project “establishing argan orchards in degraded environments andzoa_ esia and esmp_ 31... · the...

ROYAUME DU MAROC

PROJECT “ESTABLISHING ARGAN ORCHARDS IN DEGRADED

ENVIRONMENTS”

DARED

EVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT & ESMP

FEASABILITY STUDY OF THE PROJECT “ESTABLISHING ARGAN ORCHARDS IN DEGRADED ENVIRONMENTS” ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 5 2. INTRODUCTION AND APPROACH OF THE STUDY .................................................................................. 20

APPROACH OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................... 20 2.1. GOALS OF THE ESIA ...................................................................................................................... 21 2.2.

3. POLITICAL, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ........................................................................ 22 LEGAL FRAMEWORK ....................................................................................................................... 22 3.1. INSTITUTIONNEL FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................................... 26 3.2. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY .................................................................................................... 26 3.3. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND AGREEMENTS ................................................................................... 27 3.4. SAFEGUARD POLICIES OF THE GREEN CLIMATE FUND .............................................................................. 29 3.5. POSITION OF THE PROJECT WITH REGARDS TO EXISTING DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMES ................. 30 3.6.

3.6.1. LE PLAN MAROC VERT (GREEN MOROCCO PLAN): .............................................................................. 30 3.6.2. POLICY ON ARGAN DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................. 31

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ......................................................................................................... 32 IMPLEMENTING AGENCY AND PILOTING ENTITY ....................................................................................... 32 4.1. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT........................................................................................................... 34 4.2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT COMPONENTS ........................................................................................ 34 4.3.

4.3.1. COMPONENT 1: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARGANICULTURE ON 10 000 HA .................................................. 34 4.3.2. COMPONENT 2: STRUCTURATION ON UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAN ARGAN VALUE CHAIN ................................ 36 4.3.3. COMPONENT 3: CAPACITY BUILDING, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, CO-MANAGMENT OF NATURAL ARGAN FOREST AND

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROMOTION............................................................................................................. 40 4.3.4. PROJECT TERRITORIAL DECLINATION .............................................................................................. 43

5. BASELINE SITUATION IN THE TERRITORIES OF INTERVENTION ............................................................. 45 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................. 45 5.1. CLIMATOLOGY ............................................................................................................................. 46 5.2. TEMPÉRATURE ............................................................................................................................. 46 5.3. PRECIPITATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 48 5.4. EVAPORATION ............................................................................................................................. 48 5.5. WIND ........................................................................................................................................ 49 5.6. HYDROLOGY ............................................................................................................................... 49 5.7.

5.7.1. SOUSS MASSA ......................................................................................................................... 49 5.7.2. GUELMIM BASIN ....................................................................................................................... 51 5.7.3. ESSAOUIRA BASIN..................................................................................................................... 51 MOBILIZATION OF SURFACE WATER .................................................................................................... 51 5.8.

5.8.1. EXISTING LARGE AND MEDIUM DAMS ............................................................................................... 51 5.8.2. EXISTING SMALL DAMS AND HILLSIDE LAKES ...................................................................................... 52 5.8.3. WATER WITHDRAWALS ................................................................................................................ 53 GROUNDWATER ........................................................................................................................... 53 5.9.

5.9.1. SOUSS MASSA BASIN ................................................................................................................. 53 5.9.2. GUELMIM BASIN ....................................................................................................................... 55 5.9.3. ESSAOUIRA ............................................................................................................................. 56 5.9.4. WATER DEMAND AT THE LEVEL OF THE ABHSMD ............................................................................... 56 5.9.5. SENSITIVITY OF UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES ........................................................................... 57 LAND USE AND VEGETATION INDEX ..................................................................................................... 58 5.1. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CURRENT STATE OF EROSION IN WATERSHED ...................................................... 58 5.2. GEOLOGY ................................................................................................................................... 59 5.3. .NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY ......................................................................................... 61 5.4. SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF REFERENCE ........................................................................................ 62 5.5.

5.5.1. POPULATION ........................................................................................................................... 62 5.5.2. POVERTY ............................................................................................................................... 65 EIGS NETWORK AND COOPERATIVES AT THE LEVEL OF THE REGION .............................................................. 66 5.6.

6. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................ 68 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................... 68 6.1.

6.1.1. IMPACTS ON ARGANERAIE BIOSPHERE RESERVE (RBA) ........................................................................ 68 6.1.2. IMPACTS ON GROUND WATER AND SURFACE WATER RESOURCES ............................................................. 69


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6.1.3. IMPACTS ON SOIL AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION ................................................................................ 71 6.1.4. IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY ........................................................................................................... 72 6.1.5. IMPACTS ON AIR ET TEMPERATURE ................................................................................................. 74 6.1.6. IMPACTS ON ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ........................................................................ 75 6.1.7. IMPACTS FROM SOLID AND LIQUID WASTES....................................................................................... 75 6.1.8. NOISE AND VIBRATION ................................................................................................................ 76 POTENTIAL POSITIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS ................................................................................... 77 6.2.

6.2.1. EMPLOYMENT CREATION ............................................................................................................. 77 6.2.2. NEW JOBS IN THE PRODUCTION OF ARGAN PLANTS : ............................................................................ 77 6.2.3. STABILISATION OF THE POPULATION AND LIMITATION OF THE PRESSION ON CITIES ......................................... 78 6.2.4. GENDER ISSUES ....................................................................................................................... 79 6.2.5. CAPACITY BUILDING .................................................................................................................. 80 6.2.6. SOCIO CULTURAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 81 6.2.7. INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT AND ADHERENCE OF POPULATION ............................................................. 81 6.2.8. RESTRICTION OF LAND USE AND LAND RIGHTS .................................................................................... 82 6.2.9. HEALTH AND SAFETY AND SECURITY ............................................................................................... 82

7. MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ...................................................................................... 84 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES .................................................................................. 84 7.1.

7.1.1. IMPACTS ON THE ARGANERAIE BIOSPHERE RESERVE ............................................................................ 84 7.1.2. IMPACTS ON SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES .............................................................. 85 7.1.3. IMPACTS ON SOIL ...................................................................................................................... 86 7.1.4. IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY ........................................................................................................... 87 7.1.5. IMPACTS ON AIR ET TEMPERATURE ................................................................................................. 87 7.1.6. IMPACTS ON ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ........................................................................ 88 7.1.7. IMPACTS FROM SOLID AND LIQUID WASTES....................................................................................... 89 7.1.8. NOISE AND VIBRATION ................................................................................................................ 89 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................................................... 90 7.2.

7.2.1. EMPLOYMENT CREATION ............................................................................................................. 90 7.2.2. GENDER ISSUES ....................................................................................................................... 91 7.2.3. CAPACITY BUILDING .................................................................................................................. 92 7.2.4. SOCIO CULTURAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 92 7.2.5. INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT AND ADHERENCE OF POPULATION ............................................................. 93 7.2.6. HEALTH AND SAFETY AND SECURITY ............................................................................................... 94 MATRIX OF MITIGATION/COMPENSATION/ENHANCEMENT MEASURES .............................................................. 96 7.3.

8. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .......................................................................... 105 8.1.1. MATRIX OF MITIGATION/COMPENSATION/ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ........................................................ 105 8.1.2. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN-ESMP .................................................................. 110 8.1.1. ESMP IMPLEMENTATION BUDGET ................................................................................................ 119

9. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................. 120 10. ANNEXES ................................................................................................................................... 121


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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1 : THE ARGAN TREE PLANTING SITES .............................................................................................................................. 35 FIGURE 2 : DARED PROJECT AREA: COMMUNES CONCERNED BY THE PROJECT ............................................................................. 44 FIGURE 3 ADMINISTRATIVE SITUATION OF THE ACTION AREA OF THE ABHSMD ............................................................................... 45 FIGURE 4: WATERSHED SOUSS MASSA ........................................................................................................................................ 47 FIGURE 5 : ISOTHERMS ANNUAL AVERAGE (1931-2002) ................................................................................................................ 48 FIGURE 6 : WATERSHEDS OF THE STUDY AREA (ABHSMD) .......................................................................................................... 49 FIGURE 7 : MAIN SHEETS OF THE SOUSS MASSA WATERSHED WITH PIEZOMETRY CONTROL NETWORK (SOURCE ABHSMD) ............. 54 FIGURE 8: EROSION IN THE SOUSS MASSA BASIN ......................................................................................................................... 59 FIGURE 9 . ARGAN FOREST AND ARGAN BIOSPHERE ...................................................................................................................... 61 FIGURE 10 : POVERTY RATES OF THE CONCERNED COMMUNES ..................................................................................................... 65

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1 : INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS SIGNED AND RATIFIED BY MOROCCO (NON COMPREHENSIVE LIST) .................................. 27 TABLE 2: REGULATED POTENTIAL BY MEDIUM AND LARGE EXISTING DAMS....................................................................................... 52 TABLE 3 : SMALL DAMS AND HILLSIDE LAKES ................................................................................................................................. 53 TABLE 4: SURFACES AND CURRENT DEMANDS FOR WATER BY BASIN .............................................................................................. 56 TABLE 5 : SUMMARY OF HYDRAULIC BALANCES (MM3) OF SOUSS, CHTOUKA AND TIZNIT SHEETS .................................................... 58 TABLE 6 : AFFORESTATION RATE BY PROVINCE / PREFECTURE ...................................................................................................... 58 TABLE 7 : MATRIX OF RISKS AND SUGGESTED MITIGATION MEASURE .............................................................................................. 96 TABLE 8. ANALYSIS MATRIX OF THE ALIGNMENT OF THE PROJECT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARD POLICIES AND

MEASURES ................................................................................................................................................................................. 98 TABLE 9 : ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN...................................................................................................... 106


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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The project of arganiculture (argan growing) in degraded environment (DARED) consists of the integration of the

climate changes component in the whole implementation process of every development intervention in the oases

areas. Thus, this integration concerns all the components ranging from the development actors, to activities

aiming at the promotion of gender integration, and going through the implementation of structuring actions

resulting in the adaptation to climate change.

Although the project, in its background, is of environmental and social nature, given that it is related toclimate risk

integration and to improvement of adaptation to climate change practices in the argan area, it is necessary to

conduct an ESIA for a good anticipation of the residual negative impacts and for the enhancement of the positive

impacts.

Methodological approach

The environmental and social impact assessment was based on a process of consultation of stakeholders, and

representatives of direct beneficiaries of project. This consultation process aimed at:

Identifying and anticipating positive impacts and building measures to maximize them;

Identifying and analyzing potential negative impacts and mitigation measures to recommend;

Checking the compliance of planned activities with national laws and requirements in terms of environmental

and social safeguard policies;

Checking the compliance of the activities with the safeguard policies of the Green Climate Fund (GCF);

Giving the baseline situation in order to follow the evolution of monitoring indicators and mitigations measures

recommended, throughout the project;

Assessing the environmental and social impacts in accordance with the safeguard policies of GCF;

Establishing an environmental and social management plan for the project.

Nature of the project:

The DARED project consists of three components:

COMPONENT 1: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARGANICULTURE ON 10 000 HA

This component involves the planting of 10,000 ha, preceded by a pilot project on 500 ha during the first years. The

component also provides an extension on 2000 ha, of aromatic herbs and medicinal (PAM) as well as the supervision, the

technical assistance of the work and training and training and mentoring of the rights holders and beneficiaries. The first

component of the project aims four results:

- Result 1.1: Arganiculture on 10,000 ha implemented; - Result 1.2: intercropping Argan/ Medicinal and aromatic plants promoted and practiced; - Result 1.3:.Rainwater harvesting strengthened - Result 1.4: technical support provided and skills and knowledge of beneficiaries strengthened and developed.

RESULT 1.1: ARGANICULTURE ON 10,000 HA IMPLEMENTED

Activity 1.1.1: Plantation of argan trees on 10,000 ha:


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o Planting selected argane seedlings at a density equivalent to that in semi-intensive orchard (180- 200 plants / ha) and intensive (300-400 plants / ha).

o Use of modern orchard management horticultural techniques;

The overall programme of 10,000 ha is implemented in 31 rural communes of the 8 targeted provinces.

RESULT 1.2: INTERCROPPED SEEDLING PROMOTED AND PRACTICED

Activity 1.2.1: Intercropping with medical and aromatic plants on 2000 ha

The project targets to promote an intercropping farming system based on planting argane trees with aromatic and medicinal plants (PAM). Generally, the PAM farming is widespread in Morocco with a large and diversified species (Basil, Thyme, Fennel, Mint, Verbena, Saffron, Fenugreek, etc ..).

RESULT 1.3: IMPROVING RAINWATER HARVESTING AND CONSERVATION OF WATER AND SOIL

The climate in Morocco is arid or semi-arid character and is marked by recurrent droughts; its rainfall regime is very irregular in time and space with a sequential alternating years of high runoff and then severe drought, which can last several years.

The current PDAIRE of the Project area revealed that the groundwater resources are in deficit; the only potential water resources available are surface water in medium, small dams and rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Other less known and uncertain resources, such as artificial insemination of clouds, and the exploration of deep groundwater. In the non-conventional water component, the identified options are the use of desalination of sea water and reuse of treated wastewater.

Capture and storage of runoff water and its harvesting for domestic, agriculture and environmental management. The capture techniques and rainwater harvesting could be a promising source given their wide area distribution covers remote areas with difficulty to reach and supply, particularly in the mountainous rural areas. Many technologies have been developed within this framework; collection in rainwater is used for irrigation (as supplemental irrigation) and for pastoral water points along the rangelands and in the municipalities engaged in farming (collective tanks on course the Ghdirs, hill lakes, etc ...) The studies undertaken by the ABH-MS has identified a significant need for rainwater harvesting.

RESULT 1.4: PLANTATION ACCOMPANIED

Activity 1.4.1: Supervision, technical assistance work

This assistance concerns the monitoring of the work and the finalization of site selection and planning for the duration of the

project among the identified potential.

The choice of priority areas will be done through a participatory approach with beneficiaries and based the date of

submission request for funding par stakeholders. Also, the implementation will be based on the follow criteria that includes:

- General geographical zoning - Specific criteria of the perimeter: - Commitments and responsibilities of beneficiaries - Adaptability to the argan plantations - Balance between the potential areas identified

COMPONENT 2: STRUCTURATION ON UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAN ARGAN VALUE

CHAIN

This component will lead to two results that are:

‐ Result 2.1: Professional organizations on the upstream of the sector of Argan structured and GIE created and accompanied

‐ Result 2.2: Valuing of argan products


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RESULT 2.1: PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ON THE UPSTREAM OF THE ARGAN SECTOR STRUCTURED AND GIE CREATED AND

ACCOMPANIED

Activity 2.1.1: mobilization and supervision of the entitled persons and farmers and their professional organization

(OP).

The mobilization and the framing of the fruit producers constitutes the key to the success of the project. Indeed, it is

themselves which are organized to constitute their OP and themselves which influence its performance. A set of messages

must be transmitted, inter alia:

- The imperative to transform their organization into a viable OP (autonomous and efficient) able to mobilize the fruit producers for collective management to guarantying subsequently a consistent quality product on the level of identified perimeter;

- The importance of the organizations of second order for valorization and/or marketing. Other messages can be added according to regional specificities and specificities of the perimeters.

- Activity 2.1.2: Support cooperatives and GIE creation

The projected organization comprises two levels:

The creation of cooperatives to the upstream of the sector of the argan whose main object is the collection of the harvest of the fruits of argane within the limits of a zone identified within a perimeter of production;

The federation of the cooperatives in GIEs (interest groups) which give them supports in the conditioning of the product and their operation (organization, financing, administrative approaches, etc) and deal with the management of marketing.

RESULT 2.2: ARGAN'S PRODUCTS ARE VALUED

The main target in the short term for the interest groups created as a result of 2.1, is collecting the production of dried Argan

fruits, processing it fully or partially , depending on market demand, including pulping , packing and crushing, and selling the

product to argan oil processing cooperatives or companies.

In the medium term (after about five years of existence), these interest groups can expand into the production of argan oil

and possibly include other economic operators in the context of a community development effort covering its territory. Such a

development will involve the beneficiaries acting together as one team. They are expected to play a participatory and

dynamic role in improving the economic and social situation in their area and eventually for the overall Argan biosphere.

- Activity 2.2.1: Implementation of argan product collection units

The project will support the development of 11 centers for collecting and storing the Argan fruit. The unit size chosen as a

base model, is an interest group consisting of three (3) cooperatives. The overall collection and storage capacity totals 9,000

tons of dried Argan fruit, with an average of 3,000 tons per cooperative. A varying proportion of these quantities is

transformed to be sold as kernels and the rest is sold as is.

- Activity 2.2.2 : Installation of argan oil extraction pilot unit

In order to reduce the pressure on the natural resources of the biosphere, it is imperative to diversify the activities and to

increase the incomes of the local populations and to keep most of added value from these producing activities in at the

community level.

COMPONENT 3: CAPACITY BUILDING, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, CO-MANAGMENT OF

NATURAL ARGAN FOREST AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROMOTION

Three results are sought through the fourth component of the project. These results are :


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‐ Result 3.1: Climate change management Capacities of institutional actor, elected representatives and professional organizations are reinforced and developed (RBA Co-managment).

‐ Result 3.2. Consolidating and promoting research on the Argan Tree. is consolidated and encouraged.

RESULT 3.1: REINFORCED AND DEVELOPING THE CAPACITIES OF INSTITUTIONAL ACTOR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND PROFESSIONAL

ORGANIZATIONS IN THE FIELD OF CHANGE CLIMATE MANAGEMENT AND CONTRIBUTE ON CO-MANAGEMENT OF ARGAN NATURAL

FOREST

- Activity 3.1.1: Training of institutional actors and elected officials on the challenges of climate change to integrated local planning in the RBA and training on co-management of Argan Natural Forest

In areas of the Argan tree, information / training of actors for CC / RBA and CC adaptation is uneven. The project will

address the information and training gaps in selected sites that have not had the opportunity to benefit from major training or

knowledge transfer activities on adaptation to CC.

Populations have acquired expertise and adaptation techniques to CC because of their ancestral management experience in

facing scarcity and natural hazards. The consultation workshops confirmed that there is an awareness of aggravated risks

posed by climate change in all locations and areas affected by the project components. The said project aims to undertake

the following actions:

Development and implementation of a training program on climate change in RBA.

The project will issue a call for expressions of interest (EOI) with training organizations to develop a skills development plan

and implement it with all required participants. Overall, these modules must cover most sectors affected by climate change

related to the Argan tree. These modules should also address aspects of climate finance, conflict management and

mediation, biodiversity conservation, green economy, etc.

All selected modules are in line with the Green Climate Fund strategy:

Participation in events and scientific meetings and forums;

Organization of travel and Training;.

Training of Co-management on Argane Natural Forest.

- Activity 3.1.2 : Co-management of Natural Argan Forest

Many sub-activities will be implemented to reinforce management capacity and develop a mitigation approach to climate

change, namely

Capacity building: Reinforcement of capabilities and technical knowledge of beneficiaries and fruit producers Capacity building for collective management perimeters and the functioning of their OP Development of co-management agreements and sustainable use of natural forest and its regeneration Implementation of co-management agreements between stakeholders and actors;

RESULT 3.2: ARGAN RESEARCH IS CONSOLIDATED AND ENCOURAGED

Activity 3.2.1: Support for the implementation of the Argan National Center (CNA)

The establishment of the national center of excellence of the argan tree will channel the efforts of all scientific and

professional actors. This center will also promote Argan's cultural heritage and support for research excellence. Its strategic

objectives will address:

Preserve and interpret natural and cultural heritage of the RBA linked to the argane tree through the creation of the “Argane interpretive Center”

Design and implementation of a knowledge management platform on the Arganeraie and argane tree


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Support scientific research on RBA and argan tree by supporting the implementation of joint programs and fund raising and fund management mechanisms;

Technological intelligence and expertise to support decision-makers and professionals, and all the stakeholders towards sustainable development.

Activity 3.2.2: Support for the concretization of the Argan Research-Innovation Federator Program

The project will support the realization of the "Joint Argane Research Program" mainly through:

• Call for research proposals mainly about the development of arganiculture

• Support scholarships for young researchers to fund research topics on the Argane / CC / RBA priority issues ;

• Support for the National Argane Researchers Network (RENARGANE)

BASELINE SITUATION:

The DARED project covers areas in three regions of Morocco (Sous-Massa, Guelmim and Essaouira). The project

area is characterized by a semi-arid to arid climate and high variability in precipitation. Indeed, the region has

experienced, during the last three years, heavy rains and floods causing several deaths and huge losses in terms of

infrastructure and property.

The project area is adjacent to the Arganaraie Biosphere Reserve and near a set of sites of biological and ecological

importance.

The direct beneficiary population is estimated at 26,000 inhabitants out of a total indirect population, which amounts to

345,000 inhabitants. The project area is located near the forest of argan, which spreads over an area of 830,000

hectares with a quite developed (about 300 cooperatives and 6,500 adherents) fabric of cooperatives for argan

products collection and valorization.

The argan sector is quite well organized with the presence of representations of all argan producers (RARBA).

Summary of potential impacts and mitigation and or enhancement measures

The Project will allow carbon sequestration of 2,091,201 T.eq.CO2 toward 2030, as compared to a 'without project’ scenario

(345,009 T.eq.CO2), broken down as following: the methodology to estimate the Carbone sequestration is part of NAMAs

methodology to estimate the Carbone sequestration1.

Action NAMA-

arganiculture

Emission (+) /

sequestration (-) in

T.eq.CO2

DARED

Emission (+) /

sequestration (-) in

T.eq.CO2

1 Etude stratégique d’atténuation des émissions des gaz à effet de serre dans le cadre du PMV –Elaboration d’une liste de NAMAs potentielles- rapport de

la mission II- page 14 à 28- 2014


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43,000 ha

toward 2030

DARED Project

New argan orchards in association with crops -2 282 586,00 -530 833,95

Additional benefit related to the preservation of argan forest - 154 074,00 -154 074,00

Burning of shells 170,00 170,00

Diesel consumption for irrigation 280,00 280,00

“Without action" scenario consisting of the plantation of argan orchards in

the framework of the strategy implemented by ANDZOA

- 345 009,00 -80 234,65

Total balance -2 091 201,00 -604 223,30

OTHERS POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROJECT :

- Argane area/household

The average area exploited by beneficial holders and per household is estimated at 2.6 hectares. It will be increased with

the project after completion to an average of 5 hectares / household.

- Argane production/ household (MT)

The production of the argan fruit will be increased on average of 5 tons / household after five years for project’s implantation.

It’s mean an additional production of 50 000 tons instead of 1.9 tons / household (baseline).

- Labor for kernel extraction (Hr)

The project will have a significant impact on employment promotion and emancipation of rural women. Indeed, at 800 hours

of work kernel a ton of fruit for an income 4.5 dollars per day per woman. The project will provide a double workday for

women five years after project completion. Ten years after starting the project, the volume of hours for kernel will be

increased by6000 hours.

- Impacts on arganeraie biosphere reserve (RBA)

The project aim to reduce the pressure on the argan biosphere reserve and increasing the resilience of the biosphere to fight

against the effects of climate change and contribute to reduce the soil erosion in the RBA and improve best practices. In fact,

the project will increase the average surface area per household to 5 hectares from the 2,5 hectares actually in the case of

business as usual. Also, if the worst case scenario of climate changes is felt, the argan region may become too dry and too

hot to continue hosting the argan tree. Vast expanses of argan orchards might then be unsuited for the tree.

- Impacts on biodiversity

The project aims to improve the biodiversity through planting Medicinal and Aromatic Plants on 2000 hectares and

developing the resilience of Argan tree in degraded environment. In fact, the first experience that was conducted in the

region demonstrate how arganiculture orchards contribute to preserving the biodiversity (photo bellow demonstrate the

impact of arganiculture in the degraded area).

- Capacity Building, social and cultural impact : o Capacity building in agriculture and sustainable collective management of planted areas for partners and

stakeholders

o Installing a school in the field dedicated to arganiculture

o Capacity building for research actors

o Strengthening links between regions where the project is carried out (exchanges, meetings at fairs, ...);

o Awareness about environmental protection and risks related to climate change;


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Capacity building through training on topics such as health, hygiene and safety

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The assessment of the environmental and social impact and the establishment of the ESMP have been conducted through a

screening of positive impacts and risks of negative impacts, as well as mitigation measures, in accordance with the

safeguard policies of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Note that no major impact has been identified and that the component

3 of the project will rather benefit capacity building components that contribute to environmental protection and to achieving

the objectives of the GCF.

The risks and environmental and social negative impacts (minor risks) that have been identified are limited and will occur

temporarily during the project implementation phase.


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Environmental and Social Safeguard Principles

Element of compliance evaluation Potential risks to manage before, during project implementation

Corrective and preventive actions

PS1: Assessment and management of environmental and social risks and impacts

The project’s social and environmental classification is “B”. The project will not generate adverse environmental and social impacts and risks. Instead, institutional strengthening of government and community institutions, coupled with management plans for the sustainable use of natural resources for income-generating, will contribute to providing proper care for the natural resources base and to improving livelihoods in the province. Negative environmental and social impacts and risks are minor and can be prevented and/or mitigated. The project includes an ESIA identifying environmental and social risks and impacts.

- Difficulty in procurement of argan plants

- Adherence of the population

- Pollution

- Lack or insufficient irrigation of argan seedlings

Follow the environmental and social monitoring plan for the project

Project Risk management gives priority to anticipation and avoidance first, before seeking to minimize or compensate for the effects of unavoidable risks The project adopts an environmental and social management plan that identifies risks and provides for actions to be implemented to avoid, minimize or compensate for their effects. Environmental and social monitoring mechanism Complaints handling mechanism to implement

Identified risks associated with environmental and social aspects (ESIA); Social risks for the project components

Follow the environmental and social monitoring plan, globally or by project component

PS2: Labour and working conditions

The project will be in confrmity with the Labour Code /Morocco (code travail Maroc : bulletin officiel numéro 5210 du jeudi 6 mai 2004. Dahir n° 1-03-194 du 14 rejeb 1424 (11 septembre 2003) portant promulgation de la loi n° 65-99 relative au code du travail. 2004.) Morocco has ratified ILO core labour standards.

The probable risk of non-equity is the difference in salary between men and women workers and workers in the low access of women to jobs at companies employed by the project.

It is necessary to include clauses related to the compliance with ILO labour rights and national standards.

All activities planned in the framework of the project are in accordance with national and international laws

Limited institutional capacity for implementation of the ESMP (Environmental and Social Management Plan)

Development of a capacity building plan (information, training, etc.) to reinforce the capacities of institutions responsible for the implementation of the ESMP

None of the proposed actions will generate negative issues on these population groups. All project activities help strengthen the resilience of the population and improving their socio-economic conditions

During the implementation of the actions the vulnerable groups susceptible to be impacted during construction or operating phases are not identified yet.

ANDZOA shall engage a survey investigation to identify vulnerable and/or marginalized groups that may be impacted during construction or operating phases This measure will be included in the ESMP.


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The organizations and contractors responsible for the implementation of the project are subject to the law which requires a minimum of social protection for workers

Exposure to pollution, risk of workplace accidents

Implement the measures of the ESMP

Organizations and enterprises in charge of implementing the project are subject to the law that prohibits child labor

No risk Raising awareness and integrating binding clauses in the contract documents

PS3: Resource efficiency and pollution prevention

Due to the small scale of the project and its small footprint, very low amounts of waste are produced. Also, the energy and other raw materials are low.

Deterioration of water quality of the Oueds (Rivers) along the segments affected by the construction of infrastructure.

Conventional mitigation measures reported in the ESMP will be implemented.

The project includes a component for the mobilization of rainwater for a better management of the resource "water". Energy requirements for the project are low.

No identified risk Sensitivity for better irrigation techniques

The Project reinforces resilience to climate change, and will not result in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

A temporary residual negative impact, with low intensity lies in low emissions of greenhouse gases during the construction of the structures.

Engage a climate check for the construction of the structures

PS4: Community health, safety and security

Apart from the risk of accidents that are controllable during the work phase, no project activity is generating negative impact on health.

risk of the spread of HIV spread in the community of workers during the construction phase and The risk of personal injury.

i) make workers aware of the disease ii) it is also necessary to take the measures recommended in the ESMP to avoid accidents. These measures must be integrated ias clauses (health, security, HIV aids awareness) in specific technical specifications contracted with the companies responsible for the work.

No action planned in this project, disagrees with the principles of human right. The project will be in line with the these human rights stipulated by the Moroccan new constitution that enshrines human rights as universally recognized and stipulates the protection of these rights, taking into account their universality and indivisibility. The Moroccan constitution adopted all rights provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrined the primacy of international conventions ratified by Morocco on national legislation and affirmed Morocco's commitment to harmonize these legislation with the provisions of these conventions.

The implementation of some activities can induce a deviation of rights such as deterioration of the living or non-securing the work site during the construction phase.

It is necessary to include environmental and social clauses (health, security, social issues, HIV aids awareness) in specific technical specifications contracted with the companies responsible for the work. This practice was initiated and implemented in the mega-project implemented under the compact millennium challenge account (MCC-USAID) and the Ministry of agriculture and fisheries in morocco. This model is well documented and can serve as an example. it has also been used for similar projects in the oasis of Tafilalet MCC project.

PS5: Land acquisition and involuntary resettlement

No population in the zone will be subject to resettlement due to the project activities.

For physical actions, and after the final selection of the sites by localization, the risk of expropriation - Involuntary

Possible measures to manage this risk are: i) search for an alternative site without involuntary resettlement, ii) stopping the activity


14




resettlement of the population may occur.

The nature of the project involves an increase in local living standards through the expansion of the income sources of the beneficiaries

No identified risk Avoid any alternative involving expropriation or population displacement

PS6: Biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of living natural resources

Some planned actions aim a better water resources management that will improve the conservation of biological diversity in oasis zones.

For physical actions, and after the final selection of the sites, the risk of deterioration of biodiversity (specially relicts or/and endemic species)

It is necessary to initiate a study to inventory and characterization of plant and animal biodiversity (fauna and flora) in the area of influence of the activity. In cases where the impact proves to be significant, the activity site should be moved to another location or to cancelling the activity

The flood protection and water collection structures will enable the maintenance of benefits drawn from ecosystem.

Non-applying of good practice of irrigation and drainage can cause soil degradation by salinization. Another risk of non-conservation of water in the soil resulted from inadequate conservation practices.

Adoption (and training on) of practices of soil and water conservation:

- Leaching requirement to avoid salts accumulation in root zone

- Superficial minimum tillage,

- Mulching,

- Soil organic amendment

- etc.

PS7: Indigenous peoples

Principle not applicable to the project - -

PS8: Cultural heritage

Project activities do not generate negative impacts on the natural and cultural heritage (NCP). Indeed, in addition to the choice of the site which should prevent any site or heritage building, the NCP is protected by legal texts (Loi- 22-80 relative à la conservation des monuments historiques et des sites, des inscriptions, des objets d’art et d’antiquités, etc. )

NO RISKS _


15

Gender

Women and men will benefit from the same employment opportunities offered during the implementation phase. The ANDZOA and the

entity responsible for the implementation of the activity specifies that the chances for gender equality will be considered in the proposed

opportunities.

Component Positive impact Risks or negative impacts Mitigation measure

Component 1 : Conduct argan

growing (arganiculture) on 10 000

ha

Positive impact through

improving income for men

and women

- No risks

The construction work will

impact the employment of

both men and women

Risk of hiring men rather than

women due to the nature of

the work to be done ;

Risk relating to work

opportunity during the

construction phase

Specify the nature of the work,

the skills required while

highlighting equal chances for

job opportunities

Component 2 : Structuration of

upstream and downstream argan

value chain

Both genders will take

advantage of the work. This

component will contribute

to the employment of

women and thus mitigate

the risk of exclusion of

women from the project

This component will also

support wealth creation

initiatives (ICR) to the

benefit of young women.

Impact on other activities of

women because of their

occupation for the valuing of

the argan products.

During the implementation

phase, establish an

assessment of women's

activities in order to take them

into account in the planning of

the project and its activities

Component 3 : Capacity building,

knowledge management, Co-

managment of Natural Argan Forest

and scientific research promotion

positive impact on the

capacity building of all

stakeholders (men and

women)

- No risks

The following provides a summary of the main positive and negative social and environmental impacts of the project as

well as recommended mitigation and enhancement measures POSITIVE IMPACT COMMENTARY AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

Impacts on arganeraie biosphere reserve (RBA)

Reducing the pressure on the biosphere reserve;

Increasing the resilience of the biosphere in order to fight against the effects of climate change;

Contribution to the reduction of soil erosion risk in the biosphere reserve. Indeed, protection and rainwater catchment structures will protect both the argan growing area and a part of the biosphere reserve;

Reinforcing good protection practices of the Biosphere Reserve by the dissemination of


16

POSITIVE IMPACT COMMENTARY AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

good practices and the development of products derived from the argan tree;

Adding values to products derived from the argan tree in the argan biosphere beserve;

Strengthening the capacity of stakeholders in the area of the biosphere reserve;

Adding value to the products of the argan and searching for mitigation solutions to reduce the pressure on the reserve through the research center on the argan.

Impacts on ground water and surface water resources

The possible reconversion of a part of the intensive agriculture toward arganiculture (agran growing), will reduce the pression on water resources;

Mobilization of water resources for agriculture and aromatic or medicinal plants during the phase of plantation and value adding;

Water concentration in structures (basins, catchments) which improves the efficiency of the use of water;

Partial recharge of the aquifer by strengthening the collection of rainwater and the storing of flood waters;

Efficient management of water resources, contributing to the reduction of pressure on water resources, to the improvement of living conditions of the beneficiary population and to the improvement of the productivity of plantations;

Strengthening good practices about rational utilization of water for irrigation; good water use practices;

Good water saving practices;

Supporting applied research on optimizing the mobilization of water resources.

Impacts on soil and carbon sequestration

Protection of soil against erosion and improvement of soil fertility;

Carbon sequestration;

Dissemination of good practices for soil protection.

Impacts on biodiversity

Improving biodiversity through growing Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (PAM);

Domestication of the argan tree;

Improving biodiversity, especially the flora, as a result of water that will be captured;

Improving productivity through irrigation;

Positive impact on the diversification of domesticated crops and promotion of activities around the protection of biodiversity (beekeeping, etc.);

Positive impact on the population through thematic training and dissemination of good practices;

Encouragement of research (PhD students, researchers, etc ..) on the issues affecting the RBA and its biodiversity;

Support for dedicated entities (CNA) to promote the biodiversity of the RBA.

Impacts on air et temperature The planting of argan and PAM will contribute to reducing the temperature and to creating an ecosystem that will strength the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve (RBA)

Contributing to the decrease in temperature around water catchment areas and flood protection structures

Impacts on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

No negative impact, since the areas where the project will be implemented will not touch archaeological or cultural heritage sites.

Impacts from Solid and Liquid Wastes The mitigation measures planned for the construction phase will raise awareness on good practice in treatment and management of solid and liquid waste.

Noise and Vibration Activities under the project does not generate noise or vibration.

Impact on employment and income The direct beneficiary population is about 26,000 inhabitants; the indirect beneficiary population amounts to 350,000 inhabitants ;

Improved income for the population through the production of argan and its derivative products;

Creation of jobs during the implementation of the project;

Improvement of living standards of the beneficiary population;

Participating in the sustainable development of the region;

Preservation of social stability;

Strengthening the performance of arganiculture, owing to better water management;

Heritage preservation, owing to protection against floods;

Increase in irrigated agricultural area;

Retention of the local population;

Reducing migration flows towards other areas;

Protection of lives threatened by flooding phenomenon;

Sustaining and developing income generated by the argan.

Gender Issues / Questions sur le genre Positive impact through improving income for men and women;


17

POSITIVE IMPACT COMMENTARY AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

The construction work will impact the employment of both men and women;

This component will also support wealth creation initiatives (ICR) to the benefit of young women;

Positive impact on the capacity building of all stakeholders (men and women).

Capacity Building Capacity building in agriculture and sustainable collective management of planted areas;

Installing a school in the field dedicated to arganiculture;

Capacity building for the collective maintenance of CEP (rainwater catchment) and CES (SWC - Soil and Water Conservation) structures through the installation of a school in the dedicated field;

Capacity building for all stakeholders in the sector;

Capacity building for research actors (researchers, young PhD students, etc.).

Socio Cultural Impacts Strengthening links between regions where the project is carried out (exchanges, meetings at fairs, ...);

Awareness about environmental protection and risks related to climate change;

Conservation of CEP structures (terrassettes) as ingenious structures, heritage and local know-how;

Developping socio-cultural activities and increasing the presence at fairs and local products exhibitions.

Involuntary resettlement and adherence of population

No involuntary resettlement of the population will take place.

Health and Safety and security Capacity building through training on health, hygiene and safety;

Awareness and paradigm shift on the issue of health, safety and hygiene.

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS RISK OR POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURE

Impacts arganeraie biosphere reserve (RBA)

Risk : Impacts related to planting work, roads improvement, atmospheric emissions, waste management (mostly plants). Mitigation measure:

Despite the absence of risk, the project will consider the importance of the RBA, which must be preserved;

Finalize a requirements specification for works which will guarantee: ‐ considering the protection of the RBA; ‐ a good management of waste of plants; ‐ A rehabilitation of areas affected by the work; ‐ Low nuisance;

Conduct an awareness campaign for farmers / beneficiaries on the protection of RBA.

Impacts on surface water and groundwater resources

Risk: The pollution of waters during the construction of rainwater catchment and flood protection structures. Mitigation measure:

Consider the volume of water needed for the planting phase before the project starts;

Foresee the possiblity that the contractor be in charge of bringing water if needed;

Include environmental and social monitoring in the role of the technical assistant;

Avoid spillage of waste and products in oueds or alluvium;

Train site staff on food safety measures to comply with.

Impacts on soil and carbon sequestration

Risk : Risk of soil contamination during the construction of the EIGs (Economic Interest Groups) upgrading units. Mitigation measure :

Ensure a good management of tailings and waste produced by the workers;

Taking the necessary measures during the construction phase in order to avoid any risk of contamination (clear requirements specification on this matter).

Impacts on biodiversity Risk : Risk of plantations clearing due to construction works, especially those related to the implementation of access roads. Mitigation measure:

Restore and rehabilitate the areas affected by the work

Impacts on air et temperature Risk:

Generation of dust and atmospheric emissions associated with construction works: presence


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POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS RISK OR POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURE

of equipment and construction of access roads, especially in the dry period. Mitigation measure:

Optimizing the movement of the equipment;

Use of equipment that are in good condition;

Watering areas close to people.

Impacts from Solid and Liquid Waste Risk :

Poor management of waste resulting from argan plants;

Minor risk of pollution during the construction phase. Mitigation measure:

Ensuring a good management of plants waste;

Taking the necessary measures during the implementation phase;

Add the ESMP to the requirements specification.

Noise and Vibration Minor risk noise during the construction phase. Mitigation measure:

Including in the requirements specification, driving restrictions at night, limited speed and necessary safety instructions (signage, etc.)

Gender Issues Risk:

Risk of hiring men rather than women due to the nature of the work to be done. Mitigation measure:

Specify the nature of the work, the skills required, while highlighting equal chances for job opportunities.

During the implementation phase, establish an assessment of women's activities in order to take them into account in the planning of the project and its activities.

Involuntary resettlement and adherence of population

Risk :

Risk of unstable adherence of beneficiaries (possible opposition). Mitigation measure:

Always check the location of the action, although there is no anticipative displacement. In cases where detailed feasibility study finds that a displacement may occur, the site will be replaced. If there is no available replacement site, the action will be canceled.

Avoid any site that may cause population displacement or any dispute in the accurate identification process.

Reaffirming the commitment of the population before the project starts (to be done by ONCA and ANDZOA).

Health and Safety and security Risk: Risk of accident or illness during the construction phase. Mitigation measure:

Taking the necessary measures to prevent employment of children;

Take the necessary measures to ensure that site staff is insured, is trained on accident and has acquired good practices and tools for safe work;

Establishing a health/safety check for onsite employees beforehand;

The contractor must designate a local clinic in case of accident, with an insurance covering all staff risks.

Conclusion:

The DARED project is under the framework of NAMA and the declination of the Green Morocco Plan through the

development of arganiculture sector in the region of Souss-Massa, Essaouira and Guelmim. This project will contribute

to the reduction of pressure on the argan and to the improvement of income sources for beneficiaries.The project will

particularly contribute to carbon sequestration and comes as a response to climate change issues in the region by

contributing to the mitigation of the impacts of floods that characterize the region.


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The assessment of the environmental and social impact and the establishment of the ESMP have been conducted

through a screening of positive impacts and risks of negative impacts, as well as mitigation measures, in accordance

with the safeguard policies of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Note that no major impact has been identified and that

the components 3 and 4 of the project are rather benefit enhancement and capacity building components that

contribute to the environmental protection and to achieving the objectives of GCF.

The risks and environmental and social negative impacts (minor risks) that have been identified are limited and will

occur temporarily, during the project implementation phase.

The implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan will require a budget of USD 600,000

(USD 200,000 for updating ESMP before starting the work and USD 400,000 for the environmental and social

assistance).


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2. INTRODUCTION AND APPROACH OF THE STUDY

APPROACH OF THE STUDY 2.1.

As part of the fight against the effects of climate change, the Green Climate Fund, in collaboration with the

ANDZOA, has the intention to mobilize funds for the project of arganiculture in degraded environment.

The areas concerned are those of the Biosphere Reserve of the argan tree (RBA), which fall within the

administrative regions of Souss Massa Draa (prefectures of Agadir Ida Outanane and Inezgane - Ait Melloul and

provinces of Taroudant, Chtouka - Ait Baha Tiznit), of Marrakech-Safi (Province of Essaouira) and of Guelmim-

Oued Noun (provinces of Sidi Ifni and Guelmim).

The project includes three components, which are:

- Component 1 : argan growing (arganiculture) on 10 000 ha

- component 2: structuration on upstream and downstrean argan value chain

- Component 3 : capacity building, knowledge management, co-managment of natural argan forest and scientific research promotion

This study consists of the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) of the project. The methodological

approach adopted is to start with a scoping stage which recalled the context of the project, and then identify and

assess environmental and social impacts of the project. The aim is to propose mitigation and enhancement

actions to counter the negative impacts identified.

In general, the study must answer four key questions:

1) What are changes or positive or negative impacts that may be generated by the project?

2) Are these impacts or changes important and significant?

3) What are the mitigation-compensation measures for negative impacts and enhancement measures for positive impacts?

4) What are the modalities of environmental and social management and what are the needs for capacity building for operationalization and management of mitigation measures?

To conduct the study, the following steps were undertaken:

- Description of the legal and institutional framework;

- Description of the requirements of the Green Climate Fund;

- Description of the project ;

- Description of environmental and socio-economic conditions ;

- Interaction between environmental components and components of the project. This interaction enables the identification of potential impacts;

- - Identification and assessment of impacts, formulation of mitigation and compensation measures and estimating costs of such actions;

- Compliance of the project with the requirements of the Green Climate Fund

- Development of an Environmental and Social Management Plan.

In addition, to carry out the study, a series of meetings and consultations was held, namely:


21

- A scoping meeting with the Contracting authority was held before the start of the study. The objective of this step was to recall the context of the project and its characteristics. Also, this meeting helped identify the objectives and scope of the study, as well as major environmental and socio-economic issues that may be associated with the project. It was also an opportunity to identify the list of data to be collected.

- Several meetings with stakeholders were held. Especially, these include: ANDZOA Agadir, ONCA, ORMVA, ABHS, regional representation of the Haut-Commissariat des Eaux et Forêts et de Lutte contre la Désertification (HCEFLCD). The project context was recalled and discussions were centered on the context of the integration of the project, relating to the field of competence of each stakeholder. Also, the environmental and socio-economic challenges of the project were discussed and debated;

- Consultations with beneficiaries were held during the project design phase. Indeed, discussions were conducted with representatives of the Network of Associations of the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve (RARBA) and with rights holders to present the project and its issues and hear their opinions and concerns. The participatory approach adopted at the early stages of the project is essential to ensure maximum adherence of the population and reflect the expectations and fears of the beneficiaries affected by the project.

Following the field mission, and on the basis of discussions with the various stakeholders, the project team has

developed this study. A mid-term meeting has been held, at ANDZOA, to present the first results of the study and

validate and / or discuss them.

GOALS OF THE ESIA 2.2.

The project of arganiculture (argan growing) in degraded environment (PDAED) consists of the integration of the

climate changes component in the whole implementation process of every development intervention in the arga

areas. Thus, this integration concerns all the components ranging from the development actors to activities

aiming the promotion of gender integration, going through the implementation of structuring actions resulting in

the adaptation to climate change.

Although the project, in its background, is of environmental and social nature, given its declination in climate risk

integration and improvement of adaptation to climate change practices in the argan area, it is necessary to

conduct an ESIA for a good anticipation of the residual negative impacts and for the enhancement of the positive

impacts.

This ESIA is carried out in accordance with the environmental and social safeguard policies and measures of the

Grean Climate Fund - GCF, as those generally adopted by the World Bank and the GEF. The basic objective is to

examine the alignment with the environmental and social policy of the GCF, to assess the positive and negative,

environmental and social impacts that are likely to be generated by the implementation of the four components of

the project. The ultimate goal is the definition of mitigation measures for negative impacts and significant risks

and the measures that maximize positive impacts.

This ESIA is carried out in accordance with national legislation including the 12-03 law relating to environmental

impact studies (EIS) and the 12-99 law on the National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development.


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3. POLITICAL, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

LEGAL FRAMEWORK 3.1.

This chapter presents the main legal documents relating to the protection of the environment, whose

development results from the rarefaction and the degradation of the quality of natural resources. In addition, there

will be a focus on the documents and sectors that are relevant to the project.

Law 11-03 relating to the protection and the development of the environment

Promulgated in May 2005, this law aims to make it more consistent, at the legal level, all the texts that affect the

environment. These instruments falling by nature within the competence of several administrations, the law is

designed to provide a reference frame posing the fundamental principles on the basis of which future texts

relating to the environment protection must be developed. This law deals, in its third chapter, with the need for

natural resources safeguarding and protection such as soil and sub-soil, fauna, flora, inland waters, air, littoral,

mountains, etc.

Framework law 99-12, on the National Charter of the environment and sustainable development

In the same philosophy of the law 11-03, recently 99-12 framework law on the National Charter for Environment

and Sustainable Development was enacted. This law aims legal protection of resources and ecosystems, makes

sustainable development a core value, defines the responsibilities and commitments of all parties and lays down

the measures of institutional, economic and financial accompanying it. The national strategy of sustainable

development, being finalized, constitutes a framework for the operationalization of this Charter. The ultimate

objective of this strategy is to find a common ground between economic and social actors and public authorities

to operationalize the green economy and define the role of each one within this new policy.

Law on the Environmental Impact Study and its implementing decrees

Promulgated in May 2003, the Study of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the key instrument as regards

environmental action. Morocco has developed since 2000 institutional and technical capacities for the

environmental assessment at national level. This ability constantly improving, is more appropriate and in line with

international practices in the field of EIA.

The application process of this law is operational and is strengthened by the adoption of implementing decrees

for the decentralization of the EIA review and for the mobilization and commitment of the concerned populations

in the context of public consultations. The 12-03 law was thus reinforced by the adoption of two implementing

decrees:

‐ Decree 2-04-563 of 4 November 2008 relating to the functions and functioning of the national

committee and regional committees of the EIA: This Decree fixes, in application of articles 2, 8

and 9 of law 12-03, the responsibilities and modalities of operation of the national Committee and

regional committees as well as the composition of these committees.

‐ Decree 2-04-564 of 4 November 2008 fixing the organizational modalities and conduct of the

public investigation relative to the subjected projects to EIA.

Law 2-03 fixed a list of projects obligatorily subjected to an EIA. However, it should be noted that the activities of

hydro-agricultural development projects are not part of the list of projects under the procedure of the

environmental impact study.


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Dahir of 4 March 1925 (8 chaâbane 1343) on the protection and the delimitation of argan forest

The order dated May 1, 1939 of the Directors of Water and Forest and Political Affairs regarding argan stands

has been promulgated under the Dahir of 4 March 1925 on the protection and delimitation of argan forests and

under the conditions of paragraph 2 of article 2 of the Dahir of 10 October 1917 on the conservation and

exploitation of forests.

Given that the Government's rights over forests of argan trees have been recognized by the delimitation

operations made under the conditions of the Dahir of January 3, 1916, it is important to ensure their protection

and conservation so that these plantations continue to play their physical role on hydrology and climatology of the

region and to provide present and future generations with the very significant resources that have traditionally

been drawing from them through grazing, fruit picking, culture, collection of dead wood, construction and service

wood supply.

ARTICLE 5 : The right of land use includes the right of ploughing and cultivation of areas already cultivated

during the delimitation or, with regards to those not yet cultivated but cultivable without danger to the forest, as

the Forest Departement may judge.

Any forest clearing, any cutting of important forest species is prohibited and shall be punished in accordance with

the last two paragraphs of Article 34 and Article 36 of the aforementioned Dahir of 10 October 1917.

ARTICLE 7 : Users have the right to use the necessary branches for their fences.

They first use the bushes of the undergrowth (jujube trees, tizra) and, in case of need only, argan branches argan

they take through pruning at the location and on trees that are designated by the forest officer.

ARTICLE 15 : Building a tent or any construction covered with flammable materials may be allowed closer than

100 meters from the argan forest by the forest service, which sets all the precautions to be observed.

Water Law 10-95 promulgated in August 16, 1995

It provides legal provisions for rationalizing the use of water, widespread access to water, interregional solidarity,

reduction of disparities between cities and rural areas to ensure water security of the whole territory of the

Kingdom. In particular, the law allowed the reorganization of previous texts and the establishment of a number of

principles, including:

‐ The public ownership of the water and the recognition of its economic value through the

implementation of a fee system

‐ The uniqueness of the resource in its qualitative and quantitative aspects and the watershed as

planning unit and resource management

‐ National and regional solidarity and the reduction of disparities between cities and rural areas to

ensure water security for the entire territory of Morocco

‐ a system of authorizations and concessions administrative and police, relating to the various uses of

water, including sanctions for non-compliance with the standards

‐ Regulation of polluting activities and combating pollution of waters

‐ Better agricultural valorization by improving conditions for the development and use of agricultural

water (Official Bulletin No. 4325 of 20/09/95)

‐ The establishment of the Higher Council for Water and Climate (CSEC)

One of the emblematic aspects of the Law 10-95 is the water resource management in the context of a

geographical unit, the hydraulic basin, which is an important innovation to design and implement a decentralized

water management. The law created the Hydraulic Basin Agencies (ABH), public institutions with legal personality


24

and financial autonomy, and administered by a board of directors. The board of directors includes representatives

of the Government (majority) and other sectors concerned by water and its management. ABH mission is to

assess, plan and manage water resources at the hydraulic basins level. They can provide loans, aids and

subsidies to anyone engaging in development or water resources conservation investments. Their resources

consist of fees recovered from the users and water users, loans, subsidies, donations, etc. Six ABH have been

implemented since June 2002, in addition to the pilot agency of the Oum Er Rbia basin instituted in 1996. The

elements which should affect the most the future development of the irrigation are the development and the

periodic actualization of the water resources integrated development plan at the level of the basins, and the

possibility of granting financial aids for the investments in the resources mobilization.

Among the contributions of Law 10-95, figure contribution to improving the environmental situation of water

resources, insofar as it establishes backup and prohibition perimeters and subjects the releases spills to

declarations, prior authorizations and fees. The Article 80 specifies that no agricultural project can be approved if

its planned achieving conditions can lead to degradation of water resources or cultivated soils. In more detail, the

law specifies:

‐ The development of management planning and allocation of water resources based on a wide

consultation between users and public authorities

‐ The protection of human health by regulating the exploitation, distribution and sale of food grade

water

‐ Regulation of activities that may pollute water resources, including the provision of sanctions and the

creation of a water police to repress any illegal use of water or any act likely to impair its quality

‐ The rational allocation of water resources in the drought period to mitigate the effects of the shortage

Since the publication of the Law 10-95, thirteen (13) implementing decrees were published. They focus on the

creation of the Tadla basin agency, composition and operation of the CSEC, integrated development master

plans of water resources, the National Water Plan, fees for water use , granting authorizations, the boundaries of

hydrological public domain and blackout and protection zones, water quality standards, the inventory of the water

pollution degree and the use of wastewater.

The Dahir 1-69-170 of 10 Jumada I 1389 (25 July 1969) on the protection and restoration of soils abrogates the

Dahir of 20 March 1951 on the protection and restoration of soils and the Dahir of 4 December 1954

supplementing it. he main measure of this Dahir is the establishment of zones called "defense perimeters and soil

restoration of national concern" will be subject to a local advertising in addition to the publication on the Official

Bulletin. Articles from 4 to 11 are regulations on the compensation awarded to interested parties when the

execution of infrastructure works cannot be followed by the creation of cereal benches or fruit plantations or

afforestation production.

The Dahir 1-97-01 12 of January 1997 promulgating law 42-95 on the control and the Organization of trade of

pesticide products for use in agriculture updates the sector organization by specifying the conditions under which

approvals and authorizations are granted and subjects the activity in this matter to an application for approval.

The provided penalties are revised upwards. two decrees are adopted for the implementation of this Dahir

namely: i) Decree 2-99-105 of 5 May 1999 on the approval of pesticide products for agricultural use, and ii)

Decree 2-99-106 of 5 May 1999 on the exercise of importation, manufacturing and marketing of agricultural

pesticides products. Recall that in Morocco, the import, trade, possession and use of pesticides substances are

subject to regulation since 1922.

Loi n° 9-94 sur la protection des obtentions végétales


25

Promulgated by Dahir n° 1-96-255 of 12 ramadan 1417 (21 January 1997), this law sets the conditions

and the extent of the protection

Indeed, the breeder's right is related to: a) the protected variety; b) any variety that is not clearly distinguishable

from the protected variety in accordance with Article 7 of this Law; c) any variety essentially derived from the

protected variety, where the latter is not itself an essentially derived variety and d) any variety whose production

requires the repeated use of the protected variety.

Law 33-94 on development of the bour areas promulgated by the Dahir 1-95-10 of 22 February 1995 and its

implementing decree (Decree No. 2-94-589 of 27 October 1995 taken for the implementation of the Law 33-94

relative to the bour perimeters development)

This law allows the Government to achieve internal and external equipment to the properties. This Law covers all

bour areas whether they are used in collective or private management. The Law allows for circumscribed

perimeter, to implement actions at different levels (farms, rural commune) involving both beneficiaries, local

elected representatives and technical departments. The law aims primarily to improve the perimeters by land

development. The pastoral value development areas also fall under this law even if the particular land status and

specific management methods make it more difficult to apply. This Law establishes development in bour

perimeters delineated by Decree in order to create the necessary conditions for the integrated development of

modern and efficient agriculture.

Law 34-94 promulgate by Dahir n° 1-95-152 of 11 August 1995 on the fragmentation of agricultural properties in

irrigated areas and areas in Bour

It aims to conserve a viable minimum area for a family. This law establishes the prohibition of any land

transaction that has the effect of generating area of land below the minimum threshold of 5 hectares set for

irrigation perimeters , and according to the agricultural potential of each area in the PMV (Articles 2 and 4).

Law 7-81 promulgated by the Dahir of 6 May 1982

This law is implemented by the Decree of 18 April 1983 on the expropriation for public utility and temporary

occupation. This law reinforces the concept of property rights, established by the Moroccan Constitution (Article

15). The implementation of this procedure is ensured by administrative courts (established in September 1993).

The Law offers much more guarantees for the expropriated, giving them the possibility to challenge the

lawfulness of the administrative procedure by the judge and ensure that the real presence of the provisional

compensation by his mandatory deposit to the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion, pending the final judgment.

Labor code : Law 65-99

The Law-65-99 lists the fundamental principles and rights of workers .

It particularly insists on the fact that according to the law and current regulations, it is forbidden to infringe trade

union freedoms and rights twithin the company and to attack freedom of work with regards to the employer and

the employees of the company.

It also prohibits any discrimination against employees. In particulary, any employee that became disabled for any

reason whatsoever, keeps his job and is assigned, after consulting the labor doctor or the commission of safety

and hygiene, to a job that corresponds to his disability after rehabilitation training, unless this is impossible given

the severity of the handicap and the nature of the work.

Legislation on the protection of historical and cultural heritage


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The law 11-03 mentions (in Article 8) the national interest of the protection, conservation and enhancement of the

historical and cultural heritage and establishes laws and regulations that set the various measures to take in order

to achieve these goals.

INSTITUTIONNEL FRAMEWORK 3.2.

Institutionally, the main actors are:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Sea Fishing (Ministère de l’Agriculture et de la Pêche maritime-MAPM) ;

The Delegated Ministry attached to the Ministry of Energy, Mining, Water en Environment, in charge of Environment (Ministère délégué auprès du Ministre de l'énergie, des Mines, de l'Eau, et de l'Environnement, chargé de l’environnement);

The Delegated Ministry attached to the Ministry of Energy, Mining, Water en Environment, in charge of Water (Ministère délégué auprès du Ministre de l'énergie, des Mines, de l'Eau, et de l'Environnement, chargé de l’Eau);

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (ministère de l’Intérieur);

The High Commission for Waters and Forests and the Fight against Desertification (Haut-Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Désertification-HCEFLCD);

The Agency for Agricultural Development (Agence pour le Développement Agricole-ADA);

The National Agency for Development of Oases and Argan Tree Zones (Agence Nationale pour le Développement des Zones Oasiennes et de l'Arganier-ANDZOA);

The Agency for Hydraulic Basins (Agences de Bassins Hydrauliques) administrated by the Delegated Ministry attached to the Ministry of Energy, Mining, Water en Environment, in charge of Water;

The National Office of Agricultural Conselling (Office National du Conseil Agricole-ONCA);

The Souss-Massa-Draa Regional Office for the Agricultural Development (Office Régional de la Mise en Valeur Agricole du Sous-Massa Draa -ORMVA SMD);

The Regional Directorate of Agriculture (Direction Régionale de l’Agriculture-DRA).

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 3.3.

Morocco has adopted a policy based on a comprehensive and integrated vision of making the environment a central

concern of socio-economic development. Several strategies, programs and important national plans have been

developed, including:

Green Morocco Plan (Plan Maroc Vert);

National Strategy for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (Stratégie Nationale pour la Protection de l’Environnement et le Développement Durable);

Program for biodiversity protection and valorization (Programme de protection et de valorisation de la biodiversité);

Conservation management programs of natural resources (Programmes de gestion conservatoire des ressources naturelles);

Program "Improvement of living conditions of populations" (Programme « Amélioration du cadre de vie des populations »);

National program of household waste (Programme national des déchets ménagers);

National Program for Air Quality Protection (Programme national de protection de la qualité de l'air);

National programme for the prevention of industrial pollution and risks (Programme national de prévention de la pollution industrielle et des risques);

National Water Plan (Plan National de l’Eau);

National Action Plan for the Environment (Plan d’Action National pour l’Environnement-PANE) ;

PNPI, PDAIRE, PNABV, INDH, etc.


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Sectorial policies relating to environment (Charte de l’Environnement) ;

The La stratégie de lutte contre la désertification et préservation de la biodiversité (stratégie de lutte contre la désertification et préservation de la biodiversité);

The Climate Plan (Plan Climat);

Development Strategy of oases and Argan zones (Stratégie de développement des zones oasiennes et de l’arganier).

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND AGREEMENTS 3.4.

Morocco has signed and ratified the main international conventions on the environment. Those directly or indirectly

related to the purpose of the project are reported in the following table.

Table 1 : International Conventions Signed and Ratified by Morocco (Non comprehensive List)

Title Date of entry into force of the Convention

Entry into

force

in Morocco

Date of publication

Convention for the establishment of the European and Mediterranean Organization for the protection of the plants

18-4-951 27-10-1972 B.O. N° 3214 du 5-6-1974

International Plant Protection Convention 3-4-1952 12-10-1972 B.O. N° 3204

Du 27-03-74

Kyoto Protocol on the Climate Change Convention BO n°5122 du 3/7/2003

African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

16-6-1969 14-12-1977 B O n° 3494

Du 17-10-1979

Convention for the World Heritage protection 16-11-1972

28-1-1976 B O n° 3371 Du 8-6-1977

Convention on international trade of endangered species of wild flora and fauna

1-7-1975 14-1-1976 B O n° 3553

Du 3-12-1980

Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution and its Protocols

12-2-1978 15-2-1980 B O n° 3603 Du 18-11-1981

Convention on the conservation of wildlife and the natural environment of Europe. 1-6-1982

7-2001 BO n°5054 du 7-11-2002

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

5-5-1992 27-3-1996 B O n° 4892 Du 19-4-2001

Convention on Climate Change 21-3-1994 27-3-1996 B.O. n°5000

Du 2-5-2002

Convention on Biological Diversity 29-12-1993 19-11-1995 BO n° 5758

Du 6-8-2009

UN Convention on the fight against desertification in countries seriously affected by drought or desertification in particular in Africa

5-2-1997 B O n° 4514 Du 4-9-1997


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Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea caused by transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal.

B O n° 4732 Du 7-10-1999


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SAFEGUARD POLICIES OF THE GREEN CLIMATE FUND 3.5.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) adopted the environmental and social policies of the International Finance

Corporation (World Bank Group). These policies aim to ensure that, in pursuing the mission to remedy the

harmful effects and risks caused by climate change, projects and support programs do not result in environmental

and social damage.

These safeguard policies enable institutions to identify and manage environmental and social risks of their

activities, through evaluating the potential environmental and social impacts and identifying and taking measures

to avoid, minimize, mitigate or compensate for these impacts.

Below, is introduced the safeguard policies of the GCF:

PS1: Assessment and management of environmental and social risks and impacts

a. Identify funding proposal’s environmental and social risks and impacts;

b. Adopt mitigation hierarchy: anticipate, avoid; minimize; compensate or offset;

c. Improve performance through an environmental and social management system;

d. Engagement with affected communities or other stakeholders throughout funding proposal cycle. This

includes communications and grievance mechanisms.

PS2: Labour and working conditions

a. Fair treatment, non-discrimination, equal opportunity;

b. Good worker–management relationship;

c. Comply with national employment and labour laws;

d. Protect workers, in particular those in vulnerable categories;

e. Promote safety and health;

f. Avoid use of forced labour or child labour.

PS3: Resource efficiency and pollution prevention

a. Avoid, minimize or reduce project-related pollution;

b. More sustainable use of resources, including energy and water;

c. Reduced project-related greenhouse gas emissions.

PS4: Community health, safety and security

a. To anticipate and avoid adverse impacts on the health and safety of the affected community;

b. To safeguard personnel and property in accordance with relevant human rights principles.

PS5: Land acquisition and involuntary resettlement

a. Avoid/minimize adverse social and economic impacts from land acquisition or restrictions on land use:

i) Avoid/minimize displacement;

ii) Provide alternative project designs;

iii) Avoid forced eviction.

b. Improve or restore livelihoods and standards of living;

c. Improve living conditions among displaced persons by providing:

i) Adequate housing;


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ii) Security of tenure.

PS6: Biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of living natural resources

a. Protection and conservation of biodiversity;

b. Maintenance of benefits from ecosystem services;

c. Promotion of sustainable management of living natural resources;

d. Integration of conservation needs and development priorities.

PS7: Indigenous peoples

a. Ensure full respect for indigenous peoples

i) Human rights, dignity, aspirations;

ii) Livelihoods;

iii) Culture, knowledge, practices;

b. Avoid/minimize adverse impacts;

c. Sustainable and culturally appropriate development benefits and opportunities;

d. Free, prior and informed consent in certain circumstances.

PS8: Cultural heritage

a. Protection and preservation of cultural heritage;

b. Promotion of equitable sharing of cultural heritage benefits.

POSITION OF THE PROJECT WITH REGARDS TO EXISTING DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 3.6.AND PROGRAMMES

3.6.1. LE PLAN MAROC VERT (GREEN MOROCCO PLAN):

As part of the PMV, Morocco has redefined its objectives in a global context concerned about food security, climate

change, the rising prices of agricultural products, producer responsibility and the fight against poverty.

Thus, this agricultural strategy aims to accelerate growth, reduce poverty, ensure the long-term sustainability of the

sector and consolidate its integration into national and international markets.

Pillar I focuses on the development of productivist and modern agriculture and responding to market

rules based on private investment in high-value and high-productivity sectors.

Pillar II concerns the accompaniment of a solidarity agriculture and the fight against poverty particularly

in areas with fragile economy and, improving incomes of poor farmers through intensification,

diversification and the valorisation of local agricultural products.

The PMV is based on redesigning the sectoral framework and the improvement of cross-cutting factors, particularly in

regard to water policies, land and interprofessional organization.

The dimension of climate change is the subject of the seventh foundation of the PMV, which is the preservation of

natural resources for sustainable agriculture. The seventh foundation is based on:

The implementation of projects within the framework of improving the resilience of agriculture to future

climate change and the preservation of land and biodiversity;


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Integration in PMV projects, technologies for adaptation to climate change through the dissemination of

selected and certified seeds, the use of water and soil conservation techniques, fertilization of crops and

good agricultural practices;

Supporting the development of the use of renewable energy, particularly solar, wind and biogas;

The establishment of the National Water Saving Irrigation Program (Programme National d’Économie

d’Eau en Irrigation) ;

Development of Cultivated Soil Fertility Maps, for better crop productivity at the national level;

The National Programme for Agricultural Lands Mapping (programme

national de Cartes de Vocation Agricole des Terres) for efficient use of agricultural land potential

3.6.2. POLICY ON ARGAN DEVELOPMENT

The National Agency for the Development of Oases and Argan tree Zones (ANDZOA) was craeted in 2010 under

the supervision of AFM. Its mission is to develop, in coordination with government authorities, elected deputy and

concerned organisme, a global development program of the areas of his intervention to ensure its

implementation, monitoring its monitoring-evaluation; and that, in the context of economic, social, cultural,

environmental and human sustainable development, in accordance with decided guidelines and strategies.

The oasis and Argan tree zones territory is vast and epresents nearly 40% of the national territory. This territory

has 5 administrative regions and 16 provinces and 388 municipalities. For areas of the argan tree, ANDZOA aims

to:

Ensure the argan tree areas preservation, protection and development including the implementation of

socio-economic projects;

Conduct Argan extension operations in accordance with forestry laws and regulations

Conduct or supervise the projects implementation for argan tree products valuation, marketing,

promotion and labeling, especially under contracts or agreements- program to be concluded with the

Agency;

Structure argan tree chains production and marketing in the partnership with different stakeholders

including the concerned people;

Encourage scientific research about argan tree protection and development and the its products

valuation.

To promote and develop the argan chain, a contract-program was signed in 2011, between the government and

the Argan Moroccan Federation Interprofessional (FIMARGANE). This contract- program plans, in 2020, to :

Rehabilitation of 200,000 hectares of natural argan tree;

Domestication of the argan tree and extension in modern ochard (arganiculture) on 5,000 Ha;

Promotion of the argane "Protected Geographical Indications " Label and f its products and derivatives

on the international market;

Increasing argan oil production to reach, in 2020, 10.000 tons / year (currently estimated at 4.000 tonnes

/ year);

Establishment argan Pillar I and Pillar II projects to integrate efficiently the mintenational market.


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4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

IMPLEMENTING AGENCY AND PILOTING ENTITY 4.1.

The institutional structure of piloting, monitoring and implementation of the proposed project emanates from a

previous capitalization. With respect to the Project management, ANDZOA will host a Project Management Unit

(PMU). This unit will coordinate the monitoring and implementation of the project activities with the ADA and the

other partners. The PMU will adopt an integrated and multi-sectoral approach and will focus on the beneficiary’s

participation and active involvement at all levels of decision-making. This unit will be responsible, inter alia, of the

coordination of all the project activities, the regional monitoring Committee activities (CORES) and the provincial

local Committee (COLOP) organizations, the project results valorization and the communication strategy

implementation. The PMU will be composed of the following staff:

- National project coordinator,

- arboriculture/horticulture Specialist (argan-culture);

- Rural engineering specialist,

- Environment, Social and Gender specialist,

- Procurement and financial management specialist,

- Monitoring and evaluation specialist.

The analyses and discussions held during the preparation of the project agrees on the need for setting up an unit

of management by objectives.

The relevant arrangement envisages the following organization:

Steering Committee (COPIL)

The Steering Committee (COPIL), chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine

Fisheries or the ANDZOA General Director gathers all the stakeholders: MAPM central directorates (DIAEA,

DSS, DF, DDFP , RFLD), ADA, ANDZOA, the HCEFLD, Water Department, Environment, Tourism, Handicraft

and social and solidarity economy, FIMARGANE ...).

The COPIL will meet at least twice per year and when necessary with as main missions:

- Review the project functioning and its activities progress

- Supervise, validate project activities and reports

- Identify strategic choices

- Ensure risk control

- Validate the annual programs (including the ESMP) and related budgets,

- Validate the progress reports and the obtained results ,


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- Validate the adjustments and changes in the project activities,

- Ensure consistency of the project with the sector policies and government programs.

The Steering Committee recommendations focus on the orientation and strategies to be implemented to achieve

the project objectives in compliance with the Government and the GCF policy.

Regional Monitoring Committee (CORES)

The project will implement a regional monitoring committee (CORES), which will be implemented in two regions

(Marrakech-Safi and Souss Massa) and which will have the following roles:

- Ensure interactions between the regional and local levels, on the one hand, and the Steering Committee of

the project, on the other hand;

- Mobilise local institutional stakeholders

- Encourage interaction between local communities and development partners;

- Review and propose to COPIL the adjustments and changes in project activities;

- Ensure the project agreements implementation; and

- Capitalize on the learned experiences and lessons from the project interventions.

The CORES meetings will be held every six months on a rotating basis in each province. The CORES will be

composed of representatives of the departments and institutions operating at the level of the concerned regions.

Provincial Local Committee (COLOP) :

The project will also implement the Provincial Local Committee (COLOP) in the various provinces of the two

regions of the project. The COLOP will have the mission:

- Examine the problems impeding implementation of the programs,

- Follow the evaluation plan execution progress and the follow-up of the evaluation conclusions,

- Ensure the communication strategy implementation (Identification of the of dissemination means support,

exchange of information)

- perform the actions in favor of equal opportunities between women and men,

- Examine any proposed amendment submitted by the Management Unit.


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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT 4.2.

The global objective of the project is to strengthen the resilience of rural communities and the biosphere reserve

of the argan (RBA) to climate change. The project aims to implement modern orchards of the argan tree (argani-

culture) on 10,000 hectares and build an institutional and organizational innovative environment favorable for this

purpose.

The project will also contribute to improve soil fertility and increase carbon storage in soil and biomass. It will

directly improve the living conditions of the local population, especially women; it will relieve of anthropogenic

pressure on the argan natural forest while improving production and productivity of the argan.

This project will also adopt water saving technologies coupled with the solar pumping system. This project will

also mitigate the negative impacts related to flooding and the protection of human lives in an environment

characterized by climate change.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT COMPONENTS 4.3.

The project is declined in tree components described briefly below:

4.3.1. COMPONENT 1: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARGANICULTURE ON 10 000 HA

This component involves the planting of 10,000 ha, preceded by a pilot project on 500 ha during the first years. The

component also provides an extension on 2000 ha, of aromatic herbs and medicinal (PAM) as well as the supervision, the

technical assistance of the work and training and training and mentoring of the rights holders and beneficiaries. The first

component of the project aims four results:

- Result 1.1: Arganiculture on 10,000 ha implemented; - Result 1.2: intercropping Argan/ Medicinal and aromatic plants promoted and practiced; - Result 1.3:.Rainwater harvesting strengthened - Result 1.4: technical support provided and skills and knowledge of beneficiaries strengthened and developed.

RESULT 1.1: ARGANICULTURE ON 10,000 HA IMPLEMENTED

Activity 1.1.1: Plantation of argan trees on 10,000 ha:

This activity is the domestication of argan trees on private land, through the following operations:

o Planting selected argane seedlings at a density equivalent to that in semi-intensive orchard (180- 200 plants / ha) and intensive (300-400 plants / ha).

o Use of modern orchard management horticultural techniques;

The overall program of 10,000 ha is implemented in 31 rural communes of the 8 targeted provinces.

The first leading pilot experience is conducted currently under Pilier II of the GMP in the Province of Tiznit with support from

the Agriculture Provincial Directorate of Tiznit in a partneship with Association Iklaln in Rasmouka rural commune; a 600 ha

project has been identified and a first phase of 25 ha is already established.


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Figure 1 : The argan tree planting Sites

RESULT 1.2: INTERCROPPED SEEDLING PROMOTED AND PRACTICED

Activity 1.2.1: Intercropping with medical and aromatic plants on 2000 ha

The project targets to promote an intercropping farming system based on planting argane trees with aromatic and medicinal plants (PAM). Generally, the PAM farming is widespread in Morocco with a large and diversified species (Basil, Thyme, Fennel, Mint, Verbena, Saffron, Fenugreek, etc ..). This operation should allow especially ensure:

Complementarity between the 'cultivated' and the 'spontaneous' particularly with regard to regularity of product offering.

Product quality (traceability);

the balance between supply and demand for PAM;

the valuation of the land in the targeted areas;

the preservation and protection of certain endangered plant species.

In the case of the Project, in addition the abovementioned elements the main objective is to ensure to the farmers / beneficiaries additional income while waiting for fruit production of the argane trees and have access to additional income.

Its worth mentioning that tests of Medicinal and Aromatic plants were conducted under a project by MAPM in the region Souss Massa (Project ASIMA) and the results are already available.

The first year of the project will cover an area of 100 ha in rural pilot site. Pilot plots will be developed to test the species that bests fit the area.


36

Capitalizing on existing results, it is proposed to test three species of PAM by province (thyme, fennel and mint / lemon verbena). The final choice of species to plant will be at the end of the first year. These will be tested PAM planted in dividing strips beside the argan tree to encourage the development of an ecosystem in the area.

In light of the results of the pilot sites, there are plans to extend the culture of PAM over an area of 1,500 ha. According to the local surveys and meetings with local stakeholders, the PAM sector is booming. This could bring significant added value to contribute to the improvement of living standards of the vulnerable populations.

It should be noted that the PAM sector is organized and structured in such as way that the “production of biomass” (collection) and "transformation" and is characterized by the diversity of stakeholders and operators along the value (extraction, drying, distillation, packaging, cold storage, herbalism, pharmaceutical, extraction, preparation, etc.)

RESULT 1.3: IMPROVING RAINWATER HARVESTING AND CONSERVATION OF WATER AND SOIL

The climate in Morocco is arid or semi-arid character and is marked by recurrent droughts; its rainfall regime is very irregular in time and space with a sequential alternating years of high runoff and then severe drought, which can last several years.

The current PDAIRE of the Project area revealed that the groundwater resources are in deficit; the only potential water resources available are surface water in medium, small dams and rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Other less known and uncertain resources, such as artificial insemination of clouds, and the exploration of deep groundwater. In the non-conventional water component, the identified options are the use of desalination of sea water and reuse of treated wastewater.

Capture and storage of runoff water and its harvesting for domestic, agriculture and environmental management. The capture techniques and rainwater harvesting could be a promising source given their wide area distribution covers remote areas with difficulty to reach and supply, particularly in the mountainous rural areas. Many technologies have been developed within this framework; collection in rainwater is used for irrigation (as supplemental irrigation) and for pastoral water points along the rangelands and in the municipalities engaged in farming (collective tanks on course the Ghdirs, hill lakes, etc ...) The studies undertaken by the ABH-MS has identified a significant need for rainwater harvesting. It needs amounts to over 1 billion MAD over 3 years (2017-2019). Assuming the integration of activities of the First Draft and after the various meetings and consultation with the various stakeholders, a preliminary program has been identified and recommends the construction of 95 macro and micro ground catchment systems for rainwater harvesting with an average storage capacity of 600 m3 each. The average unit cost per system of 65 thousand US $. The overall amount s' amounted as mentioned on financing program with funding from 5% to be provided by the ABH.

RESULT 1.4: PLANTATION ACCOMPANIED

Activity 1.4.1: Supervision, technical assistance work

This assistance concerns the monitoring of the work and the finalization of site selection and planning for the duration of the

project among the identified potential.

The choice of priority areas will be done through a participatory approach with beneficiaries and based the date of

submission request for funding par stakeholders. Also, the implementation will be based on the follow criteria that includes:

- General geographical zoning - Specific criteria of the perimeter: - Commitments and responsibilities of beneficiaries - Adaptability to the argan plantations - Balance between the potential areas identified

4.3.2. COMPONENT 2: STRUCTURATION ON UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAN ARGAN VALUE CHAIN

This component will lead to two results that are:

‐ Result 2.1: Professional organizations on the upstream of the sector of Argan structured and GIE created and accompanied

‐ Result 2.2: Valuing of argan products


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RESULT 2.1: PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ON THE UPSTREAM OF THE ARGAN SECTOR STRUCTURED AND GIE CREATED AND

ACCOMPANIED

The different evaluations of the current state of the argan space raise the weakness or absence (in the majority of the

ecosystem) of economically viable professional organization of fruit producers. The aforementioned evaluations also raise

the insufficiency amongst active economic actors in the aspect of marketing of argan nuts as regard to the recorded potential

of production.

In fact, the segment of agroindustrial and cosmetics companies monopolizes most of the added value generated by the

sector of the argan when that of fruit producers has remained on the sidelines of this dynamic sector and its recorded

development.

Concerned with this situation, the study initiated by the ANDZOA confirmed the need to structure territorially geographical

area of the argan in homogeneous production areas as the social and technical plan is in concern. Aforementioned study

suggested setting up models of organization of fruit producers to create perimeter including their federation into GIEs

(interest groups), while ensuring the technical, financial and economic viability of these new institutions.

It is accordingly that is registered the outputs of this result 2.1 which aims at the structuring of the actors especially those

operating in the upstream of the sector of argan this through the accompaniment of the professional organization of the fruit

producers.

These second-order organizations allowing both to operate at the level of argan and also to position themselves for the new

perimeters of arganiculture planned as part of the project in question (see component 1).

The support expected under this project to cooperatives and GIE organizing the upstream sector of the argan, besides

financial support, will focus on technical assistance, knowledge improvement (statistics and socio -economic ) concerning the

sector, the professional organization and the preservation of the environment.

Activity 2.1.1: mobilization and supervision of the entitled persons and farmers and their professional organization

(OP).

The mobilization and the framing of the fruit producers constitutes the key to the success of the project. Indeed, it is themselves which are organized to constitute their OP and themselves which influence its performance.

The mobilization in question will pass by their sensitizing and their information on all opportunities offered currently to make a success of their project, and especially, to integrate the sector of the argane in order to develop the production.

A set of messages must be transmitted, inter alia:

- The imperative to transform their organization into a viable OP (autonomous and efficient) able to mobilize the fruit producers for collective management to guarantying subsequently a consistent quality product on the level of identified perimeter;

- The importance of the organizations of second order for valorization and/or marketing. Other messages can be added according to regional specificities and specificities of the perimeters.

The project teams will define a communication and animation plan in light of the results of social diagnosis (D.S.). Simple communication media, and depending on the target groups, must accompany the awareness sessions.

Awareness and information of farmers and their OP in the Arganeraie.

This is a vast operation to launch across the whole geographical area of the argan in the shortest possible time in order to

raise the fruit producers’ awareness on the vital role their professional organizations can play; the latter will, indeed, likely

secure over the long term, the benefits they receive in the exploitation of the argan and enable them to derive substantial

profits that can improve their income and living conditions.


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Training and support to farmers and their OP

This proposed training for farmers and fruit producers and their OP aims to make these organizations more dynamic and to

equip them with management tools that allow the operation exploitation respecting all governing and regulatory

requirements. They must be: I) informed on their project and the context characterizing it, II) aware of the value of their

cooperative and how to manage it daily III) informed on the interest of a collective management system and the basic

guidelines of this process

In addition to training, the farmers and their organizations will be informed, trained and mentored on the possibilities of

adjustments and conversion of associations into cooperatives to prepare the creation of cooperative unions, or to integrate

the GIEs (interest groups) that will be created and processed in activity 2.1.2. These organizations of second order will be the

adequate models to deal with, later, the activities of valuing and marketing of the argan biosphere products.

This approach will thus ensure first, improving productivity and secondly, prepare for the development of products and

marketing. The farmers and fruit producers and their organizations will be initiated to promote partnerships between the

various actors operating in the sector.

Activity 2.1.2: Support cooperatives and GIE creation

The projected organization comprises two levels:

The creation of cooperatives to the upstream of the sector of the argan whose main object is the collection of the harvest of the fruits of argane within the limits of a zone identified within a perimeter of production;

The federation of the cooperatives in GIEs (interest groups) which give them supports in the conditioning of the product and their operation (organization, financing, administrative approaches, etc) and deal with the management of marketing.

Methodology for determining the number of cooperatives and

GIE : The determination of the number of cooperatives and GIE

to be created in the zones of action of the perimeters of

production is based on criteria of viability of these institutions as

well as human and space homogeneity and finally of efficiency

of the interventions.

Number of Cooperatives: Affiliates and members of

cooperatives will be necessarily the fruit producers of the argan.

To determine the number of cooperatives to create, it was taken into account criteria of viability based on the surface of the

perimeter and the volume of its production. The followed approach consisted of:

Fixing a level of production ensuring sustainable viability fruit collection to an argan cooperative; this level is set around 6,000 tons of dried fruit / year (one ton of fresh fruit provides 0.6 tons of dried fruit);

Beyond this level, the calculation of quotients surface/production will allow to take into account the importance of the surface and its space distribution\; the more important the surface is, the more heterogeneity on the level as of human groupings is large, which implies the creation of more cooperatives.

Number of de GIE : With the objective to strengthen the homogeneity and increase the cohesion and effectiveness in terms

of mastery of the marketing of raw materials and knowing that it will require a minimum of two (2) cooperatives to form a

GIE, the number of GIEs retained is 11 centered on the following production areas: Smimou, Tamanar, Tamri, Agadir,

OuledBerhil-Taliouine, Taroudant - Argana, Ouled Taima - Ighrem, Ait Baha, Anezi, Ifni and Tiznit.

technical package: The main mission of the GIE is to take address of the fruit market issues for its members with a specific

focus on quality and certification concerns. In the long term GIEs may develop argane oil extraction and marketing.


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It is noteworthy that the model of the GIE that was used in developing the business plan is a pilot model representing a

minimum production capacity considered, of 9000 tons of dried fruit, given that this model is destined to be resized according

to the production areas, the volumes of harvest of argane fruit and the subjective criteria of fruit producers interest groups.

The pilot diagram selected as bases for the study is composed of a GIE of fruit gathering, initially, composed of three

cooperatives of fruit producers. The number of cooperatives members may experience an evolution linked to the organization

of the fruit producers. In other words, the GIE can integrate any new cooperative created in its area of activity.

In the short term, the main mission of GIE, is collecting the production of Argan dried fruits, proceedings it fully or partially,

depending on market demand, to transformations, including pulping, packing and crushing, and selling the product to

operators of argan oils manufacturing or export sector.

In the medium term (after about five years of existence), GIE can expand its activities to the production of argan oil and

possibly include other economic operators in the context of a community development at the level of its entire action area.

Such a development will not be carried out unilaterally but in cooperation. They are expected to play a participatory and

dynamic role in improving the economic and social situation of the aforesaid project area and thus at all the levels of argan

supply chain.

For each of the identified production areas, it was retained to implement a maximum of one GIE and that, pursuant to well-

defined criteria, namely:

To have a critical argan fruits production with a certain economic interest for the fruit producers ;

Gather fruit producers groupings which can create cooperatives that will be integrated into the GIE;

Fit into existing administrative limits.

Within each cooperative member of the GIE, shall be created transformation farming centers which will act as collection

centers of argan fruit. The aforementioned centers are members of the cooperative, and their presidents will sit on its board

of directors and its general meetings.

The number of centers, their areas of action and their functioning are defined by the board of directors of the cooperative.

The main activities of these centers are::

To collect the production of the fruits of argan from the fruit producers ; the conditions, standards and purchase prices are fixed by the GIE and shared with the cooperatives;

Inform fruit producers about the activities and results of the cooperative.

It is to be announced that all the process of collection, transformation and marketing will be carried out by applying the

standards of traceability required for certification of the finished products. These standards will have to be applied as of the

first operations of collection. The architecture of the organization of the fruit producers in cooperatives and GIE is described

by the following diagram:

The technical assistance provided in the project will work according to this scheme. The aim is to set up, like what has been

committed in the framework of the Green Morocco Plan for the two sectors of the Olive and Date palm, the GIE

organizational model, which aims to establish a self-aggregation mechanism of solidarity development projects, viable and

sustainable economically, with a corporate vision for projects able to integrate and even compete in the market.

This support will concern women and young people to interest them and integrate them into the links of the value chain of the

sector. The aforementioned support will also address:

The implementation of a full and participatory approach for the professional organization of all farmers into cooperatives so that they can integrate the newly formed GIE.

The training and the mentoring of the GIE and the adherent cooperatives in areas of management, marketing, communication, accounting and access to financial services. To do this, information sessions and training and


40

demonstration tours inside and outside the country will be organized for the benefit of selected cooperatives and or GIEs (interest groups);

The training of the collection centers in the best practices with regards to storage, conditioning, packing and adoption of adequate practices and suitable value add processes..

The organization of work and the implementation and training of quality and its best global practices and standards, , throughout the production process and value added steps.;

The necessary training in developing opportunities and the marketing of the GIEs’ products.

The design, development and field roll out , in a participative manner, of a framework for dialog and coordination of the GIEs and professional organizations of the argan sector;

RESULT 2.2: ARGAN'S PRODUCTS ARE VALUED

The main target in the short term for the interest groups created as a result of 2.1, is collecting the production of dried Argan

fruits, processing it fully or partially , depending on market demand, including pulping , packing and crushing, and selling the

product to argan oil processing cooperatives or companies.

In the medium term (after about five years of existence), these interest groups can expand into the production of argan oil

and possibly include other economic operators in the context of a community development effort covering its territory. Such a

development will involve the beneficiaries acting together as one team. They are expected to play a participatory and

dynamic role in improving the economic and social situation in their area and eventually for the overall Argan biosphere.

Activity 2.2.1: Implementation of argan product collection units

The project will support the development of 11 centers for collecting and storing the Argan fruit. The unit size chosen as a

base model, is an interest group consisting of three (3) cooperatives. The overall collection and storage capacity totals 9,000

tons of dried Argan fruit, with an average of 3,000 tons per cooperative. A varying proportion of these quantities is

transformed to be sold as kernels and the rest is sold as is.

Activity 2.2.2 : Installation of argan oil extraction pilot unit

In order to reduce the pressure on the natural resources of the biosphere, it is imperative to diversify the activities and to

increase the incomes of the local populations and to keep most of added value from these producing activities in at the

community level.

In this perspective, it is important to support the development of argan oil products and its other byproducts through new trade and professional organizations in the form of new operating cooperatives and GIEs.

To implement this approach, the project will support the establishment of pilot Argan oil extraction mills. These units work with quality standards that meet the requirements of the national and international market by ensuring maximization of the added value in the country and best product quality. All tender specifications are indicated in the Argan Oil IGP. In light of the results of these pilot projects, tools and methods will be recommended to generalize best practices for the extraction process. The investment costs for this activity are shown in the financial summary. The funding contributions by the beneficiaries will reach up to 10 % in the form of land.(cost of land acquisition).

.

4.3.3. COMPONENT 3: CAPACITY BUILDING, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, CO-MANAGMENT OF NATURAL ARGAN

FOREST AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROMOTION

Three results are sought through the two component of the project. These results are :

‐ Result 3.1: Climate change management Capacities of institutional actor, elected representatives and professional organizations are reinforced and developed (RBA Co-managment).

‐ Result 3.2. Consolidating and promoting research on the Argan Tree. is consolidated and encouraged.


41

RESULT 3.1: REINFORCED AND DEVELOPING THE CAPACITIES OF INSTITUTIONAL ACTOR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND PROFESSIONAL

ORGANIZATIONS IN THE FIELD OF CHANGE CLIMATE MANAGEMENT AND CONTRIBUTE ON CO-MANAGEMENT OF ARGAN NATURAL

FOREST

Through this subcomponent, the project stakeholders (managers, partners and beneficiaries) can enhance their design

capabilities and project implementation and adaptation to climate change. Meetings and contacts made at the time of the

surveys, have identified the main gaps. On one hand, strengthening the participants' knowledge on adaptation methods to

climate change and their relationship to the Biosphere Reserve of the Argan tree (RBA). On the other hand,, building skills in

financial partnership management and conflict management In the field of adaptation to climate change / RBA. Capacity

building needs vary between the stakeholders: the beneficiaries find their livelihood directly impacted whereas the role of the

public officials requires them to manage and anticipate the effects of CC / RBA on this impacted populations.

- Activity 3.1.1: Training of institutional actors and elected officials on the challenges of climate change to integrated local planning in the RBA and training on co-management of Argan Natural Forest

In areas of the Argan tree, information / training of actors for CC / RBA and CC adaptation is uneven. The project will

address the information and training gaps in selected sites that have not had the opportunity to benefit from major training or

knowledge transfer activities on adaptation to CC.

Populations have acquired expertise and adaptation techniques to CC because of their ancestral management experience in

facing scarcity and natural hazards. The consultation workshops confirmed that there is an awareness of aggravated risks

posed by climate change in all locations and areas affected by the project components. The said project aims to undertake

the following actions:

Development and implementation of a training program on climate change in RBA.

The project will issue a call for expressions of interest (EOI) with training organizations to develop a skills development plan

and implement it with all required participants. Overall, these modules must cover most sectors affected by climate change

related to the Argan tree. These modules should also address aspects of climate finance, conflict management and

mediation, biodiversity conservation, green economy, etc.

All selected modules are in line with the Green Climate Fund strategy:

Participation in events and scientific meetings and forums: This action intends to support, according to an annual program prepared by the Project Unit, the costs of participation of technical officials at scientific meetings for climate change and local stakeholders awareness forums organized around the topics related to the argan tree and its preservation and development.

Organization of travel and Training: The project will support the logistics and costs and plan for continuous training and knowledge transfer of the project actors on topics of innovation and adaptation to climate change.

Training of Co-management on Argane Natural Forest :

The purpose of this activity is to initiate a public debate on the integration of climate change and biosphere reserves in

regional planning through the initiation of the process of developing a project charter / memorandum on RBA climate change

in the light of the new strategy 2016-2025 MAB (Lima 2016)

- Activity 3.1.2 : Co-management of Natural Argan Forest

Many sub-activities will be implemented to reinforce management capacity and develop a mitigation approach to climate

change, namely

Capacity building: Meetings held with local officials and representatives of the beneficiaries, to share the need to address key gaps in knowledge transfer and sharing: - Reinforcement of technical knowledge of beneficiaries and fruit producers.


42

- Skills with regards to collective management of the perimeters and the operation of their OP Reinforcement of capabilities and technical knowledge of beneficiaries and fruit producers : The argan

development model requires capacity building in the following areas: - the plantation and culture of selected argan varieties according to a model of semi intensive orchard

seedlings; - Agronomic Training techniques, methods, and best practices ; - Intercropping of herbal and medicinal plants and sustainable farming training.

Capacity building for collective management perimeters and the functioning of their OP : Among the expected outfalls of the new plantations of 10 000 ha of argan, as planned and part of this program is to develop the organizations developing the project (generally an association, for each new websites / area) to create second tier professional organizations (cooperatives and GIEs) mobilizing farmers / beneficiaries and grouping them around a plan of action as regard to the management of their perimeter.

The second goal that DARED will reach is develop a co-management of natural argan forest and contribute to it protection

and regeneration by implantation by :

Development of co-management agreements and sustainable use of natural forest and its regeneration Implementation of co-management agreements between stakeholders and actors

After completing these critical steps in the project,, the integration of the OP will be strengthened throughout the

different levels in the argan value chain. This intervention will also reinforce marketing and value adding practices.

A comprehensive social diagnostic will be performed at the level of each identified perimeter to identify the existing

organization types and ensure their representativeness; ii) examine the functionality of the organizations dedicated to

the project; iii) to verify the information received by farmers for perimeter management; iv) master the specific

constraints and social aspects of each perimeter. The results of this survey will be used to better frame the activities of

capacities building of farmers and their OPA. This activity will contribute to

o Development of training modules for development and collective management of cooperatives and GIEs;

o Organization of informational workshops for collective management; Support for improving the governance of Arganiculture projects: i) preparation of action

plans ii) development of performance management capacities of OP iii) organization and performance monitoring

o Development of co-management agreements of sustainable use of Argane natural forest o Implementation of co-management agreements between beneficiaries and actors on Argan Natural

forest

The same support will be engaged in component 2 but for the Afyach harvesting cooperatives. It is imperative to coordinate

these actions in terms of content and messages development to be conveyed in order to have real impact and results;

RESULT 3.2: ARGAN RESEARCH IS CONSOLIDATED AND ENCOURAGED

Activity 3.2.1: Support for the implementation of the Argan National Center (CNA)

The establishment of the national center of excellence of the argan tree will channel the efforts of all scientific and

professional actors. This center will also promote Argan's cultural heritage and support for research excellence. Its strategic

objectives will address:

Preserve and interpret natural and cultural heritage of the RBA linked to the argane tree through the creation of the “Argane interpretive Center”

Design and implementation of a knowledge management platform on the Arganeraie and argane tree

Support scientific research on RBA and argan tree by supporting the implementation of joint programs and fund raising and fund management mechanisms;

Technological intelligence and expertise to support decision-makers and professionals, and all the stakeholders towards sustainable development.


43

The project will contribute to the launch of this center by supporting the development of its content and strengthening the

capacities of its key actors. The first support axis are:

‐ Acquisition of specific equipment and staffing of the Argan Promotional center. The center is for the promotion of tangible and intangible heritage related to the Argan tree and its valuation in support of the local populations directly creating value in the Argan supply chain..

‐ Implementation of a knowledge management portal for the argan product and the argan tree. A tool that will be useful to facilitate access to knowledge for fruit producers.

‐ Creation of a knowledge sharing portal on the argane tree and its market

Activity 3.2.2: Support for the concretization of the Argan Research-Innovation Federator Program

The project will support the realization of the "Joint Argane Research Program" mainly through:

• Call for research proposals mainly about the development of arganiculture

• Support scholarships for young researchers to fund research topics on the Argane / CC / RBA priority issues ;

• Support for the National Argane Researchers Network (RENARGANE);

4.3.4. PROJECT TERRITORIAL DECLINATION

The sites affected by the project, fall under the area of the RBA in the Morocco affecting the the administrative

regions of Marrakech-Safi (province of Essaouira), Souss-Massa (prefectures of Agadir Ida Outanane and

Inezgane - Ait Melloul and provinces of Taroudant, Chtouka - Aït Baha and Tiznit) and Guelmim-Oued Noun

(provinces of Sidi Ifni and Guelmim). Within the eight provinces concerned, the 31 villages are directly affected by

the project components.


44

Figure 2 : DARED project area: communes concerned by the project


45

5. BASELINE SITUATION IN THE TERRITORIES OF INTERVENTION

INTRODUCTION 5.1.

At the administrative level, the project affects the following prefectures and provinces:

Province of Essaouira

Prefecture of Agadir Ida Outanane ;

Prefecture of Inezgane Aït Melloul ;

Province of Chtouka Aït Baha ;

Province of Tiznit ;

Province of Sidi Ifni ;

Province of Taroudant ;

Province of Guelmim ;

These provinces are part of the action area of the hydraulics Basin Agency of Souss Massa Daraa (ABHSMD),

except for the province of Essaouira. The latter is in the action zone of Hydraulic Basin Agency of Tensift (ABHT).

The following figure shows the administrative situation of the action area of the ABHSMD.

Figure 3 Administrative situation of the action area of the ABHSMD


46

CLIMATOLOGY 5.2.

The study area includes the Souss Massa region, the province of Essaouira and the province of Guelmim.

- The Souss-Massa region is characterized by:

triangular coastal plain on the 30th north parallel, Opened on the west on the Atlantic Ocean, Closed on two sides: the north by the High Atlas, southeast and east by the Anti Atlas and

Siroua, Protected from the disturbances coming from north and the North-East, Submitted to disturbances arriving on the plain in a southwest flow, The area is however occasionally reached in winter by the invasions of polar air from higher

latitudes.

The climate of the Souss Massa region is predominantly arid but it varies from wet type, with cold winter

on the peaks of the High Occidental Atlas, to pre-Saharan, to fresh winter in the plains. The arid nature

is mitigated by the proximity of the ocean and the influence of the cold Canary Current, as well as the

protection against the South winds, ensured by the mountain barrier of the Anti-Atlas. The area includes

four hydrological units:

- Souss Basin; - Atlantic coastal basins; - Massa Basin; - Tiznit Sidi Ifni Basin.

Regarding Guelmim, it is characterized by severe aridity, due to the presence of the High Atlas chain

obstructing the rainy disturbances from the north. In spite of the latitude, the proximity of the Atlantic

Ocean mitigates the effect of the Saharan continentality for the part close to the ocean. The winds are

very common causing sand accumulations of different forms.

Within the wet season, rainfall occurs in two rainfall periods, the first fall with a peak in November and a

second in winter with a peak in February or in spring with a peak in March. The total rainy days is

around 30 days per year on average.

- Regarding Essaouira: The climate of the province of Essaouira is the arid type with significant dry period

of six to seven months. This aridity however shows a decreasing gradient from east to west. Towards

the east, the rain decreases and temperatures rise. In the west in the narrow coastal strip, around the

city of Essaouira, the influence of the cold Canary Current determines a microclimate with an average

temperature very homogeneous throughout the year.

The annual temperatures vary between 18 ° C and 23 ° C. The average annual rainfall is relatively low it

rarely exceeds 300 mm / year. Winds are frequent and violent and blow almost all year, on average 280

days / year.

TEMPÉRATURE 5.3.


47

The annual average temperatures vary between 14 ° C, on the High Atlas in the north, and 20 ° C on the Anti-

Atlas in the south. The maximum daily temperature reaches 49 ° C and the minimum temperature drops to 3 ° C

below zero.

The thermal regime is much more diverse. The structure of space-time thermal field suffers a quad geographical

influence: proximity of the ocean, continentality, the mountains that surround the basin and the proximity of

Sahara

Figure 4: Watershed Souss Massa

Average maximum isotherms (1971-2000) average minimum isotherms (1971-2000)


48

PRECIPITATIONS 5.4.

Annual rainfall is highly variable. The annual average values vary from 600 mm in the north of the peaks of the

High Atlas, to 150 mm in the south, on the eastern part of the Anti-Atlas. The plain receives about 200 mm of rain.

The average of precipitation on sub-basins are the following :

- 280 mm on the Souss Basin;

- 265 mm in the Massa basin;

- 390 mm in the Tamraght basin;

- 370 mm in the Tamri basin;

- 180 mm on the plain of Tiznit.

Figure 5 : isotherms annual average (1931-2002)

Source : master plan study of rainwater harvesting in the Souss Massa Draa Basin

EVAPORATION 5.5.

The potential evapotranspiration (PET) is the global climatic request in soil saturation conditions, under the

combined effect of temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity (vapor pressure deficit), wind and pressure

atmospheric (sea level). The spatial distribution of this climate indicator is attributable to the direct or indirect

action of these factors.


49

Evaporation reaches a peak in July to August and then decreases to a minimum for December-January. The

average annual evaporation varies between 1400 mm in the mountains and near the Atlantic coast and 2000 mm

in the plains.

WIND 5.6.

Generally the region is relatively windy. The "Chergui" hot Eastern wind can blow in summer and autumn. The

annual average wind speed is about 3 km / h in mountain and 5 km / h in plain.

HYDROLOGY 5.7.

5.7.1. SOUSS MASSA

The Oueds of Souss Massa basins are characterized by hydrological regimes known for their irregularities. These

regimes depend on irregular rainfall and often violent occurring after long periods of drought.

The area of action of ABHSMD includes several sub watersheds, as shown in the following figure:

Figure 6 : Watersheds of the study area (ABHSMD)

Souss Basin


50

The Souss Basin covers an area of 16,200 km2, is bordered by large reliefs; the High Atlas to the north, Antis

Atlas in the South, to the east by the junction of the two aforementioned chains and west by the Atlantic Ocean.

The average annual contribution of Souss at Aoulouz are 128.1 million m³. It is fed by tributaries of the High Atlas

and Anti-Atlas whose contribution is 290.9 million m³ (225.1 Mm³ as input of the right bank and 65.8 million m³ of

the left bank).

Massa Basin

Massa basin is drained by theoueds Amaghous and Assaka and the Oueds Sfa and Tekat that originate,

respectively from the Atlantic part of the anti-Atlas and the northern part of the basin.

The Oued Massa flows into the Atlantic Ocean, while the Oueds Sfa and Tekat are lost in the plain. The average

annual input of Oued Massa is estimated at 128 million m3 / year of which the run-off water blade is about 21 mm

/ year.

Adding also the existence of the dam Youssef Ben Tachfine (height 85 m, length 707 m and capacity of 303

million m3), which obstruct one of the arms of the Oued Massa, forming an artificial lake with a useful capacity of

304 million m3 for a basin area of 3800 ha.

This work regulates 88 million m3 / year, 85 million m3 are reserved to irrigate areas of Massa and Tassila and 3

million m3 for drinking water supply of Tiznit.

Tamri Tamraght Basin

The Tamri Tamraght Atlantic Basin is a coastal basin. It is drained by Oueds Tamri and Tamraght. The basins of

Tamri and Tamragh occupy the respective areas of 1899 km2 and 737 km2.

coastal basin

This basin is composed of two major watersheds:

1- The basin of the plain of Tiznit extends over an area of 1200 km². This unit consists of the

hydrographic system of the river Adoudou (820 km²) and an additional basin in the East whose

waters extend into the maïders in the north of Tiznit (380 km²). The total average annual contribution

of this basin reach 10.6 million m3 distributed as follows:


51

8.7 million m3 / from Oued Adoudou which has a high irregularity (15.3 mm3 in a humid year and 0.9 million m3 in dry years) ;

1.3 million m3 coming from N'baye under basin (120 km²);

0.6 million m3 coming from subbasin Içoh (83 km²).

2- The Coastal Basin of Ifni; having an area of km² 1600 with an average of 6.15 million m3, the

volume of annual runoff varies from a minimum of 0.11 million m3 for (1986-87) and a maximum of

19.6 million m3 (1984-1985) ; extending between the mouths of Oueds Adoudou and Assaka. It is

very rugged and marks the western limit of the Anti-Atlas. The Oued Ifni drains a mountainous basin

of 685 km² composed mainly of a granite base. Small coastal oueds drain an area of 915 km² to the

north and south of this basin.

In the agricultural domain, the spreading of the risings constitutes a privileged mode for the mobilization of water.

Thus, the flood waters of the oueds and chaabas crisscrossing the plain of Tiznit spread on the land "Feid" either

naturally or through small flood diversion dams. The spate of perimeters amount to an area of 3650 ha which is

practiced cereal crops and olives.

Currently, of the oued Adoudou Spate contributes to the supply of the water sheet by an estimated 20%

infiltration which brings about 0.5 Mm3 / year.

In the basins N'baye and Içoh, current derivation are estimated at 0.4 million m3 / year and 0.2 million m3 / year

The total volume of derivatives floodwaters currently in Tiznit basin is about 3.2 million m3 / year.

5.7.2. GUELMIM BASIN

The updated overall potential of this basin is 57 million m³ / year. The 88% of this potential come from Seyyad

basin that occupies the half north and northeast of Basin and comprises half of the Guelmim basin of an overall

area of 10 240 km².

5.7.3. ESSAOUIRA BASIN

The surface water resources are very irregular and unequally distributed, with the exception of the Oued Tensift

flowing in the north of the Province of Essaouira, the network is reduced to a few oueds, the largest of which is

the Oued Ksob. The latter originates in the Western High Atlas and is the main collector of water in the province.

This Oued is formed by the union of the Oued Igrounzar and Zeltene. Its watershed is about 1480 km² and its

average speed is estimated at 1.44 m3 / s (at the post Zerrar). Seasonal variations are very pronounced. Thus,

the flow of the driest month is 1.4% of the average flow. The flows are mainly concentrated between December

and March, with 67% of total flows. The mouth of the Oued Ksob is located south of the city of Essaouira and as

such presents potential flood risk.

MOBILIZATION OF SURFACE WATER 5.8.

5.8.1. EXISTING LARGE AND MEDIUM DAMS


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The succession of overdrawn years caused in the whole of the dams a reduction in the contributions of

the Oueds. Regularized volumes were reduced as a result of hydrological changes. This impact is greater in the

works of large dimensions (regularized volume reduction of 7 million m3 / year for Aoulouz Mokhtar Soussi

complex and 5.4 million m3 / year for the dam Youssef ben Tachfine)

The revised regularized volumes pass thus from 379 m3/year initially evaluated to 364 m3/year in the

hydrological scenario “complete serie” (- 4%) and to 345 m3/year in the scenario “short serie” (- 9%).

Table 2: Regulated potential by medium and large existing dams

Dams :

Initial (Mm3/year)

Scenario Complete Serie Scenario Short serie

Revised (Mm3/an)

Deviation (%)

Revised (Mm3/an)

Deviation (%)

Aoulouz - Mokhtar Soussi 184 177.1 -4% 173.8 -6%

Youssfe Ben Tachfine 90 84.6 -6% 81.8 -9%

Abdelmoumen 69.5 67.4 -3% 54.9 -21%

Moulay Abdellah 27.5 27.1 -2% 27 -2%

Imi El Kheng 5.5 5.2 -5% 5 -9%

Ahl Souss 2.6 2.6 0% 2.6 0%

Total 379 364 -4% 345 -9%

5.8.2. EXISTING SMALL DAMS AND HILLSIDE LAKES

The PDAIRE area has nine hillside lakes and small dams that were commissioned between 1985 and 1992.

These works are used for domestic water supply, irrigation and watering livestock while contributing to the fight

against floods and flood control. The following table summarizes the main characteristics.


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Table 3 : Small dams and hillside lakes

Province / prefecture

Name Commissioning date

watershed (km²)

Annual throughp

ut (Mm3/year

)

Normal withholding capacity (Mm3/year

)

siltation Use2

T. morte

Ap. ann.

Agadir Ida Ou Tanane

Taguenza 1987 24.5 1.0 0.3 33.864 17 AED. AC. I


Tildi 1991 15.5 0.6 0.0 20.955 6.2 AED. AC


Tiguemi N'Ait Bihi

1992 7.5 0.4 0.1 15.967 3 AED. AC

Chtouka Ait baha Sfa 1985 14.8 0.3 0.5 62.368 3.25 PC. AC

Chtouka Ait baha Azgherkis 1991 8.3 0.3 0.1 6.833 4.37 AED. AC

Chtouka Ait baha Timicha 1989 5.6 0.1 0.1 1.333 2.97 AED. AC

Taroudant Assderm 1989 13.4 0.2 0.1 6 AED. AC

Taroudant Sellaoun 1992 25.5 0.2 0.2 13.5 AED. AC

Tiznit Anou Issafaren 1989 1.8 0.05 0.01 0.547 0.95 I. AED

5.8.3. WATER WITHDRAWALS

On the overall contributions in surface waters, a water harvesting of about 112 million m3 / year provide

essentially irrigation of mountain PMH perimeters.

GROUNDWATER 5.9.

5.9.1. SOUSS MASSA BASIN

The Souss Massa basin is soothes of groundwater of varying importance. Groundwater of the Souss, Chtouka

(1500km², about a third of the Souss plain) and Tiznit are the most important. They overcome other confined

groundwater but smaller Groundwater in the Souss Massa area are represented on the map below.

Groundwater reserves are estimated between 30 and 40 billion cubic meters, constitutes an important part of the

hydraulic potential of the region being 4105Mm3 and represents over 30% of mobilized water resources and

plays an important role in the socio-economic development in the region: drinking water supply in rural areas and

several towns, irrigation of 60,000 hectares of agricultural land.

2 AED : Alimentation en eau domestique. PC : Protection contre les crues. AC: Abreuvement du cheptel. I : Irrigation


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Figure 7 : Main sheets of the Souss Massa watershed with piezometry control network (Source ABHSMD)


55

The potential renewable updated groundwater has 425 million m3 / year on average and is distributed as follows:

Souss Groundwater: 200

Chtouka Groundwater : 26

Tiznit Groundwater: 8,3

High-Atlas, right bank of Souss : 42

High-Atlas occidental : 20

the limestone Adoudounien of the anti Atlas: 85

Buttonholes of the Anti-Atlas: 44

Total : 425

However, higher amounts of water are being taken in an overexploitation plan: 696 million m3 / year across the whole basin of which 68 million m3 / year for AEPI and 628 million m3 / year for irrigation.

The groundwater of the Souss is generally of good quality. The electrical conductivity of water from the

groundwater increases from east to west with excessive values in the downstream portion of the groundwater

and in the region of oulad teima.

The waters of the sheet of Chtouka show significant variations in conductivity, it grows globally from upstream to

downstream and from North to South. salinity anomalies are observed in the southern part (irrigated sector Ait

Belfaa) and downstream of Chtouka and north of the line Aït Amira-Biougra. The sheet of Chtouka is significantly

polluted. This is due to the use of nitrogen fertilizers which cause pollution of groundwater by nitrates. In the plain

of Tiznit, the groundwater salinity increases from the South to the North towards the ocean.

5.9.2. GUELMIM BASIN

The Guelmim basin is part of the Western Antiatlas. It presents itself as a limited basin in the north by by the

Lakhsass plates, and the chain links of the massif of Ifni, in the south by the Jebel Taissa. The whole covers an

area of approximately 1240 Km.

The plain of Guelmim is occupied in the center by Jbel Tayert which separates the basins from the Oued Oum Al

Achar in north and the Oueds Seyad and Ouerguennoun in the south.

Water resources are in sharp decline in some areas of the plains due to prolonged and recurring cycles of

drought and especially due to degradation of natural resources (soil erosion, loss of forests, etc.) and a rural and

agricultural exodus that occurred in over half a century.


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5.9.3. ESSAOUIRA

The region is characterized by the presence of the sheet of-Meskala Kourimate extending over an area of around

1,600 km². It consists of two overlapping aquifer, one circulating in the limestone of the Eocene and the other in

dolomitic Cretaceous land. The recharging system is done by direct infiltration of rainwater and runoff on

outcropping areas. The flowing is towards Northwest to supply the Oued Ksob or constitute the transfer by lateral

anastomosis of the sheet of the synclinal of Essaouira.

Having the same structural characteristics as the Essaouira Basin, the productivity of catchment works also vary

depending on the degree of fracturing aquifers. The values of the operating flow rates vary from a few liters per

second to more than 60l/s.

The sheet of the coastline is represented by sheets of sandstones dune and coquillers limestones of Pliocene-

Quaternary extending along the coast on a wide strip of 20 km and 40 km of long. The aquifer Pliocene-

Quaternary developed along the Oued Ksob presents only a limited interest.

The depth of the sheet is 40 to 60 m. the productivity is very variable with flow rates ranging from 1 to over 30 l/s.

5.9.4. WATER DEMAND AT THE LEVEL OF THE ABHSMD

The PDAIRE of the ABHSMD revealed that the overall water demand is estimated at 1068 million m3 / year in

2007 and will increase to 1076 million m3 / year in 2030.

Agricultural demand is clearly dominant in 2007 (93%) but will decreased to represent only 80% of global demand

in 2030. On the other hand, the demand for drinking and industrial water will pass from 68 m3/year in 2007 (6%)

to 197 m3/year in 2030, that is to say 18% of the total demand.

The agricultural surfaces currently equipped total about 148,640 hectares, including 57,900 ha of private modern

perimeters and 32,730 ha of public perimeters. The perimeters of great hydraulics occupy approximately 60% of

equipped the surface. The 88% of the total surface currently equipped are located in the zone of action of the

ORMVA Souss Massa (130 740 ha) whereas the remaining equipped surfaces are distributed between the zones

of action of DPA of Agadir (4 660 ha), that of Tiznit (5 300 ha) and the ORMVA Ouarzazate (7 940 ha).

The current water demand requires water resources of about 994 million m3 / year, of which 412 million m3 / year

of surface water and 582 million m3 / year of groundwater.

Table 4: Surfaces and current demands for water by basin

Bassin Surface (ha)

Water demand eau (Mm3/year)

Massa 29 355 171

Souss 112 425 781

Tamri - Tamraght 1 560 18

Tiznit -Sidi Ifni 5 300 24

Total 148 640 994


57

The projections shows that the irrigated area will not expand, according to the principle of the cessation of

extensions already in force. The total surface to be irrigated until the end of the plan will be then 148'640 ha. The

projected corresponding demand for water will decrease greatly passing from 994 to 849 million m3 / year

5.9.5. SENSITIVITY OF UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES

The monitoring of changes of the water levels of almost all of the layers in the region shows a continuous decline

from 1971 reaching alarming values, sometimes exceeding 2 meters per year. his decrease is due to the

combined effects of drought and overexploitation.

At the level of the sheet of the Souss, it was noted in particular:

Between Aoulouz and Taroudant, declining groundwater levels is 15 m;

The area where the decline is most important is located between Taroudant and oulad teima, particularly in southern Souss; 80 m within the perimeters of Sebt El Guerdane oulad teima The rate of decline in this sector is around 2.5 m / year on average;

In the Issen sector, a decline of 5 m was observed between 1970 and 2005, locally it can reach 10 m.

The sheet of Chtouka shows a negative balance: its exploitation by overpumping has led to a very significant drop

in groundwater levels, especially in the north of the plain. e water deficit has increased from 19 million m³ in 1998

to 58 million m³ in 2003.


58

Table 5 : Summary of hydraulic balances (Mm3) of Souss, Chtouka and Tiznit sheets

sheet 1972 1975 1976 1979 1985 1994 1996 1998 2002/03 2004

input 220 337 163 108 870 256 323

26 68 43 35

27.4 13.7 25 25

outputs 405 442 408 478 637 614 553

31 56 62 93

17.3 13.3 25.4 25.4

Balance -185 -105 -246 -370 233 -358 -230

-5 12 -19 -58

10 0.4 -0.4 -0.4

S : Souss ; C : Chtouka ; T : Tiznit

LAND USE AND VEGETATION INDEX 5.1.

The afforestation rate is variable and reaches 71% in the province of Agadir Ida Ou Tanane followed by

Inzegane Ait Melloul with 45%. The other provinces present rates surrounding 30%.

Table 6 : afforestation rate by Province / Prefecture

Province/ Prefecture afforestation rate (%)

Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane Inzegane-Ait Melloul Taroudant Tiznit Chtouka Aït Baha

71 45 33 28 30

This parameter is critical for slope stability and regulation of watersheds flows. The high pressure on forests,

following wood removals, land clearing for cultivation and overgrazing leads to a decrease in forest cover which is

estimated at some 1000 to 1500 ha per year in the argan trees.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CURRENT STATE OF EROSION IN WATERSHED 5.2.

The analysis of the erosion of Souss-Massa basin distinguishes very affected zone by water erosion. It is in the

south side of the High Atlas. his is due to the high altitude, steep slopes and the presence of soft outcrops. One

can consider that the catchment area of Issen is most representative with regard to the most spectacular forms of

erosion which arrive at the forms of badlands and generalized gullying.

A second zone less damaging corresponds to the septentrional side of the Anti-Atlas, where the forms of gullying

and scouring are related to the schistous outcrops.

The following figure shows the areas affected by the erosion phenomenon and its seriousness.


59

Figure 8: Erosion in the Souss Massa basin

GEOLOGY 5.3.

Haut Atlas(High Atlas)

The High Atlas comprises a portion of old massif representing the highest area occupied by crystalline rocks

ante-Mesozoic. This massif constitutes the base of a cover of secondary age which levels in the south and the

west:

- In the south are the land of the Erguita Valley, located roughly between Taroudant and Tafingoult; - To the west, the Mesozoic cover is represented by the red Triassic age layers of the Argana

corridor, relayed mostly by limestone of Jurassic and Cretaceous reliefs of Ida Ou Tanane on the west.

On the Lithostratigraphic level:

- The Precambrian is composed of metamorphic rocks and granitoid. - The Paleozoic is represented primarily by Cambrian deposits (Paleozoic High AtlasThe Hercynian

deformation has manifested by folding, the establishment of Granite Tichka and significant metamorphism.

- The Permo-Triassic it: indicate the silty sandstone red series recognized in the corridor of Argana and its basic conglomerates of about ten meters thickness. It is formed by an alternation of sandstone and clay of more than 100 m thickness. This series is crowned by basaltic flows.

- The Jurassic: The Lower Lias: a sedimentary continuity seems to exist between the Upper Triassic and

Lower Lias. The base of lias is represented by red siltstones rich in evaporites on top of which intercalated the limestones bars. The basaltic flows at tholeiitic affinity are interspersed in this series at the Triassic-Lias limit.

The upper Lias consists of dolomites.

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Barrage AbdelmoumenBarrage AbdelmoumenBarrage AbdelmoumenBarrage AbdelmoumenBarrage AbdelmoumenBarrage AbdelmoumenBarrage AbdelmoumenBarrage AbdelmoumenBarrage AbdelmoumenBarrage My AbdallahBarrage My AbdallahBarrage My AbdallahBarrage My AbdallahBarrage My AbdallahBarrage My AbdallahBarrage My AbdallahBarrage My AbdallahBarrage My Abdallah

Barrage DkhilaBarrage DkhilaBarrage DkhilaBarrage DkhilaBarrage DkhilaBarrage DkhilaBarrage DkhilaBarrage DkhilaBarrage Dkhila

Barrage Imi LkhengBarrage Imi LkhengBarrage Imi LkhengBarrage Imi LkhengBarrage Imi LkhengBarrage Imi LkhengBarrage Imi LkhengBarrage Imi LkhengBarrage Imi Lkheng

Barrage AoulouzBarrage AoulouzBarrage AoulouzBarrage AoulouzBarrage AoulouzBarrage AoulouzBarrage AoulouzBarrage AoulouzBarrage Aoulouz

Barrage Youssef Ben TachfineBarrage Youssef Ben TachfineBarrage Youssef Ben TachfineBarrage Youssef Ben TachfineBarrage Youssef Ben TachfineBarrage Youssef Ben TachfineBarrage Youssef Ben TachfineBarrage Youssef Ben TachfineBarrage Youssef Ben Tachfine

Barrage Mokhtar SoussiBarrage Mokhtar SoussiBarrage Mokhtar SoussiBarrage Mokhtar SoussiBarrage Mokhtar SoussiBarrage Mokhtar SoussiBarrage Mokhtar SoussiBarrage Mokhtar SoussiBarrage Mokhtar Soussi

Ouled TeimaOuled TeimaOuled TeimaOuled TeimaOuled TeimaOuled TeimaOuled TeimaOuled TeimaOuled Teima

BiougraBiougraBiougraBiougraBiougraBiougraBiougraBiougraBiougra

Sebt GuerdaneSebt GuerdaneSebt GuerdaneSebt GuerdaneSebt GuerdaneSebt GuerdaneSebt GuerdaneSebt GuerdaneSebt Guerdane

TaliouineTaliouineTaliouineTaliouineTaliouineTaliouineTaliouineTaliouineTaliouine

Ait BahaAit BahaAit BahaAit BahaAit BahaAit BahaAit BahaAit BahaAit Baha

TiznitTiznitTiznitTiznitTiznitTiznitTiznitTiznitTiznit

Sidi IfniSidi IfniSidi IfniSidi IfniSidi IfniSidi IfniSidi IfniSidi IfniSidi Ifni

EROSIONEROSIONEROSIONEROSIONEROSIONEROSIONEROSIONEROSIONEROSION

Erosion

Erosion faible ou localisée

Erosion forte

Villes et centres

Bassins hydrologiques


60

The Middle Jurassic is composed of red sandstone of Amskroud, dolomite and limestone. - The Cretaceous outcrops the edge of the High Atlas in the north flank of the synclinal Cretaceous-

Eocene of the Souss. To the west, there is a complete Cretaceous marine series. eastward lagoonal facies mark increasingly the series, surmounted by Eocene deposits of lacustrine or continental facies. The power of Lower Cretaceous represented by the clays and calcareous marl decreases from west (300 m) to east (60 to 100 m). the Cenomanian is represented by gray marl with anhydrite, limestone and sandstone in small proportions. The Turonian is composed of dolomitic limestone at the base surmounted by limestone flint (limestone of the Kasbah of Agadir). Its power ranges from 50 m in the west to 10 m in the east. The Cretaceous is mainly marl and marl limestone, gypsum eastward. Its power is 400 m west, 1000 m at a pit subsidence at the height of the meridian 9 ° where it develops 300 m of phosphatic sandstone Maestrichtian, 300 m to the east and becomes 50 m at Aoulouz under a form of red sandstone and marl.

- Neogene-Paleogene: in the Agadir region, the Oligocene directly covers the Maastrichtian. The Eocene is well individualized to the east of the Souss Valley, where he overcomes the Maestrichtian in sedimentation continuity.

The Souss plain

the filling the formations of the Souss plain include sediment that have accumulated in the groove subsiding,

formed at the south of the High Atlas during the Neogene and Quaternary.

The continental Neogene is represented by powerful conglomerate deposits at the foot of the High Atlas. Further

to the south, there is a Fluviolacustrine formation essentially marly limestone, clay and sandstone with

interbedded conglomeratic. This is the "formation of the Souss" which has been assigned a Pliocene -

Villafrachien age.

In the subsiding basin of Souss the ancient Pliocene is represented by limestones, sandstones, unconsolidated

sands, coquinas and marl. It is crowned by Moghrebian coquillers sandstones. The series reaches a thickness of

600 m.

The Neogene Quaternary limit is difficult to determine, throughout the continental quaternary is often clay. It forms

the alluvial cones (early Quaternary), fossil beds of Souss (in grittiness) and more recent alluvial deposits (loams

and alluvial clay).

Structurally, the plain of Souss is a narrow rift zone wedged between the High Atlas and Anti Atlas, detrital

formations and calcareous clay of Pliocene-Quaternary filling cover a syncline Cretaceous-Eocene oriented east-

west. The northern flank of this synclinal widely outcrops discontinuously along the High Atlas. Its southern flank

is shown by a line of hills dominated by limestone of the Turonian in the center of the Souss valley.

Anti Atlas

On the left bank of the Oued Souss, the Precambrian terrains, part of the northern occidental Anti Atlas outcrops

buttonholes of dimensions and orientation variable. The wider are that of Ighrem, Timjicht Tangarfa surrounded

by buttonholes of smaller dimensions that are Wawfengha, Alma, Abdallah Ait and Tataout.

In the region of Taroudant Ighrem The bedrock consists of Paleoproterozoic land and quartzite associated with

the lower Neoproterozoic. They are covered in major unconformity by volcanic and volcano-clastic cover of the

upper Neoproterozoic and then sedimentary. This latter is mainly attributed to the carbonated Adoudounien and

the Cambrian.

- The Paleoproterozoic (P1) is formed of SCHITO-growackeuses grouped by series of more or less deformed granites during eburnean orogonese.


61

- The Neoproterozoic is represented by the lower Precambrian II and Precambrian III. - Lower Precambrian II: consists of massive quartzites and limestones of nearly 1000 m thickness. It

is cut in numerous dykes and gabbroic diabase attributed to Precambrian II. - The upper Neoproterozoic (PII-PIII) is composed of conglomerate deposits associated to volcanic

acids tuffs. - Precambrian III: includes flows of basalt or Andesites surmounted by pelites and conglomerates.

The sedimentary cover is less developed than in the western part (Tiznit Basin). It is formed by:

- The basic series: represented by conglomerates, limestones and schists; - The lower limestone: composed of limestone and dolomite representing the bulk of the carbonate

plateau that characterizes this area; - The series Lie de Vin characterized by purplish schists deposited in bands around the main

synclinal structures; - The Cambrian is formed by the upper limestones (black limestones and dolomites of Tiout), who

enrich themselves upward in clay levels (schist and limestone series). The latter is surmounted by sandstone terminals, then by schists with Paradoxides.

.NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY 5.4.

This region is characterized by vegetation structures constituted by both the Mediterranean strain elements,

Saharan and tropical that cohabit depending on weather conditions. The region is an extensive hinge zone where

meet various phytogeographic elements making it a true botanical crossroads. The originality of the sector is the

presence of the endemic genus Argania, the gum of Morocco (Acacia gummifera), olive of Morocco

(Oleaeuropaeasubsp. Maroccana) a thermophilic flora composed of many delicious elements that from the

Physiognomic viewpoint reminds the infracanarien level and finally, the presence of many endemic (Genista ferox

ssp. microphylla, Bupleurumdumosum, Lavandula maroccana, Micromeriama crosiphon, Sideritis cossoniana,

Thymus leptobotrys, Micromeria arganietorum Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal, Hesperolaburnum platycarpum,

Hannonia hesperidum, Teucrium rock, etc...).

Figure 9 . Argan forest and argan biosphere


62

Moreover, the region has several Sites of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE). The following figures show

the distribution of the biosphere of the argan, the location of Sibes and their zones.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF REFERENCE 5.5.

The project affects several provinces and prefectures, particularly through its main component which is the

completion of the arganiculture on 10 000 Ha. It includes the provinces of Essaouira, Agadir Ida Outanane,

Inezgane - Ait Melloul Taroudant, Chtouka - Ait Baha Tiznit, Sidi Ifni and Guelmim.

Within these provinces, the project target 31 towns with an average poverty rate of 10.5% and a rate of

vulnerability of 20,2%.

The direct beneficiary population of the project is estimated at 26 000 inhabitants and 10,000 households

5.5.1. POPULATION

In the territory of the concerned provinces, the project targets 31 municipalities with a total population of 345,211

inhabitants and 75,421 households, according to the General Census of Population and Housing 2014

(RGPH2014).


63

Province or Préfecture

Commune Population 2014

Nb of householdss

2014

Size of householdsge

2014

Annual average growth rate

Essaouira Ida Ou Aazza 7 923 1 467 5,4 0,7%

Bizdad 7 959 1 604 5 -0,8%

Mzilate 4 209 782 5,4 -0,8%

Adaghas 2 825 519 5,4 -1,6%

Aglif 8 028 1 620 5 -1,1%

Agadir Ida Outanane Imouzzer 5 402 1 110 4,9 -1,6%

Tiqqi 8 773 1 716 5,1 -1,4%

Amskroud 9 351 2 031 4,6 -0,7%

Aqesri 4 128 907 4,6 -1,6%

Inezgane - Ait Melloul Temsia 40 780 9 096 4,5 4,5%

Taroudant Aoulouz (Mun.) 17 409 3 633 4,8 -0,6%

Tinzart 5 902 1 105 5,3 0,7%

Arazane 7 999 1 422 5,6 0,9%

Argana 4 804 978 4,9 -1,0%

Assads 4 650 968 4,8 -1,7%

Irherm (Mun.) 4 108 1 002 4,1 -1,2%

Imaouen 2 466 622 4 -2,3%

Ait Abdallah 2 086 643 3,2 -3,5%

Chtouka - Ait Baha Ida Ougnidif 2 149 678 3,2 -3,8%

Sidi Abdallah EL Bouchouari 8 128 1 764 4,6 -1,1%

Tiznit Tafraout (Mun.) 6 345 1 771 3,6 2,6%

Sidi Ahmed Ou Moussa 3 679 818 4,5 -1,4%

Tnine Aday 1 903 506 3,8 -3,6%

Arbaa Rasmouka 5 964 1 395 4,3 -2,3%

Reggada 13 284 2 948 4,5 -0,8%

Tnine Aglou 10 240 2 631 3,9 -3,5%

Sidi Ifni Mesti 2 931 636 4,6 -1,9%

Mirleft 8 162 2 004 4,1 1,5%

Tioughza 10 577 2 257 4,7 -1,5%

Lakhsas (Mun.) 4 729 1 121 4,2 1,2%

Guelmim Guelmim (Mun.) 118 318 25 667 4,6 2,1% Total 345 211 75 421 4,6 0,5%

Province of Essaouia : The five communes concerned with the project have a population of 30944

inhabitants concerned gathered in 5992 households having a mean size of 5.2 peoples. The population of

the communes follows a slight downward trend, with a rate of -0.6% per year (between 2004 and 2014).

Préfecture of Agadir – Ida Ou Tanane: The four municipalities involved in the project have a population of

27 654 inhabitants grouped into 5764 households with an average size of 4.8 persons. The population of the

concerned communes, all rural, follows a downward trend, evolving at a rate of -1.2% per year.

Prefecture of Inezgane-Ait Melloul : The commune concerned by the project (Temsia) has, according to

the 2014 RGPH, a population of 40 780 inhabitants grouped into 9096 households with an average size of

4.5 persons. This population follows an upward trend, with a rate of 4.5% per year between 2004 and 2014.

Province of Taroudant : The eight communities concerned by the project have a population of 49 424

inhabitants divided into 10,373 households with an average size of 4.8 persons. The population of the

concerned communes follows a slight downward trend, evolving at a rate of -0.7% per year.

Province of Chtouka – Ait Baha : The two communities concerned by the project have a population of 10

277 inhabitants grouped into 2442 households with an average size of 4.2 peoples. The population of the

concerned communes follows a downward trend, evolving at a rate of -1.7% per year.


64

Province of Tiznit : The six communes concerned by the project have a population of 41 415 inhabitants

divided into 10,069 households with an average size of 4.1 peoples. The population of the concerned

communes follows a downward trend, evolving at a rate of -1.5% per year.

Préfecture of Sidi Ifni : The four communes concerned by the project have a population of 26 399

inhabitants grouped into 6018 households with an average size of 4.4 peoples. The population of the

concerned communes follows a slight downward trend, evolving at a rate of -0.2% per year.

Prefecture of Guelmim : The commune concerned by the project (Guelmim) has, according to the 2014

RGPH, a population of 118 318 inhabitants grouped in 25 667 households having an average size of 4.6

peoples. This population follows an upward trend, with a rate of 2.1% per year between 2004 and 2014.


65

5.5.2. POVERTY

The 31 communities concerned by the project have an average poverty rate of 10.5% and a vulnerability rate of

20.2%. They are relatively poorer than the national average.

Figure 10 : Poverty Rates of the concerned communes

Province of Essaouia : With an overall poverty rate of about 20.7%, the concerned communes at the level

of Essaouira province are relatively poorer than the rest of the province, the poverty rate in the province is

16.1% ( 6.2% in urban and 18.8% in rural).

Préfecture of Agadir – Ida Ou Tanane : With an overall rate of about 15%, the concerned communes at the

level of prefecture of Agadir Ida Ou Tanane have relatively high poverty rates, knowing that the prefecture

poverty rate is 4.3% (1, 9% in urban and 13.5% in rural).

Préfecture of Inezgane-Ait Melloul : With 10.9% of poverty rate (in 2007), the commune of Temsia is

relatively poorer than the rest of the province, the provincial poverty rate is 3.6% (3% in urban and 12 1% in

rural areas). The commune's vulnerability rate is 14.3%.

Province of Taroudant : With an overall rate of about 14.7%, the concerned communes at the level of

Taroudant province have a relatively average poverty rate, given that the poverty rate in the province is

13.2% (5.7% in urban and 15.7% in rural).

Province of Chtouka – Ait Baha : With an average poverty rate of about 14.7%, the concerned

communities in the province of Chtouka-Ait Baha have a higher poverty rate than the provincial average of

8.4% (7.1% in urban and 8.5% in rural).


66

Province of Tiznit : With an overall rate of about 8%, the concerned communesat the level of Tiznit province

have a relatively average poverty rate, given that the poverty rate in the province of 9.7% (2.7% in urban and

12.5% in rural).

Prefecture of Sidi Ifni : With an overall rate of about 16.5%, the concerned communes at the level of Sidi

Ifni province have a poverty rate close to the provincial average of 17.2% (6.1% in urban and 20.7% in rural).

Prefectureof Guelmim : With 4.2% poverty rate (in 2007), the commune of Guelmim is relatively less poor

than the rest of the province, the provincial poverty rate of 7.2% (4.8% in urban and 12.9% in rural areas).

The commune's vulnerability rate is 17.1%.

EIGS NETWORK AND COOPERATIVES AT THE LEVEL OF THE REGION 5.6.

The sector of the argan knew an evolution that much more marked the organizational aspects and support to

producers. Since the first women's cooperative of production and marketing, in 1995 there was the creation of the

first group of women cooperatives producing Argan (UCFA) in 1999. The recognition of the argan tree as

Biosphere (RBA) also revitalized the cooperative sector with almost 300 cooperatives today. With a view to

reinforce the structuring of the sector a new phase was marked by the installation of the IGP Argane within the

framework of the law on the Characteristics of Origin and Quality (SDOQ). In order to consolidate the

professional organization of the sector a Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Argan (FIMARGANE) was

created in 2011. It represents a new structure for strategic consultation and management which includes colleges

of the sector. It includes the National Federation of entitled personns of the argan tree, composed of 7 provincial

associations representing the producers of the raw materials that form the basis of the sector link.


67


68

6. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 6.1.

6.1.1. IMPACTS ON ARGANERAIE BIOSPHERE RESERVE (RBA)

Arganeraie biosphere reserve (RBA) covers around 2.5 million hectares, of which argan trees covers 280,000

hectares. All the components of the project are located outside the biosphere reserve. The project has been

conceived in such a way as to develop argan growing beyond the limits of the biosphere. The components of the

project reinforces the preservation of the biosphere reserve through the development of argan growing in

degraded area, the promotion of good practices, and the capacity building of actors and local populations. Such

actions ensures a steady income for people who live in the area the biosphere and provides them with new

income sources. Thus, they would be less tempted to contribute to the degradation of the biosphere reserve.

The capacity building actions envisaged in component 3 would sensitize populations bordering the reserve to

better protect it. All actions go towards protecting the biosphere reserve.

Component Positive impacts Risks or negative impacts

Component 1

implementation of the

arganiculture on 10 000 ha

Reduce the pressure on the biosphere reserve;

Increasing the resilience of the biosphere to

fight against the effects of climate change;

Construction phase:

Impacts related to planting

work, roads improvement,

atmospheric emissions, waste

management (mostly plants)

Contribution to the reduction of soil erosion risk

in the biosphere reserve. Indeed, protection and

rainwater catchment structures will protect both

the argan growing area and a part of the

biosphere reserve

No major negative impacts: the

impacts are related to the

construction phase and will be

easily mitigated if good

practices are adopted. These

impacts are similar to those of

Component 1.

Component 2 :

Structuration on upstream

and downstrean argan value

chain

Reinforce good protection practices of the

Biosphere Reserve by the dissemination of

good practices and the development of

products derived from the argan tree:

Adding values to products derived from the

argan tree in the argan biosphere beserve.

No negative impact

Component 3 : capacity Strengthening the capacity of stakeholders in No negative impact


69

building, knowledge

management, co-

managment of natural argan

forest and scientific

research promotion

the area of the biosphere reserve;

Adding value to the products of the argan and

searching for mitigation solutions to reduce the

pressure on the reserve through the research

center on the argan

6.1.2. IMPACTS ON GROUND WATER AND SURFACE WATER RESOURCES

Water resources will be impacted positively by the project. The rainwater catchment and flood protection

structures will make it possible to store water to be reused in irrigation and familial livestock feeding.

The development of the argan growing (arganiculture) as a sector will enable the reconversion of some

perimeters practicing intensive agriculture (major consumer of water) toward the promotion of arganiculture

(agran growing), which is less greedy in water. This will reduce the pressure on the use of water which can be

used for irrigation in Souss-Massa perimeters. Indeed, in the short term, capacity-building and the dissemination

of good practices will make it possible to raise awareness on the role and importance of developing a profitable

sector of arganiculture and, therefore, will encourage perimeters that are suitable for intensive agriculture to

move towards arganiculture, in the long term. This orientation make it possible to strengthen the biosphere

reserve, reduce pressure on the forest of argan and reduce water consumption for irrigation, all together.

The rainwater catchment and flood protection structures will make it possible not only to mobilize water for

irrigation, but also to protect perimeters against flood. Thus, they protect human lives and infrastructures. In the

long term, these structures will enable harmonious development of economic activities and the reduction of risk of

flooding in the area.

All these elements give the possibility to reduce the over-exploitation of groundwater in the Souss-Massa basins.

However, negative impacts may occur during the construction phase. The mismanagement of the products used

during construction, construction waste and scraps, and a accidental spillage, etc. can affect the quality of surface

water and groundwater. Also, in case the work would require a temporary change of the flow of water, this could

negatively impact the population living downstream of the work site.

Therefore, there is a need to adopt a construction site with low environmental impact and to establish the

requirements and conditions to be met in order to avoid the negative impact of the project on water resources.

It should be noted that ABH (Agency of Hydraulic Basin), ORMVA-SM and DRA-SM have completed several

similar projects and that their experience has been proven in terms of the preservation of water resources during

the construction phase.


Component 1 : component 1:

implementation of the arganiculture

The possible reconversion of a

part of the intensive agriculture

The use of water for irrigation of

arganiculture could amplify the need for


70

on 10 000 ha toward arganiculture (agran

growing), will reduce the

pression on water resource

water for irrigation during the

implemention phase.

Additional needs in places where current

usage peaks

The water requirements for irrigation of

plants during the first 3 years are roughly

estimated at 25 million m3 / year

The mobilization of water

resources for agriculture and

aromatic or medicinal plants

during the phase of plantation

and value adding;

Water concentration in

structures (basins, catchment)

which improves the efficiency

of the use of water;

The partial recharge of the

aquifer by strengthening the

collection of rainwater and the

storing flood waters;

Efficient management of water

resources, contributing to the

reduction of pressure on water

resources, to the improvement

of living conditions of the

beneficiary population and to

the the improvement of the

productivity of plantations

The pollution of waters during the

construction of rainwater catchment and

flood protection structures

Component 2 : Structuration on

upstream and downstrean argan

value chain

Strengthening good practices

about rational utilization of

water for irrigation;Good water

use practices ;

No risks

Component 3 : capacity building,

knowledge management, co-

Good water saving practices;

Support applied research on

No risks or negative impacts


71

managment of natural argan forest


optimizing the mobilization of

water resources.

6.1.3. IMPACTS ON SOIL AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Soil protection is one of the project objectives. Indeed, the planting of argan in degraded areas promotes soil

conservation and carbon sequestration. The project also helps improve the fertility of poor soils in target areas

giving the the argan tree grows in poor soils.

The project through the component of mobilization of water resources (carrying storm water collection structures

and protection against floods) enables both the mobilization of water resources and the protection ot soil against

erosion. A set of effective SWC techniques are practiced in the region and suggested in the documents of the

project in question.

The good practices of soil conservation through training provided by the Component 3 will have a positive impact

on soil protection.

However risks could appear during the construction phase. During the w construction of the structures, there

could be risks, especially in the vicinity of the site. The choice of the projects sites must be done wisely, in order

to minimize impacts on the soil. In addition, measures on preservation of soil and health / safety must be set up

and respected by public works companies..

Indeed, the implementation of such structures will require excavation of materials from the bed of the oued; this

could undermine the stability of soil and also cause damage to the vegetation around the site. Similarly, improper

handling of waste and dangerous products, although minimal, may contaminate the ground, if there is a failure to

compliance with adequate safety / health measures.

Thus, proper management of cuttings, products and waste should be ensured; quantities excavated will be

reused and / or disposed of in authorized areas; At the end of construction, site remediation will also be ensured.

Regarding of operation, it is necessary that the management technique avoid the risk of disrupting the dynamics

of water flow and that soil clogging risks in infiltration area be examined. In usual cases, frequent in the field,

these risks do not have a significant extent in the project area and the techniques adopted by the ABH and

ORMVA / DRA-SM is proof..




on 10 000 ha

Protection of soil against

erosion and improvement of

soil fertility;

Carbon sequestration

Risk of soil contamination by argan

plants waste and the waste produced

by the workers.

Soil protection against erosion; Risk of soil contamination during the


72

construction phase



value chain

Dissemination of good

practices for soil protection

Risk of soil contamination during the

construction of the EIG upgrading units





Dissemination of good

practices for soil protection


6.1.4. IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY

The project will have a direct positive impact on biodiversity. Improved water availability will participate in the

maintenance of life in the project areas.

Thus the project will participate in the ecosystem preservation in general, and the local fauna and flora

preservation. It is recalled that the project area is located outside both RAMSAR areas.

During the implementation phase, possibly some impacts may occur but remain circumscribed in nearby

construction sites. Examples of these impacts may be those relating to the construction of access roads, the

clearing of plantations and also the poor management of waste and site scrap site.




on 10 000 ha

Imporving biodiversity through

growing Medicinal and

Aromatic Plants (PAM);

The domestication of the

argan tree

Risk localized during the phase of

planting work

Risk of plantations clearing due to

construction works, especially those

related to the implementation of access

roads

Improving biodiversity,

especially the flora, as a result

of water that will be captured

Improving productivity through

irrigation

Small risk during construction of

protection and rainwater catchment

structures

Component 2 : Structuration on Positive impact on the No negative impact


73


value chain

diversification of domesticated

crops and promotion of

activities around the protection

of biodiversity (beekeeping,

etc ..)





positive impact on the

population through thematic

training and dissemination of

good practices

Encouragement of research

(PhD students, researchers,

etc ..) about the issues

affecting the RBA and its

biodiversity

Support to dedicated entities

(CNA) to promote biodiversity

of the RBA.

No negative impact


74

6.1.5. IMPACTS ON AIR ET TEMPERATURE

These impacts, generated during the implementation phase, are of low intensity, temporary and of low extent. Only the

emission of dust and noise generated by the works themselves are to master. Although sandy soils do not emit dust

during the work, their handling may trigger a drive by winds and sand encroachment. Stabilization measures should be

recommended.




on 10 000 ha

The planting of argan and

PAM will contribute to reducing

the temperature and creating

an ecosystem that will strength

the Arganeraie Biosphere

Reserve (RBA)

Carbon sequestration

Generation of dust and atmospheric

emissions associated with construction

works: presence of equipment and

construction of access roads, especially

in the dry period

Contributing to the decrease in

temperature around water

catchment areas and flood

protection structures;

- Generation of dust and atmospheric

emissions associated with

construction works: presence of

equipment and construction of

access roads, especially in the dry

period



value chain

No impact Generation of dust and atmospheric

emissions associated with

construction works: presence of

equipment and construction of

access roads, especially in the dry

period





No impact No impact


75

6.1.6. IMPACTS ON ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

The project will not affect any archaeological site or world heritage site, or other important sites (Graveyard, ....). The

project will not affect native or indigenous populations that do not even exist in Morocco.





No impact Minimal risk of discovering archaeological

sites during the construction phase

Component 2 : Structuration

on upstream and downstrean

argan value chain

No impact No impact

Component 3 : capacity

building, knowledge

management, co-managment of

natural argan forest and

scientific research promotion

No impact No impact

6.1.7. IMPACTS FROM SOLID AND LIQUID WASTES

The activities of the project will generate waste during planting and construction / rehabilitation works of catchment and

protection structures, including empty specification materials (eg cement), wood and plastic wood, paper and waste

from construction sites. This could result in increased pressure on waste collection facilities and local sewerage.





No impact Poor management of waste resulting from

argan plants

No impact Minimal risk of pollution during the

construction phase


76



argan value chain

No impact No impact


building, knowledge




No impact No impact

6.1.8. NOISE AND VIBRATION

The various project sites are characterized by a quiet and noiseless environment . The activities in the project will not

generate any noise or vibration. The only impacts that could occur are minimal and covers the period of the

construction of protective structures. The noise that may be generated would be that of machines and vehicles.


Component 1: implementation

of the arganiculture on 10 000

ha

No impact Presence and movement of machines

No impact Minimal risk of noise during the

construction phase



argan value chain

No impact Minimal risk of noise during the

construction phase


building, knowledge



No impact No impact


77


POTENTIAL POSITIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS 6.2.

6.2.1. EMPLOYMENT CREATION

The project will have a positive impact on job creation during the implementation phase of the project and the

impact will last beyond the implementation phase of the lands improvement and inhancement actions planned in

components 3 and 4. Indeed, the project will impact a direct population of about 26 000 inhabitants and a total

direct and indirect population of about 425 000 inhabitants in the whole area.

The economic activity around the project sites will increase during the implementation phase . Local populations

may be asked to participate in the achievement of planting activites through companies that would carry out the

project activities. The sale of household consumer products, for people who will be in charge of carrying out the

work, will increase during the phase of implementation of the project activities.

Another advantage is selling products and building materials for rainwater the construction of catchment and flood

protection structures. At this stage it would be recommended the company give the priority to the use of local

building materials. This would create added value for the sale of these materials, locally.

Part of the expenditure of employees and consultants who will be in charge of technically participating in the

achievement of the project components will be injected into the local and regional economy.

During the upgrading phase, the project will:

- Improve the sources of income of the population by planting argan and aromatic and medicinal plants. This will allow beneficiaries to have a viable and sustainable source of income. The project will also create new income-generating activities for the population ;

- Create long-term jobs. Indeed, jobs relating to the valorization of argan plantations, jobs for the maintenance rainwater catchments and flood protection structures will be created. The creation of EIG will yield new jobs for their management.

6.2.2. NEW JOBS IN THE PRODUCTION OF ARGAN PLANTS :

The development of agriculture will strengthen revenue sources for nursery gardeners, who will have to produce more

plants that are certified for arganiculture .


78

6.2.3. STABILISATION OF THE POPULATION AND LIMITATION OF THE PRESSION ON CITIES

The project will strengthen the income sources for local people and hence, offer them opportunities to work sustainably

in the context of climate change. This will cause a change in the attitude of people who tend to leave their current

environment toward neighboring cities. This change will lead to an improvement in the living conditions of the local

population will yield indirect impacts on citiy jobs resulting from rural exodus.


Component 1 : component

1: implementation of the


- Improving income for the population

through the production of argan and its

derivative products: production of :

o 3,870 tons/year of fresh fruits

o 2,320 tons/year of dry fruits

o Argan oil

- Jobs creation

- Development of PAM : diversification of

income sources

- Diversification of income sources

Improving the living standards of the

beneficiary population;

Participating in the sustainable development

of the region

- Given the potential

and the demand, risk

of not satisfying the

whole population,

especially the

vulnerable

population

- Job creation during the construction of

structures, through local hiring, depending

on existing qualifications.

- Strengthening the efficiency of agriculture

owing to the better water management

- preserving social stability.

- Maintaining the irrigation of the current

agricultural area;

- Increase in irrigated agricultural area

- Retention of the local population;

- Reduction of migration towards other

areas.

- Minor risks related to

safety and health

during the

construction phase.



argan value chain

- Sustaining and developing income

generated by the argan


79


building, knowledge

management, co-managment

of natural argan forest and


- Effectiveness in managing the production

of argan;

- Continuous improvement of the quality of

arganiculture.

6.2.4. GENDER ISSUES

Women and men will benefit from the same employment opportunities offered during the implementation phase. The

ANDZOA and the entity responsible for the implementation of the activity specifies that the chances for gender equality

will be considered in the proposed opportunities.




on 10 000 ha

- Positive impact through

improving income for men

and women

- No risks

- The construction work will

impact the employment of

both men and women

- - Risk of hiring men

rather than women due

to the nature of the

work to be done ;

- Risk relating to work

opportunity during the

construction phase



value chain

- Both genders will take

advantage of the work. This

component will contribute to

the employment of women

and thus mitigate the risk of

exclusion of women from the

project

- This component will also

support wealth creation

initiatives (ICR) to the benefit

of young women.



occupation for the valorization of

the argan products.




positive impact on the capacity

building of all stakeholders (men

and women)


80


6.2.5. CAPACITY BUILDING

All the components of the project include capacity building of beneficiaries and stakeholders. Component 3 provides

capacity building for environmental and social aspects, and on safety and health and gender. …




on 10 000 ha

Capacity building in agriculture

and sustainable collective

management of planted areas

Installing a school in the field

dedicated to arganiculture

- No impact

Capacity building for the

collective maintenance of CEP

(rainwater catchment) and CES

(SWC - Soil and Water

Conservation) structures through

the installation of a school in the

dedicated field.

- No impact



value chain

Training for OP and EIG, and

structuring rightful claimants

The valorization of argan

products

No impact





Capacity building for all

stakeholders in the sector.

Capacity building for research

actors(researchers, young PhD

students, etc ..).


81

6.2.6. SOCIO CULTURAL IMPACTS

The project enables the strengthening of management and argan valorization structures in the area, and, hence the

development of a structured network capable of accessing the market for argan products and PAM valorization

products. Components 3 and 4 will strenghen the socio-cultural impact and contribute to the promotion of local

products through the exhibitions that are regularly held in Morocco and abroad. .




on 10 000 ha

Strengthening links between

regions where the project is

carried out (exchanges,

meetings at fairs, ...);

- No impact

Awareness about environmental

protection and risks related to

climate change;

Conservation of CEP structures

(terrassettes) as ingenious

structures, heritage and local

know-how.

- No impact



value chain

Developping socio-cultural

activities and increasing the

presence at fairs and local

products exhibitions

No impact





Developping socio-cultural

activities and increasing the

presence at fairs and local

products exhibitions

No impact

6.2.7. INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT AND ADHERENCE OF POPULATION

No involuntary resettlement of the population will take place for all project components and activities. For components that require the mobilization of the land, this mobilization will be for the following activities:

Plantation of argan and PAM: host lands are those landowners and plantation will be done on behalf of the beneficiaries with their consent. In this context, during the detailed feasibility phase, the ANDZOA will ensure that all beneficiaries reaffirm their adherence through a commitment signed by the owners. In case of refusal, the


82

activity will be reassigned to people who express their willingness to expand the area they initially dedicated to the project.

For rainwater catchment structures: actions will be carried out on oueds and chaabas which are under the hydraulic public domain, according to Moroccan legislation. Regarding SWC structures (in particular the terraces) that already exist on the private property of beneficiaries, the Project will undertake their rehabilitation, which is highly demanded by the beneficiaries. However, the local population will be sensitized before the project starts in order to reach an agreement with them. The final technical choice for sites to hold rainwater catchment and flood protection structures will be made in such a way that no involuntary resetlement will occur. Before the construction work starts, ANDZOA and Hydraulic Basin Agency (execution partner) will mobilize the population to reaffirm their commitment and establish a record materializing the final agreement on the site to be chosen. In case of unwillingness or identification of a potential risk, the project will be moved to a site that is safe in this context. Note that the rest of the activities planned in the other components are enhancement activities. Therefore they present no risk of negative impact on the population.

Adherence of the population is a guarantee of the succes of the project, and awareness raising before the start of the project remains essential. This awareness raising, along with the detailed feasibility study will enable the adherence of the population and the implementation of the components of the project. This assistance must be supervised by ONCA given its experience in farm advisory.




on 10 000 ha

No involuntary resettlement of the

population will take place

Risk of unstable adherence of

beneficiaries.



value chain













6.2.8. RESTRICTION OF LAND USE AND LAND RIGHTS

The project components present no risk relating to land use and land use rights.

6.2.9. HEALTH AND SAFETY AND SECURITY


83

The construction rainwater catchment and flood protection structures can pose risks for people living or working near

construction sites, as well as those working on site. This work can be a particular threat to children and livestock during

transport of building materials. Local people, including those working on the site may not be aware of construction

risks. Children may be inadvertently recruited to work on construction sites.

Les camps de travailleurs de la construction peuvent également donner lieu à des risques pour la santé associés aux pratiques d'élimination des déchets, de l'assainissement, ….




on 10 000 ha

Risk of accident or illness during

the construction phase





value chain










84

7. MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES 7.1.

7.1.1. IMPACTS ON THE ARGANERAIE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Component Risks or negative

impacts

Mitigation measure

Component 1 : implementation of the


Construction phase:

Impacts related to planting

work, roads improvement,

atmospheric emissions,

waste management

(mostly plants)

Despite the absence of risk, the project

will consider the importance of the RBA,

which must be preserved

Finalize a requirements specification for

works which will guarantee:

- considering the protection of

the RBA.

- a good management of waste

of plants

- A rehabilitation of areas

affected by the work

- Low nuisance.

Conduct an awareness campaign for

farmers / beneficiaries on the protection

of RBA.

No major negative impacts:

the impacts are related to

the construction phase and

will be easily mitigated if

good practices are

adopted. These impacts

are similar to those of

Component 1.

Conduct an awareness campaign for

farmers / beneficiaries on the protection

of RBA.

Finalize a requirements specification for

works which will guarantee:

- considering the protection of

the RBA.

- a good management of waste

of plants

- A rehabilitation of areas

affected by the work

- Low nuisance.


upstream and downstrean argan value

chain

No negative impact


85



managment of natural argan forest and


No negative impact

7.1.2. IMPACTS ON SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES

Component Risks or negative impacts Mitigation measure



The use of water for irrigation of

arganiculture could amplify the

need for water for irrigation during

the implemention phase.

Additional needs in places where

current usage peaks

The water requirements for

irrigation of plants during the first

3 years are roughly estimated at

25 million m3 / year

Consider the volume of water

needed for the planting phase

before the project starts.

Foresee the possiblity that the

contractor be in charge of bringing

water if needed.

Include environmental and social

monitoring in the role of the

technical assistant

The pollution of waters during the

construction of rainwater

catchment and flood protection

structures

Avoid spillage of waste and

products in oueds or alluvium;

Train site staff on food safety

measures to comply with;

Include environmental and social

monitoring in the role of the

technical assistant



chain

Risk of contamination during the

construction of the value adding

units, if they are close to a

watercourse

Detailing the feasibility of the

project before its implementation

in order to estimate water needs

and provide an ESMP suitable for

the activities planned in

component 3


86






7.1.3. IMPACTS ON SOIL




Risk of soil contamination by

argan plants waste and the

waste produced by the

workers.

Ensure a good management of

tailings and waste produced by

the workers

Risk of soil contamination during


Risk to be recorded during the

construction phase.

Taking the necessary measures

during the construction phase in

order to avoid any risk of

contamination (clear requirements

specification on this matter).



chain

Risk of soil contamination during

the construction of the EIG

upgrading units


during the construction phase in

order to avoid any risk of

contamination.







87

7.1.4. IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY

Component Risks or negative impacts Mitigation measure Component 1 : implementation of the arganiculture on 10 000 ha

Risk localized during the phase of planting work Risk of plantations clearing due to construction works, especially those related to the implementation of access roads

Restore and rehabilitate the areas affected by the work

Small risk during construction of protection and rainwater catchment structures

Rehabilitate areas affected by the work to a level at least equal to the baseline situation.



chain

No negative impact

Component 3 : capacity building, knowledge management, co-managment of natural argan forest and scientific research promotion

No negative impact

7.1.5. IMPACTS ON AIR ET TEMPERATURE

Component Risks or negative impacts Mitigation measure Component 1:: implementation of the arganiculture on 10 000 ha

Generation of dust and atmospheric emissions associated with construction works: presence of equipment and construction of access roads, especially in the dry period

Optimizing the movement of the equipment Use of equipment that are in good condition Watering areas close to people

- Generation of dust and atmospheric emissions associated with construction works: presence of equipment and construction of access roads, especially in the dry period

Risk to be considered during the construction phase. Optimizing the movement of the equipment Use of equipment that are in good condition Watering areas close to people



value chain

Generation of dust and atmospheric emissions associated with construction works: presence of equipment

Optimizing the movement of the equipment Use of equipment that are in good condition Watering areas close to people


88

and construction of access roads, especially in the dry period

Component 3 : capacity building, knowledge management, co-managment of natural argan forest and scientific research promotion

7.1.6. IMPACTS ON ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE


Component 1 : implementation of

the arganiculture on 10 000 ha

No impact

- Minimal risk of

discovering

archaeological sites

during the construction

phase

Upon discovery of archaeological sites,

alerting officials of the Ministry of Culture

and local authorities while following the

national procedure relating to sites

reporting. Stop work immediately.

Discuss with the other project partners

about the relocation to a new site while

following the same approach

(Consultation, support of the population,

site identification, prior assessment of the

environmental and social impact)



value chain

No impact





No impact


89

7.1.7. IMPACTS FROM SOLID AND LIQUID WASTES


Component 1 : implementation of

the arganiculture on 10 000 ha

Poor management of waste

resulting from argan plants

Ensuring a good management of plants

waste

Minimal risk of pollution during


Taking the necessary measure during

the implementation phase ;

Add the ESMP to the requirements

specification.



value chain

No impact





No impact

7.1.8. NOISE AND VIBRATION




Minor risk of noise during


Including in the requirements

specification, driving restrictions at

night, limited speed and

necessary safety instructions

(signage, etc .)

Component 2 : Structuration on upstream

and downstrean argan value chain

No impact


90


knowledge management, co-managment of

natural argan forest and scientific research

promotion

No impact

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES 7.2.

7.2.1. EMPLOYMENT CREATION




- Given the potential and the

demand, risk of not satisfying the

whole population, especially the

vulnerable population

In case of additional demand,

establishing eligibility criteria.

The ANDZOA has a proven

experience in partnership

management through calls for

proposals.

Maintaining a permanent

communication channel with

the local population.

- Minor risks related to safety and

health during the construction

phase.

Taking the necessary

measures to prevent

employment of children;

Take the necessary measures

to ensure that site staff is

insured, is trained on accident

and has acquired good

practices and tools for safe

work;

Establishing a health check for

onsite employees beforehand

The company must designate

a local clinic in case of

accident, with an insurance

covering all staff risks.


91



chain





7.2.2. GENDER ISSUES




- No risks

- Risk of hiring men

rather than women due

to the nature of the

work to be done ;

Risk relating to work opportunity

during the construction phase

Specify the nature of the work,

the skills required while

highlighting equal chances for

job opportunities



value chain



occupation for the valorization of

the argan products.

During the implementation

phase, establish an assessment

of women's activities in order to

take them into account in the

planning of the project and its

activities






92

7.2.3. CAPACITY BUILDING




- No impact *



value chain

Minor risk of competition and

market access

Taken into account in the project

activities consisting of

accompanying EIG to access to

the market





No impact *

7.2.4. SOCIO CULTURAL IMPACTS




- No impact -

- No impact -



value chain

No impact -





No impact -


93

7.2.5. INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT AND ADHERENCE OF POPULATION





beneficiaries.


beneficiaries.

Avoid any site that may cause

population displacement or any

dispute in the accurate

identification process.

Reaffirming the commitment of

the population before the project

starts (to be done by ONCA and

ANDZOA).




beneficiaries.

Avoid any site that may cause

population displacement or any

dispute in the accurate

identification process.




ANDZOA).



value chain






ANDZOA).










ANDZOA)..


94

7.2.6. HEALTH AND SAFETY AND SECURITY







to prevent employment of

children;

Take the necessary measures to

ensure that site staff is insured, is

trained on accident and has

acquired good practices and tools

for safe work;

Establishing a health/safety

check for onsite employees

beforehand;

The contractor must designate a

local clinic in case of accident,

with an insurance covering all

staff risks.





children;





for safe work;



beforehand;

The company must designate a



staff risks.



value chain





children;




95



for safe work;



beforehand;




staff risks.









children;





for safe work;



beforehand;




staff risks.


96

MATRIX OF MITIGATION/COMPENSATION/ENHANCEMENT MEASURES 7.3.

The project as designed confirms its positive impact on the environment and the population. Indeed, all planned

activities are generally bonus activities for the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve, which ANDZOA and its partners will

maximize. Furthermore, it is recommended to update, in case of need, the environmental and social impact

assessment for all physical activities that the project plans.

Almost all of the negative impacts are related to the implementation phase. The table below summarizes the

mitigation measures for each identified impact.

Table 7 : Matrix of risks and suggested mitigation measure

Potential environmental and social impacts and risks

Suggested mitigation measure

Risk of harming the biosphere of the argan tree in case of poor management and performance of the work in areas close to the biosphere reserve. Deterioration of biodiversity due to the work and the presence of equipments and the construction site.

Conduct an awareness campaign among the different actors on the protection of

RBA;

Good organization of work and tailings management

Avoid clearing plantations and ensure saving wildlife that thrives in the

neighborhood of the site.

Rehabilitate the areas affected by the construction site

Add to the requirements specification for contractors, clauses relating to the

protection of RBA

Risk of altering archaeological sites

Upon discovery of archaeological sites, alerting officials of the Ministry of Culture and local authorities while following the national procedure relating to sites reporting. Stop work immediately.

Discuss with the other project partners about the relocation to a new site while following the same approach (Consultation, support of the population, site identification, prior assessment of the environmental and social impact)

Change of the flow of water, this could negatively impact the population living downstream of the work site

Encouraging work in dry weather. If necessary, trying to minimize the duration of the intervention

Deterioration of water quality of the Oueds (Rivers) along the segments affected by the project implementation


Train site staff on food safety measures to comply with;

Include environmental and social monitoring in the role of the technical assistant

Ensure a good management of products used for the work

Ensure a good management of tailings and waste produced by the workers

Ensuring a good management of plants waste

Check the condition of vehicles and machinery to prevent leaks and spills of petroleum products and hydrocarbons

Implement a Hazardous Materials Management Plan and an action plan for spills

Ensure proper management of pollutants

Avoid materials releases into the oued or in the natural environment.

Prevent leaks and spills of petroleum products and hydrocarbons.

Risk of soil contamination by site waste

Collect waste water and site waste

Minimize waste accumulation


97

Disposing of waste in landfills authorized by the government

Providing a wastewater collection system

Always clean work areas, as well as the floor in case of dirt or deposits

• Build barricades around in polluting products storage tanks and prepare areas for the storage or handling of these products

Plan on one (or more if necessary) cleanup kit (emergency bag containing several absorbent sheets)

Restoring the work area

Risk of gender inequality During the implementation phase, establish an assessment of women's activities in order to take them into account in the planning of the project and its activities ;

Specify nature of the work, the skills required while highlighting equal chances for job opportunities.

Impact on air quality caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, dust and noise

Use of equipment that are in good condition

Limiting the speed of vehicles and equipments

Turning off the engine in case of non-operation

Covering the excess cuttings

Covering trucks carrying cuttings and materials that are likely to generate dust

Restoring the site

Risk of accidents, health and safety Impact on the health and safety of the population



Establishing a health check for onsite employees beforehand

The company must designate a local clinic in case of accident, with an insurance covering all staff risks ;

Establishing markup and temporary construction signage before starting the work

Checking the speed of construction vehicles, especially nearby houses.

Provide personal protective equipment for workers and site personnel.

Involuntary resettlement and adhrence of the population

Avoid any site that may cause population displacement or any dispute in the accurate identification process


Risk of discrimination for participation in events and fairs

The participation in trade fairs is to be organized in turn in order to involve every EIG (Economic Interest Group)

Pressure on water resources: need to irrigate plants during the first 3 years at a rate of 2500 m3 / ha / year, ie a total of 25 million m3 / year for the entire area of 10 000 ha

Water resources are already experiencing overexploitation, due to a significant demand for irrigation water. To compensate for this additional demand, the project includes rainwater catchment actions and, possibly, water points to construct upon authorization of ABH.


98

Table 8. Analysis matrix of the alignment of the project with environmental and social safeguard policies and measures

Environmental and

Social Safeguard

Principles

Content and scope of principles Element of compliance evaluation Potential risks to manage before,

during project implementation


PS1: Assessment

and management of

environmental and

social risks and

impacts

a) Identify funding proposal’s

environmental and social risks and

impacts;

The project includes an ESIA identifying

environmental and social risks and impacts

- Difficulty in procurement of

argan plants

- Adherence of the population

- Pollution

- Lack or insufficient irrigation of

argan seedlings

Follow the environmental and social

monitoring plan for the project

b) Adopt mitigation hierarchy: anticipate,

avoid; minimize; compensate or

offset;

Project Risk management gives priority to

anticipation and avoidance first, before seeking to

minimize or compensate for the effects of

unavoidable risks

c) Improve performance through an

environmental and social

management system;

The project adopts an environmental and social

management plan that identifies risks and provides

for actions to be implemented to avoid, minimize or

compensate for their effects.

d) Engagement with affected

communities or other stakeholders

throughout funding proposal cycle.

This includes communications and

grievance mechanisms.

Environmental and social monitoring mechanism

Complaints handling mechanism to implement

Identified risks associated with

environmental and social aspects

(ESIA);

Social risks for the project

components

Follow the environmental and social

monitoring plan, globally or by project

component


99

Environmental and

Social Safeguard

Principles




PS2: Labour and

working conditions

a) Fair treatment, non-discrimination,

equal opportunity;

b) Good worker–management

relationship;

The project will be in confrmity with the Labour

Code /Morocco (code travail Maroc : bulletin officiel

numéro 5210 du jeudi 6 mai 2004. Dahir n° 1-03-

194 du 14 rejeb 1424 (11 septembre 2003) portant

promulgation de la loi n° 65-99 relative au code du

travail. 2004.)

Morocco has ratified ILO core labour standards.

The probable risk of non-equity is

the difference in salary between

men and women workers and

workers in the low access of

women to jobs at companies

employed by the project.

It is necessary to include clauses

related to the compliance with ILO

labour rights and national standards.

c) Comply with national employment

and labour laws; All activities planned in the framework of the project

are in accordance with national and international

laws

Limited institutional capacity for

implementation of the ESMP

(Environmental and Social

Management Plan)

Development of a capacity building plan

(information, training, etc.) to reinforce

the capacities of institutions responsible

for the implementation of the ESMP

d) Protect workers, in particular those in

vulnerable categories; None of the proposed actions will generate

negative issues on these population groups. All

project activities help strengthen the resilience of

the population and improving their socio-economic

conditions

During the implementation of the

actions the vulnerable groups

susceptible to be affected during

construction or exploitation

sages are not identified yet.

ANDZOA shall engage a survey

investigation to identify vulnerable

and/or marginalized groups to be

affected during construction or

exploitation sages

This measure will be included in the


100

Environmental and

Social Safeguard

Principles




ESMP.

e) Promote safety and health; The organizations and contractors responsible for

the implementation of the project are subject to the

law which requires a minimum of social protection

for workers

Exposure to pollution, risk of

workplace accidents

Implement the measures of the ESMP

f) Avoid use of forced labour or child

labour. Organizations and enterprises in charge of

implementing the project are subject to the law that

prohibits child labor

No risk Raising awareness and integrating

binding clauses in the contract

documents

PS3: Resource

efficiency and

pollution

prevention

a) Avoid, minimize or reduce project-

related pollution;

Due to the small scale of the project and its small

footprint, very low amounts of waste are produced.

Also, the energy and other raw materials are low.

Deterioration of water quality of

the Oueds (Rivers) along the

segments affected by the

construction of infrastructure.

Conventional mitigation measures

reported in the ESMP will be

implemented.

b) More sustainable use of resources,

including energy and water; The project includes a component for the

mobilization of rainwater for a better management

of the resource "water".

Energy requirements for the project are low.

No identified risk Sensitivity for better irrigation

techniques

c) Reduced project-related greenhouse

gas emissions

The Project reinforces resilience to climate change,

and will not result in an increase in greenhouse gas

emissions.

A temporary residual negative

impact, with low intensity lies in

low emissions of greenhouse

gases during the construction of

Engage a climate check for the

construction of the structures


101

Environmental and

Social Safeguard

Principles




the structures.

PS4: Community

health, safety and

security

a) To anticipate and avoid adverse

impacts on the health and safety of

the affected community;

Apart from the risk of accidents that are controllable

during the work phase, no project activity is

generating negative impact on health.

Aids risk of HIV spread in the

community of workers during the

construction phase and The risk

of personal injury.

i) Sensitize workers about the disease

ii) it is also necessary to take the

measures recommended in the ESMP

to avoid accidents. These measures

must be integrated ias clauses (health,

security, HIV aids awareness) in

specific technical specifications

contracted with the companies

responsible for the work.

b) To safeguard personnel and property

in accordance with relevant human

rights principles.

No action planned in this project, disagrees with the

principles of human right.

The project will be in line with the these human

rights stipulated by the Moroccan new constitution

that enshrines human rights as universally

recognized and stipulates the protection of these

rights, taking into account their universality and

The implementation of some

activities can induce a deviation

of rights such as deterioration of

the living or non-securing the

work site during the construction

phase.

It is necessary to include environmental

and social clauses (health, security,

social issues, HIV aids awareness) in

specific technical specifications

contracted with the companies

responsible for the work.

This practice was initiated and

implemented in the mega-project


102

Environmental and

Social Safeguard

Principles




indivisibility.

The Moroccan constitution adopted all rights

provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights enshrined the primacy of international

conventions ratified by Morocco on national

legislation and affirmed Morocco's commitment to

harmonize these legislation with the provisions of

these conventions.

implemented under the compact

millennium challenge account (MCC-

USAID) and the Ministry of agriculture

and fisheries in morocco. This model is

well documented and can serve as an

example. it has also been used for

similar projects in the oasis of Tafilalet

mcc project.

PS5: Land

acquisition and

involuntary

resettlement

c) Avoid/minimize adverse social and

economic impacts from land

acquisition or restrictions on land use:

i) Avoid/minimize

displacement;

ii) Provide alternative

project designs;

iii) Avoid forced eviction.

No population in the zone will be subject to

resettlement due to the project activities.

For physical actions, and after

the final selection of the sites by

localization, the risk of

expropriation - Involuntary

resettlement of the population

may occur.

Possible measures to manage this risk

are: i) search for an alternative site

without involuntary resettlement, ii)

stopping the activity

d) Improve or restore livelihoods and

standards of living; The nature of the project involves an increase in

local living standards through the expansion of the

income sources of the beneficiaries

No identified risk Avoid any alternative involving

expropriation or population

displacement e) Improve living conditions among

displaced persons by providing:

i) Adequate housing;

ii) Security of tenure.


103

Environmental and

Social Safeguard

Principles




PS6: Biodiversity

conservation and

sustainable

management of

living natural

resources

a) Protection and conservation of

biodiversity; Some planned actions aim a better water resources

management that will improve the conservation of

biological diversity in oasis zones.

For physical actions, and after

the final selection of the sites, the

risk of deterioration of

biodiversity (specially relicts

or/and endemic species)

It is necessary to initiate a study to

inventory and characterization of plant

and animal biodiversity (fauna and

flora) in the area of influence of the

activity. In cases where the impact

proves to be significant, the activity site

should be moved to another location or

to cancelling the activity

b) Maintenance of benefits from

ecosystem services;

c) Promotion of sustainable

management of living natural

resources;

d) Integration of conservation needs and

development priorities.

The flood protection and water collection structures

will enable the maintenance of benefits drawn from

ecosystem.

Non-applying of good practice of

irrigation and drainage can cause

soil degradation by salinization.

Another risk of non-conservation

of water in the soil resulted from

inadequate conservation

practices.

Adoption (and training on) of practices

of soil and water conservation:

- Leaching requirement to avoid salts accumulation in root zone

- Superficial minimum tillage,

- Mulching,

- Soil organic amendment

- etc.

PS7: Indigenous

peoples

a) Ensure full respect for indigenous

peoples

i) Human rights, dignity,

aspirations;

ii) Livelihoods;

Principle not applicable to the project - -


104

Environmental and

Social Safeguard

Principles




iii) Culture, knowledge,

practices;

b) Avoid/minimize adverse impacts;

c) Sustainable and culturally appropriate

development benefits and

opportunities;

d) Free, prior and informed consent in

certain circumstances.

PS8: Cultural

heritage

a) Protection and preservation of

cultural heritage;

b) Promotion of equitable sharing of

cultural heritage benefits.

Project activities do not generate negative impacts

on the natural and cultural heritage (NCP). Indeed,

in addition to the choice of the site which should

prevent any site or heritage building, the NCP is

protected by legal texts (Loi- 22-80 relative à la

conservation des monuments historiques et des

sites, des inscriptions, des objets d’art et

d’antiquités, etc. )

NO RISKS _

FEASABILITY STUDY OF THE PROJECT “ESTABLISHING ARGAN ORCHARDS IN DEGRADED ENVIRONMENTS”

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

ESIA "Establishing argan orchards in degraded environments" 105

8. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

This Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) provides a logical framework within which the negative environmental and social impacts identified during the ESIA study can be mitigated and any beneficial environment effects can be enhanced.

Monitoring and management practices as well as monetary compensation are considered and cost estimates included as applicable. Responsibilities and time frames for the implementation of the various aspects of the ESMP will be identified.

The ESMP will be provided to prospective bidders for the construction contracts to ensure that environmental mitigation costs are factored into their costings. The Contractor(s) will also be required to prepare a separate and specific ESMP for their works in order to control construction impacts and ensure compliance with applicable environmental and health and safety legislation and standards.

ANDZOA and Partners will ultimately be responsible for ensuring that the ESMP is implemented on site via reviewing the Contractor’s ESMP and ensuring its implementation on site via audits.

8.1.1. MATRIX OF MITIGATION/COMPENSATION/ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

Almost all of the negative impacts are related to the implementation phase. The table below summarizes the

mitigation measures for each identified impact.




Table 9 : Environmental and Social Management Plan


Suggested mitigation measure Phase Concerned environments

Monitoring Indicators

Frequency of the measures (*)

Responsibility Cost (equipment and staff)

Risk of harming the biosphere of the argan tree in case of poor management and performance of the work in areas close to the biosphere reserve. Deterioration of biodiversity due to the work and the presence of equipments and the construction site.

Conduct an awareness campaign among

the different actors on the protection of

RBA;

Good organization of work and tailings

management

Avoid clearing plantations and ensure

saving wildlife that thrives in the

neighborhood of the site.

Rehabilitate the areas affected by the

construction site

Add to the requirements specification for

contractors, clauses relating to the

protection of RBA

implementation Biological

environment

Methods and areas of storage of the construction site materials and hydrocarbons.

Site conditions

The whole construction period

ANDZOA / HCEFLCD / Contractors

Costs included in the implementation budget

Risk of altering archaeological sites

Upon discovery of archaeological sites, alerting officials of the Ministry of Culture and local authorities while following the national procedure relating to sites reporting. Stop work immediately.

Discuss with the other project partners about the relocation to a new site while following the same approach (Consultation, support of the population, site identification, prior assessment of the environmental and social impact)

implementation Physical environment

Number of sites discoverd and preserved


ANDZOA / Ministère de la culture / Contractor


Change of the flow of water, this could negatively impact the population living

Encouraging work in dry weather. If necessary, trying to minimize the duration of the intervention


Weather during construction works


ANDZOA / ABH / Contractor










downstream of the work site

Deterioration of water quality of the Oueds (Rivers) along the segments affected by the project implementation


Train site staff on food safety measures to comply with;

Include environmental and social monitoring in the role of the technical assistant

Ensure a good management of products used for the work

Ensure a good management of tailings and waste produced by the workers

Ensuring a good management of plants waste

Check the condition of vehicles and machinery to prevent leaks and spills of petroleum products and hydrocarbons

Implement a Hazardous Materials Management Plan and an action plan for spills

Ensure proper management of pollutants

Avoid materials releases into the oued or in the natural environment.

Prevent leaks and spills of petroleum products and hydrocarbons.


Site conditions.

• Observance of instructions about wastewater rejections on site.

Observance of good waste and yard waste management practices

Methods and areas of storage of the construction site materials and hydrocarbons

Availability of protective equipment at storage sites.




Risk of soil contamination by site waste

Collect waste water and site waste

Minimize waste accumulation

Disposing of waste in landfills authorized by the government

Providing a wastewater collection system

Always clean work areas, as well as the floor in case of dirt or deposits

• Build barricades around in polluting products storage tanks and prepare areas for the storage or handling of these products

Plan on one (or more if necessary) cleanup kit (emergency bag containing several

implementation

Physical

environment

Presence of waste scattered around the site.

Presence of dustbins on the site.

Existence of a sealed enclosure for the storage of fuel.

Availability of a


ANDZOA / Contractor Costs included in the implementation budget









absorbent sheets)

Restoring the work area

unique place for handling contaminants.

Availability of an emergency intervention plan and the means of its implementation.

Risk of gender inequality During the implementation phase, establish an assessment of women's activities in order to take them into account in the planning of the project and its activities ;

Specify nature of the work, the skills required while highlighting equal chances for job opportunities.

implementation

Human environment

• Clarification regarding equal opportunities in job advertisements

Number of employed women


ANDZOA / Contractor Costs included in the implementation budget

Impact on air quality caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, dust and noise

Use of equipment that are in good condition

Limiting the speed of vehicles and equipments

Turning off the engine in case of non-operation

Covering the excess cuttings

Covering trucks carrying cuttings and materials that are likely to generate dust

Restoring the site

implementation

Human and biological environment

Site conditions.

Compliance of vehicles with emissions standards (noise, exhaust gases).

Respect of working and resting hours of the population.




Risk of accidents, health and safety Impact on the health and safety of the population



Establishing a health check for onsite employees beforehand

The company must designate a local clinic in case of accident, with an insurance covering all staff risks ;

Establishing markup and temporary

implementation

Human

environment

Presence of

markup (fence)

and construction

signage.

Compliance with

employment

regulations

Use of personal

protective

equipment

The whole

construction

period

ANDZOA / Contractor Costs included in

the

implementation

budget









construction signage before starting the work

Checking the speed of construction vehicles, especially nearby houses.

Provide personal protective equipment for workers and site personnel.

Involuntary resettlement and adhrence of the population

Avoid any site that may cause population displacement or any dispute in the accurate identification process


Study Human

environment

Adherence of the

population

before the

work starts

ANDZOA / l’ONCA Costs included in

the

implementation

budget

Risk of discrimination for participation in events and fairs

Establish a requirements specification that qualifies EIGs (Economic Interest Groups) who could represent the EIGs concerned by the project, in consultation with RARBA and project stakeholders.

The participation in trade fairs is to be organized in turn in order to involve every EIG

operations Human

environment

Number of EIGs

participating in

trade fairs and

exhibitions

At the time of

fairs and

exhibitions

ANDZOA Costs included in

the operating

budget

Pressure on water resources: need to irrigate plants during the first 3 years at a rate of 2500 m3 / ha / year, ie a total of 25 million m3 / year for the entire area of 10 000 ha

Water resources are already experiencing

overexploitation, due to a significant

demand for irrigation water. To compensate

for this additional demand, the project

includes rainwater catchment actions and,

possibly, water points to construct upon

authorization of ABH.

operations Physical environment

Rainwater catchment projects

First 3 years following plantation

ANDZOA Costs included in the operating budget


110

8.1.2. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN-ESMP

The ANDZOA take the responsibility to ensure compliance with environmental and social policy of the Green

Climate Fund. For this purpose, the responsible entity will manage the entire project and each sub-activity of the

project. It will provide the equipment, the necessary training from the beginning of the project and ensure that all

processes envisaged in the project (monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and governance) can detect environmental

and social risks so that they may be taken care of and managed accordingly.

The ANDZOA will designate a person with the competencies for the environmental and social monitoring and

surveillance of the project, as recommended in the studies and taking into account the requirements of the GCF.

Indeed, it must ensure the proper conduct of the project to minimize or to eliminate all the risks and negative impacts

of the project either on the biophysical or on the human environment.

The PMU of ANDZOA will be responsible for application of mitigation measures in the ESMP and ensuring

compliance with environmental and social policy of GCF. In addition, it must keep a close eye on the potential risks

that may arise during the implementation of the project.

The Environmental and social Risk Managment Plan will ensure that :

- adequate capacity building for risk management is provided at project start-up;

- activity forecasts are screened for potential risks and that associated disbursement is not approved where

these arise;

- project reporting processes have a particular focus on detection of environmental and social risks; the

project oversight and governance processes are designed to ensure that risks are avoided where possible

and appropriately mitigated in the unlikely event of these occurring; and

- Stakeholders are aware of a mechanism to raise concerns relating to risks with the project PMU and the

ANDZOA and ADA Steering Committee should concerns relating to risks not be adequately addressed by

the PMU.

For this, the ANDZOA will be responsible for monitoring the risks that have been identified or those that would be

identified for the project's sub-activities and will conduct the following activities:

1. Update the ESIA for each sub-activity of the DARED project:

That is, conduct an environmental and social study on the risks identified in the overall ESMP. Therefore, the

responsible entity will update the ESMP of each sub-activity, taking into account all the mitigations measures in

accordance with the principles of the GCF.

- Although the current ESIA has not identified any major risks in accordance with the ESP of the Fund, during

the identification the project implementation sites and in the event that the site presents a risk that can be in

contradiction with the ESP of the GCF, the responsible entity will change the site or will cancel the planned

activity.

- Also, all activities and sub-projects do not provide for involuntary displacements. The responsible entity make

sure, once the site is identified, to ensure compliance with the ESP of the GCF and, in the case where an

activity will require the involuntary displacement, to choose another site that does not require the triggering of

involuntary displacement. The Entity agrees to cancel sub-activities that could trigger an involuntary

displacement in the event that all the identified sites will present this condition.


111

For each sub-project, an environmental and social impact assessment will be updated to identify environmental and

social risks. The Environmental and Social Management Plan will be updated accordingly. The entity (ADA and

ANDZOA) will ensure compliance with and respect of the environmental and social policies of the Green Climate

Fund and in the event that an activity or subproject will not respect one of the principles, it will be canceled or

replaced in coordination with the Green Climate Fund. Replacement costs that would be identified for sub-activities

and which are not provided for in the financial plan of the DARED will be supported by the ADA and the ANDZOA.

2. A project launch workshop

Once the ESIA is updated, a launch workshop will be organized in the presence of all stakeholders and actors and

the local population. This workshop will be an opportunity to present:

- the stages of implementation of the subproject;

- the mitigation measures for social and environmental risks;

- the frequency at which workshops will be held for information, for awareness and for complaints handling;

- the steps to follow for any complaint or request from population;

- the tools set up to ensure permanent contact and also the measures taken to mitigate the environmental and

social risks.

- an overview of the the environmental and social monitoring and surveillance plan;

- the work plan, the monitoring committee.

This workshop will be an opportunity to strengthen the support from the population, present the results and reaffirm

the appropriation of project activities by beneficiaries.

Following the workshop, a detailed report will be prepared and shared with all participants, actors and stakeholders

in the project.

3. Starting the Project and Sub-Activities

During the startup phase, the responsible entity directly commit, with partners (ORMVA, ABH, ...), to the procedures

to be used for the management of the Project. The PMU of the project will establish agreements with partners and

enterprises that will be mandated for the implementation of sub-activities. These agreements will stipulate the

obligation of the partners to respect the environmental and social policies of the GCF and, the Entity ADA- ANDZOA,

through the PMU will monitor the compliance with the ESP of the GCF.

- A procedural manual will be developed to support this process by focusing on the respect of ESP of the GCF.

- A training session will be organized by ANDZOA for the strengthening of stakeholders and partners capacity to

ensure compliance at the start-up of the project and sub-activities and the compliance with the ESP of the

GCF. This capacity will allow actors to be able to identify the environmental and social risks, the mitigation

measures, the monitoring of measures, the evaluation and the reporting.

In this regard, particular attention will be paid to ensure that the activities have no negative impact on all priority

biodiversity areas or ecosystem support areas, and that there are no negative impacts on local communities,

including vulnerable groups and indigenous peoples, involuntary displacement. Potential negative impacts will also

be anticipated.

4. Strengthening the capacity of local partners


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During the implementation process of each activity of the project, the partners in such activities will be accompanied

for their capacity building. They will be able, after strengthening their capacity to detect and mitigate environmental and

social risks in accordance with the environmental and social policies of the GCF. This component will be considered by

the Project Management Unit through the environmental and social monitoring cell. This capacity building will also

allow local communities to know their rights and possible remedies they may have to raise issues related to potential

risks.

5. Quarterly forecasting and risk management

The monitoring of activities will be ensured by the PMU continuously throughout the duration of the project. Quarterly

monitoring reports will be prepared by the PMU and disseminated for the ADA and ANDZOA and shared with the

Green Climate Fund. These reports will describe the progress of the activities, the achievements, the measures taken,

the environmental and social monitoring.

The updating of the plan for monitoring environmental and social risks will be made on a quarterly basis by the PMU

and its partners. Each quarter, the PMU will ensure the implementation of the mitigations measures envisaged in the

risk management plan in compliance with the ESP principles of the GCF, but also will identify new environmental and

social risks and mitigations measures.

After the update, the risk management plan will be updated and the measures will be reviewed and consolidated

compared to those identified prior to the completion of the activity. Therefore, the risk management plan in compliance

with the environmental and social policies of the GCF will be updated throughout the entire period of implementation of

the activity and the measures will be presented and validated so that they are implemented. In the event that potential

risks appear and are not envisaged in the budget of risk management, ANDZOA will support them.

In order for funds to be disbursed, the PMU will need to submit detailed quarterly forecasts to the ANDZOA that are

built up from anticipated project activities. All Component and sub-Component Leaders will be expected to do the

same for the PMU.

In an effort to strengthen risk screening, and to ensure that no unintended negative impacts are caused or not

mitigated, all Component and sub-Component Leaders will be required to submit a basic environmental and social

risk table with their forecasts. These tables will need to be submitted to the PMU as part of the forecast approval

process.

In the lead up to project inception, the ANDZOA will modify the GCF’s ESP table for this purpose. All risks will be

included, but the table will be elaborated upon to create a set of clear and easy to understand activities that will need

to be cross checked.

This risk screening process will ensure compliance with the principles of the GCF ESP and National legislation.

Project activities that pose social or environmental risks that are not easily mitigated will not be approved during the

detailed quarterly forecasting process.

6. Quarterly forecast review and risk assessment

All quarterly forecasts, including risk assessments, will be reviewed by the PMU with support of the Gender and

Social Expert. These reviews will be tabled with recommendations to the PCC and NIE for approval.

Develop quarterly forecasts including

budgets (Who is responsible for the components and sub-activities ?)

Update the situation of the

environmental and social risks

originally identities and the mitigation measures for each sub-activity of the

project.

Submit the Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan to the PMU

which will submit it to the ADA-

ANDZOA and the Fund

Review the forecasts and the

risk assessment for sub-activities

Submit the management plan for environmental and social risks to

the Fund for approval, activity modification or

cancellation.


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7. Risk Management

Prior to the project start-up :

Environmental and social risks in connection with the ESP of the GCF are identified, reported the person

responsible for the environmental and social monitoring of the PMU. The mitigation measures of these risks are

established.

- Where minor risks that can easily be mitigated are detected, the PMU of DARED should be required to

develop a sub-Environmental and Social Risk Management Plan, commensurate with the severity of the risk

associated with the relevant sub-component activity. The PMU Entity will need to show that costs associated

with this can be provided within the project budget, and this will need to be approved by the ANDZOA and

ADA.

- In the contrary case, when the risks are significant, the ANDZOA will change the site of the sub-activity or

cancel it if the risk does not comply with ESP of the GCF.

During the implementation of the project:

The quarterly update allows for checking and updating risk and also identifying previously unidentified risks. These

risks are completed and submitted to the PMU in order to be reported to ANDZOA and ADA and then to GCF.

- If the risks are minimal: their mitigation measures are established, completed and monitored;

- If a potential risk is not in accordance with the ESP of the GCF, the ANDZOA and ADA will change the site

of the sub-activity or modify the sub-activity. In the case where the risk is significant, the sub-activity will be

stopped or replaced.

The mitigation measures are implemented, the monitoring is indicated by the PMU in the quarterly, semi-annual and

annual reports. The monitoring indicators are indicated in order to appreciate and check the implementation of

mitigation measures.

Roles and Responsibilities:

PMU, sub-Executing Entities and partners – risk screening, development of wetland rehabilitation plans. risk

screening oversight.

ANDZOA – capacity building, risk screening scrutiny and verification.

8. Reporting

Particular attention will be given to the monitoring of unanticipated environmental and social risks in the quarterly

reporting process. The PMU will be expected to scrutinize sub-Executing Entity reports for such risks, and to

provide the ADA and ANDZOA with their appraisals for verification. The ANDZOA will work closely alongside

the PMU to ensure that his staff have the capacity to undertake the required screening, and to provide the

necessary scrutiny.



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PMU, sub-Executing Entities and partners – risk screening. Partners –

risk screening oversight.

ANDZOA– capacity building, risk screening scrutiny and verification.

9. Annual Reporting

Particular attention will be given to the monitoring of unanticipated environmental and social risks in the quarterly

reporting process. The PMU will be expected to scrutinize sub-Executing Entity reports for such risks, and to provide

the ANDZOA and ADA with their appraisals for verification.

The ANDZOA will work closely alongside the GCF to ensure that PMU staff have the capacity to undertake the

required screening, and to provide the necessary scrutiny.

Annual Project Implementation Reports will be prepared by the PMU and submitted to the ANDZOA in order to

monitor progress made since project start and in particular for the previous reporting period.

The Annual Project Implementation Reports shall include, but not be limited to, reporting on:

- progress made toward project objective and project outcomes – each with indicators, baseline data and end-of-project targets (cumulative);

- project outputs delivered per project outcome (annual); lessons

learned/good practice;

- expenditure reports; and

- risks and adaptive management, with a particular focus on environmental and social risks as identified in

the GCF ESP.

A report template for the Annual Project Implementation Report shall be prepared by the ANDZOA and the

ADA in consultation with the GCF Secretariat.

10. Periodic Monitoring through site visits

The ANDZOA will conduct visits to project sites based on a agreed schedule to assess first hand project progress.

11. Mid-term of project cycle

The project will undergo an independent Mid-Term Evaluation at the mid-point of project implementation. The Mid-

Term Evaluation will determine progress being made toward the achievement of outcomes and will identify course

correction if needed. It will focus on the effectiveness, efficiency and timeliness of project implementation; will

highlight issues requiring decisions and actions; and will present initial lessons learned about project design,

implementation and management. The mid-term evaluation will include a focus on environmental and social risks,

and ensure compliance with the GCF ESP.


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Findings of this review will be incorporated as recommendations for enhanced implementation during the final half

of the project’s term. The organization, Terms of Reference and timing of the Mid-Term Evaluation will be decided

after consultation between the parties to the project document. The Terms of Reference for this Mid-Term

Evaluation will be prepared by the ANDZOA and ADA based on guidance from the GCF.


Consultants – risk evaluation.

PMU, sub-Executing Entities and partners – risk management responses (in the unlikely event that these

should arise).

PMU – risk management oversight. ANDZOA– risk management verification.

12. End of Project

An independent Terminal Evaluation will take place three months prior to project closure and will be undertaken in

accordance with ANDZOA and ADA guidance. The Terminal Evaluation will focus on the delivery of the project's

results as initially planned (and as corrected after the mid-term evaluation, if any such correction took place). The

Terminal Evaluation will look at impact and sustainability of results, including the contribution to capacity

development and the achievement of global environmental benefits/goals. The Terminal Evaluation will include a

focus on environmental and social risks, and ensure compliance with the GCF ESP. It will provide

recommendations for follow-up activities and will require a management response from the GCF.

The Terminal Evaluation should also provide recommendations for follow-up activities and requires a management

response. During the last three months, the project team will prepare the Project Terminal Report. This

comprehensive report will summarize the results achieved (objectives, outcomes, outputs), risk management,

lessons learned, problems met and areas where results may not have been achieved. It will also lay out

recommendations for any further steps that may need to be taken to ensure sustainability and replicability of the

project's results.

13. Governance and Oversight

The PMU will report any unintended social and environmental risks that are detected through the project monitoring,

evaluation and reporting processes to the ANDZOA, together with a proposed risk management plan that shows

how these risks will be mitigated. In response to this, the ANDZOA and ADA with the GCF may propose the

redirection of project funds to risk management activities, or the withholding of the next tranche of payment until

satisfactory risk management actions are determined and agreed.

14. Grievance Procedures

During project inception workshops and the component launch workshops, stakeholders will be informed that any

concerns relating to the design or management of the project, including social and environmental risks, should be


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raised with the subcontractors, partners. Where these are not adequately addressed, these may be escalated to

the project PMU and if necessary the ANDZOA and ADA.

15. The grievance mechanism

The ANDZOA will establish a grievance management system characterized by a grievance reception desk:

- Accessible to all (beneficiaries, neighboring population, others ...);

- Anyone can file a claim or a complaint;

- The treatment will be done in full transparency and the complainant will be informed.

To do this, a reception desk for complaints and grievances will be opened in the PMU that will be responsible for

monitoring the project. Also, the desk's branches will be opened in areas accessible to the public.

The desk will be distinct and recognizable in order to facilitate its identification by the public or anyone who wants to

file a claim.

The functioning of desk:

- A register for grievance recording. Each request is received, recorded in the register with a number. An

acknowledgment of receipt is given to the person filing the complaint;

- The claim is then sent to the PMU, which will meet periodically to decide on claims. The answer is given to

the complainant within a time limit not exceeding 15 days;

- In addition, the Web sites of the ADA and ANDZOA will be accessible to people who wish to file a

complaint. This request is sent to the PMU for processing.

The project managers will conduct briefing and public awareness sessions. During these sessions, responses to

complaints will be communicated. The data contained in this system will be compiled in order to produce a periodic

(semi-annual) management report and annual report dealing with the status of all received complaints. This report

includes:

• the number of received complaints;

• information about the beneficiary complainant (gender, age);

• the origin of grievances (province, area, perimeters, OPA);

• the type of complaint (written, oral);

• the number of complaints resolved;

• the nature of the complaint (company’s activities, training, technical assistance, environmental and social

impact, OPA, etc.);

• the average time to resolve the complaint;

• an appreciation and analysis of grievances and their management system.


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16. Management Plan

Phase Activity Responsible Associated documentation

Before Strart UP Update the ESIA of each sub-

activity in line with the ESP of GCF

ANDZOA /

PARTNERS/

Bénéficiaires

ESMP sub-activities

updated

Start UP Update the ESMP of each activity

in line with the ESP of GCF

ANDZOA

PARTNERS

ESMP updated

Compilation of contracts. A

referring clause is included in

order that all activities executed in

the context of the program/project

financed by the Green Climate

Fund must be aligned with the

principles established in the

"Environmental and Social Policy

of the GCF“, which must be

included as an addendum to each

contract

ANDZOA Contract with each

executing entity

Workshop for partners and

beneficiaries for capability bulding

and manage the environnemental

and social risk in line with the ESP

of GCF

PMU of ANDDZOA Workshop report

Include follow-up for environmental

and social risks in the elaboration

of the Monitoring and Evaluation

Plan with the purpose of

evaluating the program level of

accomplishment with the principles

of the "Environmental and Social

Policy" of GCF

PMU of ANDDZOA Tracking Progress

Methodology

Recruitment of a person in charge

of the environmental and social

monitoring in the team of the

Project Management Unit

ANDZOA Designation of the person

responsible for the

environmental and social

monitoring of the DARED

Implementation Implement the mitigation

measures for environmental and

social risks identified

PMU / work firms,

Local Partners

Report on the monitoring of

mitigation measures


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Update, on a quarterly basis,

environmental and social risks in

connection with the ESP of the

GCF

PMU / ANDZOA /

ADA

Environmental and Social

Management Plan for each

sub-activity is updated

Each executing entity must identify

the environmental and social risks

related to the execution of their

project and define those that

require a management or

mitigation mechanism . This will be

the starting base line for the

monitoring of the programme

Executing Entities

Environmental and Social

baseline data

Include in the annual plan those

mechanisms of management or

mitigation referring to

environmental/social risks or

impacts.

Executing

Entities

Annual Plan

In the semiannual reports the

executing entities must present

to the PCU a section

concerning the following items:

1) Identification of new

environmental or social impacts

or risks during the execution of

the project. 2) Legal backup or

necessary permits during the

execution of the project. 3)

Progress in the risk

management or mitigation

mechanisms as appropriate.

Executing Entities Technical and Financial

Report

On the project level each

executing entity must establish

mechanisms of internal

monitoring of environmental

and social risks or impacts as

well as required management

and mitigation mechanisms

Executing

Entities

Technical and Financial

Report


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Monitoring The ANDZOA will review and

give technical support referring

to those identified impacts and

risks and the management and

mitigation mechanisms

proposed by the executing

entities..

ANDZOA

ANDZOA Convention

Review and monitoring

mechanisms for the identified

impacts and risks and

management and mechanisms

mitigation will be included

during the field visits, executed

and coordinated by the PMC,

assuring that no new impacts or

risks exist and the correct

compliance of the ES Policy of

the GCF.

PMU

Filed visit reports

8.1.1. ESMP IMPLEMENTATION BUDGET

The ESMP implementation budget is given in the following table.

Action Budget in USD

Updating the ESIA before the project starts 200,000.00

Implementation of the ESMP 400,000.00

TOTAL 600, 000.00


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9. CONCLUSION

The DARED project is under the framework of NAMA and the declination of the Green Morocco Plan through the

development of arganiculture sector in the region of Souss-Massa, Essaouira and Guelmim. This project will contribute to

the reduction of pressure on the argan and to the improvement of income sources for beneficiaries.The project will

particularly contribute to carbon sequestration and comes as a response to climate change issues in the region by

contributing to the mitigation of the impacts of floods that characterize the region.

The assessment of the environmental and social impact and the establishment of the ESMP have been conducted through

a screening of positive impacts and risks of negative impacts, as well as mitigation measures, in accordance with the

safeguard policies of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Note that no major impact has been identified and that the

components 3 and 4 of the project are rather benefit enhancement and capacity building components that contribute to the

environmental protection and to achieving the objectives of GCF.

The risks and environmental and social negative impacts (minor risks) that have been identified are limited and will occur

temporarily, during the project implementation phase.

The implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan will require a budget of USD 600,000

(USD 200,000 for updating ESMP before starting work and USD 400 000 for the environmental and social assistance).


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10. ANNEXES


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