhot,dryandwesterlywindyweatherwheretemperature

canreachashighas390C.ThehothumiddaysgivewaytothemonsoonseasonthattypicallylastsfromlateJuneuntilSeptemberwhenriversbecomefloodedandmost

oftheroadsarevirtuallyimpassable.Springreferstoapleasantclimatewithslightlypost monsoon rain and not extreme temperature. The weather in winter is also

pleasantwithcoldmorningandnightswithoccasionalcoldwavesduringtwomonths

ofDecemberandJanuary.Theaverageannualrainfalloftheparkis1,474mmandabout 80% of rainfall occurs within four months of rainy season i.e. June to

September.Rainsarescantyinwinterseasonalthoughfewintermittentshowerstake

placeduringtheperiod.

Geology/SoilsThegeological formationof theChuriarange is thedetermining factor for thesoil

typesofthepark.Exposedrocksconsistoffine-grainedsandstonewithpocketsof

clay, shale, conglomerate and freshwater limestone. The Bhabar zone receivesboulder, cobbles, gravel, and coarse sand interceded with silt and clay from the

Churia.

Hydrology/Drainage

Twomajor rivers, Rapti andBabai enclose the buffer zone. Rapti River forms the

southernboundary,whereastheBabaiRiverhasdemarcatedthenorthernboundary

ofBZ.TheChuriaridgeformsthecatchmentboundaryanddividesthebasin.Allthe

riversoftheParkoriginatefromtheChuriahills.MainstreamsintheRapticatchment

(southernaspect)oftheParkareKathauti,Jethi,Syalmare,Ranighat,Jhijhari,Baghsal,

Paruwa, Muguwa, Khairi, Sukhar, Lumba/Rolpali, Sauri, Bairiya, Oz Khola and

Tilkanya and Malai Khola lies within Babai catchment (northern aspect). Water

dischargeoftheserivers/streamsisveryhighduringrainyseason.Muchofthesmall

streamsremaindryduringsummerseason.

2.2 Biologicalresourcesandlanduse

Fauna

Mammals:TheParkishometo34speciesofmammals.Amongthem,sevenspeciesare protected under National Parks andWildlife Conservation (NPWC) Act 2029.Theseprotectedspeciesare:Tiger(Pantheratigris),LeopardCat(Felisbengalensis),Spotted Lingsang (Prionodon pardicolor), AsianWild Elephant (Elephusmaximus),StripedHyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Four-hornedAntelope (Tetracerus quadricornis)andIndianPangolin(Maniscrassicaudata).Similarly,thecommonspeciesrecordedin the Park are Common Leopard (Panthera pardus), Jackal (Canis aureus), Fox(Vulpus bengalensis), Jungle cat (Felis chaus), Bluebull (Boselaphus tragocamelus),Hog deer (Axis porcinus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus),Spotteddeer(Axisaxis),Barkingdeer(Muntiacusmuntjak),Sambar(Cervusunicolor),Common Ghoral (Naemorhaedus goral), Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulata) andPorcupine(Hystrixindica).


Birds:Todate,236speciesofbirdhavebeenreportedfromtheparkoutofwhichoneprotectedbirdspecies isreportedunderNPWCAct,2029 i.e.GreatHornbill.GreatSlaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus), Egyptian Vulture (Neophronpercnopterus), Whiterumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Steppe Eagle (Aquilanipalensis), Woolley-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) and Hodgson’s Bushchat(Saxicola insignis) are the six globally threatened species found in thepark. Somenationally threatened species found in the Park are Grey Francolin (Francolinuspondicerianus), Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis),Yellow-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus malarbaricus), Himalayan Vulture (Gypshimalayensis)andAsianOpenbill(Anastomusoscitans).

Herpeto-fauna: Twenty-four species of reptiles and nine amphibian species havebeen reported from the area. Asatic (Rock Python) and Golden monitor lizard(Varanusflavescens)isendangeredspeciesreportedfromtheareaandarethereforeprotectedspeciesintheHerpeto-faunalistofNPWCAct2029.OthercommonreptilesreportedareGardenlizard(Calotesversicolor),Brookes'housegecko(Hemidactylusbrookii),Agama(Agamatuberculata),Krait(Bungaruscaeruleus),KingCobra(Najanaja), andViper (Vipera russelli). The commonambhibian species recorded in theParkincludeBullfrog(Ranatigerina),Marbledtoad(Bufostomaticus)andCommontoad(Bufomelanstictus).

Fishdiversity:SeveralfishspeciesarefoundinthemajorriversystemsofthePark.To date, 55 species of fish have been reported out of which 35 fish species arereportedfromRaptiRiveronly.

Flora

Thecompositionofforests,changefromsitetositeevenwithinsimilarforesttypes.

Forestcomposition,structureandstatuschangeaccordingtothehorizontalaswell

asverticalgradientsofthepark.TheBhabar/foothillsoftheChuriaaremorediverse

thaneitherofthelowlandplainsandtheChuriaforests.Likewise,thewesternand

middlepartoftheParkaremorediversethantheeasternsector.Oftheseveralfloras

recorded in thePark,263specieshavebeen identified. Sal (Shorea robusta),Asna(Terminaliatomentosa),Chiraunjee(Buchananialatifolia),Bajhi(Anogeisuslatifolia),Sissoo (Delbergia sisoo),Khair (Acacia catechu),Dumri (Ficus glomerata), Sindure(Mallatousphilippinsis),andJamun(Eugeniajambolana)arethedominantspeciesintermsofdensityandbasalarea.About20to30%oftheareaisdominatedbySalforest

andother species includeBarro (Terminaliabelerica),Harro (Terminalia chebula),Karma (Adina cordifolia), Kusum (Schleichera trijuga), Bhalayo (Semecarpasanacardium),Tantari(Dilleniapentagyna)andBotDhaiyanro(Lagerstroemiaparviflora).

Ecosystem

Theparkrepresentsthemid-westernTeraiecosystemofNepalcontaininganarray

ofeightecosystemtypessuchasSalforest,deciduousriverineforest,savannahsand


grasslands,mixedhardwoodforest,floodplaincommunity,bhawarandfoothillsof

Churiarange.Theplainscontainvariousforesttypes–Salforest,riverineforest,flood

plain forest,andKhair-Sissoalong thestreams.TheBharbarzone formtheregion

northoftheplainsandatthefoothillsofChuriahillsthatcontainmixedhardwood

forestandriverineforest.TheChuriahillsregionfallwithinthealtitudinalrangeof

600mto1,247maslwithmixedChuriahillforestwithSalforestsscatteredinplaces.

Landuse

Thecoreareaoftheparkispredominantlyforestscontributingto91%ofthearea.

Othercoverage includesbush,grasslands,sandandsmallwaterbodies.Themajor

landusetypesinthebufferzoneareforests(74%)andagriculture(11%).


Banke district is located in province five of the Terai region of the country with

elevationstartingfrom153mandgoingupto1,247maslandsub-tropicalmonsoonal

climate.WithNepaljungastheheadquarter,Bankecoversanareaof2,337km2and

populationof491,313livingin94,693households,about24%ofthetotalpopulation

are IndigenousPeople(IPs)withTharuas themostpopulousethnicgroup.Banke

district has beendivided into one sub-metropolitan city, onemunicipality and six

ruralruralmunicipalities.Madhesicommunitywitharethedominantpopulationin

the districtwith Tharu,Musalman, Yadav and Kurmi bing themain caste groups.

Tharu is the most common language spoken. The average household size of the

district is5.19andpredominantoccupationof thedistrict is agriculture.Riceand

wheatarethepredominantcropscultivatedin36,500haand19,050harespectively,

producingabout85,442MTofriceand3,200MTofwheatin2015/16.Theaverage

annual household income is $1,133 with 26.4% of the population in poverty.

Householdstatisticsshowthat88.1%owntheirownhomebuthomesaremostlymud

bondedinfoundationandwall,androofedbygalvanizediron.Woodistheusedas

themainfuelforcookingat74.4%and68.8%haveaccesstoelectricity.Theliteracy

rateisonlyat62%where55%ofwomenareliterateand70%ofmalesareliterate;

and44.8%childrenunderage fivearemalnourished.BankeNationalParkadjoins

Bardia National Park and is equally rich in biodiversity and cultural attractions.

Domestictouristsaccountformosttouristsandtheparkreceivedonlyfourforeign

visitorsinFY2017/18.


BankedistrictholdssimilarculturalcharacteristicswithBardiadistrict.Sinceapast

fewyears,fewhomestaysareinoperation.SomewetlandssuchasBadhaiyatal,Rani

tal and Purainapureni lake and religious sites such as Bageswori temple are

attractionstodomestictourists.


3. ShuklaPhantaNationalPark

3.1 PhysicalenvironmentLocation

ShuklaPhantaNationalPark(ShuNP)liesintheborderingsouth-westernsectionof

TeraiinKanchanpurdistrict.Itcoversanareaof305km2ofopengrassland,forests,

riverbedsandtropicalwetlandsinthecoreareaandthebufferzoneareacovers243.5

km2.Theparkhasthelargestgrasslandinthefar-westernTerai.Itisalsohometo

Nepal's,andperhapsevenAsia'slargestpopulationofswampdeer.Theparkshares

a commonboundarywith the IndianstateofUttarPradesh in thesouthandwest

which is formedby theMahakali river, amajor tributaryof theGanges river. It is

borderedontheeasternsidebytheChaudharriverandtothenorthbyaforestbelt

andcultivations.Theparkwaspreviouslyawildlifereserveandupgradedintothe

nationalparkin2016.

Topography

Itlieswithinthecoordinate28042'29"E-29003'08"Eand80003'08"N-80025'53"N.

Altitudegradientvariesfrom174mto1,386m.

Climate

Theparkhaslowersub-tropicalandupper-tropicalbio-climaticzonesthatfallinthe

park'sSilwaliksregionandlowertropicalbio-climaticzoneintheTeraipart.Thepark

hasatropicalmonsoonclimatewithfourdifferentseasons:winter,spring,summer

andmonsoon.Themeanmonthlytemperaturevaries from10 ̊C to12 ̊C inwinter,

graduallyrisingto17̊Cinthespringand26̊Cinthesummer.DecemberandJanuary

are fairly coldandmistywithoccasional frost.Theaverageannual rainfall ranges

from 1,300 mm to 2,300 mm, 80% of which falls during monsoon. The relative

humidityremainsfairlyhighthroughouttheyearexceptinthedrymonthsofthepre-

monsoonperiod.

Geology/soils

TherearefivedifferentsoilsinShuNP.Thesoilsintheriverineforestsofkhairand

sissoalongMahakaliriverareloamy-sandwithsmallgravelandstones;inthemixed

foreststheyaresandyloam;intheSalforests,theyareloamtosandyloamwithhigh

organic content; and in the Siwaliks the soils consist mainly of sandstone,

conglomerate,quartizite,shales,andmicaceoussandstone.

Hydrology/Drainage

TheMahakaliRiver is themajorriversystemof theareawhich flows forming the

westernboundaryofthepark.However,theparkdoesnotbenefitmuchfromsuch


largeriver.Therearefewriversthatsupportthisparkviz.Bahuni,Chaudhar,Radha

andSyaliriverswhichflowsthroughtheNPandmixeswiththeMahakali.Also,there

aredegradedwetlands/pondsinsideparksuchasRaniTal,KhairkandraTal,etc.

3.2 BiologicalresourcesandlanduseFauna

The faunaldiversityof theparkcomprises43speciesofmammals,349speciesof

birds2speciesofreptiles,21speciesoffishand20speciesofamphibians.Itisthe

primehabitatfortheendangeredswampdeer(Cervusduvauceli)andcurrentlyholdsabout2,000swampdeer.Itisalsohometothreatenedspeciesofglobalimportance,

including the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), greater one-horned rhinoceros(Rhinoceros unicornis), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Bengal florican(Houbaropsisbengalensis)andHodgson’sbushchat(Saxicolainsignis).Flora

Theparkhas thehighestnumberofplantspecies fromTerai,Nepalso far forany

givenprotectedarea,comprising665speciesofplants(109treespecies,70shrubs,

432herbs,41climbers,4epiphytesand9others)belongingto438generaand118

families. Among these species, a total of 8 species fall into different IUCN threat

categories.

Ecosystem

Theparkconsistsofthreemajorecosystemtypesviz.TeraitropicalSalforest,Khair-

sissoriverineforestsandTeraiduar-savannahgrassland.About80%oftheparkis

occupiedbydifferentstagesofSalforests.Groundvegetationispoorinthemature

SalforestswherethereisclosedcanopywhilegrasseslikeNarengaporphyrocoma,Themadaarundinacea,Saccharumbangalense,etc.arepresent in immature forestswith relatively open canopy. The riverine vegetation present in the Mahakali

floodplaincompriseskhair-sissoforests,andpurestandsofsissoonthebanksofthe

Mahakaliriver.Mixeddeciduousforestsoccupythe lowerpartof thereservewith

majorspeciessuchasguthali, jamun,simal, sindure,and fiscusspecies.Themajor

grassland 'ShuklaPhanta' coversanareaof54km2south-westofBauni riverand

south of the forests. Other grassland includes Sundari phanta, Karaiya phanta,Singhpurphanta,MangalseraPhanta,etc.

Landuse

Thelandusetypeoftheparkis52%Salforests,10%wetlands,30%grassland,16%

riverineforestsand2%mixedforests.


3.3 Socio-economyandhumansettlementKanchanpurdistrict is locatedinprovincesevenoftheTerairegionofthecountry

withelevationstartingwithBhimdattaas itsdistrictheadquarter.Withanareaof

1,610km2,thedistricthas7municipalitiesand2gaunpalikaswhere451,248people

(52%males,56%females)resideinthe82,134households.Themostrepresentative

ethnicgroup in thedistrictare theChhetris (29%) followedbyTharus(26%)and

Brahmins (16%) andmix of other ethnic groups. TheDoteli language is themost

spokenlanguage(40%)followedbytheTharulanguage(25%)andNepali(16%).The

average household size of the district is 5.49 and predominant occupation of the

districtissubsistenceagriculturefarming.Riceandwheatarethepredominantcrops

cultivatedin45,796haand31,342harespectively,producingabout145,207MTof

riceand75,439MTofwheatin2015/16.Theaverageannualhouseholdincomeis

$938with31.4%ofthepopulationinpoverty.Householdstatisticsshowthat94.1%

owntheirownhomeand82%usefuelcookingforcookingwhile75.2%haveaccess

toelectricity.Theliteracyrateisat71%where61%ofwomenareliterateand81%

ofmalesareliterate;and31.7%childrenunderagefivearemalnourished.


The famousdestinationhere is suspensionbridge (1496.5m),Tanakpurdam,etc.

ThereisatempleinsidetheparkwhichisworshippedmainlybyTharucommunity

calledSinghapalBabathan.Outsidetheparkwithinfewkilometerradiusesthereare

BandaLake,Rautelatemple,Bishnutemple,Bhamkenitemple,Lingatemple,Bedkot

Laketemple,Siddhanathtemple,etc.Also,thefringareaisrichinculturalandethnic

diversitywith typicalvillageofRanaTharuandDagauraTharu.Typical cultureof

KhasBrahmanandChhetriofwesternhillregioncanbealsobefound.

4. RaraNationalPark

4.1 PhysicalenvironmentLocation

TheRaraNationalPark(RNP)islocatedinKarnaliZone(Province6)ofNorth-west

Nepal,betweencoordinatesof29º26'-29º34'Northand82º00'-82º10'East.A

largerpartofRNPliesinMugudistrictwhileasoutherntipoftheParkliesinJumla

district.RNPcoversanareaof106km2,outofwhich10.8km2isoccupiedbyRara

Lake,whichisthelargestlakeofNepal(HMG1980,Upreti1989).

ThebufferzoneoftheparkliesinMuguandJumladistrict.Thetotalpopulationofthe

buffer zone is 13,876 (10,617 in Mugu and 3,259 in Jumla district). The total

householdsinbufferzoneis2,548(2,028inMuguand520inJumla).Thebufferzone


hasbeendividedinto10usercommittees(7usercommitteesinMuguand3inJumla

district)basedongeographicfeatures.ThenearestvillagefromtheRaralakeandthe

parkheadquarter isMurma.Majority of thepeoplebelongs toHindu religion and

majorethnicgroupsareChhetri,ThakuriandDalits.Themajoreconomicactivitiesofthepeopleareagricultureandanimalhusbandry.

Topography

RNP is located at elevations ranging from 1,800 m (Karkibada) to 4,087 m

(Chuchemara Lekh). Rara Lake is the main attraction of the park and lies at an

elevationof2,990m(9,810ft).Itisovalshapedstretc.hingineast-westaxis,witha

maximumlengthof5km,widthof3km,andthedepthupto167m,whichdrainsin

toMuguKarnaliRiverviaNijarKhola(Figure3).TheChuchemaraLekhislocatedat

thesouthernsideofthe lake,whereas,othertwopeaksRumaKand(3731m)and

MalikaKand(3444m)arelocatedinthenorthernpart(DNPWC2010).RNPislinked

with theGreatHimalayanTrail, especiallyviaPhoksumdoLake (Shey-Phoksumdo

NationalPark)toSaiPalHimal(ApiNampaConservationArea)toKhaptadNational

Park.Furthermore,RNPmayserveasthebiologicalcorridorlinkingGreatHimalayan

TrailwiththeMt.KailashandMansarovarLake(KailashSacredLandscape).

Climate

TheclimateatRNPareaisthesameascommontothesouthofhighHimalayas:dry

winterandwetmonsoonalsummer.Thewinter isquiteseverewithgroundfrosts

occurring from October and snow falling from December through April and the

minimum temperaturedroppingbelow freezingpoint during this period.Average

annual temperature in the last10years is littleover11°C.Monthlymaximumand

minimummean temperature is 27°C and4°C in June andDecember, respectively.

April normally sees the start of thewarmer seasonwhich steadily increases to a

pleasanttemperatureuntilSeptember.

Geology/Soils

FormationoftheRaralakeisbelievedtobetheresultofrivercapture.Itisthought

thattheMuguKarnaliRiver,tothenorth,onceflowedthroughthelake.TheMugu

KarnaliwasatthattimeaseparatetributaryoftheHumlaKarnaliRiver,furthernorth

andhavingitsbedverydeeplyeroded,capturedtheMuguKarnaliinthevicinityof

Ruga.TheMuguKarnaliwasthusdivertedandcontinuedtoerodeitsbedleavingits

oldcourse,thelakeandtheNijarKhola,highaboveit.ThegorgeoftheNijarKhola

todaymakesitdifficulttobelievethatitcouldhavebeencuttosuchadepthsimply

bytheoverflowofthelake(Barber1990).

Peoplehaveobservedthaterosionistakingplaceatahighrateintheeasternsideof

thelake.In2002,peopleofGamgadhifearedbreakingoftheeasternbundofthelake,


whichcoulddestroythismarketlocatedonthetopofasmallhillock.Thisshowsthe

needofgeologicalstudyofthelake.Acavelargeenoughto'accommodatethousands

ofsheep'existsinTaunkainJogiLekhinthesouth-westernsideofthelakeinKalei

VDC.

Hydrology/Drainage

There is no natural perennial inflow to Rara Lake except the runoff from the

surroundinghills.Thereisafairly,symmetricaldrainagesystemfromtheslopesof

theChuchemaraLekhandsomestreamstothenorthsideflowingdirectlyintothe

lake.TheonlyoutflowfromthelakeistheNijarKhola,whicheventuallydrainsinto

MuguKarnali. The lakeside pasture in the south givesway to the steep slopes of

GurchiLekh,itscrestculminatingatChuchemarainahorse-shoeshapedopeningto

thesouthdrainedby the JiunRiver.On thewest, rivervalleyscut througharidge

whichformsthenaturalboundarytothePark.

4.2 BiologicalresourcesandlanduseFauna

Outof210mammalspeciesrecordedinNepal,52specieshavebeenrecordedinthe

park.TheParkishomeforMuskDeer(Moschuschrysogaster),HimalayanBlackBear(Ursusthibetanus), Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)HimalayanGhoral (Nemorhaedus goral), Himalayan Thar (Hemitragus jemlahicus),WildDog(Cuonalpines)andWildBoar(Susscrofa).

ThreeendemicspeciesofSnowTroutviz.Schizothoraxmacropthalus,Schizothoraxnepalensis and Schizothorax rarensis have been recorded in the lake (BPP, 1995).Schizothoraxrarensisisendemictothislake.

Outof778birdsrecordedinNepal,272specieshavebeenrecordedinthepark.Rara

lake serves as an important transit point for migratory waterfowls across the

Himalayas.CommonCoots(Fulicaatra)areplentifulinthelakeandseveralofthemstay even for the whole year. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), Mallard (Anasplatyrhynchos), Great-created grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), Red-crested pochard(Netta ragina), andGulls (Larus spp.) visit theparkduringwinter.Other commonbirds of the park are Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii), Snow cock (Teragallushimalayensis),Chukorpartridge(Alectorischukor),ImpeyanPheasant(Lophophorusimpejanus), Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelana) and Blood pheasant (Ithaginiscrustus).

Flora

ThemajorityofvegetationintheParkisdominatedbybluepineanddifferentspecies


of rhododendrons. The other major species includes Himalayan spruce (Piceasmithiana), Oak (Quercus semicarpifolia), Himalayan cypress (Cupressus torulosa),Birch(Betulautilis),Deodar(Cedrusdeodara),Lauthsalla(Taxuswallichiana),walnut(Juglansregia)andHimalayanpoplar(Popolusciliata).Rangelandsaredominatedbyherbs and grass species like Carex atrofusca, Juncus himalensis, Kobresia duthei,Parnsianubicola,Polygonumspp.Juniperusindica,J.lindleyanaandAletrispauciflora.Major Non–Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) andmedicinal plants includes; Kutki

(Neopicrorhiza scrophulariflora), Panchaunle (Dactylorhiza hatagirea), Jatamansi(Nardostachys grandiflora), Satuwa (Paris polyphylla), Sugandhwal (Valelianajatamansi), Attis (Aconitum heterophyllum), Padmchal (Rheum emodii) and GuchiChayau(Morchellaconica).

Ecosystem

RNP and its buffer zone is represented by following 11 types of forests:Quercussemecarpifolia forest, Aesculus-Juglans-Acer forest, Upper temperate mixedbroadleavedforest,Rhododendronforest,Betulautilisforest,Abiesspectabilisforest,Tsuga dumosa forest, Pinus wallichiana forest, Picea smithiana forest, Cupressustorulosaforest,andMoistalpinescrub(Stainton1972).

BluePineForest

TheParkisdominatedbyconifers.TheareaaroundthelakeisdominatedbyBlue

pine(Pinuswallichiana)andthisdominancecontinuesupto3,200m.Rhododendron(Rhododendron arboreum), Black juniper (Juniperus wallichiana),West Himalayanspruce (Picea smithiana), oak (Quercus semecarpifolia), and Himalayan cypress(Cupressustorulosa)areotherassociatedspecies.Abovethiselevation,thevegetationisreplacedwithmixedconiferousforestofpine,spruceandfir.Atabout3,350m.,

pineandsprucegivewaytofir,oakandbirchforest.Otherdeciduoustreespecies

such as Indian horse-chestnut (Aesculus indica), walnut (Juglans regia) andHimalayanpoplar(Populusciliata)arealsofound.

FirForest

Thedominantconiferousforestisbetween3,200m-3,600mcomprisedofFir(Abiesspectabilis). Khasru (Quercus semecarpifolia) is commonly associated with it andbecomesdominanttowardsthetopofthehill-side.TogetherwithBirch(Betulautilis),Indian horse–chest-nut (Aesculus indica), Walnut (Juglans regia) and Himalayanpoplar(Populusciliata)areotherassociatesasintheloweraltitudinalzone.

Birch–Rhododendronforest

Above3600mfirforestisreplacedbybirch(Betulautilis)forest.Above3700m,birch


tendstobedwarfandismixedwithRhododendron(Rhododendroncampanulatum)forming a continuous cover.Theother associated species arePrunus rufa (jungaliaru), Potentilla fructicosa (bajradanti), Polygonatum cirrhifolium (khiraunlo), anddwarfRhododendronlepidotum(bhairungpati)aswellasJuniperusindica(dhupi).

AlpineMeadows

Thealpinevegetationoccurringinthisareaabovethetreelinemainlycomprisesof

alpinescrub(3700m–4400m)thatconsistsof Juniperus indica, J. lindleyanaandalpinegrasses(4,200m-5,000m)thatconsistsofAletrispauciflora,Carexatrofusca,Juncushimalensis,Kobresiaduthiei,Parnasianubicola,andPolygonumspp.

Landuse

Grassland:Terracedlandusedbyformerresidentsforcultivation.Onlyasmallpartofithasremainedfallownow,asforesthasregeneratedinmostoftheselands.

Marshland:TheNorthsideofthelakeismarshyandisdominatedbyreeds.

Grazingland:ThegrazinglandoftheParkrangesfrom3,000m-4,000m,whichisbeinginvadedbytheregenerationofbluepine.

Rockoutcrop:Thealpinezoneisformedbyrockoutcrop,comingoutofstratumtothesurface.

Forests:Pinuswallichiana(Bluepine)andAbiesspectabilis(Silverfir)aredominantspecies of the park. Other associated species are Quercus semecarpifolia, PiceasmithianaandCupressustorulosa.

Land use pattern comprise of 183.15 km2 (60.25%) forest, 19.95 km2 (6.56%)

shrubland,55.44km2(18.24%)grassland,33.56km2(11.04%)cultivatedland,10.62

km2(3.49%)lake,1.0km2(0.33%)waterbodies,and0.28km2(0.09%)sandyarea

(DNPWC2012).


BothMuguandJumladistrictsareratedasunder-developed,remoteandpoverty-

strickendistricts.ThecaseofMuguisparticularlysevere.Amongthe75districtsof

the country Mugu occupies one of the lowest positions in terms of overall

developmentindex.Muguranksthelastpositionintermsof'povertyanddeprivation

index'and'womenempowermentindex',whereas72ndintermsof'socio-economic

andinfrastructuraldevelopmentindex'.JumlaisslightlybetterthanMuguin'overall

development index' ranking 69th position. Its position in terms of 'poverty and

deprivation index', 'socio-economic and infrastructure index' and 'women

empowermentindex'is67th,65thand70threspectively(ICIMOD/CBS/SNV2003).

With an area of 3,535 km2,Mugu district has 1municipality and 3 2 gaunpalikas


where54,832(51%males,49%females)resideinthe9,600households.Themost

representative ethnic group in the district are the Chhetris (49%) followed by

Thakuri(15%),andmixedminoritiesofKami(9%),Tamang(8%),Dalits(6%),etc.Nepalilanguageisthemostspokenlanguage(92%)followedbytheTamang(7%).

Theaveragehouseholdsizeofthedistrictis5.76andpredominantoccupationofthe

district is agriculture and livestock that have not produced sufficient food for the

people.EveryhouseholdincludingDalitsarealsoinvolvedinoccupation-basedworkthatistiedupwithfarming.NTFPcollectionandsellingisanothersourceofincome.

Themaincropsproducedhereincludedrycropslikebarley,buckwheat,wheatand

chinowithlargeproductionofpotato.Thesearealsothestaplecropsoftheseareas.Majorityofhouseholdscanproducefoodfor3to6months.Becauseofdifficultiesin

transportationoffoodgrains,availabilityoffoodisalsoextremelylow.Annually,the

settlementsinthebufferzonereceives1500to2000metrictonofsubsidizedfood

fromthegovernment.Thetranshumancenatureoflivestockgrazingiscommonbut

thepracticeisdecliningbecauseofemergingcommunityforestryinlowerhillsand

growingcropproductioninfarmland.Theaverageannualhouseholdincomeis$866

with47.1%ofthepopulationinpoverty.Householdstatisticsshowthat96.9%own

theirownhomeand98.8%usefuelcookingforcookingwhileonly13.9%haveaccess

toelectricity.Theliteracyrateisat51%where37%ofwomenand65%ofmalesare

literate;and50.02%childrenunderagefivearemalnourished.


PeoplelivinginBZandlowerMuguregionbelongtoHindureligion.Thereareseveral

ancienttemplesandshrinesoflocalimportanceinthisregion.Thefamoustemplesin

Mugu district include Chhayanath temple, KhesmaMalika temple, Tharpa temple,

Choti templeandViyi temple.Thereareseveralcaves in thehillssurrounding the

Raralakes.Oneofthesnowymountains(ChhayanathHimal)issituatedintheeastof

the lake which is considered very auspicious in Hindu belief. This place is also

consideredasthefinalabodeofSatiDevi,whosedeadbodyherconsortLordShiva

carriedtodifferentplacesforlove.Asaresult,thisregionhasbecomeveryauspicious

forreligiouspeople.

Jumlabeingtheseatoftheancientcivilizationhasalongtraditionandhistory.This

would attract a large number of local (Nepali) visitors. Kanakasundari temple is

located near the Park. There is another famous temple of Chandannath in Jumla.

Thereare14importanttemplesdistributedinvariouslocationsinJumladistrict.Hot

springsarealsocommonhere.

TherearenumerousreligioussiteswithintheParkandBZ,buttheydonotattract

mostpeople.Smalltemplesandimportanthistoricalsitesarelargeinnumberwithin

the Park. These include: replica of Chhayanath temple, Chapru Mahadev, Rara


Mahadev, Harahara Mahadev, Thakurnath Mahadev, Bhavani, Kuldev, and Jagma

Mahadev.AdeeptapintherelocatedvillageofRarausedbythelocalsbeforetheir

resettlement inTarai is said tobeancientandunique.Peopleof thisareaspeaka

differentdialectwhichistheformerororiginalformofNepalilanguage.Peopleinthe

regiontakeprideinvisitingHatSinjavillage(Jumladistrict,southofthePark)forit.

Womenwear various ornaments on theneck, nose and ear.Deuda is a culture of

dancingandsinging.People,eventhoughpoor,seemtohaveasenseofart. Inthe

bridges, temples, houses andwalls, theymake various types of arts especially by

carvingwoods.

5. AnnapurnaConservationArea


Location

TheAnnapurnaConservationArea(ACA)isthecommunitymanagedfirst&largest

protectedareaofNepalthatcovers5.18%ofcountry’ssurfaceareabut27%oftotal

protectedareacoverageofNepal.Theentiremassifandsurroundingareahavean

extentof7,629km2inbetween83°34'to84°25’Elongitudeand28°15'to28°50'N

latitude. The constituencies of ACA spread in 91 wards of 15 Gaunpalika (RuralMunicipality) in5districts (Kaski, Lamjung,Manang,MustandandMyagdi)under

Province-4intheWesternDevelopmentRegionofNepal.

Topography

AltitudesgradientinACAvariesgreatlybetween950minMadivalleyto8;091minAnnapurnaIfromsealevelwithin115kmofaerialdistances.Twodistinctecological

regionsarefoundherewhichare:

1) Trans-Himalayan Region holds two valleys of Upper Kali Gandaki and UpperMarsyangdi.Topographyofthisregionissteppewithbrokenterraincliff;talus;andscreewithvastrangesofalpinepastureland.

UpperKaliGandakiliesnorthtotheHimalaya;whichconstitutesareasnorthofLarjung-Ghasa to the Tibetan border alongKali-Gandaki Valley.Marpha;Jomsom;Thini;MuktinathandDamodarkundaareat farnorthof theUpperMustang.

UpperMarsyangdiValleyisItissurroundedbytheHimalayaonalldirectionsuch as Annapurna in south; Mukut in west; Damodar in north and

Mahalangurineast;andissituatedatnorthofMarsyangdiRiver.Thisvalleyoccupies areas north of Chame; Pisang; Dhikurpokhari; Humde; Manang;Bhraka;TankiManangtoThorangPhediwithNarandPhuValley.


2)Cis-HimalayanRegioncoversvastareaofModiValley;BhujungRegion;LowerKaliGandakiValley;LowerMarsyangdiValleyandareaWestofModi.

TheModiValley is the formationofModiRiveroriginated from thebase ofAnnapurnaVI&LamjungHimalandcutsadeepvalleydrainingsouthacrossdifferentvegetationzones.

TheBhujungRegionisalongtheeasternbankoftheMidimRiveronsouthslopeofLamjungHimal.WatershedsoftheMidim&Khudikholahasdenseforests.

The Lower Kali Gandaki Valley: Most of this valley lies within ACA; and ischaracterizedbysubtropicalandtemperateclimaticzones.

The Lower Marsyangdi Valley is the mix representation of tropical totemperateregionsfullyoccupiedbyhumansettlements.

TheWesttoModi:Thesubtropicalclimaticzoneofthisareahasdensehumansettlements;whereas the south slope of it has the temperate climatic zonewithpurestandsoftherhododendronforests.

Climate

ACA demonstrates ranges of climatic zones from tropical to nival. Annual mean

temperature is 14 ̊C (maximum 35 ̊C and minimum -0.3̊C). Rainfall type greatlycorrelates to theaspect,altitudeandrainshadearea.Thesouthernregionhasthe

highestprecipitationrangeinNepal;whereasthenorthernaspectreceives25to500mm of precipitation annuallywith a record of the lowest rainfall inDhiee, UpperMustang.Microclimatevarieswithaltitude&aspectsandannualrainfallranges inbetween 193 mm to 2,987 mm from trans-Himalayan region (Mustang) to cis-Himalyan region (Ghandruk). An average daily temperature decreases fromDecembertoFebruaryandreachesmaximumfromMaytoJuly.Seasonalclimateis

dominatedbythesoutherlymonsoonfromJunetoSeptember.ACArecordsboththehighestandlowestprecipitationinNepal.

Geology/Soils

TheCis-HimalayansectionofACAconsistsoffourtypesofgeologicalstructures.They

are the High Himalayan Region above 4000 masl perpetually snow covered;Ghanapokhara Groupwith weak formation of the Main Central Thrust traversingbetween1500-2000masl;NaudandaGroupatthesouthofGhanapokharaGroupwithweak formulationof stone; andSetiGroupmainly in southofLwang formed frombursting of glacial deposit fromMachhapuchreMountain. The Kali Gandaki RivervalleyofACAisthestorehouseofAmmonoidfossilsfromtheprehistoricTethysSeadatingback60millionyears.Besides,someareasarevulnerabletothesoilerosion

which are Madi watershed in Rabaidandgaun and Pakhurikot (ward 8 & 9);Dhartidanda&PuranoBhachokChaur(ward10);eastern&westernpartofYanjakot(ward1);SetikholaChaur&Namarjung(ward2);MadiRiverbank fromSondha to


SiklesandhillamidstChipliandKhilangofMadiGaunpalikainKaskidistrict.Similarly,Sardikhola & Dhiprangkhola areas in Seti watershed; Idi Khola area in Mardiwatershed; and Modi River bank of Landruk; head of Kyumrungkhola; Uri &Kimchegaun and Bhurungdi Khola areas of Annpurna Gaunpalika/Kaski in Modiwatershedareproneareastolandslide&soilerosion.

Hydrology/Drainage

TheKaliGandaki;Marsyangdi;Seti;MadiandModiRiversaremajorriversysteminACA.Of thisKaliGandaki is the3rd largestriverofNepal(Length:630km;Basin:46;300km2;Averageannualdischarge:176m3/s)originatedastheChhuamaKholafromtheNhubineHimalGlacier(Mustang;6;268m)thennearingLoManthangwhereitiscalledNhichungKhola.ItthenflowssouthwestandmeetsKakKholaatKagbeniflowingsouth throughasteepKaliGandakiGorge. Itdrains toTrishuliatDevighat(Chitwan). Marshyangdi (Length: 150 km; Basin: 3;850 km2; Average annualdischarge: 210m3/s) starts from the confluence ofKhangsar Khola and JharsangKholafromthenorthwestoftheAnnapurnamassifnearManangvillage.).SetiRiveralso calledSeti GandakorSeti Khola (Length: 223 km) rises from the base of theAnnapurnamassif (II) andAnnapurna slope (III); and flows south and south-eastbeforejoiningtotheMarsyangdiRiver;anddrainstoTrishuliRiver.TheMadiKhola(Length:70km)isoriginatedfromKawache-SeeglacierlakeinthesouthernflankofAnnapurna II; and flows south Annapurna massif. Modi Khola runs from theAnnapurnaSanctuarydowntoLandrukandLumleandjoinstoKaliGandakiinModiBeni(Parbatdistrict).

ThereexistmanywaterfallsintheAnnapurnaTrekkingCircuitandtwomajorhigh-

altitude fresh water lakes are Damodar Kunda (Mustang) and Tilicho (Manang).DamodarKundaliesonUpperMustangasthebeliefcentreoftheHinduandBuddhistpilgrimages.Tilichoisthehighestfreshwaterlakeforitssizeintheworld(4.8km²;Averagedepth:85m)andoneofthepopularhikingsitesandhighesteveraltitudescubadiveinAnnapurnaCircuit.OtherlakesareTiti&Dhumba(Mustang);KangLaTal(Manang);DudhPokhari(Lamjung)andKapuche(Kaski).


Fauna

ACAharbors105mammalspecies;488birdspecies;41reptilespecies;23amphibian

species; 20 fish species; 347 butterfly species; 7 nematodes species; 1 annelids

species;8speciesofarthropod insects;2speciesofmollusksandmanyspeciesof

zooplankton.Suchdiversityrepresentsover50%ofmammals;>55%ofbirds;>33%

ofreptiles;about20%ofamphibiansandabout9%speciesoffishesofNepal'stotal.

Among invertebrate; butterfly and mollusks account for >53% and 1% of Nepal

respectively.SomemajorwildanimalsofACAaretheSnowLeopard;TibetanWild

Ass;TibetanGazelle;TibetanArgali;BrownBear;TibetanFox;HimalayanBlackBear;

RedPanda;Lynx;SteppePoleCat;PallasCat;HimalayanWolf;CommonLeopardand


Musk Deer. The major birds include six species of Pheasant; Himalayan Griffon;

EurasianGriffonandTibetanSandGrouse.

Flora

PlantdiversityofACArepresentsover18%ofcountry’sflora;with1,264speciesof

floweringplantsincluding41speciesoforchid;15speciesofgymnosperm;and73species of pteridophytes. Monocot- dicot relationship is almost 1:6. Similarly,

gymnosperm and orchid of ACA share their species wealth by >48% and 9%

respectively in their national account. Further, ACA is the second largestRhododendron pocket with nine species in Nepal after Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale, theeasternNepal.Over430plantspecieshavebeenusedasplantbasedNTFPs.SomemajorNTFPsinACAincludeNeopicrorhizascrophulariiflora;Dactylorhizahatagirea;Daphne spp; Cordyceps sinensis and some minerals like Silajit; gemstone, etc. OfNTFPs/plants, more than 200 species are used for the domestic and commercialpurposes,and18speciesareconsideredcommerciallyvaluable.

Ecosystem

ACAistheonlyprotectedareainNepalhaving4physiographicregionsand6climatic

zones,where9ecosystemsand22foreststypesoccur.Inastretc.hlessthan50km,tropical hardwood trees (such as Shorea robusta, Terminalia tomentosa, BombaxceilbaandEugeniajambolana),pine-cladhillsandoakforestsatmediumaltitudes,the rhododendrons and firs that give away to birches and junipers before thevegetationchangestoalpinescrublands,grasslands,meadows,andfinally,atreeless

zonecanallbefound.

Landuse

ThelandusepatterninACAisdominatedbybarrenland(>3789km2;about50%)

followed by grassland (1622.3 km2; >21%). Of barren land; Lo-Manthang UnitConservationArea(UCO)takeslionshareofabout>43%followedbyManang(over34%). In total; forestland covers >15% followed by grassland (21.3%); glaciers

(4.4%)and shrubland (4%). Snowcover is limited toManang (34.8km2;0.46%).Freshwaterrivers&lakescoveranominalareaof0.2%)mainlyinManangandLo-Manthang.Oftotalforests,over22%isinSikles;Bhujung(over22%)andGhandruk(about 20%). Lo-Manthang does not have forest cover. In Manang, forests areobserved up toKhangsar in the north slope only. Shrubland is very noticeable inManangandJomsom.Only3.1%oflandisundersparseagriculturewhichishigherinGhandruk and Bhujung. The northern UCOs are food deficit areas and exhibittranshumantfeatures.


ACAholdsthehumanpopulationof91,688withmorethan45%ofmaleandover

54% female. There exist more than 28 caste/groups with diverse cultural and

linguistic variations. TheGurung are the dominating hill community by 30%, and


theirclustersmuchpronouncedinBhujung;Sikles;GhandrukandLwang.TheseconddominatinggroupisthehillBrahmin(>14%)followedbytheKami(13%),MagarandChhetree.OtherminoritycastesaretheDamai/Dholi;Tamang;Sarki;Thakali;Lhoba;Rai; Gharti/Bhujel; Dalit; Thakuri; Newar; Ghale; Bhote; Badi; Dashnami; Sherpa;Chhantyal;Musalman;Hyolmo;Tharu;LimbuandKulung (Rai).Mostof thesehavepopulation of less than 1%. The Gurung; Magar; Sherpa; Thakali; Rai and so onrepresenttheTibeto-BurmanethnolinguisticgroupandtheHillBrahmin;Chhetree;Damai; Kamiand so on are from the Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic branch. Both thegroups speak Nepali as the common language; and have religious faith on the

Hinduism & Buddhism. However, the Tibeto-Burmans have been living with the

sacredculturalpracticesandritualsatthefoundationoftheBuddhismespeciallyin

theManang andMustang. The literacy rate of aged 5 years and above in ACA is64.67%,which isslightlyhigherthanthenationalrateof63.9%.Of this,maleand

femaleliteracyis75.3%and56.7%respectively.

Agriculture,remittanceandtourismarethemajorsourcesofeconomyinACA.UCOs

exceptManang&Mustangarefoodsurplus.Themajorcropsgrownarerice,maize,wheat and millet in UCOs of Kaski and Lumjung, whereas maize; wheat; barley;buckwheatandpotatoesinManang,MyagdiandMustang.Thecommercialcultivationof fruits& vegetables is popular in areas accessible tobettermarket centres. The

commercial apple farming inMustang started almost two decades ago, and nowintroducedinManang.Animalhusbandryisthemajoragro-activityathighaltitudewithtranshumancepractice.Recently,remittancehasbecomeoneofthesourcesofHHs'incomeinACA.ACAisoneofthemostsplendidecotourismandthelargestandtheworld-classtrekkingdestinationswhere>126,000touristsannuallyvisithere.


TheGurungsbelievedofhavingtheiroriginfromtheTibetnowinthecis-Himalayanvalleys from centuries are very artful in blending the natural paradise & scenic

splendors with the belief of the Buddhism & Hinduism from the long time. TheBhujung; Ghalegaon; Ghandruk; Landruk; Lwang and Sikles are typical theGurunghamlets with cherished tradition and culture. TheBrahmin; Chhetree; Damai andKamiaddessenceupontheculturalvalueofarea.Besides,theThakali,ManangeandLoba in the trans-Himalayan ACA are predominantly extraordinary in their owndialect;uniquerituals&traditions;belief;weapon&tools;survivalstrategiesandsoon.ACAminglesthetasteoftheHindu,Buddhistandpre-Buddhist(Bon-po).Some

uniquetraditionsinACAareAmchi(folkmedicinepracticeinMustang);Ghatu(folkGurungdanceblendedwithHindumyth);Losar(theTibetanNewYearfestive);SagaLugKa(Ritualforgoodfaithontheclimateforsuperiorharvest);DukChu(Monk'sdance for a prosperous year);Tenji (annual festive inLo-Manthang); andToranla(FestivalinthelowerMustang).Tablebelowshowsthekeyethno-culturalheritagerelatedresourcesinACA.


Structures Name

1.Monasteries ThumpenShadDrupDharkelingGumba

LoGhekarMonastery

LuriGumba

ThupchenGumba

GharGumba

ChhyoedeGumba

NyphuGumba

NamgyalGumba

SangbaGumba

NarshingGumba

Cavemonastery

2.Cavesettlement

3.Religiousschools Monsaticschools

4.Holyplaces Muktinathtemple

5.Holylakes DamodarKunda

TilichoLake

DudhKunda

6.Religiousdeities Chhorten

ChhortenGates

ManeWheel

7.Historicremnants Kagbeni,Tsarang,Lo-Manthang

8.Modelareas SAARCModelVillage,Ghalegaun

6. ManasluConservationArea


Location

ManasluConservationArea (MCA) lies in thenorthcentral regionofNepal, on theeasternslopesoftheKaliGangakiriverbasin.Itsnorthernborderisco-incidentwith

Nepal’snationalborderwithTibetAutonomousRegionofChina.Itcovers1,663sqkm and includes seven VDCs of Gorkha District, viz. Samagaon, Lho, Prok, Bihi,

Chumchet,ChhekamparandSirdibas.

Topography

MCAliesinthenorthernsectionoftheGorkhadistrictanditselevationrangesfrom

1,239minthesouthto8,163matitshighestpoint,Mt.Manaslu.OthermajorpeaksincludeHimalchuli(7,893m)andShringi(7,187m).Importanthighpassesinclude

LarkeLa(5,205m)andGyaLa(5,375m)passesrespectively.MajorriversdrainingtheMCAareBudhiGandakiandSyarKhola,whileKalchuvan(KalTal)andBirendra

Talareimportanthigh-altitudelakesintheconservationarea.


Climate

MCAhasfiveclimaticzones:viz.sub-tropical,temperate,sub-alpine,alpineandnival.Thesub-tropicalzoneliesbetween1,000mand2,000mwithaveragesummerand

winter temperatures ranging between 31-34ºC and 8-13ºC, respectively. Thetemperatezoneoccursinthehigherhillsabove2,000mandbelow3,000m.Inthis

zone, average summer temperatures range from 22º to 25ºC while winter

temperaturesrangefrom2ºto6ºC.Frostandsnowfallarecommonduringwinter(JanuaryandFebruary).Thesub-alpinezoneliesbetween3,000mand4,000mwith

snowfalllikelyforaboutfourtosixmonths(DecembertoMay).Inthiszone,winter

is very cold and annual summer temperatures averagebetween6º and10oC.Thealpinezone,between4,000mand5,000m,ismostlyopenmeadows.Thenivalzone

occursatelevationsabove4,500m.

Monsoon rains usually lasts from June to September. Average annual rainfall is

around 1,900m. A significant portion of MCA is surrounded by high mountains,protectingitfromdirectsouthernmonsooncloudsandcreatingpartialrain-shadow

areas.However,becausemonsooncloudsreachthelowerrangesoftheBudiGandaki

andSyarKholavalleys, thus, thevalley floor is relativewetwhile comparingwithsurroundingslopesandsidevalleys.

Geology

MCAconstitutes theCis-Himalaya in thesouthand thearidTrans-Himalayanhigh

pastures in thenorth.The four typesofgeological structuresofMCAare theHighHimalayanRegionabove4000maslperpetuallysnowcovered;weakformationoftheMainCentralThrustbetween1500-2000masl;weakformationofstonedescending

southwards;andmainly in south formations fromburstingofglacialdeposit from

Manaslu and associated mountains. The Budi Gandaki River valley of MCA is thestorehouse of Ammonoid fossils from the prehistoric Tethys Sea. Lower parts of

Nurbivalley,upperpartsTsumvalleyandalongthetrailtoMCAarevulnerabletosoil

landslideandsoilerosion.

Hydrology

TheBudiGandakiisthemajorriversysteminMCAthatoriginatesfromFukanGlacierandMountManasluflowingnorthwesttosouthuntilitjoinswiththeSiyarKholaat

NyakfedifromwheretheconfluenceoftworiversbecomeBudiGandakiandcontinuetoflowsouthwardsdrainingmostofMCA.Thereareafewimportantwetlandsand

lakesonthenorthandeastsideoftheManasluandHimalChulimountains.Someof

thelakeshavepotentialofbecomingpopulartouristdestinationwithinMCAfortheirspectacularscenery,buttheapproachtrailshavetobedeveloped.ChhonakTal,at

3,350mandthesourceofDengKhola,isaparticularlypicturesquelake,coveringanareaofabouthalfahectare.Likewise,KalTalandBirendraTalareimportantwetland

ofthearea.KalTal isthe largest lakeinManasluandissituatedatanelevationof

3,630m.TheBirendraTal(3,570m)nearSamagaonandatthefootoftheManasluglacier;coversanareaofaboutthreetofourhectares.



Fauna

MCAharbors39speciesofmammals,201birdspecies5reptilespecies,4amphibian

species,1fishspeciesand13butterflyspecies.SomemajorwildanimalsofMCAare

theSnowLeopard,Muskdeer,greywolf,bluesheepandHimalayantahr.

Flora

ThealtitudinalvariationsandcomplexterrainoftheMCAcreatedifferenttypesof

habitatsandmicro-climaticconditions thatcontribute to the floraldiversity.A totalof756

speciesofplantshavebeenrecorded,ofthese,696speciesbelongto115angiosperm

Families,13speciesto4gymnospermFamilies,37speciesofpteridophytes,3speciesof lichensand7species in theMycophytagroup.Somenoteworthyplants inMCA

includeDactylorhizahatagireaandCordycepssinensiswhichhavehighcommercialvalue.SeveralotherplantsfoundintheMCAwithcommercialvaluebutarebanned

for export in crude form from the country: viz. Abies spectabilis, Nardostachysgrandiflora,Taxusbaccatasubsp.wallichiana,Valerianajatamansi.Speciesoflichen(Parmelia,Ramalina andUsnea) are also noteworthy plant species of commercialinterest.

Ecosystem

MCAcontainseightecosystemswhicharetemperatebroadleafforests,mixedconiferforests,sub-alpineconifer,alpinescrubs,wetlands,glaciers,snowandglacierlakes;

andcryosphere.ThevegetationecosystemrepresentedinMCArangesfromthesub-

tropicalHimalayanforests inthesouthernareastothearidTrans-Himalayanhighpasturesinthenorth,borderingTibet.

Landuse

ThetopographicmapsoftheGovernmentofNepal(1996)liststhefollowinglanduseand land cover categories inMCA: agriculture land; forest; shrub land; grassland;

river/riverbed;snow/glacier;lake/pond;barrenland;rocks;andcutting/cliffs.Area

coverageunderagricultureis1.8%%,forest13.28%,shrubland2.79%,grassland23.66%,river/riverbed1.21%,snow/glacier6.8%,lake/pond0.047%,barrenland

49.99%andcutting/cliff0.38%.


ThetotalpopulationinMCAis6,923comprisingof3,665femalesand3,258males.It

includes only one rural municipality of Gorkha District, viz. Tsum-Nubri Rural

Municipalitywithsevenwards-Samagaon,Lho,Prok,Bihi,Chumchet,Chhekampar

and Sirdibas. The average family size is 3.5 persons per households, with 1,949

households.SirdibasVDChasthehighest(572)andProkVDChasthelowest(187)

numberofhouseholds.ThemajorethnicgroupinallVDCs,exceptSirdibas,isBhotia

(alsoknownasLama).GurungandKarkiarethemajorethnicgroupsinSirdibasVDC


with three households of Ghale. In Namrung village of Prok VDC, there are 7

householdsofThakaliwhomigrated fromMustangDistricta fewgenerationsago.

There is one Kami household in Samagaon VDC. In MCA, the majority of the

population (67.57%) above 6 years of age are illiterate. Of the total literate

population,44.25%aremaleand21.98%arefemale.Primarysourcesofincomein

MCAareagricultureandlivestockherding.Aroundtwothird62%ofhouseholdsin

theMCAareinvolvedinagricultureandlivestockherdingfollowedbywagelabour

(17%), business (11%), foreign employment (4%), and service (3%). Few

proportionsofhouseholds(1%)areinvolvedintourismrelatedactivities.Trekking

isthemajortourismformoftourisminMCA.Ofthetwomaintrails,onegoeswest

throughNubrivalleyandcrossesLarkePass linkswithAnnapurnaregionandthe

other goes east to Tsum valley. The main tourist season is from September to

November.Around75%ofthetrekkersvisitingMCAtrektowardsNubrivalleywhile

theremainingtrekkersvisittheTsumvalley.Thenumberoftouristvisitorsoverthe

recentyearshasshowngradual increasewith7,091visitors in2017/18,about19

percentincreasefrom2016/17and68percentincreaseform2015/16figures.


VillagersfromProkandChhekamparclaimedtobeGurung,ShahandNeupane,aremostlyBuddhists.TheycelebrateBuddhistfestivals,theLhosarbeingthemajor

festivalcelebratedinthemonthofFalgun(February-March).Manycommunities

alsocelebrateoccasionalfestivalswithmanenach(dance),arrowshooting,andofferingpujainGompas.Monasterieslocallynamedas‘Gumbas’areimportantsocio-religiousinstitutionsinMCA.Thereare92gumbasinMCA.ImportantgumbasinMCAareShringiGumbainBihi,andMuandRachenGumbasinChhekampar.

Gumbasareculturallyimportantforthepreservationofculturalartifactssuchas

ancientidols,hand-writtensacredbooks,andthankas.


Annex22: ListofParticipants-NationalConsultationMeetingofESMF

SN Participant Organization1 Dr.BinodPrasadDevkota MoFE

2 Dr.BiswaNathOli MoFE

3 Dr.RamChandraKandel DNPWC

4 Dr.SiddharthaBajraBajracharya NTNC

5 Dr.SindhuP.Dhungana MoFE

6 Dr.SunitaChaudhary ICIMOD

7 Mr.AmarBahadurOli MoFE

8 Mr.AmbikaPrasadKhatiwada NTNC

9 Mr.AnuK.Lama ICIMOD

10 Mr.BidurPradadPokharel NTNC

11 Mr.BikhyatSherchan NTNC

12 Mr.BinodBasnet NTNC

13 Mr.BuddiSagarPoudel FRIC

14 Mr.ChandraMajhi Aankhijhyal(NEFEJ)

15 Mr.IshworNeupane WB

16 Mr.KrishnaBahadurKatwal DOLI

17 Mr.ManishRajPandey NTNC

18 Mr.NabinGopalBaidya WCN

19 Mr.NarendraPradhan IUCN

20 Mr.PrakashAwasthi WB

21 Mr.PrakashSigdel ZSL-Nepal

22 Mr.RajendraSuwal WWF-Nepal

23 Mr.SujhavPun NTNC

24 Mr.SumitBaral WB

25 Mr.SuvashK.Sharma MoFE

26 Mr.TungaRai NEFIN

27 Ms.ShraddhaSigdel MoFE

28 Ms.BasantiKumpakha NTNC

29 Ms.BinduMishra MoFE

30 Ms.DeepaOli MoFE

31 Ms.HasanaShrestha DOE

32 Ms.JayaSharma WB

33 Ms.KantiRakbhandari HIMAWANTI-Nepal

34 Ms.NanuThami NIWF

35 Ms.RekhaShreesh WB

36 Ms.SabitraChepang NIDF

37 Ms.SangeetaSumi DPR

38 Ms.SaritaLama HIMAWANTI-Nepal

39 Ms.SikshyaAdhikari NTNC

40 Ms.SrijanaShrestha MoFE

41 Ms.SrijanaShrestha REDDImplementationCenter