SFG3426 V7 Improvement of Touristic Infrastructure in Nukriani and Zemo Bodbe Environmental and Social Screening Report May 2017 Sub-Project Description Sub-Project sites (picnic spot in village Nukriani and trail, leading to Zemo (Upper) Bodbe) are located within the Sighnaghi Municipality. The picnic spot is located on 2 hectares of municipal land. The spot is next to the central road, which many tourists pass during touristic seasons. The trail runs from the picnic spot, through the Tsikhitviani valley and to the Bodbe Archaepolis. Nukriani is located within the 5 km distance from the town of Sighnaghi, and Zemo Bodbe - within the 10 km distance. Since the rehabilitation of town Sighaghi in 2007-2010, the number of tourists increased significantly. However, town Sighnaghi does not have capacity to arrange the camping spots and host large number of travelers. Thus, usually visitors are forced to go back to Nukriani, stop the vehicles there, arrange picnic and spend the day in unorganized place. Picnic spot in Nukriani village was established during the Soviet times, as a memorial of World War II victims. The coniferous trees were planted there and the area was registered as collective farm, which was automatically given to Nukriani village council and now is registered as Sighnaghi municipality property. Due to its location and frequent use by tourists, the area was developed into a picnic spot. Akhaltskali gorge, where the SP site is located, is the only source of water supplied to the Nukriani village. Due to the lack of necessary tourist infrastructure, travelers usually throw rubbish on arbitrarily arranged landfills, which creates the risk for drinking water contamination. In 2012, a little corner was arranged at this place with table and places for sports and rest, but this infrastructure can’t satisfy traveler s’ needs. Vehicle mainly being parked in the vicinity of the main road, often create emergency situations, because there is no way to stop vehicles at special areas. SP site lacks lighting that is why tourists are forced to leave the area earlier, or light a bonfire, which is often the source of the fire. In addition, there is a need for trade infrastructure arrangement for the population, which sells the village products there. The SP site of Zemo Bodbe (trail and so called Archaeopolis), that is very interesting spot from the archaeological point of view, is not used by the tourists at all. From here, it’s easy to visit Bodbe monastery and the temple of Nasamkhrali. Tourists will pass through the beautiful gorge of Tsikhitviani that was considered to be a road of Kakheti kings. Through this way, tourists coming from the Bodbe monastery will get to Zemo Bodbe, which is a resort zone, but the village is almost abandoned presently, because the village does not have a local product realization opportunity, cultural and entertainment venues. Various interventions are necessary to improve the tourist infrastructure in Nukriani and Zemo Bodbe. These will include:  Arranging four open sheds for picnic;  Arranging four counters for agro-market;  Arranging counters for handicraft exhibition and selling;  Installing 15 lighting posts;  Arranging stairs from the central road to the picnic area;  Gravelling bus stop;  Restoring sports pitch equipment for volleyball and other sports games;  Installing 3 receptacles;  Arranging 4 fire place;  Installing 40 tourist signs on the way from the Bodbe monastery to the village Zemo Bodbe;  Installing 2 information banners, one indicating route to the Bodbe Monastery and another at the Nukriani picnic area. Environmental Screening and Classification (A) Impact Identification Has sub-project a tangible impact on the The SP construction phase covers 3 months’ period. SP will environment? have a small-scale and short-term impact on the environment only in the construction phase, while its long- term impact on the natural and social environment will be positive. What are the significant beneficial and adverse The SP is expected to have positive long-term environmental effects of the sub-project? environmental and social impact through arrangement of the tourist infrastructure within the SP and will improve touristic attraction. The expected negative environmental and social impacts are likely to be short-term. As a result of constructing the open and counter-sheds, arranging the fire places, lighting posts, information banners, tourist signs, receptacles, gravelling the bus stop and renovating the sports pitch, the dust and emissions from the operation of construction machinery will be increased, background noise and vibration levels will rise insignificantly, various types of construction waste is expected to generate. During the operation phase, presence of the picnic infrastructure may result in additional generation of household waste, and nuisance to households, near the picnic spot in case of improper behavior of visitors (loud music, drinking, etc.). Does the sub-project have any significant The long-term social impact of the SP will be beneficial, potential impact on the local communities? which will cause significant improvement of the social conditions of local population and tourists. As a result of the SP implementation, approximately 100 travelers and visitors per season will be served. In addition, the SP site will host motorsports fans (approx. 100 persons), community members who will sell the agro-products (approx. 45 persons), community population (2800 persons), community youth (approx. 50 persons), etc. The main impacts of the SP are: Physical improvement: Nukriani – after arranging camping site, tourist will be able to spend time in clean, comfortable environment. First of all, this place will be cleaned of rubbish, gathered through years and will be equipped with receptacles, which will be cleaned on a regular basis by cleaning service. The picnic spot lighting will make the place more attractive and in the evenings will attract tourists, heading towards Sighnaghi. A well-equipped playground will help visitors spend a quality time. The camping place with camp-fire facilities will make tourists stay longer. The bus parking will be a good opportunity to avoid accidents. Zemo Bodbe – the tourist route designators (with brief history) board will be installed in the vicinity of the monastery Bodbe. The surrounding area will be tidied up and 15 tourist path signs (marking) will be placed. The receptacle will be installed at the Bodbe Archaeopolis. Tourist product: The developed infrastructure will serve tourists. There are no similar spaces in and around Sighnaghi. Income generation: Local residents will be able to sell agricultural and touristic products. Demand on guesthouses will increase, that will generate income to families. Significant social impact of SP, such as change of local demographic structure and influx of new settlers is not envisaged. What impact has the sub-project on the human The dust, vibration and noise originated during the small- health? scale construction works will not have impact on the human health or safety. (B) Impact Mitigation What alternatives to the sub-project design have During the SP design, a no-project alternative was been considered and what mitigation measures considered and turned down as the implementation of the are proposed? SP will help attract both, the local and foreign visitors that will have a positive impact on the social condition of the local population. Reduction of adverse environmental impact during the installation/construction works will be possible through protecting the following key conditions: fencing the construction site and fixing the relevant signs throughout its perimeter, proper management of waste and constant monitoring, ensuring the technical functionality of machinery used during the construction works, selecting less sensitive period for construction works. Planned works will not cause cutting of trees and preventive measures will be undertaken to avoid any damage to the nearby standing trees. Large tress on and in the vicinity of the construction activities shall be marked and cordoned off with fencing, their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided. In case of chance finds, works will be taken on hold and notification be sent to the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia. Works will resume only upon written consent of the Ministry. If before, during or after SP implementation concerned community members have complaints/ questions/ recommendations, these can be addressed to the sub- grantee, contractor, or Elkana, whose contact information will be made available at the SP site. Have concerned communities been involved During community mobilization, several priorities were and have their interests and knowledge been identified`, including rehabilitation of drinking water adequately taken into consideration in sub- system, arrangement of stadium, arrangement of park near project preparation? the school in Kvemo bodbe. Improvement of touristic infrastructure in Nukriani and Zemo Bodbe was selected. (C) CATEGORIZATION AND CONCLUSION Conclusion of the environmental screening:  Sub-project is declined □  Sub-project is accepted ■  Sub-project is classified as environmental Category B and needs EMP ■  Sub-project is classified as environmental Category C and does not need EMP □ Social Screening Social safeguards screening information Yes No 1 Is the information related to the affiliation, ownership and land use status of the sub-project site available and verifiable? (The screening cannot be  completed until this is available) 2 Will the sub-project reduce people’s access to their economic resources, such as land, pasture, water, public services, sites of common public use or other  resources that they depend on? 3 Will the sub-project result in resettlement of individuals or families or require the acquisition of land (public or private, temporarily or permanently)  for its development? 4 Will the sub-project result in the temporary or permanent loss of crops, fruit trees and household infrastructure (such as ancillary facilities, fence, canal,  granaries, outside toilets and kitchens, etc.)? If answer to any above question (except question 1) is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is applicable and mitigation measures should follow this OP/BP 4.12 and the Resettlement Policy Framework Cultural resources safeguard screening information Yes No 5 Will the sub-project be implemented in the vicinity of a cultural heritage  site? 6 Will the sub-project require excavation near any historical, archaeological  or cultural heritage site? If answer to question 5 is “yes�, then OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources is applicable. In this case, sub-project proponent must provide evidence that consultation was held with and an agreement on this sub- project was obtained from an authorized representative of culture and heritage protection authority. If answer to question 6 is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.11Physical Cultural Resources is applicable and possible chance finds must be handled in accordance with OP/BP and relevant procedures provided in this EMF. Environmental Management Plan Improvement of Touristic Infrastructure in Nukriani and Zemo Bodbe PART A: GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATION INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE Project title Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector Sub-Project title Improvement of Touristic Infrastructure in Nukriani and Zemo Bodbe. Scope of site-specific activity Various works are necessary to be implemented to improve the tourist infrastructure in Nukriani and Zemo Bodbe. Specifically picnic spot-related works will include the following:  Arranging four open sheds for picnic;  Arranging four counters for agro-market;  Arranging counters for handicraft exhibition and selling;  Installing 15 lighting posts;  Arranging stairs from the central road to the picnic area;  Gravelling bus stop;  Restoring, repainting the sports pitch equipment for volleyball and other sports games;  Installing 3 receptacles;  Arranging 4 fire places; Trail-related works will include the following:  Installing 40 tourist signs on the way from the Bodbe monastery to the village Zemo Bodbe;  Installing 2 information banners, one indicating route to the Bodbe Monastery and another at the Nukriani picnic area. Institutional arrangements Task Team Leader: Safeguards Specialist: (WB) Gloria La Cava Darejan Kapanadze, Environment Rebecca Lacroix and David Jijelava, Social Implementation arrangements Implementing entity: Works supervisor: Works contractor: (Borrower) Biological Farming Biological Farming (tbd) Association “Elkana� Association “Elkana� SITE DESCRIPTION Who owns the building to be Works are not related to buildings. constructed/extended/ reconstructed? Who owns the land allocated The park area is the property of Sighnaghi municipality. for sub-project? The area is used by the local residents and tourists/visitors. Who uses the land (formal/informal)? Description of physical and The village Nukriani and village Zemo/Upper Bodbe is located in natural environment, and of the Sighnaghi Municipality. The total area of Sighnaghi the socio-economic context municipality is 1 251 km², from which 93 375 ha are agricultural around the site lands and 5 500 ha - forest area. The territory of the municipality includes the slopes of Gombori Ridge and Alazani Plain. Sighnagi is the center of the municipality and is located at the altitude of about 800 meters above sea levels. An important part of the municipal territory covers Iori Plain, which is located in the southern part of Gombori Ridge. The municipality covers quite a large territory stretched from the banks of Iori River to the Alazani River. It covers 4 climate zones. Its southern part belongs to the Iori Plain covered with arid steppes at the heights of 300-700 m ASL. A relatively small area covers the slopes of Tsiv-Gombori Ridge at the height of 800-1 000 m, where the villages Nukriani and Zemo/Upper Bodbe are located. Sighnaghi's climate is classified as warm and temperate. The average annual temperature in Sighnaghi is 11.5 °C. About 703 mm of precipitation falls annually. Average annual wind speed is 2.2 m/sec. north – western and northern winds are usually prevailing on surrounding territory. Small and medium-thickness black soils, as well as gray, saline and alkaline soil complexes are developed on Iiori Plain. Brown forest soils are dominant in the foothills of the slopes of Gombori Ridge, which are rich in humus and plant food elements. Brownish, alluvial-carbonate and meadow carbonate soils are developed at the transitional strip of forest steppe on Alasani Plain. Mainly brown soils are developed in the high zone (700-1 600 m), where the humus layer is 2.5-3.5%. Brown meadow soils are covered with annual and perennial crops. The territory of Sighnaghi municipality is poor in hydrographic networks. Rivers mainly are of periodic nature. The rivers of R. Alasani and Iori have to be distinguished. Alazani flows in the eastern part of the municipality near the border with Lagodekhi municipality and Azerbaijan. R. Iori intersects the Iiori Plain in the southern part. The length of Iori River within the municipality is 28 km. Dry ravines are located on the south-west slopes of Gombori Ridge, but they cannot reach R. Iori. Sighnaghi municipality has temperate limited and surface water resources. Surface waters in Sighnaghi municipality are mainly used for the irrigation. The water supply of the population is based on subterranean deposits. Below the SP site in Nukriani village is Akhaltskali gorge, which is the only source of water supplied for the Nukriani village. Which of the project The SP is related to the Bodbe monastery, which is a cultural intervention sites does sub- heritage site targeted by the Regional Development Project funded project related to and how? by the World Bank and implemented by the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia. LEGISLATION National & local legislation According to the law of Georgia on Permit on Environmental & permits that apply to sub- Impact (2008), the SP does not require preparation of EIA and project activity obtaining of Permit on Environmental Impact. The SP triggers to the OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment of the World Bank. According to this safeguard policy and the Environmental Management Framework of the Project for Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector, the SP is classified as environmental category B and requires preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP). PUBLIC CONSULTATION When / where the public SP-specific draft EMP was discussed in a consultation meeting on consultation process took / May 19, 2017. will take place ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the SP site: a) Extract from public registry b) Cadastral plan Attachment 2: Support letters from Sighnaghi Municipality; Attachment 3: SP location; Attachment 4: Minutes of Community Meeting PART B: SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions A. Building rehabilitation [√] Yes [ ] No See Section A below B. New construction [] Yes [√] No See Section A below Will the site C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [√] No See Section B below activity D. Historic building(s) and districts [] Yes [√] No See Section C below include/involve any of the E. Acquisition of land1 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section D below following? F. Hazardous or toxic materials2 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section E below G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [√] No See Section F below H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [√] No See Section G below I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [√] Yes [ ] No See Section H below 1 Land acquisitions includes displacement of people, change of livelihood encroachment on private property this is to land that is purchased/transferred and affects people who are living and/or squatters and/or operate a business (kiosks) on land that is being acquired. 2 Toxic / hazardous material includes but is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc. PART C: MITIGATION MEASURES ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST 0. General Conditions Notification and Worker (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of Safety upcoming activities (b) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works) (c) All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation (d) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. (e) Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots) (f) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow. A. General Rehabilitation Air Quality (a) During interior demolition debris-chutes shall be used above the first floor and /or Construction (b) Demolition debris shall be kept in controlled area and sprayed with water mist to reduce debris dust Activities (c) During pneumatic drilling/wall destruction dust shall be suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site (d) The surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) shall be kept free of debris to minimize dust (e) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site (f) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites Noise (a) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit (b) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment shall be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Water Quality (a) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. Waste management (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities. (b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. (c) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors (d) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. (e) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) B. Individual wastewater Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or treatment system reconstruction) must be approved by the local authorities (b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment (c) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out (d) Construction vehicles and machinery will be washed only in designated areas where runoff will not pollute natural surface water bodies. C. Historic building(s) Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district, notification shall be made and approvals/permits be obtained from local authorities and all construction activities planned and carried out in line with local and national legislation. (b) It shall be ensured that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds� encountered in excavation or construction are noted and registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds. D. Acquisition of land Land Acquisition (a) If expropriation of land was not expected but is required, or if loss of access to income of legal or Plan/Framework illegal users of land was not expected but may occur, that the Bank’s Task Team Leader shall be immediately consulted. (b) The approved Land Acquisition Plan/Framework (if required by the sub-project) will be implemented E. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (a) If asbestos is located on the sub-project site, it shall be marked clearly as hazardous material (b) When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure (c) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust (d) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals (e) If asbestos material is being stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. Security measures will be taken against unauthorized removal from the site. (f) The removed asbestos will not be reused Toxic / hazardous waste (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled management with details of composition, properties and handling information (b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching (c) The wastes shall be transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility. (d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used F. Affected forests, Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity wetlands and/or protected will not be damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging areas or other damaging activities. (b) A survey and an inventory shall be made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees shall be marked and cordoned off with fencing, their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided (c) Adjacent wetlands and streams shall be protected from construction site run-off with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales and silt fences (d) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas. G. Disposal of medical Infrastructure for medical (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or waste waste management rehabilitated health care facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and not limited to:  Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps�, and human tissue or fluids) from other waste disposal; and  Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and  If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational H Traffic and Pedestrian Direct or indirect hazards (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly Safety to public traffic and secured and construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to pedestrians by  Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the construction public warned of all potential hazards activities  Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of safe passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes.  Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement  Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the public.  Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the buildings stay open for the public. PART D: MONITORING PLAN Where How When Why Who What Activity (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to be (Define the frequency / (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for (Is the parameter to be monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) or continuous?) monitored?) monitoring?) Transportation of Technical condition of vehicles and Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit pollution of soil Elkana construction machinery inspections during work and air from emissions; materials and waste hours and beyond movement of Confinement and protection of truck loads Limit nuisance to local construction with lining communities from noise machinery and vibration; Respect of the established hours and routes of transportation Minimize traffic disruption. Earthworks (small Temporary storage of excavated material in Construction site Inspection In the course of earth Prevent pollution of the Elkana scale) the pre-defined and agreed upon locations; works construction site and its surroundings with Backfilling of the excavated material and/or construction waste; its disposal to the formally designated locations; Prevent damage and loss of physical cultural In case of chance finds immediate resources suspension of works, notification of the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection, and resumption of works exclusively upon formal consent of the Ministry. Traffic disruption Installation of traffic limitation/diversion At and around the Inspection In the course of Prevent traffic accidents; Elkana and limitation of signage; construction site construction works pedestrian access Limit nuisance to the Storage of construction materials and users of the park and temporary placement of construction waste local residents in a way preventing congestion of access roads Workers’ health and Provision of uniforms and safety gear to Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit occurrence of on- Elkana safety workers; inspections in the course the-job accidents and of work emergencies Ensuring use of the personal protective gear by workers; Informing of workers and personnel on the personal safety rules and instructions for operating machinery/equipment, and strict compliance with these rules/instructions Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the Sub-Project site in Nukriani village a) Extract from public registry b) Cadastral plan of the site in Nukriani village Attachment 2: Support letter from Sighnaghi Municipality Attachment 3: Nukriani village site map Nukrian i Zemo Bodbe Attachment 4: Nukriani Community Meeting Minutes Date: May 19, 2017 Venue: Sighnagi Municipality, Village Nukriani Donor: Biological Farming Association “Elkana�, through funding from the Japanese Social Development Fund and the World Bank Aim: Consult with the local community on the Draft Environment and Social Management Plan for the project ‘’Improvement of Touristic Infrastructure in Nukriani and Zemo Bodbe� Elkana Assistant Project Manager, representative of NGO ‘’Community Center Nukriani’’, local authority and local community members attended the meeting. In total 17 people participated in the gathering, including 10 women. Elkana Assistant Project Manager presented planned project and activities, as well as the draft Environment Management Plans prepared to mitigate their possible negative impacts on the natural and social environment. After the presentation, meeting participants were given the floor for questions and comments. During the meeting, participants asked the following questions: Question: For what purposes the rehabilitated infrastructure will be used? Answer: Improved infrastructure will be used for organizing picnics for tourists. Question: Who will be responsible for waste management after completion of projects? Answer: Sighnagi municipality will be responsible for waste management and they have provided support letter of October 13, 2016. Question: Who will use counters and sell handcrafts? Answer: Local population will be able to sell their products to tourists. Community members were satisfied with the received information and supported implementation of the project. Signatures of attendees: Photo illustration