Morocco - Irrigation-Based Community Development Project : environmental assessment

E441 MOROCCO IRRIGATION BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (IBCD) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT February 14, 2001 FI LE CO PY MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) LIST OF ACRONYMS AUEA Association des usagers des Eaux Agricoles BP Bank Procedure EA Environmental Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EPP Equipe de Programmation Participative CGP Cellule de Gestion de Projet CSEC High Council for Water and Climate DAHA Direction des Am6nagements Hydro-agricoles DPA Direction provinciale de l'agriculture IBCD Irrigation Based Community Development Program MRPEUDH Ministry of Regional Planning, Environment, Urban Development and Housing OP Operational Policy ORMVA Office Regionale de Mise en Valeur Agricole PAGER Rural Water and Sanitation Project PAGI Programme d'Am6lioration de la Grande Irrigation PGE Projet Gestion Environnementale PMH Petite et Moyenne Hydraulique SMI Small and Medium Scale Irrigation UGP Unit6 de Gestion Provinciale MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Conmunity Development Program (IBCD) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................pp. imi-vii ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FRAME WORK..................................................................... III ENVIR ONMENTA L IMPA CTA SSESSMENT.................................................................... IV PROJECT DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................................IV PROJECT ENVIROAMENTAL IMPA CTS........................................................................... V EN VIR ONMENTA L MA NA GEMENT PLA N.................................................................... VI A. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 1 O bjectives............................................................................................................................... 1 A pproach................................................................................................................................ 1 B. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FRAMEWORK ................................................................ 2 Administrative Structure .................................................................................................. 2 Government and Environmental Bodies........................................................................ 2 Environmental Impact Assessment ................................................................................ 3 C. THE SECTOR FRAMEWORK ......................................................................................... 4 Irrigated Agriculture ...................................................................................................... 4 Environmental Impacts of Irrigated Agriculture in Morocco.......................................5 Water Resources Policies .................................................................................................. 5 Water Resources Administration ..................................................................................... 7 D. PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................. 7 Component 1: Rehabilitation of SMI .............................................................................. 8 Component 2: Community Infrastructure ..................................................................... 8 Component 3: Institutional Strengthening ...................................................................... 8 Component 4: Preparation of Phase 2 ............................................................................ 9 E. BASELINE DATA .................................................................................................................... 9 The Project Area: Mountainous Regions in Morocco................................................. 9 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Location, Climate and Agro-Ecology ............................................................................ 10 Protected Areas ................................................................................................................... 11 F. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...................................................................................... 11 Project Impacts ................................................................................................................... 11 Operational Policies ......................................................................................................... 13 G. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................. 13 Mitigation............................................................................................................................. 13 Monitoring ........................................................................................................................... 13 Capacity Development and Training ............................................................................ 14 Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates ..............................................................14 APPENDICES 1. Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total 1s Phase, Base Costs) 2. Mitigation 3. Capacity Building in Environmental Assessment, Monitoring and Mitigation 1i MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i) This report has been prepared in the context of the proposed "Irrigation Based Community Development (IBCD) Program" which is the first step by the Moroccan Government to implement its new "2020 Rural Development Strategy". The project, rated category B under "Operational Policy (OP) and Bank Procedure (BP) 4.01-Environmental Impact Assessment", constitutes the first phase (2001-2005) of a 13-year program to improve the livelihoods of small and medium irrigation based communities. The first phase will be implemented in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz. So far only project activities in Azilal have been defined in detail. ii) Because of the project's participatory approach, the Environmental Assessment concentrates on: - the national environmental policy framework; - institutional capacity; and - explicit sub-project eligibility parameters to facilitate the determination of the likely extent of environmental impacts, and integrate appropriate environmental mitigation measures into project design. Environmental Policy Framework iii) With World Bank support, the Government has analyzed the legal and institutional situation of the environmental sector in the country and economic instruments for pollution reduction, worked on new information systems and means for sensitization of the population in the environmental field (Projet de gestion environnementale, PGE). The next step will be the actual implementation of priority measures under the < Plan de dveloppement &conomique et social 1999- 2003 >. One of the priority areas in the legal field is the putting in place of an Environmental Impact Legislation (la Loi relative aux Etudes d'impacts sur l'environnement). iv) The Environmental Administration in Morocco is currently in transition. As a result of a reorganization, the State Secretariat for Environment within the larger Ministry of Regional Planning, Environment, Urban Development and Housing (MRPEUDH) has become a Department. One of the new features, in line with general governmental strategy, is the creation of a Division of Co-operation with local administrations and NGOs. The Pilot Project and Impact Analysis Division has been assigned the role of coordinator of the Environmental Impact Assessment process on the national level. A regional representation of the new Department of Environment is envisaged in the mid-term. Currently, however, the Pilot Project and Impact Analysis Division works on a sectoral basis with other parts of the administration in evaluating environmental impacts of projects, and final decision-making takes place at the level of the Interministerial Committee on Impacts. v) Because the Environment Department is not represented at the provincial level, it is suggested that the Provincial Departments of Agriculture, in coordination with MRPUDH, take on the role of implementing the Environmental Management Plans of the proposed Project through their < Uniti de gestion provinciale >. The DPA will be responsible for ensuring that environmental assessments of subprojects are carried out before they are adopted by the local population. The DPA iii MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) will also be responsible for the quality of EMP execution and monitoring. In Azilal, a planning and monitoring Unit already exists for the implementation of the World Bank financed Lakhdar Watershed Management Pilot Project'. Experience from implementing Lakhdar suggests the need to strengthen the capacity for environmental assessment and EMP implementation through training and technical assistance.. Environmental Impact Assessment vi) Currently, Environmental Assessments are not mandatory in Morocco. The draft law (Projet de Loi relative aux Etudes d'impacts sur l'environnement) and the pertinent regulations (Projet de Dicret pris pour l'application de la loi relative aux itudes d'impacts sur l'environnement) on Environmental Impact Assessment have been in the legislative pipeline for some years. Nevertheless, an Environmental Assessment was undertaken for the proposed Project, as required by OP/BP 4.01. Its findings are summarized below. Project Description vii) The IBCD is part of the Government's "Stratigie 2020 de dveloppement rural". The overall program is going to be implemented over a period of 13 years with the objective of rehabilitating an area of 46,000 ha in 15 provinces of small and medium size irrigation plus integrated rural development measures in infrastructure and agricultural development. The subject of this environmental assessment is the first phase of this program planned for five years from 2001 to 2005. In the course of this first phase, rehabilitation and modernization of small and medium irrigation and rural infrastructure will be financed in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz, plus the integrated programming for six additional provinces to be included in a second four year phase after 2005. Component 1: Rehabilitation of SMI viii) After technical examination and selection by DAHA, 21 SMI perimeters have been identified in Azilal province with a total area of 3,450 ha. For the two other provinces under the first phase (Khenifra and Al Haouz), rehabilitation works will be executed on an area of around 6,000 ha selected through beneficiary involvement. These activities will be undertaken using a participatory approach that will be introduced by Equipes de programmation participative (EPP) at the provincial level and in the Centres de Travaux (Local extension offices). ix) Technical studies and design will be done jointly by national consultants and Agricultural Water Users Associations (A UEA) under the supervision of the Provincial Directorates for Agriculture (DPA). Operation and maintenance costs for the rehabilitated infrastructure will be the obligation of the AUEA. Component 2: Community Infrastructure x) Community Infrastructure refers to three subcomponents: Projet pilote d'am6nagement du bassin Versant de l'Oued Lakhdar. iv MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Comnunity Development Program (IBCD) - Rural Roads: For Azilal, rehabilitation 116 km of rural roads in the 21 identified SMI perimeters are foreseen, For the provinces of Al Haouz and Khenifra, 70 km per province are estimated. 33% of the costs will be borne by the respective communities. - In the douars that are not already covered by the World Bank financed rural water supply project, PAGER, water points would be established under a cost sharing arrangement with the respective communities bearing 15% and the users 5%. Users will be responsible for operation and maintenance. - Other infrastructure investments would include electrification, health and education. These are already covered under other programs for Azilal, but not necessarily for the other provinces in phase 1. Component 3: Institutional Strengthening - Participatory, integrated programming: Project interventions will be based on a participatory approach aimed at institutionalizing the integration of the activities of the various technical agencies. This will take place at three levels: national (programming manual and series of workshops for its strengthening by local level involvement), provincial (identification of "zones" de dveloppement), and local (strengthening of participation programming teams and implementation plans). - Sustainable agricultural intensification: technical guidelines specific for each zone, research and development, demonstration plots, technical training and extension. Component 4: Preparation of Phase 2 xi) In the same way the two provinces of Khenifra and Al Haouz will be prepared in the first phase, the project will finance identification studies for the six provinces covered by the second phase of the program. Project Environmental Impacts xii) Based on the analysis of project activities, the project is expected to result in a number of positive environmental impacts. Negative impacts are expected to be either offset by integrating mitigating measures into the project design or by reducing their risk to acceptable levels. A summary table of significant environmental impacts is attached in Appendix 1. The following list represents potential significant impacts for the first phase assuming that similar issues would be relevant also for project interventions in Al Haouz and Khenifra, although these have not yet been defined in detail. xiii) Main positive impacts would be: - Reduction of water losses through improved canal systems and better systems of operation and maintenance; v MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Conmunity Development Program (IBCD) - Incentives for more efficient water use through measurement of water consumption; Substantial improvement of safety through betterflood protection; - Sustainable intensification reduces pressure for conversion of marginal lands; - Rehabilitation/improvement of roads and proper maintenance, including drainage, is expected to reduce erosion; - Access to clean water (water points) is expected to reduce incidents of water borne diseases; - Awareness raising for the integrated approach helps promote consideration of environmental matters; - Provision of information on the environment in the project areas can help avoid negative environmental impacts and be used for sub-project assessments. xiv) Main negative impacts would be: - Potential increased agrochemical pollution due to increased use of pesticides and fertilizers along with improved availability of irrigation water; - Potential ecological impacts of increased water diversion - effects on wetlands and other types of non-agricultural vegetation; - Potential use of irrigation canals for non-agricultural water supply and as a sewer in rural settlements - disease problems; - Building of new roads could lead to more erosion and disturbance of vegetation; - Potential uncontrolled disposal of dredge, excavation and construction material/debris leads to disturbed land areas and induces uncontrolled waste dumps; - Salinization risk increased with increased irrigation if water quality is not properly monitored and drainage ensured; - Possible hygiene problems at waterpoints; and - Risk of overexploitation of groundwater resources through mechanized pumping of potable water. Environmental Management Plan xv) The Environmental Management Plan proposed for Azilal will serve as example for the two other provinces Khenifra and Al Haouz. The EMP consists of the three parts: mitigation, monitoring and institutional measures. vt MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Mitigation xvi) Environmental impacts, mitigation measures and responsibilities for implementation are presented together in Appendix 2. No additional costs apart from capacity building are foreseen, as mitigation measures are being integrated into the project design. Monitoring xvii) Key environmental aspects of the project have to be monitored to allow for corrective action - if necessary - during supervision. A realistic monitoring program would be developed under the capacity building exercise defined in Appendix 3 rather than a prescribed program that is not going to be executed because it is too far from implementation realities. For monitoring to be successful, it has to be developed with the people in charge implementing it. This would involve - linked to the impacts assessed - the description of simple but meaningful monitoring measures and parameters, sampling locations, frequency of measurements, and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective action. Monitoring and reporting would be the responsibility of the Unitj de gestion de projet under the DPA, but with assistance from the Centres de Travaux, Water Users Associations and beneficiaries in the communities. Reports on the basis of the jointly developed monitoring programs would be made available to the Cellule de gestion de projet and the World Bank TTL and Environmental Specialist, and would be evaluated during supervision. Capacity Development and Training xviii) In Azilal Province, experience with the implementation of the Lakhdar Watershed Management Pilot Project (Projet d'aminagement du bassin versant de l'Oued Lakhdar) suggests the need for effective implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring and increased capacity in the field of environmental impact assessment. xix) In coordination with MRPEUDH, it is therefore suggested to include local technical assistance in the project to provide for capacity building in Environmental Assessment procedures, the (currently draft) National Environmental Impact Legislation and implementation and monitoring of the Mitigation Plan (Appendix 2). This would include participation in a one-week workshop and guided execution of a subproject EA with the help of a national Environmental Assessment Specialist. Participants in this workshop at the provincial level would be two persons from the UGP, who would be responsible for the co-ordination of the EA process, representatives from the relevant Centre de Travaux, the EPP, the rural communities and the Water Users Associations. It is strongly suggested - particularly with regard to monitoring to involve the Direction du dveloppement et de la gestion de l'irrigation (Cellule de l'environnement) and its experiences in monitoring and supervision of environmental impacts related to the implementation of PAGI 2 (Deuxidme program d'amilioration de la grande irrigation). This involvement would include the review of the draft terms of reference for capacity building and serving as a resource person/technical expert in the workshop as counterpart for a national Consultant (from a Bureau d'etudes) in Environmental Assessment. xx) In addition to the workshop, the national consultant would conduct a << Model Environmental Assessment >> with the selected members of the UGP for a concrete, real life sub- project. The workshop and Model EA exercise would be repeated in Khenifra and Al Haouz. vii MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates xxi) For the EMP to be effective, it must be seen as part of the project. Funding in the amount of US$26,650 for essential capacity building is being made available as part of the under overall project costs (see Appendix 3 for details). As explained above (paras. xix and xx), most of the mitigation measures are integrated into project design. Implementation of these measures would be monitored as part of the project monitoring and evaluation system. A covenant to this effect would be included in the Loan Agreement The workshop and capacity building would start right after project launch. viii MOROCCO IRRIGATION BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (IBCD) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT A. INTRODUCTION Objectives 1. This report has been prepared in the context of the proposed "Irrigation Based Community Development (IBCD) Program" as part of the Moroccan Government's "2020 Rural Development Strategy". The project, rated category B under Operational Policy (OP) and Bank Procedure (BP) 4.01 Environmental Impact Assessment", constitutes the first phase (2001-2005) of a 13 year program to improve the livelihoods of small and medium irrigation based communities. The first phase will be implemented in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz. Only for Azilal project activities have already been defined in detail. The purpose of the assessment is to: - assess positive and negative impacts of the first phase of the project on the environment and propose appropriate environmental mitigation measures; - prepare a specific environmental management plan (EMP) for Azilal, that could serve as model EMP for future sites; - provide a simple manual for sub-project review for inclusion into the Project Implementation Manual. Approach 2. Given the evolving nature of the flexible Adaptable Program Loan and the integrated, decentralized programming and budgeting of rural development activities under the project, key issues compared to a "standard type" project Environmental Assessment are that the subprojects/components are, for the most part, not known at appraisal. Consequently, there is a need for the development of mechanisms for applying Environmental Assessment and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) procedures for the program. In terms of defining an adequate type of Environmental Assessment the approach taken combines features of Financial Intermediaries projects with a Sector Assessment. More attention as compared to a "standard" Environmental Assessment will therefore be given to: - the national environmental policy framework; - institutional capacity; and MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) - program specificity, i.e. explicit sub-project eligibility parameters to facilitate the determination of the likely extent of environmental impacts, and integrate appropriate environmental mitigation measures into the project design. B. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FRAMEWORK Administrative Structure 3. Morocco has recently undergone major political liberalization. Following legislative elections on November 14, 1997, King Hassan II appointed a long-standing opposition figure, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, as Prime minister on February 4, 1998. The new Government's economic program, presented on April 17, 1998 and elaborated upon since, embodies a balanced emphasis on: (1) prudence in macroeconomic and fiscal management; (2) reforms to improve public sector performance and harness the potential for private-sector-led growth; and (3) the need for broad-based human and social development, particularly in the country's least developed areas. Under the new government, a regime of fiscal discipline is being implemented. Government has shown continuity in taking forward the legislative agenda initiated by its predecessor. 4. With World Bank support, Government has analyzed the legal and institutional situation of the environmental sector in the country and economic instruments for pollution reduction, worked on new information systems and means for sensitization of the population in the environmental field (Projet gestion environnementale, PGE). The next step will be the actual implementation of priority measures designed under the << Plan de d6veloppement 6conomique et social 1999-2003 >>. One of the priority areas in the legal field is the legal endorsement of environmental impact legislation (Loi relative aux Etudes d'impacts sur l'environnement). Government and Environmental Bodies 5. The importance of organizational structures for the success of environmental strategies and policies was the starting point for the PGE. It therefore included analysis and recommendations for restructuring the environmental administration in Morocco. In August 2000, however, the Secr6tariat d'6tat it 'environnement within MRPEUDH was downgraded into a Department. 6. More than a dozen Ministries have a role in Environmental Management. The main ones in the context of this project are: - Ministry of Regional Planning, Environment, Urban Development and Housing (MRPEUDH): As part of this Ministry, the Department of Environment plays a coordinating role in crosscutting environmental issues and decision-making in interministerial coordinating bodies. 2 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) - Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Forests: Forestry, Protected Areas, Hunting and Fishing, Soil Conservation and Combating Desertification, Plant Protection and Animal Health; additional responsibilities under the Direction des eaux et des for8ts et de la conservation des sols; - Ministry of Public Works: Water regulations, large-scale water infrastructure, quantity and quality issues, coastal zones; - Ministry of Health: Waterborne diseases, sanitation, hygiene, etc. 7. The Environmental Administration in Morocco is currently in transition. As a result of a reorganization in August 2000, the State Secretariat for Environment within MRPEUDH was downgraded into a Department. Still, in line with general governmental strategy, the Direction of Co- operation with local administrations and NGOs is active. The Pilot Project and Impact Analysis Division also continues to play the role of coordinator of the Environmental Impact Assessment process at the national level - anything more would go beyond the capacity of this small unit. A regional representation of the Department of Environment is still envisaged in the medium term; currently however, the Pilot Project and Impact Analysis Division works on a sectoral basis with other parts of the administration in evaluating environmental impacts of projects, with final decision- making taking place at the level of the Interministerial Committee on Impacts. 8. Because the Department of Environment is not represented at the provincial level, it is suggested that the Provincial Agricultural Directorates (DPA), in coordination with the Environment Department of MRPEUDH, take on the role of implementing the Environmental Management Plans of the Project through their << Unit6 de gestion provinciale >>. The DPA will also ensure environmental assessments of subprojects are carried out before they are adopted by the local population. The DPA will be responsible for the quality of EMP execution and monitoring. In Azilal, a Planning and Monitoring Unit already exists for implementation of the World Bank financed Lakhdar Watershed Management Pilot Project'. Experience from implementing Lakhdar suggests the need to strengthen the capacity for environmental assessment and EMP implementation. A proposal for institutional strengthening is attached in Appendix 3. Environmental Impact Assessment 9. Currently, Environmental Assessments are not mandatory in Morocco. The draft law (Projet de Loi relative aux Etudes d'impacts sur l'environnement) and the pertinent regulations (Projet de D6cret pris pour 1'application de la loi relative aux 6tudes d'impacts sur l'environnement) on Environmental Impact Assessment have been in the legislative pipeline for some years and are expected to be approved this year. Projet pilote d'am6nagement du bassin versant de I'Oued Lakhdar. 3 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) C. THE SECTOR FRAMEWORK 10. The proposed project takes an integrated approach to rural development. Because of the focus on irrigation, however, it is appropriate to have a closer look at Morocco's water sector. In addition to water shortages, overall environmental issues include deforestation, soil erosion and the effects of industrial effluent, which have become health hazards in several urban areas. A new water law, approved in 1995, aims at improving resource management by emphasizing co-management for each watershed with a view to promoting stakeholder participation and co-operation. Morocco has vast areas of rain-fed and irrigated arable land: agriculture still accounts for 17 percent of GDP and 30% of exports. The sector employs 40 percent of the economically active population. Production is variable due to its dependence on climatic conditions. The agriculture sector is highly protected through trade restrictions, tax exemptions, and subsidies - including on water. Irrigated agriculture uses around 85 percent of mobilized water in Morocco. Frequent droughts have aggravated water scarcity in Morocco and clean water is becoming more expensive due to increasing pollution and declining water resources. Rational water use depends on implementation of adequate water pricing and a strategy for sustainable use. Irrigated Agriculture' 11. Out of a total land area of 71 million ha, agriculture in Morocco uses around 9 million ha, or roughly 12%. For the most part, agriculture takes place in the Northwest of the country and in the medium/high areas of the Atlas mountain range. The climate is typically semi-arid: cold in the winter and dry in summer. Precipitation is low, unevenly distributed and varies immensely from one year to the next. Although the regions in the North, North West and in the central part of the country (including the project areas) are relatively better off in terms of precipitation as compared to the North East and the South, they too depend on additional water sources for agricultural production. 12. After a relatively slow build-up of modern-day irrigation infrastructure from the end of the twenties to the end of the sixties of this century, a rapid expansion followed in the three decades after 1968: 78 dams or more than 80% of all dams in the country were built in this period. This rapid construction of large scale infrastructure allows the use of an average of 13.2 billion m3 of water per annum, out of which 83% is reserved for irrigation and 17% is used for drinking water and for industrial production. Total irrigable lands in Morocco amount to an area of 1.6 million ha, out of which 1.36 million ha are perennial and 0.3 million ha are seasonal. There are two types of irrigation schemes: large-scale irrigation ("grande hydraulique"), 880,000 ha; and small and medium scale irrigation ("petite et moyenne hydraulique, PMH"), 780,000 ha. Actually irrigated (in 1998) were only 616,000 ha of large-scale and 330,000 ha of small and medium scale. 13. Along with expansion of irrigation, especially large-scale irrigation, came intensification in terms of fertilizer and pesticide use, partial mechanization and attempts at agricultural extension. Fertilizer use increased from 23,540 tons in 1956 to 720,000 tons in 1996. Half of today's amount is used in the large-scale irrigation schemes. Annual pesticide use in the country amounts to 7,400 tons per year, most of which (6,600 tons) is used in citrus and early vegetables. According to extension personnel met during field visits, lack of knowledge on proper application and handling of fertilizers The following two sections draw heavily on: Mohammi, Assou (1999): Impacts de l'irrigation sur l'environnement au Maroc. Direction du d6veloppement et de la gestion de l'irrigation. Rabat. 4 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) and pesticides is very serious problem leading to economical and ecological damage (e.g. used containers, handling of obsolete pesticides). 14. In contrast to these large-scale irrigation areas, however, the small and medium irrigation areas in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz, which are the focus of the proposed project, rely mainly on diversion of streams and use few chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Environmental Impacts of Irrigated Agriculture in Morocco 15. Main environmental problems in Morocco connected to Irrigation practices are similar to the ones found in comparable climates: - Salinization of soils due to poor water quality management and poor drainage, resulting in declines in yields and product quality in the short term and exclusion of certain crops for cultivation in the longer term with changes in chemical, physical and hydrological features of the soils; - Compaction including deeper layers of soils can lead to waterlogging, further increase the risk of salinization and reduced productivity; - Irrigated agriculture can lead to negative effects on surface water - saline drainage water discharges but also by discharging nitrates and pesticide residues into surface waters; - Groundwater salinity (conductivity higher than 3 mS/cm) is relatively widespread in Morocco, nitrites and nitrates are also found in groundwater. In the case of nitrates, the values go frequently beyond 50mg/l; - Groundwater exploitation has lead in the course of a number of very dry years to the overexploitation of groundwater resources. In some areas (e.g. Souss Massa and Loukkos) there is the imminent risk of salt water intrusion caused by vast overexploitation; - Water borne diseases poses a risk particularly in the warmer regions and of proper maintenance/cleaning up of the irrigation infrastructure; - Drainage discharges containing phosphorous, pesticide residues and nitrates constitute a risk for fauna and flora in general and migratory birds and fish, in particular for their reproduction. Water Resources Policies 16. The water sector plays a central role in Morocco's economic development and has been strongly supported by the Government. The urban water supply and large-scale irrigation subsectors are relatively well developed. In 2000, in spite of strong demographic growth and urban migration, 90 percent of the urban population are supposed to be connected to treated water supplies. In addition, a 5 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) 50 percent expansion of modern irrigation has brought the total irrigated area to one million hectares. Irrigation and drinking water absorb 85 percent and 12 percent respectively of total mobilised water resources. Hydropower contributes about 15% of the country's total energy production. 17. A Water Sector Review (1995) showed that despite major achievements, Morocco faces an increasing challenge in water resource management. The anticipated growing disequilibrium between rising demands, resulting from rapid expansion of irrigated areas and urban development, and a slowing of the growth in available supplies has actually occurred; this trend is compounded by the exploitation of more marginal supplies, the depletion of aquifers and the pollution of available resources. Sanitation infrastructure has not kept pace with drinking water supply and urban effluent is a major contributor to the pollution of surface, coastal and groundwater. In addition, industrial and agricultural pollution, together with erosion of the watersheds, has resulted in a degradation of water resources. Polluted water is a major contributor to disease in rural areas, as only a minor percentage of rural water supplies are treated. Main issues and constraints as identified under the Water Resources Management Project are: - Growing Water Scarcity and Deteriorating Quality. Per capita water resources available for mobilization are expected to fall from 837m3 in 1990 to 514m3 in 2020. In 2020, it is projected that Morocco will move from being defined as "water-stressed" to being a "chronically water-stressed" country. Growing scarcity is anticipated as a result of rising demands, resulting from rapid expansion irrigated areas and urban development, and a slowing of the growth in available supplies (resulting from the exploitation of more marginal supplies), the depletion of aquifers and the pollution of available resources. Polluted water is the major contributor to disease in rural areas. - Limited provision of Rural Potable Water. Despite Morocco's success in providing potable water to its urban inhabitants, the provision of rural potable supplies remains a challenge. An estimated 45% of the population lives in rural areas, but only 30% have access to safe and reliable sources of water with strongly negative impacts on the health of the rural population. - Low Efficiency in Irrigation. Overall water-use efficiency in irrigation including water conveyance and application operations is around 40%; i.e. under half of the water delivered to farms actually reaches the crops. The Government's aim of expanding irrigated areas in a situation of scarce water supplies and reduced subsidies puts into doubt the sustainability of existing farming practices, raising doubts as to the economic viability of some irrigated areas. - Ineffective Use of Existing Infrastructure. Inadequate maintenance of existing hydraulic infrastructure has lead to financial losses resulting from reduced operating efficiencies. Main problems are siltation and reduced storage capacity of dams and conveyance losses in primary and secondary canals of up to 25%. - Weak Institutional Capacity. The institutional challenge to water resources management is particularly difficult to resolve: policy-making is largely centralized, with responsibility for water management resting with the sectoral 6 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) ministries and agencies responsible for the different end-users resulting in fragmentation of planning and management. 18. In order to assist in the development of a strategy for decisive policies to address the challenges of water resources management in the coming decades, the Government and the World Bank launched the Water Resources Management Project in 19981. The project promotes integrated management of water resources, covering quantitative and qualitative aspects, with central co- ordination and decentralized management, ensuring participation of stakeholders and the private sector. 19. The passage of the Water Law in 1995 was a major step in this direction, providing a regulatory, legal and institutional framework to support sustainable water management and including a number of fundamental policy reforms such as: (a) the creation of river basin agencies for decentralized water management and increased stakeholder participation; (b) the establishment of long-term national and river basin water master plans; (c) introduction of water charges on bulk water resources and pollution taxes; and (d) establishment of the monitoring and control of water quality. 20. The implications of this legislation for the small and medium irrigation areas in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz, which are the focus of the proposed project, are limited, having basically to do with decentralized water management and increased stakeholder participation. Water Resources Administration 21. The major changes introduced by the Water Law relate to the institutional system for water resource administration: - strengthening of the High Council for Water and Climate (CSEC) for improving centralized co-ordination of the water sector at large; - preparation of a National Water Plan and river basin water masterplans; and - the establishment of river Basin Agencies (RBAs) for decentralized Management of water resources at river basin level. D. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 22. The IBCD is part of Government's "Stratdgie 2020 de d6veloppement rural". The overall program is going to be implemented over a period of 13 years with the objective to rehabilitate an area of 46,000 ha in 15 provinces of small and medium size irrigation (outside the large-scale areas covered by the ORMVA) plus integrated rural development measures in infrastructure and agricultural development. The subject of this environmental assessment is the first phase of this program planned for five years from 2001 to 2005. In the course of this first phase, rehabilitation and modernization of approximately 9,450 ha of small and medium irrigation and rural infrastructure will be financed.in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz, plus the integrated programming for six additional provinces in a second four year phase after 2004. The World Bank (1998): KINGDOM OF MOROCCO: Water Resources Management Project. Rural Development, Water and Environment Group, The World Bank, Washington D.C. 7 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Component 1: Rehabilitation of SMI 23. After technical examination and selection by the DAHA, 21 perimeters have been identified in Azilal province with a total area of 3,450 ha. For the two other provinces under the first phase (Khenifra and Al Haouz), rehabilitation works will be executed on an area of around 6,000 ha selected involving beneficiaries. These activities will be undertaken using a participatory approach that will be introduced by the Equipes de programmation participative (at the provincial level) and Centres de travaux (Local extension offices). 24. Technical studies and design will be done jointly by national consultants and Water Users Associations (AUEA) under the supervision of the Provincial Directorates for Agriculture (DPA). Operation and Maintenance costs for the rehabilitated infrastructure will be the obligation of the AUEA. For details on the rehabilitation works for Azilal see Appendix 1). Component 2: Community Infrastructure 25. Community Infrastructure refers to three subcomponents: - Rural Roads: For Azilal, rehabilitation 116 km of rural roads in the 21 identified perimeters are foreseen, while for the provinces of Al Haouz and Khenifra 70 km per province are estimated. 33% of the costs will be borne by the respective community. - In the douars that are not already covered by the World Bank financed rural water supply project, PAGER, water points would be established under a cost sharing arrangement with the respective communities (15%) and the users (5%). Users will be responsible for operation and maintenance. - Other infrastructure investments would include electrification, health and education. These are covered under existing programs for Azilal but not necessarily for the other two provinces in phase 1. Component 3: Institutional Strengthening - Participatory, integrated programming: project interventions will be based on a participatory approach aiming at institutionalizing the integration of the various technical agencies and their interests. This will take place at three levels: national (programming manual, and series of workshops for its strengthening by local level involvement), provincial (identification of "zones" de d6veloppement), and local (strengthening of programming teams and implementation plans). - Sustainable agricultural intensification: technical guidelines specific for each zone, research and development, demonstration plots, technical training and extension. 8 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Component 4: Preparation of Phase 2 26. In the same way the two provinces of Khenifra and Al Haouz will be prepared in the first phase, the project will finance identification studies for the six provinces covered by the second phase of the program. E. BASELINE DATA The Project Area: Mountainous Regions in Morocco 27. The selection of the provinces covered under the program has been based in part on an iterative process taking into account the existing situation in terms of the state of irrigation and social infrastructure, agricultural potential and rural development indicators. Other considerations have been existing programs with or without external financing. 28. It is estimated that around 15% of the Morocco's national territory are mountainous with 17% of the total population living there. There are three distinct geographical regions: - the " Rif " in the North; - the "Moyen Atlas", in the centre of the country; - the "Haut Atlas"and "Anti Atlas" in the South. 29. Characteristic of all three mountainous regions is their disparity in terms of economic and social development compared to other parts of the country. Rather than catching up, these regions have fallen even further behind in recent years. Prevalent subsistence agriculture has been affected by strong population growth in that natural resources are being exploited to their limits and beyond. Visible results are vulnerability of rural livelihoods and forced emigration. 30. According to the analysis during preparation of the Lakhdar Watershed Management Pilot Projectt, the farming systems in these regions are not sufficiently diversified and are dominated by traditional and very extensive forms of farming. Farmers dedicate most of their land to subsistence food production while only part of their land is suitable (erosion prone soils on steep slopes). Agroforestry and fodder production are not supported by an adequate level of technical support, training and extension. Because there is not enough fodder and grazing land, the otherwise well- adapted livestock keeping/pastoralism leads to overgrazing. Consequently, remaining forests are under pressure by pastoralist seeking fodder for their herds. Farm sizes are usually small with less than 5 ha of arable land, with vulnerable, eroded soils and limited ability to irrigate. The Lakhdar Watershed Management Pilot Project aims to improve land use and natural resource management through better practices in soil conservation, water management, erosion control, reforestation and range management. In particular, staff training is provided on key environmental issues, on environmental guidelines and on the techniques of environmental analysis. Workshops will also be held to sensitize local communities on environmental issues. Projet d'am6nagement du bassin versant de l'Oued Lakhdar. FAO Investment Centre Preparation Report. Annexe 3: D6veloppement agricole. 9 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Location, Climate and Agro-Ecology 31. Azilai Province which covers around 10,000 kM2 is situated entirely in the << Haut Atlas >> mountains with a population estimated at 470,000, 90% of which in rural areas. More than 80% of the province area lies 1,000 m or more above sea level. The relief is undulating with steep slopes and plateaus ending in sharp rims. The climate is Mediterranean influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Altitude and relief create various diverse microclimates. Average rainfall is around 55mm/annum. Average temperatures vary between 12.7 and 19.10C. Depending on the altitude, cold periods last from 3 to 7 months. Harsh climate conditions and vulnerable soils together make agriculture difficult. Potentially though, the characteristic features of the agro-ecology in these mountainous regions could result in a diversified agriculture with quality production. 32. Forest cover in the province is estimated at 389,000 ha, confirming its sylvo-pastoral character. 33. Main irrigated crops in the province are grain (52% of area), various tree-crops (41%), and to a lesser extent fodder (9%) and vegetables (8%). An even higher share of grain is cultivated under rainfed conditions (65%), with 10% of tree crops and 21% of arable land left as fallow. The extensive livestock rearing depends on fodder supply from the pastoral and sylvo-pastoral zones and by- products from grain production. 34. Al Haouz province consists of mainly hills and flat plateaus (500 - 800m above sea level) in the Piedmont zone and steep slopes between 1,000 and 3,000 in the mountainous valleys. Total population is 450,000 of which 90% live in rural areas. The climate varies from very dry in the Piedmont area (250 to 350 mm/annum) to slightly elevated precipitation figures in the high mountain valleys (300 to 800 mm/annum) depending on the exact location and the strongly diversified microclimate. 35. In the piedmont zone, annual crops (grains) are dominant; tree crops, fodder and vegetable production is small. In the high mountain valley zone, however, there are areas with cultivation of tree crops like walnuts, olives, apples and plums. In addition, there is - to a lesser extent - vegetable and alfalfa cultivation. 36. Khenifra province comprises three distinct zones: - the "Moyen" Atlas (medium altitude) from 1,000 to 2,000 m above sea level with precipitation between 670 and 760 mm/annum. - the "Haut" Moulaya, with an alluvial plains relief at 1,500 to 1,600 m above sea level and precipitation ranging between 240 and 360 mm/annum. - the "Haut" Atlas at 1,800 m to more than 3,000 m above sea level and precipitation at 380 mm/annum. 37. The total land area of the province amounts to 205,000 ha, 15% of which are cultivated. Population figures are not available, it is estimated that a large number of "farmers" are absentee owners that leave their herds with hired shepherds. The actual situation of natural resources and their use is not very well understood and - according to the preparation report - needs to be assessed thoroughly before actual project preparation can proceed. 10 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Protected Areas 38. Because of its location and topography on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Coasts with extreme climatic variations, there is a rich variety of habitats and species: 39 major ecosystem types, ranging from mountain and lowland forests, grasslands and wetlands to coastal lagoons and marine environments. There are an estimated 4,000 species of vascular plants, over 29% of them endemic. Morocco is the richest country in the Mediterranean in terms of fauna including 550 species of vertebrates, with 101 mammalian species and 22 endemic species of reptiles and amphibians. Thirty species of birds are endangered; and 31 species of reptiles and amphibians are threatened or endangered. Despite this, less than 1% of Morocco's surface currently has some form of active protection regime. The principal threats to biodiversity are habitat transformation and degradation through conversion for agriculture, urban expansion and industrial or tourism development. Around 70% of the country's poorest population live in the rural areas, often with few alternatives than natural resources use. The population in the mountainous areas is the poorest of all and main target group of the project lives in an area richest in biodiversity. 39. Based on a "Strategy for Protected Areas" completed in 1996, the World Bank has prepared a "Protected Areas Management Project"' funded by the Global Environment Facility for implementation beginning in 2000. The objective is to create a network of 8 parks and 150 other sites of ecological and biological interest covering 3% of Morocco's land area. In the project provinces there are four major protected areas: Aghbar (Reserve) and Toubkal National Park (under the Protected Areas Management Project) in Al Haouz, Tamga Reserve in Azilal and the Haut Atlas Oriental National Park (under creation). While the project areas do not coincide with protected areas, great care will have to be taken in sub-project evaluation that impacts on protected areas will be avoided. 40. The Protected Areas Strategy may also be seen within the context of three other major recent studies - Forestry Development Plan, emphasizing sustainable forest management with the participation of the local population, a Watershed Management Plan focused on addressing watershed degradation issues also with local populations, and a Biodiversity study, prepared by the State Secretariat for Environment. F. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Project Impacts 41. A summary table of significant environmental impacts is attached in Appendix 1. The following list represents potential significant impacts for the overall first phase assuming that similar issues would be relevant also for project interventions in Al Haouz and Khenifra although these have not yet been defined in detail and may not be exhaustive for Khenifra and Al Haouz. 42. Main positive impacts would be: - Reduction of water losses through improved canal systems and better systems of operation and maintenance; Global Environment Facility (2000): MOROCCO: Protected Areas Management Project. Project Document, January 2000. Rural Development, Water and Environment Group, The World Bank, Washington D.C. 11 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) - incentives for more efficient water use through measurement of water consumption; - Substantial improvement of safety through better flood protection; - sustainable intensification reduces pressure for conversion of marginal lands; and - rehabilitation/improvement of roads and proper maintenance (incl. drainage) is expected to reduce erosion; - access to clean water (water points) expected to reduce incidents of water borne diseases; - Awareness creation for integrated approach helps promote consideration of environmental matters; and - Provision of solid information on environment in project areas can help avoid negative environmental impacts and be used for sub-project assessments. 43. Main negative impacts would be: - Potentially increased agrochemical pollution due to increased use of pesticides and fertilizers along with improved availability of irrigation water; - Ecological impacts of increased water diversion - potential effects on wetlands and other types of non-agricultural vegetation; - Use of irrigation canals for non-agricultural water supply and as sewer in rural settlements - potential disease problems; - Building of new roads could lead to more erosion and disturbance of vegetation; - Potential uncontrolled disposal of dredge, excavation and construction materialldebris leads to disturbed land areas and induces uncontrolled waste dumps; - Salinization risk increased with increased irrigation if water quality is not properly monitored and lack of drainage; - Hygiene problems at waterpoints; and - Risk of overexploitation of groundwater resources through mechanized pumping for potable water. 12 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Operational Policies 44. While the applicability of the World Bank's OP 4.01 has been confirmed in the initial stages of project preparation, applicability of OP 4.09 (World Bank Policy on Pest Management) has not been concluded at pre-appraisal. 45. Based on OP 4.09 (version December 1998) it is argued here that IPM should explicitly be integrated into the preparation of the Terms of Reference for the Component 3 under "Extension", "Technical Guidelines", "Research and Development". Existing capacity in the field of pesticide handling, application, proper storage etc. is very low (see section on Irrigated Agriculture). G. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 46. For the Environmental Management Plan it is suggested to consider Azilal as an example for the two other provinces Khenifra and Al Haouz. The EMP consists of the three parts mitigation, monitoring and institutional measures. Based on the analysis of project activities, the project is expected to result in a number of positive environmental impacts. Negative impacts are expected to be either offset by integrating adequate measures into project design or by reducing them to their risk to acceptable levels. Mitigation 47. Environmental impacts, mitigation measures and responsibilities for implementation are put together in Appendix 2. The additional costs, which are included in the project costs, are estimated at $26,650, consisting basically of local technical assistance and training. Implementation of mitigation measures would be monitored and evaluated as part of the project monitoring and evaluation system. Monitoring 48. Key environmental aspects of the project as defined in the overview on environmental issues and the effectiveness of their mitigation in Appendix 1, will have to be monitored as sub- projects come up for review to allow for corrective action - if necessary - during implementation. A realistic monitoring program would be developed under the capacity building exercise defined in Appendix 3 rather than a prescribed program that is not going to be executed because it is too far from implementation realities. This would involve - linked to the impacts assessed - the description of simple but meaningful monitoring measures and parameters, sampling locations, frequency of measurements, and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective action. Monitoring and reporting would be the responsibility of the Unit6 de gestion de projet under the DPA, but with the assistance from the Centres de Travaux, Water Users Associations and beneficiaries in the communities. Reports on the basis of the jointly developed monitoring program would be made available to the Cellule de gestion de projet and the World Bank environmental specialist and evaluated during Supervision. 13 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Capacity Development and Training 49. In Azilal Province, experience with the implementation of the Lakhdar Watershed Management Pilot Project (Projet d'am6nagement du bassin Versant de I'Oued Lakhdar) suggests that to ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring, capacity in the field of environmental impact assessment has to be strengthened. 50. The project will include local technical assistance to provide for capacity building in Environmental Assessment procedures for World Bank Projects, implementation and monitoring of the Mitigation Plan (Appendix 2). This would include participation in a one-week workshop and guided execution of a subproject EA with the help of a national Environmental Assessment Specialist. Participants in this workshop at the provincial level would be two persons from the UGP, who would be responsible for the co-ordination of the EA process, representatives from the relevant Centre de travaux, the EPP, the rural communities and the Water Users Associations. It is strongly suggested - particularly with regard to the monitoring side to involve the Direction du d6veloppement et de la gestion de l'irrigation (Cellule de l'environnement) and its experiences in monitoring and supervision of environmental impacts related to the implementation of the PAGI 2 (Deuxi&me program d'am6lioration de la grande irrigation). This involvement would include the review of the draft terms of reference for capacity building and serving as resource person/technical expert in the workshop as counterpart for a national Consultant (from a Bureau d'6tudes) in Environmental Assessment. 51. In addition to the workshop, the national consultant would conduct a << Model Environmental Assessment >> with the nominated members of the UGP for a concrete, real life sub- project. The workshop and Model EA exercise would be repeated in Khenifra and Al Haouz. Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates 52. For the EMP to be effective, it must be integrated from the outset into the project. Funding in the amount of US$26,650 for essential capacity building in Environmental Assessment and Management will have to be made available as part of the in the overall project costs. The implementation of mitigation measures would be monitored as part of the project monitoring and evaluation system. A covenant to this effect would be included in the Loan Agreement. Most of the mitigation measures are related to project design. These should be taken before loan negotiations. For the workshop and capacity building to start right after project launch, preparations should be initiated right after negotiations. 14 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IRCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilat (Costs: Total Is Phase, Base Costs) Componen Project Objeci e Projeci Aciihitie Entironmental Inipatu Mitigation and Responsibili for Area Iimplementalion 1. Rehabilitation of About 9,450 ha in total , SMI (Cost US$17.84 6,000 in Khenifra and Al million) Haouz 1.1 Rehab. of Azilal SMI rehabilitated: Positive impacts Small and (3,500 ha) Water coll Iection/harnies sing S 21 perimeters identified W * Reduction of water losses through Medium .' from springs feeding the seguias Irrigation (SMI) size between 20 - 1,500 improved canal system and a better ha (US$1,850/ha => Lining of main and secondary system of operation and maintenance seguias with concrete * Incentives for more efficient water -o Establishment of measuring use through measuring water points at the secondary offtakes consumption Provision of intake structures at + Substantial improvement of safety field level through better flood protection t Provision of flood protection * Sustainable intensification reduces structures pressure for conversion of marginal lands = Maintenance for irrigation infrastructure paid for by Negative Impacts beneficiaries and rural communities * Potentially increased agrochemical Extension and training on IPI and pollution due to increased use of sound fertilizer application int grated pesticides and fertilizers along with in subcomponents and TORs Jor TA improved availability of irrigation water under 3.2: and increased discharge - Extension - Technical Guidelines - Research and Development - Technical Training * Ecological impacts of increased Definition and regular monito ing of water diversion - potential effects on indicator vegetation wetlands and other types of non- agricultural vegetation Construction of water points, vater * Use of irrigation canals for non- discharge measurement points, better agricultural water supply and as sewer in maintenance and cleaning of rural settlements - potential disease irrigation infrastructure under the MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total IV Phase, Base Costs) Component Project ijecli%e Project 1cii%ilies - inironmental Impact. iNlifigation and Re*spon;ihlil for Nrea Impleientafion problems project improves access to se cre water, creates awareness of health risks and reduces disease pres- ure + Potential uncontrolled disposal of dredge, excavation and construction Minimal disturbance of material/debris leads to disturbed land landscape/vegetation prescribed in areas and induces uncontrolled waste workplan for contractors, supervised dlumps by DPA * Salinization risk increased with Water quality controls (condu tivity), increased irrigation if water quality is not simple drainage measures, be soil properly monitored and lack of drainage and water conservation practi es included in extension, technic a guidelines, research and devel pment and technical training subcom onents by DPA 11 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total I" Phase, Base Costs) Component Project Objective Project Activities Environmental Issues Mitigation Area 2. Community Rural infrastructure not Infrastructure (Costs already provided under US$11.1 million) existing programs 2.1 Rural Roads Azilal Improved access to basic Improvement of 84 km access roads Positive impacts rural infrastructure: and 36 km of liaison roads * 116 km of rural roads* Rhbitainmpoe ntf * 16 m f ura rad = road width (between two side roads and proper maintenance (incl. drainage lines 5.0 mn drainage) expected to reduce erosion Agravel layer thickness 0.2 m W Access to clean water (water points) expected to reduce incidents max long, slope 10-12% of water bore diseases =~max cumber 3% => rnin. width side drainage 0.7 m Negative impacts 2 m3 depth side drainage 0.5 m * Risk of overexploitation of Aquifer capacity assessed Sx-ante groundwater resources through and implementation of eff.etive Ssprings equipped with reservoirs, mechanized pumping control of water quantitie 2.2 ate Suply ziesti90matedoi) pipes and hydrants (douars max. pumped by DPA/ONEP (estiated)600 inh.) shallow wells with handpumps (douars with max. 300inh.) -> w Potential tncontrolled disposal Organized disposai of drege, electric/diesel/solar pumps, pipes of dredge, ecvto n xaainadcntuto (doiars with max. 300 inh.) construction material/debris leads to material - without damag to disturbed land areas and induces vegetaion and without veating = underground cisterns to be uncontrolled waste dumps ad-hoe waste disposal site Azilal equipped with hand pumps * 150 water discharge (douars with max. 150 inh.) measurement points Smaintenance for unclassified * Hygiene problems at Proper fittings, strict sepai ation roads paid for by beneficiaries waterpoints towards animais, collection of 2.3 Operation and Azilal Sustainability of rural and rural commtrunities, by DRCR surplus water, awarenessIm Maintenance infrastructure use for classified routes, investment hygiene considerations costs for roads and water points strengthened (part. for wo en). include design and supervision itces'ocea aer(ae MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total l' Phase, Base Costs) Component Project Objective Project Activities Environmental Issues Mitigation Area 3. Institutional Support for participatory Strengthening approach and enhanced (Cost US$5.80 agricultural services million) 3.1 Participatory Positive impacts programming 3.11 Guidelines for National Operational procedures for => Series of workshops Awareness creation for integrated programming defined Preparation of guidelines for integrated integrated approach helps promote consideration of programing programming environmental matters 3.12 Awareness National Awareness for decentralized Awareness campaigns targeting MOA * Solid information on campaigns and integrated approach technical directorates, locally elected environment can help avoid created personnel negative environmental impacts and be used for sub-project 3.13 Mapping National Aerial mapping for definition Aerial mapping of 80,000 ha assessments. otni SMIze Topographical mapping of 60a000 ha potetial(1:2000) SStudies locating and defining SMI zones and their land and water potential 3.14 Selection of Future Future programming prepared Preparatory work for selection of zones Zones project and financial programming by Areas A nnational consultants and national Khenifra manimateurs" grouped in mobile teams. and Al Haouz Af Preparation of - topographical, 3.15 Technical Studies Future Future programming hydrological, project prepared, technical study for ogeo-technical, Areas Azilal follow DAHA engineering, and Khenifra approach economical studies and => Agreement between WUAs Al Haouz 5representing beneficiaries and MOA 3.16 Mobile Each == 2 4-"D, 2 computers, software, office, Participation province En-sure participation, driver, secretary, 0 & M costs Teams (mobile cproved extension iv MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total 1V Phase, Base Costs) Component Project Objective Project Activities Environmental Issues Mitigation Area teams) effectiveness / future programming prepared 3.2 Agricultural Positive Impacts Development Help provided in defining =7 Procurement of small meteorological 3.21 Meteorological factors affecting crop yields: equipment (rainfall, temperature, Better understanding of station 2 stations humidity, wind etc.) environment =~Capacity building and technical * Awareness created for assistance negative impacts of improper! overuse of fertilizers and pesticides (IPM) if addressed through effective extension/ 3.22 Extension Production practices = Demonstration plots 0.25 ha for each demonstration improved 10h G s* Sustainable intensification -- Procurement of small agricultural (Agricultural Development equipment for extension personnel Sucomp.) reduces pressure for converionyofmarginleland =~Support for visits to demonstration covTinofmrnalnd plots 3.23 Technical International Technical Assistance for Guelispro-d Elaboration of technical guidelines for the different regions: crops and animal husbandry - present activities and recommendations D.4evelopmeant Production practices .National Technical Assistance (10 man- vimproved months) for - improving agricultural knowledge! practices, implementing/testing recommendations from guidclines (See above) 2.5 Technical Training Production practices Technical training and study tours for improved targeted technical personnel and selected farmers by specialized trainers and Mobile Participation Teams -_3 national agricultural advisors, I V MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total I Phase, Base Costs) Component Project Objective Project Activities Environmental Issues Mitigation Area irrigation advisor, I sociologist to ensure farmers' involvement in training and perform effective advisory role V1 MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total 1 Phase, Base Costs) Component Project Objective Project Activities Environmental Issues Mitigation Area 4. Preparation of Phase II Integrated programming of SMI US$1.39 million rehabilitation and basic economic infrastructure and social services in 6 additional provinces Vii MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 2: Mitigation Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Implementation Costs Negative: * Potentially increased agrochemical pollution due to increased Extension and training on IPM and sound fertilizer nat.: DAHA/CGP no extra costs foreseen use of pesticides and fertilizers along with improved availability application integrated in subcomponents and TORs prov.: EPP, UGP of irrigation water for TA under 3.2: local: CT - Extension - Technical Guidelines - Research and Development - Technical Training * Ecological impacts of increased water diversion - potential monitoring of simple indicator vegetation prov.: UGP no extra costs foreseen effects on wetlands and other types of non-agricultural vegetation local: CT, Communes rurales * Use of irrigation canals for non-agricultural water supply and as construction of water points, water discharge nat.: DAHA/CGP no extra costs foreseen sewer in rural settlements - potential disease problems measurement points, better maintenance and prov.: DPA, UGP, EPP cleaning of irrigation local: CT infrastructure improvements under the project improves access to secure water, creates awareness of health risks and reduces disease pressure * Potential uncontrolled disposal of dredge, excavation and Minimal disturbance of landscape/vegetation nat.: DAHA/CGP no extra costs foreseen construction material/debris leads to disturbed land areas and prescribed in workplan for contractors, supervised prov.: DPA, UGP, EPP induces uncontrolled waste dumps by DPA local: CT, Communes rurales * Salinization risk increased with increased irrigation if water water quality controls (conductivity), simple nat-: DAHA/CGP no extra costs foreseen quality is not properly monitored and lack of drainage drainage measures, best soil and water conservation prov.: EPP, UGP practices included in extension, technical local: CT guidelines, Research and Development and technical training subcomponents * Hygiene problems at waterpoints proper fittings, strict separation from animals, nat.: DAHA/CGP/CNC no extra costs foreseen collection of surplus water, awareness for hygiene prov.: EPP, UGP considerations strengthened (part. for women). local: Communes rurales, CT * Risk of overexploitation of groundwater resources through aquifer capacity assessed ex-ante and prov.: DPA, UGP no extra costs foreseen mechanized pumping implementation of effective control of water local: Communes rurales quantities pumped AUEA MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 2: Mitigation Positive: * Reduction of water losses through improved canal system and a better system of operation and maintenance * Incentives for more efficient water use through measurement of water consumption * Substantial improvement of safety through better flood protection * Sustainable intensification reduces pressure for conversion of marginal lands * Rehabilitation/improvement of roads and proper maintenance (incl. drainage) expected to reduce erosion * Access to clean water (water points) expected to reduce incidents of water borne diseases * Awareness creation for integrated approach helps promote consideration of environmental matters * A solid information on environment can help avoid negative environmental impacts and be used for sub-project assessments. ii MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 3: Capacity Building in Environmental Assessment, Monitoring and Mitigation Environmental Assessment Course 1) Workshop Participants * two nominees from the UGP, who would be responsible for the co-ordination of the EA process; * one or two representatives from the relevant Centre de Travaux; * one person from the EPP (assist in facilitation); * representatives from the rural communities, local NGO's and the Water Users Associations. Presenters/Instructors * Experienced National Consultant (list of Bureaux d'6tudes for Environmental Impact Assessment available in the Division des 6tudes d'impacts et des projets pilotes at the Environment Department of the Ministry of Regional Planning, Environment, Urban Development and Housing (MRPEUDH). * Resource Person from the Direction du d6veloppement et de la gestion de l'irrigation (Cellule de l'environnement) to contribute experiences in monitoring and supervision of environmental impacts related to the implementation of the PAGI 2 (Deuxi&me programme d'am6lioration de la grande irrigation). Duration Five days each in all three provinces. Costs per course: USD Transport participants (assumed 15 per course with rented vehicle) 500,- Lodging and subsistence for participants (USD30,- per day) 2250,- Material/room for presentation 500,- Subsistence for Presenters/Instructors (2*5*100) 1000,- Transport Experts (2* from/to Rabat one car) 350,- Honorarium Expert (5days preparation+5 presentation @ 200/day) 2000,- Subtotal 6600,- 2) Model Environmental Assessment In addition to the workshop, the national consultant would conduct a << Model Environmental Assessment >> with the nominated members of the UGP for a concrete, real life sub-project: MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development (IBCD) Environmental Assessment Appendix 3: Capacity Building in Environmental Assessment, Monitoring and Mitigation Subsistence for (5*100) 500,- Transport Expert (from/to Rabat) 350,- Honorarium Expert (2days preparation+5 presentation @ 200/day) 1400,- Subtotal 2250,- TOTAL per Province 8850,- TOTAL first phase = 3 provinces 26,650,- 11