E4576 v3 LEBANON WATER SUPPLY AUGMENTATION PROJECT ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT APPENDIX G Biodiversity Action Plan 1 1 This Appendix replaces Appendix G – Ecological Assessment Report – included in the ESIA disclosed on May 30, 2014. 1 Aims and Objectives of the Biodiversity Action Plan A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is a plan which includes a set of actions that lead to the conservation or enhancement of biodiversity for a specific site or project. The Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) forms part of the BAP and provides the delivery mechanism for actions given within it. Specifically the BAP and BMP are needed to ensure that the Project:  Implements the mitigation, compensation and biodiversity protection measures within the ESIA;  Complies with national legislation/policy requirements; and  Complies with international environmental requirements and best practice, including the World Bank Safeguards Policies and the Equator Principles. The aim of the BAP is to achieve no net biodiversity loss as a result of the Project by ensuring that the biodiversity is protected and enhanced where possible. The BAP has been developed in consultation with stakeholders, conservation NGO’s and biodiversity experts and confirms that appropriate measures are in place to be successfully implemented. The objectives of the BAP are to:  Review existing biodiversity baseline information for the project area identified within the ESIA and to undertake further detailed biodiversity monitoring surveys;  Implement a consultation process with relevant stakeholders and biodiversity experts to inform priorities and actions for biodiversity conservation;  Identify priorities and actions for biodiversity conservation, in consultation with stakeholders and biodiversity experts;  Determine actions to be undertaken within a BMP to benefit biodiversity; and  Establish a monitoring and evaluation program for biodiversity allowing for the success of the BAP interventions to be assessed. This BAP includes short to long-term biodiversity conservation actions as well as on-site mitigation measures linked to the construction and operation activities of the Water Supply Augmentation Project. The on-site mitigation measures will be implemented through the BMP which is incorporated within this document. Implementation of the BMP will be monitored by the independent ESMP Supervision Consultant and by the independent Environment and Social Panel of Experts. The biodiversity baseline, conservation actions and mitigation in this BAP supplement the information in the ESIA. This latter document also includes actions required under an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) which covers environmental measures that are relevant to the protection of biodiversity. Additional conservation opportunities/actions have also been identified during the BAP process, following a review of the Project and consultation with the site team and local conservation NGO’s. The conservation objectives and actions in this BAP have been developed to ensure the systematic implementation of the mitigation hierarchy i.e. avoid, reduce (minimise) and remedy (restore) (see Figure 1). This will allow for the careful management of risk and the best possible outcomes for the project and local communities, without compromising the health, function and integrity of the ecological system. 2 Figure 1: Mitigation Hierarchy Formulation of the Project BAP The development of the BAP follows the IFC Guidance Note 6 (IFC, 2012b) and the Cross- Sector Biodiversity Initiative Guidance tool published by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA, 2013). The IPIECA guidance is for the oil and gas industry, but it is the only detailed BAP guidance available and is relevant to many other project types, including water supply projects (see Figure 2). A BAP is a process from which a document is formulated through the review of previous studies and from consultation with local stakeholders. The ESIA is part of this process in that the ecological assessments of the ESIA provide the baseline upon which the BAP objectives and conservation priorities are based. In accordance with IPIECA guidance best practice, a BAP should thus include eight specific tasks:  Task 1: Determination of the legal, regulatory, planning, permitting & third party requirements;  Task 2: Desktop assessment of the project;  Task 3: Baseline survey of the biodiversity;  Task 4: Biodiversity impact assessment;  Task 5: Preparation of the BAP;  Task 5.1 Establishment of priorities for conservation;  Task 5.2 Identification of conservation actions;  Task 6: Implementation of the BAP;  Task 7: Monitoring, evaluation and improvement; and  Task 8: Reporting, communication and verification of BAP performance. Consultations with Stakeholders and Biodiversity Experts Overview Stakeholder consultation is an integral component in the formulation of a BAP and is essential to engage with stakeholders to gather opinions on how to complement and coordinate actions. A number of stakeholders were consulted as part of the ESIA. Additional consultation was undertaken for the BAP to: (i) Update the biodiversity baseline (and likely impacts if required); and (ii) Identify the priorities for biodiversity conservation and develop the conservation actions. 3 Key Stakeholders Key stakeholders consulted as part of the preparation of the BAP and BMP are (i) local communities and villages within the project and surrounding areas; (ii) government departments and ministries; (iii) academia and (iv) local Lebanese conservation NGO’s. The BAP and BMP will be monitored through the environment and social specialists on the project management unit (PMU), independent ESMP supervision consultant and the independent environment and social panel of experts. Study Area The geographical scope of the BAP encompasses (i) the upstream catchment of the Bisri river; (ii) the construction area of the dam including the buffer zone; (iii) the downstream river stretch and estuary and (iv) the buffer zone around the downstream river stretch, see Figure 2. Figure 2: Bisri Dam Project 4 Figure 3: Illustrative Alignment of Project Financing, Project and Mitigation Timelines (Cross Sector Biodiversity Initiative, 2013) 5 Task 1: Legal and Regulatory Requirements International Legislation and Policy The following international laws and conventions have been ratified by Lebanon and are of relevance to this Project:  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1973);  United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change; and  UN (Rio) Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) National Legislative and Policy Framework Lebanon’s Ministry of Environment Decree on ESIA requires a project proponent to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment where it is considered that the project has the potential to result in potential significant environmental or social impacts. Planning and Permitting Requirements A detailed ecological impact assessment was completed for the Project as part of the ESIA. This document identified a number of mitigation and compensation measures which were necessary to ensure that there would be no net loss in biodiversity. This included the creation of a BAP and BMP in order to ensure that mitigation and compensation measures are fully and properly implemented, with stakeholder consultation, to meet conservation goals and objectives. The BAP and BMP supplements and updates the information included in the ESIA to reflect the refinement and development of the Project design, the additional biodiversity baseline information collected since September 2013, and to include further assessment, mitigation and conservation actions, where necessary, to comply with IFC PS6 (IFC, 2012a, 2012b). Table 1 below summarizes the likely significant direct and indirect impacts of the Project as identified in the ESIA. The table presents sensitive habitats and protected species that have been identified or are known to likely occur within the wider Project Area, which may be affected by the Project and the types of impacts that may occur. 6 Table 1: Key likely significant impacts on ecological features during construction and operation Key likely impacts (C=construction impacts, Project Biodiversity Risk O=operation impacts) C= Permanent habitat loss from construction of site infrastructure; noise and light disturbance Ccontrol of water flooding may lead to destruction of from construction; increased pressure from Flora important plant species and disturbance imposed within the human activities, such as forest management, demographic structure of riparian forest logging and hunting due to improved access. O= Disturbance from site staff and vehicles; physical barriers to movement across site roads; light disturbance at well pads from occasional night work Reduced volumes of year-round river inflow and outflow, and possibility of water contamination with sewage or C&O polluted water will deteriorate the environmental conditions of various fish species and/or block reproduction Fish Reduction in water flow downtream of Bisri river may impact C&O local freshwater blenny fish. Risk of sudden reduction in water availability to hamper C&O viability of amphibians and reptiles Amphibians and Reptiles Reduction in water availability will impact the environmetnal conditions of the populations of the Bufo cf bufo ("Common C&O European toad"), whose habitat appears to consist mostly of rocky terrain and riparian trees Disturbance to natural environment may lead to a reduction Birds C&O in bird colonies Fragmentation of natural environment as a result of dam Mammals construction may obstruct mammal routes and expose C&O animals to drowning and other risks 7 A note on environmental flow calculations Using the Q95 percentile of the river flow duration curve, accounting for four ecological elements that are the river physical characteristics, fisheries, macrophytes and macroinvertebrates, the Flow-Duration-Analysis for Bisri River estimated the base flow to be 0.3 and 0.45 m3/s for winter and summer, respectively. The estimated environmental flows should only be used to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and the human livelihoods that depend on these ecosystems. Other components of environmental flows are also to be considered, such as; the small and larger flood flows and the special purpose flow. There is no one single method that is recommended and applicable worldwide in determining the Environmental Flows for any given river stream. There are number of methods depending on specific sites requirements and conditions. According to the U.K Resource Assessment and Management RAM 2 framework, a more realistic Environmental Flow could be obtained by combining between the flow and ecology of a given river. Other than the hydrologic properties of the river stream, the river physical characteristics and ecological features, such as fishery, Macrophytes and macro-invertebrates, were accounted for in determining Bisri river Environmental Flows. As such, the Q95 percentile, of the river flow duration curve, was applied3 to quantify the flow that will be needed to prevent the loss of natural ecosystem because of the dam. As such, the Q95 percentile yields a river base flow of 400 liters per second (lps), of which, about 25% could be abstracted, totaling the 100 lps, while the balance of 300 lps flow has to be maintained running into the river course as Environmental Flow. Whilst the latter Environmental flow has to be maintained into the river stream all year round, there should be a provision for additional 150 lps flow, starting the month of April and all way through the dry year months until October, to cope with the irrigation needs downstream the dam. The project Environmental Flow, as described in the ESIA, will be monitored over the first 5 years of dam operation and will be adjusted accordingly as needed to preserve the site natural ecosystem and social services. Task 2: Third Party Requirements The Project is required to meet the international standards of the World Bank Group, including IFC Standards and World Bank Policy 4.01 on Natural Habitats. Task 3: Biodiversity Baseline for Priority Habitats and Species Desktop Study A desk study was undertaken as part of the ESIA. Species of conservation importance were determined from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (http://www.iucnredlist.org), refereed journal and national expert knowledge. Field surveys 2 RAM is intended as a default methodology in the absence of other more sophisticated and extensive data requiring techniques 3 The Essentials of Environmental Flows. Dyson & Bergkamp and Scanlon 2003 – Gland Switzerland IUCN 8 A detailed site-specific biodiversity survey was undertaken by Dar El Handassah Shaer (DAS) in August 2013 and to IFC standards, covering all major taxa, including amphibians, reptiles and macro-invertebrates, as well as more specific location and habitat usage information for flora, mammals, birds and fish, including:  Flora and vegetation survey (including habitat mapping);  Invertebrates  Fish  Reptile and amphibian surveys  Bird survey  Mammal survey; A detailed assessment of habitat conditions was also undertaken in order to assess the suitability of the habitats within the Study Area to support endangered species. The survey determined, as described below, that the project would not cause significant conversion to critical natural habitats. Plant Survey The flora cover was assessed to draw the ecological profile of the plant cover, its status and the impact of the dam on it. A rapid inventory was conducted to identify existing species and their status (rare, endangered, iconic …). Walking transects were identified to obtain an understanding of the vegetation communities in the area, to identify community boundaries, to record species present, and to determine the potential distribution of threatened species (Plate 1). Transects were assigned to cover the different habitats, topographic diversity, and variety of vegetation communities mapped from aerial photos. Fish and Macroinvertebrates Electrofishing was used to survey fish and macroinvertebrates. Electrofishing is a common method used for catching fish for surveying and monitoring purposes. The fishing device emits an electric current through the water, stunning fish and making them easy to capture (Cowx, 1990; Cowx and Lamarque, 1990). Carefully regulated amperages of currents used allowed the fish to be stunned effectively without damaging their muscles, vertebrae and spinal nerves. This is a non-selective method of capture that provides a broad overview of the fish fauna living in the surveyed water body. Amphibians and Reptiles Amphibians and reptiles were conducted on two intervals days and nights focusing on the water bodies, the riparian habitats and their peripheries. Observing and studying the potential habitats and observations of active animals was the only method for the animals that are active in warmer seasons. Ornithology Survey To assess the impact on the avian species, the 20-minute point-count method was used, whereby all species noted during this time period are recorded at different places and different times in the most characteristic habitats of a given area This method is semi-quantitative and changes in abundance of a species are estimated by changes in the frequency of this species over a series of 9 point counts. Frequencies could be mathematically transformed into densities through the use of some statistical rules. Camera trapping and field surveys Terrestrial mammal species were surveyed using two approaches, direct and indirect, were used to monitor mammals. Indirect approach was conducted during day time through diurnal walking surveys, where opportunistic observations of secondary signs such as tracks, footprints, fur and scats detected were recorded. Moreover, caves and dens were inspected for bats, animal signs and animal remains. The direct approach was conducted in two ways night surveys commenced using a 4x4 vehicle and a powerful spot light (1-1.5 million candle power) to illuminate animals once their eye-shine at two different times before or after midnight. The second approach through camera-trap surveys. 18 camera traps were placed within the Study Area, at least 100 meters from one another. The cameras were sited so as to cover a combination of habitat types and location within the study area. Habitats of Conservation Value A detailed description of the habitats within the Project footprint and surrounding area to 5 kilometers is provided in the ESIA. The main habitats of conservation value are: (i) the riparian habitat and (ii) the Mediterranean ecosystem habitat. Conservation Flora of Conservation Value Approximately 50 plants were identified in Bisri, of which 11 are of conservation value. Important plant species were identified among which Ricotia lunaria (L.) DC. (endemic at the national scale), Orchis anatolica Boiss., Orchis morio L., Orchis papilionaceae L., Orchis pyramidalis M. Bieb., Orchis romana subsp. libanotica Mt., Orchis tridentata Scop., Ornithogalum umbellatum L. and Fritillaria libanotica (Boiss.). Species Scientific Name Species Scientific Name 1. Acer syriacum Boiss. & Gaill. 2. Nerium oleander L. 3. Adiantum capillus-veneris L. 4. Onosma frutescens Lam. 5. Ajuga orientalis L. 6. Orchis anatolica Boiss. 7. Alnus orientalis Decne. 8. Orchis morio L. 9. Anemona coronaria L. 10. Orchis papilionaceae L. 11. Arceuthos drupacea(Labill.) Ant. & Ky. 12. Orchis pyramidalis M. Bieb. 13. Arum hygrophylum Boiss. 14. Orchis romana subsp. libanotica Mt. 15. Asparagus acutifolius L. 16. Orchis tridentata Scop. 17. Asperula sp. 18. Ornithogalum umbellatum L. 19. Asphodellus microcarpus Salzm. & Viv. 20. Oxalis per-caprae L. 21. Bellevalia latifolia Ten. 22. Pinus brutia Ten. 23. Bellis sylvestris Cirillo. 24. Pinus pinea L. 25. Calycotome villosa (Vahl) Link. 26. Pistacia palaestina Boiss. 27. Ceratonia siliqua L. 28. Phillyrea media L. 29. Cercis siliquastrum L. 30. Platanus orientalis L. 31. Cistus creticus Sibth. & Sm. 32. Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. 33. Cyclamen persicum Sibth. & Sm. 34. Quercus calliprinos Webb. 35. Cupressus sempervirens L. 36. Quercus infectoria Oliv. 10 37. Fritillaria libanotica (Boiss.) Baker 38. Ricotia lunaria (L.) DC. 39. Gallium sp. 40. Ruscus aculeatus L. 41. Hyacinthus orientalis L. 42. Salix libani Bornm 43. Iris histrio Reichb. 44. Salix sp. 45. Lathyrus hierosolymitanus Boiss. & Bl. 46. Smilax aspera L. 47. Laurus nobilis L. 48. Allium neapolitanum Cyr. 49. Lavendula stoechas L. 50. Tamarix sp. 51. Lupinus digitatus Forsk. 52. Tamus communis L. 53. Muscari comosum (L.) Mill. 54. Valeriana dioscoridis Sibth. & Sm. Fish Five fish species and one crab were present in Awali River, out of which three deserve special attention as listed below. These are the Freshwater blenny, the European eel, and the Middle Eastern Green carp. No exotic fish or macroinvertebrates were captured. Species Family Salaria fluviatilis (Asso, 1801) Blenniidae Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758) Anguillidae Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes, 1842) Cyprinidae Pseudophoxinus kervillei (Pellegrin, 1911) Cyprinidae Oxynoemacheilus leontinae (Lortet, 1883) Balitoridae Potamon potamios (Olivier, 1804) Potamidae Amphibians and Reptiles None of the species of snakes and lizards in that basin are known to be endangered or endemic. Most of these species are quite common in the surrounding areas and many parts of the country. There are no apparent impacts on these species due to the dam construction. In this survey, emphasis was placed on species that might be affected or impacted directly or indirectly by changes in the aquatic habitat to the dam construction. The species most like to be impacted are listed below. The impact on the species could be in terms of changes in habitat, breeding sites and food sources. (T = Threatened, E = Endemic, R = Rare, and C = Common. The type of impact might be: HT= general habitat, BR=breeding habitat, FD=food requirements.) Common Species Picture Status Type of Impact name T E R C HT BR FD Natrix tessellata Water snake + + ? 11 Pelophylax Marsh frog + + + ? bedriagae Eastern or Pelobates Syrian + + + ? syriacus spadefoot Bufo viridis Green toad + + ? European Bufo cf. bufo + + + + ? common toad Hyla savignyi tree frog + + + ? Salamandra salamander + + + ? infraimmaculata 12 Triturus vittatus Newt + Birds of Conservation Value Thirty two (32) bird species were observed during the surveys. Of the observed birds, four are threatened (White storks, Lesser Spotted Eagle, White Pelicans that are of passage only, and Short-toed Eagle that is of wide range of action (within and beyond the limits of the site). Hence their conservation depends on areas other than Bisri Site. The Bisri area is not considered critical to the migratory routes of these threatened bird species. Mammals of Conservation Value The field survey on mammals for Bisri site revealed the presence of 17 mammal species belonging to 14 families. Mammals of conservation value are identified below: List of mammal species present on the three sites (R= recorded, E = Expected, c= common, r = rare, endemic or endangered on the National level) Family Species Scientific Name Awali River Erinaceidae Hedgehog Erinaceus concolor R, r Miniopteridae European Free- Tadarida teniotis R, r tailed bat Vespertilionidae Common pipistrelli Pipistrellus Pipistrellus R, c Khul’s pipistrelle Pipistrellus kuhli ikhawanius R, c Rhinolophidae Lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros R, c Greater horseshoe Rihnolophus ferrumequinum R, c bat Canidae Jackal Canis aureus syriacus R, c Fox Vulpus vulpus palaestina R, c Mustelidae Pine Martin Martes foina syriaca R, c Badger Meles meles canescens E, r Otter Lutra lutra E, r Hyaenidae Striped hyaena Hyaena hyaena syriaca R, c Felidae Wild cat Felis silvestris tristrami R, r Suidae Wild boar Sus scrofa lybicus R, c Sciuridae Squirrel Sciurus anomalus syriacus E, c Hystricidae Porcupine Hystrix indica indica R, c Spalacidae Moles Spalax leucodon ehrenbergi R, c Muridae House mouse Mus musculus praetextus R, c Rats Rattus rattus R, c Field mouse Apodemous mystacinus R, c 13 Microtinae Voles Microtus sp. E, c (Subfam.) Biodiversity Action Plan Overview This section sets out the proposed actions to be undertaken for the habitats and species of conservation value identified above with the aim of achieving ‘no net loss’ to biodiversity in accordance with IFC PS6 (IFC, 2012a). These actions have been developed for each priority biodiversity feature, or groups of features, to ensure the systematic implementation of the mitigation hierarchy i.e. avoid, reduce (minimize), and remedy (restore) as outlined in Figure 1. This will allow for the careful management of risk during construction and operation, and the best possible outcomes for the Project and local communities without compromising the health, function and integrity of the ecological system. A summary of the objectives is provided in Table 6 below, with details of the actions below. Table 6: Summary of action plan objectives. During Construction 1 Conduct further biodiversity surveys and prepare a detailed map of the habitats of conservation value before construction starts 2 Inform construction staff on the habitats of conservation value and notable plant species prior to the start of construction 3 Plan starting time for major construction works and activities to avoid disturbance of critical species 4 Clearly mark areas to be cleared during construction and fencing of critical flora 5 Translocation of critical endangered flora in area to be cleared prior to the start of construction 6 Establish corridors for crossing to avoid fragmentation of habitats prior to the start of construction 7 Methodical clearance of forested areas to allow natural dispersal of wildlife into adjacent habitat 8 Reduce hunting and logging in areas opened up through the creation of new or improved access roads 9 Reduce and prevent mortality of wildlife from collision from vehicles 10 Prevent pollution from construction waste to reach habitats 11 Light control within Project Area to minimize disturbance to critical species 12 Avoid noise pollution (blasting) at times critical for bird nesting During Operation 13 Maintain connectivity and habitats downstream of dam through minimum flow releases 14 Operation of reservoir to avoid water level fluctuation in spring to preserve critical habitats 14 The actions may partly overlap with the actions of other environmental and social plans and the execution of the BAP should be coordinated with other plans during implementation. Action 1: Conduct further biodiversity surveys and prepare a detailed map of the habitats of conservation value prior to the start of construction To improve and refine the knowledge of biodiversity conducted Target during the ESIA Indicator Number of survey reports, Finalized map of critical habitats Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Before the onset of the construction On yearly bases over 5 End years after construction Frequency Continuous during first year of construction Brief description: Extended biodiversity surveys guided by already conducted work in the ESIA. Preparation of detailed map of critical habitats. Responsible: Project Developer Action 2: Inform construction and operation staff (including contractors) on the habitats of conservation value and notable plant species prior to the start of construction Target To raise awareness of wildlife plant and habitat in the project area Indicator Number of staff and contractors reached through site induction and training; number of posters at site offices Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction End End of construction During staff induction; continuous during construction and Frequency operation Brief description: Construction and operational staff will be informed about the areas supporting habitats and species of conservation value, why these features are important and what activities are/are not permitted in these areas. Responsible: Biodiversity specialist, Works Contractor 15 Action 3: Plan starting time for major construction works and activities to avoid disturbance of critical species Target To avoid and reduce disturbance of wildlife during critical seasons Indicator Start dates of major new construction activities Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction End End of construction Frequency At start of major activities during construction Brief description: Planning of major construction activities, especially those that have large areal influence, should be done to as much as possible avoid disturbance of critical species. Special attention shall be taken to hibernating mammals during winter and nesting birds and breeding amphibians during spring. Responsible: Works Contractor as advised by Project Biodiversity Management Specialist Action 4: Clearly mark areas to be cleared during construction and fencing of critical flora prior to the start of construction To raise awareness affected areas during construction and to Target protect endangered flora Indicator Meters of fence established, number of signs and demarcations Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction Six months after start of End construction Frequency At start of construction Brief description: Demarcation of all areas to be cleared during construction. Install fencing around essential vegetation close to construction sites. Signs that will inform that these are sensitive environmental areas shall be attached to the fence. Responsible: Works Contractor – as advised by Project Biodiversity Management Specialist 16 Action 5: Translocation of endangered flora in area to be cleared prior to the start of construction To create alternative habitats for endangered flora to be affected by Target construction Indicator Number of plants translocated Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Before start of construction End Start of construction Frequency Once before construction start Brief description: Translocation of nationally endemic species with critical conservation status such as Orchis, Fritillaria, Omithogalum, Hyacinthus, ferns and other species must be done before the construction of the dam. Should if possible be made at end of summer during the dormant stage of the plants in question. Responsible: Project Developer, as advised by Project Biodiversity Management Specialist Action 6: Establish corridors for crossing to avoid fragmentation of habitats prior to the start of construction Target To avoid and reduce fragmentation of habitats Indicator Number of square meters of corridors established Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction Six months after start of End construction Frequency At start of construction Brief description: Construct corridors for mammals and amphibians for strategic crossing points Responsible: Works Contractor – as advised by Project Biodiversity Management Specialist 17 Action 7: Methodical clearance of forested areas to allow natural dispersal of wildlife into adjacent habitat Target To avoid damage to wildlife in forested areas to be cleared Indicator Clearance plans and reports Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction Six months after start of End construction Frequency At start of construction Brief description: To conduct clearance in a structured and planned way to allow escape routes out of the area. Avoid clearance during breeding season in spring. Responsible: Works Contractor Action 8: Reduce hunting and logging in areas opened up through the creation of new or improved access roads Target To avoid damage to critical habitat and species in project area Indicator Number of road gates established, Number of signs Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction End End of operations Frequency Continuous during construction and operations Brief description: To install road gates for access roads to avoid other than necessary transport for construction and operation work, and for local population. Awareness campaigns among construction and operation staff, and local communities, and setting up of signs to enforce illegal hunting and logging. Responsible: Works Contractor and Dam Operator 18 Action 9: Reduce and prevent mortality of wildlife from collision from vehicles To restrain speed limits at low levels and to avoid unnecessary Target driving during darkness to avoid collisions with wildlife Indicator Levels of speed limit, Number of speed limit and warning signs Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction End End of operations Frequency Continuous during construction and operations Brief description: Setting of low speed limits for access and construction roads. Planning of transport to avoid driving in darkness. Clear demarcation of speed limits and warning for wildlife collisions. Responsible: Works Contractor and Dam Operator Action 10: Prevent pollution from construction waste to reach habitats To avoid damage to habitats in project area by construction waste Target pollutions Indicator Meters of drainage work to prevent waste water and solid waste seepage to escape, regular monitoring of waste water Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction End End of operations Frequency Continuous during construction and operations Brief description: Planning and construction of solid waste dumps and waste water treatment to avoid spillage or seepage to natural habitats. Construction of drainage around severe pollution risks to ensure polluted water is contained and treated. Monitoring of water discharging from construction sites and permanent site. Responsible: Works Contractor and Dam Operator 19 Action 11: Light control within Project Area to minimize disturbance to critical species To avoid and reduce disturbance of nocturnal wildlife from Target construction lights Indicator Number of lights used during nighttime Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction End End of operations Frequency Continuous during construction and operations Brief description: Planning of construction and operation work to minimize as much as possible work during darkness. Efficient use of construction lights. Responsible: Works Contractor and Dam Operator as advised by Project Biodiversity Management Specialist Action 12: Avoid noise pollution (blasting) at times critical for wild life Target To avoid and reduce disturbance of nesting birds Indicator Reported time for blasting Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Start of construction End End of operations Frequency Continuous during construction Brief description: Plan and execute blasting to avoid timing during peaks of the breeding season (April-July) and during sunrise and sunset. Preferably do blasting at same time every day. Responsible: Works Contractor as advised by Project Biodiversity Management Specialist 20 Action 13: Maintain connectivity and habitats downstream of dam through minimum environmental flow releases To preserve habitats for flora and fauna, and fish migration in Target downstream reaches Indicator Monitored flows downstream of dam Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start At start of reservoir filling End End of operations Frequency Continuous start of filling to end of operations Brief description: To construct dam to allow continuous minimum flow releases and to ensure operation rules to follow such releases. Responsible: Works Contractor and Dam operator, biodiversity specialist. Action 14: Operation of reservoir to avoid water level fluctuation in spring to preserve critical habitats for species To enable and facilitate reproduction of amphibians (Bufo cf Bufo) Target upstream of Bisri dam Indicator Water level records Mitigation Hierarchy Avoid Reduce Remedy Offset Other Start Dam commissioning End End of operations Frequency Continuous during operation Brief description: Establish operating rules for dam releases to maintain the Bisri reservoir as high as possible, and avoid releases giving rapid water level fluctuations, during the reproduction period of the Bufo cf Bufo (April-May). Responsible: Dam Operator, as advised by Project Biodiversity Management Specialist 21 Biodiversity Management Plan The BAP will be implemented through the BMP summarized in Figure 4 below and the ESMP. The BMP will focus on three key areas: biodiversity monitoring and socialization.  Biodiversity Monitoring Biodiversity monitoring will be undertaken over a minimum of five years to incorporate the pre- construction, construction and operational phases of the Project. The aims of the surveys will be to assess the impacts of the development and will use the Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) approach. The methodology to be used will be scientifically robust and repeatable. The surveys will be carried out in collaboration with biodiversity experts/NGOs. A Rapid Ecological Assessment to provide additional baseline prior to the commencement of works at the project site in was undertaken by Dar El Handassah Shaer (see Appendix A). This assessment was designed to be repeated during the post-construction surveys following the same and other updated methodology.  Socialisation A socialisation programme will implemented covering two aspects: 1) staff/contractor induction and training; 2) local community engagement. Staff/contractor induction and training Inductions and training will be undertaken with all staff and contractors to raise awareness of the ecological issues affecting the Project and to implement any obligations outlined below. This will be achieved through the following:  Training for all existing staff and contractors working on the Project: Group sessions will be organised in order to train all existing staff and contractors working on the Project. The delivery method will be through to approaches i) a PowerPoint presentation followed by a question and answer session, ii) hands on through field or site visits. Due to the large number of staff working on the Project and the requirement to maintain continuous construction work on site, the training will be undertaken over a series of events. The content and delivery will be determined through consultation with the external ecological consultants, the Site Construction Manager and biodiversity experts/NGOs.  Future inductions for all new staff and contractors working on the Project: Following completion of the training events, all new site staff and contractors will be made aware of ecological issues via the existing site induction system. This is currently implemented through a PowerPoint presentation conducted by the Site Construction Manager. Additional slides will be prepared for inclusion in this presentation the external ecological consultants and biodiversity experts/NGOs. In addition to onsite training.  Awareness raising posters and information at the site office: will be achieved through the placement of literature at the Bisri site office Local community engagement and awareness raising Socialisation through local community engagement will be carried out within the villages in the catchment of the Project. The aims of the events will be to: 1) raise awareness of the 22 conservation value of the Bisri river and catchment; 2) encourage local people not to hunt Threatened species in the forest or to clear areas by logging and the application of sustainable hunting and logging when necessary; and 3) communicate developments within the Project relevant to the local communities. Key Project Staff External Ecological/Social Consultant Overall ecological and social coordination for the implementation of the BAP and BMP will be undertaken by an external ecological/social consultant. Additional support will be given for the preparation of the ESMP, mapping and socialisation program as well as other duties as necessary. Biodiversity experts The biodiversity monitoring surveys, expert stakeholder advice and assistance with the implementation of the socialisation programme will be undertaken by biodiversity experts. Site Construction Manager The overall implementation of the BAP and BMP on site will be undertaken by the Site Construction Manager HSE Manager The implementation of site measures will be delegated as determined by the Site Construction Manager to the Health, Safety and Environment Manager. 23 Key likely impacts (C=construction impacts, Project Biodiversity Risk Recommended Mitigating Measure Responsible Party Estimated Cost (USD) O=operation impacts) Translocation of endemic and species with critical conservation status such as Orchis sp., Fritillaria sp., Ornithogalum sp., Hyacinthus sp., ferns and other CDR and Dam Operator N/A species must be done before the construction of the dam and the inundation of downstream areas C= Permanent habitat loss from construction of site infrastructure; noise and light disturbance Implement environmental flows to reduce the from construction; increased pressure from Dam Operator (BMLWE) N/A Ccontrol of water flooding may lead to disturbance intensity human activities, such as forest management, destruction of important plant species and Flora logging and hunting due to improved access. disturbance imposed within the demographic structure of riparian forest O= Disturbance from site staff and vehicles; physical barriers to movement across site roads; Install fencing around trees and patches of vegetation Works Contractor 10,000 light disturbance at well pads from occasional close to construction zones night work Signs indicating the area is a "sensitive environmental Works Contractor N/A area" will be clearly and securely affixed to the fencing Reduced volumes of year-round river inflow and outflow, and possibility of water contamination Ensure connection of water between dam and with sewage or polluted water will deteriorate C & O Dam Operator (BMLWE) N/A downstream water resources. the environmental conditions of various fish Fish species and/or block reproduction Reduction in water flow downtream of Bisri C&O Maintain environmental flow as designed Dam Operator (BMLWE) N/A river may impact local freshwater blenny fish. Schedule filling of the dam during the October - July Risk of sudden reduction in water availability to season to minimize disruptions to breeding season. C&O Dam Operator (BMLWE) N/A hamper viability of amphibians and reptiles Schedule site clearance works during non-vulnerable periods. Implement a construction site drainage system to Included in construction Works Contractor reduce pollution to water resources contract estimate Amphibians Reduction in water availability will impact the and Reptiles environmetnal conditions of the populations of Operate dam to maintain water levels as long as Dam Operator (BMLWE) N/A the Bufo cf bufo ("Common European toad"), C&O possible to optimize breeding and spawning seasons whose habitat appears to consist mostly of rocky terrain and riparian trees Install reptile-proof fencing to prevent Bufo cf bufo Works Contractor as advised by from returning or accessing the most hazardous parts of 10,000 Biodiversity Management Specialist the construction site Disturbance to natural environment may lead to Schedule any required blasting during the day Works Contractor N/A Birds C&O a reduction in bird colonies CDR Tree clearance to avoid spring nesting seasons N/A Fragmentation of natural environment as a Works Contractor as advised by Fence exposed edges and install bushy hedges along exposed roads N/A result of dam construction may obstruct Biodiversity Management Specialist Mammals C&O mammal routes and expose animals to drowning and other risks Works Contractor as advised by Construct crossing points for strategic animal crossings Biodiversity Management Specialist N/A 24 References IFC (2007). Environmental, health, and safety guidelines for onshore oil and gas development. International Finance Corporation and World Bank Group. IFC (2012a). Performance Standard 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources. International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group. IFC (2012b). Guidance Note 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources. International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group. IFC (2012c). Performance Standard 1. Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts. International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group. IPIECA & OGP (2013). A guide to developing biodiversity action plans for the oil and gas sector. Available at