20170524 Draft Guideline on Public Participation in ... · Draft Guideline on Public Participation in Myanmar’s EIA Processes ii This Draft Guideline is made possible by the generous

DRAFTGUIDELINEONPUBLICPARTICIPATIONINMYANMAR’SEIAPROCESSES

31May2017

DraftGuidelineonPublicParticipationinMyanmar’sEIAProcesses

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ThisDraftGuidelineismadepossiblebythegeneroussupportoftheAmericanpeoplethroughtheUnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment(USAID).ThecontentspresentedinthisdocumentdonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsofUSAIDortheUnitedStatesGovernment.ThisDraftGuidelinehasnotyetreceivedconsiderationbytheGovernmentoftheUnionoftheRepublicofMyanmar.


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TABLEOFCONTENTSCHAPTER1: GENERALPROVISIONS......................................................................................................31.1.LEGALFRAMEWORK....................................................................................................................................................31.2.OBJECTIVESANDAPPLICATION..................................................................................................................................31.3.DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................................................61.4.MEANINGFULPUBLICPARTICIPATIONFORTHEPURPOSESOFTHISGUIDELINE................................................91.4.1. Conceptofpublicparticipation...............................................................................................................91.4.2. Keyprinciplesformeaningfulpublicparticipation.....................................................................111.4.3. Properplanningformeaningfulpublicparticipation.................................................................111.4.4. IdentifyingPAPandotherstakeholders............................................................................................121.4.5. Informationrequirements.......................................................................................................................121.4.6. Language........................................................................................................................................................15

1.5.BUDGETINGPUBLICPARTICIPATIONPROCESSES..................................................................................................16CHAPTER2: PLANNINGPUBLICPARTICIPATION..........................................................................182.1.PURPOSEANDBENEFITSOFPUBLICPARTICIPATIONPLANS.............................................................................182.2.IDENTIFICATIONOFPAPANDOTHERSTAKEHOLDERS.......................................................................................182.3.IDENTIFICATIONOFISSUESANDINITIALASSESSMENTOFPOTENTIALIMPACTS.............................................212.4.CONTENTSOFTHEPUBLICPARTICIPATIONPLAN...............................................................................................212.5.RESOURCINGTHEPUBLICPARTICIPATIONPLAN................................................................................................232.6.IMPLEMENTINGTHEPUBLICPARTICIPATIONPLAN...........................................................................................242.7.PUBLICPARTICIPATIONFOCALPOINT..................................................................................................................262.8.SPECIFICPROCEDURESTOPROMOTEPUBLICPARTICIPATION...........................................................................262.8.1. Specificattentionforvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroupsandindividuals.................262.8.2. Specificattentionforindigenouspeoplesandethnicgroups..................................................282.8.3. Publicparticipationinconflict-affectedareas...............................................................................32

CHAPTER3: IEETYPEPROJECTS.........................................................................................................363.1.GENERAL....................................................................................................................................................................363.2.NOTICEOFCOMMENCEMENTOFIEE....................................................................................................................383.3.INFORMATIONDISCLOSURE.....................................................................................................................................383.4.PUBLICPARTICIPATIONDURINGPREPARATIONOFTHEIEE.............................................................................403.4.1. Numberofpublicparticipationmeetings.........................................................................................403.4.2. Organisingandconductingpublicparticipationmeetings......................................................403.4.3. SiteVisits.........................................................................................................................................................423.4.4. IEEReportFinalPresentation...............................................................................................................423.4.5. IEEmeetingssummary.............................................................................................................................43

3.5.IEEREPORTREQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................................443.6.PUBLICPARTICIPATIONDURINGIEEREPORTREVIEW.....................................................................................453.6.1. General.............................................................................................................................................................453.6.2. DisclosureoftheIEEReporttothepublicbytheProjectProponent...................................463.6.3. DisclosureoftheIEEReporttothepublicbyECD........................................................................463.6.4. PublicSubmissionsontheIEEReport................................................................................................473.6.5. PublicparticipationmeetingsontheIEEReport..........................................................................473.6.6. ConsiderationofpubliccommentsandrecommendationonIEEReport...........................483.6.7. EnvironmentalComplianceCertificate..............................................................................................49

CHAPTER4: EIATYPEPROJECTS.........................................................................................................504.1.THIRDPARTYEIACONSULTANT...........................................................................................................................504.2.SCOPING......................................................................................................................................................................504.2.1. General.............................................................................................................................................................504.2.2. NoticeofcommencementofScoping..................................................................................................514.2.3. Informationdisclosure..............................................................................................................................524.2.4. PublicParticipationActivities...............................................................................................................534.2.5. NoticeandTimeFrameforPublicParticipation..........................................................................564.2.6. PublicParticipationOutcomesattheScopingStage..................................................................57

4.3.PUBLICPARTICIPATIONDURINGEIAINVESTIGATION.......................................................................................584.3.1. General.............................................................................................................................................................58


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4.3.2. NoticeofCommencementoftheEIAInvestigationStage.........................................................594.3.3. InformationDisclosure.............................................................................................................................604.3.4. PublicParticipationActivities...............................................................................................................624.3.5. EIAReportRequirementsRegardingPublicParticipation.......................................................68

4.4.PUBLICPARTICIPATIONDURINGEIAREPORTREVIEW....................................................................................704.4.1. General.............................................................................................................................................................704.4.2. DisclosureoftheFinalEIAReportbytheProjectProponent..................................................714.4.3. DisclosureoftheFinalEIAReportbyECD.......................................................................................724.4.4. PublicSubmissionsontheEIAReport................................................................................................724.4.5. Publicparticipationmeetings................................................................................................................724.4.6. Reportingonpublicparticipation.......................................................................................................734.4.7. EnvironmentalComplianceCertificate..............................................................................................74

CHAPTER5: STAND-ALONEEMPS.......................................................................................................755.1.1. General.............................................................................................................................................................755.1.2. PublicparticipationduringEMPpreparation...............................................................................75

CHAPTER6: PROJECTMONITORINGANDCOMPLIANCE.............................................................776.1.GENERAL....................................................................................................................................................................776.2.PUBLICPARTICIPATIONINPROJECTMONITORING.............................................................................................776.3.INFORMATIONDISCLOSURE.....................................................................................................................................786.4.MONITORINGREPORTS............................................................................................................................................796.5.COMPLAINTSANDGRIEVANCESMECHANISM......................................................................................................79


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CHAPTER 1: General Provisions

1.1. Legalframeworka) Environmentalimpactassessment(EIA)processesinMyanmararerequired

andgovernedbySections7(m)and21oftheEnvironmentalConservationLaw20121,Articles51-61oftheEnvironmentalConservationRules20142andtheEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentProcedure20153(hereafterreferredtoas“EIAProcedure”).

b) ThisGuidelineonPublicParticipationinEIAProcesses(hereafterreferredtoasthe“Guideline”)isissuedundertheauthoritygrantedtotheMinistryofNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentalConservation(MONREC)pursuanttoArticle15oftheEIAProcedure,andistobereadinaccordancewiththislegalframework.

c) ImplementationofthisGuidelinemustalwayscomplywithallotherlawsinMyanmar,andadherencetothisGuidelineinrelationtoEIAprocessesdoesnotalleviatetheobligationtocomplywithotherregulatoryrequirements.

d) AnumberoflawsandpoliciesareparticularlyrelevanttotheconductofpublicparticipationbothinEIAprocessesandotherareas,includingbutnotlimitedtothefollowing:

(i) TheProtectionoftheRightsofNationalRacesLaw2015,especiallyregardingtheidentificationof,andpublicparticipationwith,projectaffectedpersons(PAP)andotherstakeholderswhoareindigenouspeople.

(ii) TheRightsofPersonswithDisabilitiesLaw2015,especiallyregardingmeasurestofacilitateopportunitiesforpeoplewithdisabilitiestoparticipateinpublicparticipationprocesses.

(iii) TheInvestmentLawandInvestmentRules,particularlyregardingthesequencingofprocessesforProjectProposalsthatrequirebothMyanmarInvestmentCommissionandEIAapprovals.

(iv) TheNationalLandUsePolicy,whichaimsto“promoteinclusivepublicparticipationandconsultationindecisionmakingprocessesrelatedtolanduseandlandresourcemanagement”andwhichoutlinesdetailedpublicparticipationprocessesthatarecomplementarytothisGuidelineandEIArequirementsthatalignwiththeEIAProcedure.

1.2. Objectivesandapplicationa) ThisGuidelineprovidesanindicationofthetype,levelandapproachto

publicparticipationexpectedtogiveeffecttotherequirementsformeaningfulpublicparticipationintheEIAProcedure.

1ThePyidaungsuHluttawLawNo.9/2012,the8thWaxingDayofTagu,1373M.E.(30thMarch,2012).2TheRepublicoftheUnionofMyanmarMinistryofEnvironmentalConservationandForestryNotificationNo.50/2014,the8thWaxingDayofNayon1374M.E.(5thJune,2014).3TheRepublicoftheUnionofMyanmarMinistryofEnvironmentalConservationandForestryNotificationNo.616/2015,the3rdWaningDayofNadaw,1377M.E.(29December,2015).


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b) ForthepurposesofthisGuideline,thetermpublicparticipationisusedtoencompasstheminimumrequirementsintheEIAProcedure,andrecommendationsongoodpracticethatgobeyondtheseminimumrequirements,relatingto:(i) informationdisclosure;

(ii) consultation,includingthroughmeetings;and

(iii) theconsiderationofpublicviews,concernsandinputsatallstagesoftheEIAprocess,includingthedecision-makingstages.

c) PartiesimplementingthisGuidelineshouldbeopentogoingbeyondtheminimumrequirements,basedontheexpressedneedsofPAPandotherstakeholders.

(i) TherequirementsformeaningfulpublicparticipationvaryimmenselyaccordingtothenatureoftheProjectProposalanditspotentialimpacts.

(ii) Complexorlarge-scaleprojectswilloftenrequirepublicparticipationprocessesthatfarexceedtheminimumrequirementsinthisGuideline.

d) InaccordancewiththeEIAProcedure,thisGuidelineappliestothepreparation,review,implementationandmonitoringoftheEIAprocess,whichcomprises:

(i) InitialEnvironmentalExamination(IEE)TypeProjects;(ii) EnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA)TypeProjects;and

(iii) Stand-aloneEnvironmentalManagementPlans(EMPs).

e) TheGuidelinehasbeenstructuredinlinewiththeEIAProcedureandinthefollowingwaytoenableuserstofocusonthepartsoftheEIAprocessrelevanttoaparticularProjectProposal:(i) Chapter1providesgeneralprovisionsabouttheGuidelineandits

application

(ii) Chapter2providesinformationaboutplanningpublicparticipationthatshouldapplytoalltypesofProjectProposalsundertheEIAProcedure

(iii) Chapter3appliestoIEETypeProjects(iv) Chapter4appliestoEIATypeProjects

(v) Chapter5appliestoProjectProposalsrequiringastand-aloneEMP(vi) Chapter6appliestotheimplementationofallprojectsthatare

approvedfollowingtheEIAprocess.

f) InaccordancewithArticle8oftheEIAProcedure,someexistingprojectswillbesubjecttoanenvironmentalcomplianceaudittoidentifypastand/orpresentconcernsovertheirenvironmentalimpactsandtodeterminewhethertheprojectrequiresanEIA,IEEorstand-aloneEMPbeforeobtaininganenvironmentalcompliancecertificate(ECC).


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(i) Theconductofanenvironmentalcomplianceauditwillrequirepublicparticipation,includingtoidentifyPAPandtheexistingimpactsoftheproject.

(ii) Subjecttothepreparationofspecificguidance,publicparticipationprocessesintheconductofanenvironmentalcomplianceauditshouldfollowtheprinciplesandgeneralapproachesprovidedinthisGuideline.

(iii) IfanenvironmentalcomplianceauditresultinarequirementtoprepareanEIA,IEEorstand-aloneEMPfortheproject,thenthisGuidelineappliesasiftheexistingprojectwasanewProjectProposalandtherelevantchaptersofthisGuidelinemustbefollowed.

g) ThisGuidelinepromotespublicparticipationasearlyaspossibleinthedevelopmentofprojectproposalsandundertakingofEIAprocesses,includingtomaximisethebenefitsofrelationship-buildingbetweenProjectProponentsandlocalcommunitiesandtomaximisetheopportunitiesforpublicinputtocontributetooptimalprojectdesign.

(i) Inthiscontext,whiletheEIAProceduredoesnotmandatepublicparticipationatthescreeningstage,4ProjectProponentsareencouragedtoundertakepublicparticipationbeforeandduringscreeninginaccordancewiththeprinciplesandapproachesinthisGuideline.

(ii) PublicparticipationisalsoimportantatthisstagebecausethescreeningdecisionmayresultinnofurtherformalEIAprocessandthereforethismaybetheonlyopportunityforcommunitiestocontributetoagovernmentdecisionintheEIAprocess.

h) ThisGuidelineistobeadaptedbyProjectProponents,EIAConsultantsandgovernmentagenciestotheparticularcircumstanceswhenimplementingthepublicparticipationrequirementsundertheEIAProcedure.

i) TheGuidelineisalsointendedtoprovideallstakeholders,includingprojectaffectedpeople(PAP),withanunderstandingofthetypeofpublicparticipationthatcanbeexpected,subjecttoadaptationtofittheparticularcircumstances.

j) ThroughoutthisGuideline,areferencetoataskorresponsibilityoftheEIAConsultantshouldbeunderstoodasapplyingultimatelytotheProjectProponentastheresponsibleandaccountableparty.

k) ThroughoutthisGuideline,areferencetoaProjectProponentincludesanygovernmentagencyrequiredtoundertakeanIEEorEIAinaccordancewithArticle10oftheEIAProcedure.

4ScreeningistheinitialstageundertheEIAProcedureatwhichadeterminationismadeastowhetheraprojectproposalrequiresanIEE,EIA,stand-aloneEMPornoformalassessmentundertheEIAProcedure.


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1.3. Definitionsa) ThetermsusedinthisGuidelinehavethemeaningsprovidedintheEIA

Procedure,EnvironmentalConservationRulesandEnvironmentalConservationLaw,asindicatedasfollows:(i) AdverseImpactmeansanyadverseenvironmental,social,socio-

economic,health,cultural,occupationalsafetyorhealth,andcommunityhealthandsafetyeffectsufferedorbornebyanyentity,naturalperson,ecosystem,ornaturalresource,including,butnotlimitedto,theenvironment,floraandfauna,wheresucheffectisattributableinanydegreeorextentto,orarisesinanymannerfrom,anyactionoromissiononthepartoftheProjectProponent,orfromthedesign,development,construction,implementation,maintenance,operation,ordecommissioningoftheProjectoranyactivitiesrelatedthereto(EIAProcedure,Article2(g))..

(ii) EnvironmentalImpactmeanstheprobableeffectsorconsequenceonthenaturalandbuiltenvironment,andpeopleandcommunitiesofaproposedProjectorbusinessesoractivitiesorundertaking.Impactscanbedirectorindirect,cumulative,andpositiveoradverseorboth.ForpurposesofthisProcedure,EnvironmentalImpactsincludeoccupational,social,cultural,socio-economical,publicandcommunityhealth,andsafetyissues.Moreover,socialimpactsincludeInvoluntaryResettlementandrelatingtoIndigenousPeople(EIAProcedure,Article2(h)).

(iii) Projectmeansanycommercial,economic,agricultural,social,academic,scientific,politicalorotherproject,activity,program,business,serviceorundertaking,whetherregardedindividuallyorintheaggregate,theperformanceofwhichrequiresanyapprovalorislicensed,restricted,orotherwiseregulatedtoanyextentbyanypartoftheUnionGovernmentandwhichmayhaveanAdverseImpact(EIAProcedure,Article2(a)).

(iv) ProjectProposalmeansawrittendocument,inform,contentandstructureinaccordancewiththeMinistry’srequirementsandguidance,accuratelysettingforththekeyaspectsandrelevantdetails(including,interalia,thenatureandsizeofallknownorforeseeableAdverseImpacts)ofaProjectorProjectexpansion,asthecasemaybe,whichaProjectProponentwishestoundertake,orhavingcommencedtoundertake(EIAProcedure,Article2(aa)).

(v) ProjectAffectedPersonorPAPmeansanaturalperson,legalentity,ororganizationthatis,orislikelytobe,directlyorindirectlyaffectedbyaProjectoraproposedProject,includingwithoutlimitationeffectsinthenatureoflegalexpropriationoflandorrealproperty,changesoflandcategory,andimpactsontheecologicalandenvironmentalsystemsinthesettlementareasofsuchperson,entityororganization(EIAProcedure,Article2(f)).

(vi) IndigenousPeoplemeanspeoplewithasocialorculturalidentitydistinctfromthedominantormainstreamsociety,whichmakesthem


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vulnerabletobeingdisadvantagedintheprocessesofdevelopment(EIAProcedure,Article2(v)).5

(vii) InvoluntaryResettlementmeansthemandatoryphysicaldisplacementofaPAPfromtheirhomearisingfromaProject,ortheunavoidablelossbyaPAPofproductiveorincome-generatingassetsoccasionedbyaProject(EIAProcedure,Article2(w)).

(viii) MinistrymeanstheMinistryofNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentalConservation(formerlytheMinistryofEnvironmentalConservationandForestry)(EIAProcedure,Article2(x)).

(ix) DepartmentorECDmeanstheEnvironmentalConservationDepartment(EIAProcedure,Article2(y)).

(x) ProjectProponentmeansanynaturalperson,legalentity,ororganization,fromthepublicorprivatesector,intendingtoundertake,orhavingcommencedtoundertake,asrelevant,aProjectoranyaspectofaProject(includingstudy,survey,design,development,pre-construction,construction,operation,decommissioning,closure,andpost-closure)withintheterritorialbordersoftheRepublicoftheUnionofMyanmar,andduringtheperiodofsuchundertakingwhichhasanownershipinterest(legalorequitable)intheProject,orwhichintends(orcouldreasonablybeexpectedtointend)toderivefinancialorotherbenefitsfromtheProjectofthesortwhichanownerwouldordinarilyderive(EIAProcedure,Article2(z)).

(xi) EnvironmentalComplianceCertificateorECCisadocumenthavinglegaleffect,throughwhichtheMinistryapprovesanIEEReport,anEIAReport,oranEMP(EIAProcedure,Article2(u)).

b) AdditionaltermsusedinthisGuidelinehavethefollowingmeanings:

(i) CivilSocietyOrganizations(CSOs)meansthewidearrayofnon-governmentalandnot-for-profitorganizationsthathaveapresenceinpubliclife,expressingtheinterestsandvaluesoftheirmembersorothers,basedonethical,cultural,political,scientific,religiousorphilanthropicconsiderations,includingcommunitygroups,non-governmentalorganizations(NGOs),labourunions,disadvantagedgroups,charitableorganizations,faith-basedorganizations,professionalassociations,andfoundations.

5TheunofficialEnglishversionoftheEIAProcedureusestheterm“indigenouspeople,”whichusuallytranslatesas“hta-naytain-yintha,”whereastheMyanmarversionusestheterm“tain-yin-thamyo-nweh-su.”However,thedefinitionintheEIAProcedureforthistermissimilartothatintheInternationalLabourOrganisation(ILO)IndigenousandTribalPeoplesConvention1989(No.169).Sotheterm“tain-yin-thamyo-nweh-su”essentiallybearsthesamemeaningas“hta-naytain-yintha”.Article5oftheMyanmarlanguageversionoftheProtectionoftheRightsofNationalRacesLaw2015usestheterm“hta-naytain-yin-tha”fortheEnglishequivalentof“indigenouspeople”butthereisnodefinitionofthetermincludedinthelawitself.Article5oftheEnglishversionreads:hta-naytain-yin-tha[usualphraseforIndigenousPeople]“shouldreceivecompleteandpreciseinformationaboutextractiveindustryprojectsandotherbusinessactivitiesintheirareasbeforeprojectimplementationsothatnegotiationsbetweenthegroupsandtheGovernment/companiescantakeplace.”


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(ii) EIAConsultantmeansathirdpersonororganizationappointedbyaProjectProponenttoprepareanIEEorEIAthathasbeendulyregisteredinaccordancewithArticles17-22oftheEIAProcedure.

(iii) Grievancemechanismmeansaformalisedprocessbywhichpeoplecanraiseconcernswithacompanyaboutanyimpacttheybelievethecompanyorprojecthashadontheminordertoseekaremedytotheimpact.Themechanismshouldhelptoidentifyproblemsearly,beforetheyescalateandprovidesolutionsthatincluderemedy.Agrievancemechanismshouldbejustonepartofabroadereffortbythecompanytoprovideforaregularavenueofinformationandconsultationabouttheproject.

(iv) Publicparticipationmeanstheprocessofinvolvingthosewhoaredirectlyandindirectlyaffectedbyadecision(regardlessofcitizenship,residence,orotherformoflegalregistration)inthedecision-makingprocess,promotingsustainabledecisionsbyprovidingparticipantswiththeinformationtheyneedtobeinvolvedinameaningfulway,andcommunicatingtoparticipantsabouthowtheirinputaffectsthedecision–inthisway,itencompassesbothinformationdisclosureandconsultationprocesses.

(v) Publicparticipationmeetingmeansanytypeofpublicparticipationmethod,whichmayincludeformalmeetings,workshops,focusgroupmeetings,one-on-oneinterviews,etc.

(vi) Stakeholdermeanspersons,groups,orcommunitiesexternaltothecoreoperationsofaprojectwhomaybeaffectedbytheprojectproposal,orhaveinterestinit,atanystageintheprojectcycle(whetherplanningandconstruction,operation,orclosureanddecommissioning);thisincludesindividuals,vulnerableanddisadvantagedgroupsandindividuals,businesses,communities,othergovernmentministries,localgovernmentauthorities,academia,nationalandinternationalNGOs,themedia,andpeoplewhoareconcernedabouttheprojectproposalthatmaynotliveintheareadirectlyimpactedbytheproject.

(vii) TermsofReference(ToR)meansthedescriptionofalltechnicalrequirementsandissuestobeaddressedwhencarryingoutanEIA,includingdatagatheringandanalysisandpublicparticipationprocesses,inaccordancewiththeScopingReportpreparedfortheEIA.ThisdoesnotrefertoatermsofreferenceorotherdocumentoutliningthedutiesoftheEIAConsultantunderacontractwiththeProjectProponent.

(viii) Vulnerableanddisadvantagedindividualsandgroupmeansanygroupofpersons,andtheindividualswithinthosegroups,whoaredisadvantagedinsocial,economic,cultural,religious,orpoliticalarenas,suchthattheyareblockedfromordeniedfullaccesstovariousrights,opportunities,orresourcesthatarenormallyavailabletoothersandaretherebypreventedfromparticipatingfullyintheeconomic,social,andpoliticallifeofthesocietyinwhichtheylive(including,butnotlimitedto,ethnicminorities,indigenouspeoples,women,people


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withdisabilities,children,andtheelderly).Italsoincludesindividualsorgroupswhoarelikelytoexperienceadverseimpactsfromaproposedprojectmoreseverelythanothers–becauseoftheirowncharacteristics(forexample,childrenortheelderlyorpersonswithdisabilitieswhomaybemoreseverelyimpactedbypollutionthanhealthyadults)orbecauseoftheircircumstances(forexamplesingle-headedfemalehouseholdssubjecttoresettlementarelikelytoexperiencemoresevereimpactsthanfamilieswithtwoormoreheadsofhouseholdormigrantortransitoryworkershavelessresiliencebecausetheyarenotpartofthesocialorphysicalfabricoflocalcommunities)

1.4. MeaningfulpublicparticipationforthepurposesofthisGuideline

1.4.1. Conceptofpublicparticipationa) Internationally,publicparticipationhasbeenspecificallyidentifiedin

Principle10ofthe1992RioDeclarationonEnvironmentandDevelopmentasacentralprincipleofsustainabledevelopmentandhasbeenacceptedasacorepartofEIAprocessessincetheyemergedinthe1970s(seeBox1).

b) AkeygoalofEIAistoimplementtheobjectivesofMyanmar’sEnvironmentalConservationLaw2012(ChapterII)andimprovedecisionsonProjectProposalsbyensuringthatpotentialenvironmentalimpactsareexplicitlyevaluatedandconsideredingovernmentdecision-makingprocesses.PublicparticipationintheEIAprocess,asrequiredbytheEIAProcedureandbythisGuideline,isanindispensableprerequisitetoachievingthisgoal.

c) AkeybenefitofpublicparticipationinEIAistoreducetheriskofsocialconflictarisingfromprojectsbyensuringthatallPAPandotherstakeholdersareinvolved,valued,andrespectedinthedecision-makingonProjectProposals.

d) Publicparticipationcansupportthesegoalswhenit:(i) occursinastructuredandplannedwayearlyandthroughouttheEIA

processes(andthroughoutprojectimplementationandoperations),asrequiredandrecommendedbythisGuideline;

(ii) involvesmeaningfuleffortstoengagewithPAPandotherstakeholdersinasubstantivewayandensurethattheirconcernsandcommentsareincorporatedintoaproposedproject’sdesignandoperationtothemaximumextentpracticable;and

(iii) istailoredtotheparticularneedsandcircumstancesofthePAPandotherstakeholdersinterestedintheparticularProjectProposal,withspecialattentiontoassuregenderequalityaswellasparticularinterestsandneedsofwomenandvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroupsandindividuals.

e) PublicparticipationisaprocessofengagementwithPAPandotherstakeholdersthatinvolves,ataminimum:


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(i) timelyandthoroughnoticeofpublicparticipationprocessestoPAPandotherstakeholders;and

(ii) providingcomprehensiveinformationabouttheproposedprojectanditsimpactsthatisunderstandableandreadilyaccessible;

(iii) opportunitiesforPAPandotherstakeholderstoprovidecommentsandsubmissionspriortoanydecisionbeingmadeaboutwhethertheProjectProposalisapprovedornot;

(iv) thoroughconsiderationofcommentsandinputfromPAPandotherstakeholdersinallaspectsoftheEIAprocess,includingthedecision-makingstages;

(v) documentationandfeedbacktoPAPandotherstakeholdersontheoutcomesofthepublicparticipationprocessanditsimpactsonprojectdesignandmitigationmeasures;and

(vi) arighttoparticipatethatisprotectedandfreefromcoercionorthreatofintimidation.

f) ForthepurposesofthisGuidelineandimplementationoftheEIAProcedure,publicparticipationisnot,andshouldnotbeconfusedwith,thefollowing:

(i) “Corporatesocialresponsibility”(CSR)orotherformsorconceptsofbehaviour(whetherinvolvingdonationsorprofitallocation)intendedtobenefitthecommunity.Anysucheffortsorcontributionsarevoluntary,separatefromandinadditiontothelegalrequirementsforpublicparticipationinEIAprocessesandcompliancewithprojectapprovalconditions.

(ii) Socio-economicsurveysorotherstudiesintendedtosupportanassessmentofthesocialimpactsofaprojectproposalinanEIAprocess.ThesearecriticalelementsofEIAprocessesandarelikelytobeinformedbypublicparticipationprocesses,butpublicparticipationshouldnotbelimitedbyprocess(e.g.answeringquestionsaspartofasocialoreconomicsurvey)orbyissues(e.g.socialoreconomicissues,asmaybedefinedbyProjectProponentsorEIAConsultants).

Box1:PublicparticipationintheRioDeclarationPrinciple10oftheRioDeclarationEnvironmentalissuesarebesthandledwiththeparticipationofallconcernedcitizens,attherelevant level.Atthenational level,each individualshallhaveappropriateaccesstoinformationconcerningtheenvironmentthatisheldbypublicauthorities,includinginformationonhazardousmaterialsandactivitiesin their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-makingprocesses. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness andparticipation by making information widely available. Effective access tojudicialandadministrativeproceedings,includingredressandremedy,shallbeprovided.6

6UnitedNationsConferenceonEnvironmentandDevelopment,RiodeJaniero,Braz.,June3-14,1992,RioDeclarationonEnvironmentandDevelopment,U.N.Doc.A/CONF.151/26/Rev.1(Vol.I),AnnexI(Aug.12,1992),Principle10.


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1.4.2. Keyprinciplesformeaningfulpublicparticipationa) Tobemeaningful,publicparticipationshouldbeundertakeninaccordance

withthefollowingprinciples:

(i) Integrity:publicparticipationshouldbeopen,truthfulandtransparenttoenablestakeholderstoparticipateinameaningfulway.

(ii) Inclusiveness:publicparticipationshouldbeaccessibleandbalanced,reasonableattemptsshouldbemadetoincludestakeholdersthatmaybehardertoreach,andspecialattentionshouldbegiventotheneedsofwomenandofvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroupsandindividuals.

(iii) Informed:allinformationrelevanttotheProjectProposalandEIAprocessshouldbeuptodate,understandableandreadilyaccessibletostakeholdersinculturallyappropriateways,toensureafullrangeofvaluesandperspectivesareincluded.

(iv) Responsiveandreciprocal:publicparticipationshouldpromotedialogue,leadtotheinformedconsiderationofstakeholderviews,concernsandideasinallaspectsoftheEIAprocess,includingthedecisionontheProjectProposal,andincludefeedbacktostakeholdersonhowtheircontributionswereconsidered.

(v) Respect:allstakeholdersshouldbevaluedandProjectProponentsshouldseektoimproveoutcomesbyactivelylisteningto,andattemptingtounderstand,stakeholderneedsandbyseekingtounderstandhowtheywishtobeengaged.

1.4.3. Properplanningformeaningfulpublicparticipationa) Forpublicparticipationtobemeaningful,itneedstobeproperlyplannedso

that:(i) itisconductedinamannercommensuratewiththerisksofthe

proposedprojectandthepotentialimpactsonthoseaffectedbytheproject;

(ii) adequatetimeandresourcingisprovided;

(iii) itprovidesopportunitiesforallPAPandotherstakeholderstoparticipate;and

(iv) ittargetsthekeyissuesinvolvedintheProjectProposal.b) TheProjectProponentandtheEIAConsultantshoulddevelop,in

consultationwiththePAP,aplanforthepublicparticipationthatwilloccurduringtheEIAprocess.

c) Thisplanneedstobetailoredtofittheparticularprojectproposal,localenvironment,andcommunitiesinvolved,includingthecapacityoftheparticipants.

d) GuidanceonplanningforpublicparticipationisprovidedinChapter2.


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1.4.4. IdentifyingPAPandotherstakeholdersa) ItiscriticallyimportanttoidentifythePAPandotherstakeholdersspecificto

theprojectproposalinquestion,andtothenidentifyanddocumenttheirvariousinterestsandinformationneeds,because:(i) eachprojectproposalwillinvolveadifferentsetofPAPandother

stakeholders;(ii) differentPAPandotherstakeholderswillbeimpactedindifferentways

(i.e.womenmaybeimpacteddifferentlythanmen);

(iii) differentsetsofPAPandstakeholdersmayberelevantatdifferentstagesofanEIAprocess;and

(iv) thesamestakeholdersmayalsobeimpactedindifferentwaysasaresultofdifferentprojectsinsimilarlocations.

b) StakeholderidentificationmustbedoneasearlyaspossibleintheEIAprocessinorderto:(i) ensuresuccessfulcontact;

(ii) allowfortheongoingidentificationofadditionalstakeholders;

(iii) buildrespectandtrust;(iv) ensuresufficientbudgetisallocatedforpublicparticipation;and

(v) maximisetimeavailableforexplanationandconsiderationofstakeholder-specificissues,andfordatagathering.

c) Despitestakeholderidentificationcommencingasearlyaspossible,itshouldbeseenasanon-goingtaskwitharecognitionthatadditionalstakeholdersarelikelytobeidentifiedastheEIAprocessprogresses.

d) PartofthestakeholderidentificationprocessistoestablishlinesofcommunicationbetweendifferentstakeholdergroupsandtheProjectProponentandEIAConsultant.Thisshouldincluderecognisingspokespeoplegenuinelyappointedbystakeholdergroups.

e) Table2(seeChapter2)providesalistofpossiblePAPandotherstakeholders.

1.4.5. Informationrequirementsa) ToeffectivelyparticipateinEIAprocessesandforminformedviewsona

proposedproject’simpacts,PAPandotherstakeholdersmusthaveaccesstoallrelevantinformationregardingtheProjectProposal.ThisincludesaccesstotechnicalinformationabouttheProposal.

b) Similarly,foranEIAprocesstobeausefuldecision-supporttool,theProjectProponentanddecision-makersalsoneedtobasetheiranalysesonallrelevantandup-to-dateinformation.Thisincludeslocalandindigenousknowledge,whichisoftenbestobtainedthroughmeaningfulpublicparticipation.


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c) Accordingly,publicparticipationprocessesneedtoenableinformationtoflowbothwaysbetweenProjectProponents,PAPandotherstakeholders,anddecision-makers.

d) Asageneralrule,andconsistentwithArticle13(b)oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponentmustpubliclydiscloseallinformationrelevanttotheProjectinatimelymanner.ThesubsequentchaptersofthisGuidelineprovidedetailsonrequiredtimeframesandmechanismsforinformationdisclosureatdifferentstagesintheEIAprocess.

e) VeryrarelywilltherebeinformationrelevanttotheProjectproposalortheIEE/EIAthatiscommercialinconfidenceorofanationalsecuritynature.(i) Inthesecases,though,asmuchinformationaspossibleshouldbe

disclosed,withclearindicationsthatsomeinformationhasnotbeendisclosedandreasoningprovided.

(ii) AnysuchconfidentialinformationshouldbeinaseparatedocumentwhensubmittedtoECD.

f) MeaningfulpublicparticipationrequiresthatPAPandotherstakeholdersareprovidedaccesstoproject-relatedinformationwithsufficienttimetoreviewsuchinformationandpreparetheirresponsesandreactionstoit.

g) InformationrelevanttotheProjectProposalwillincreaseovertimeastheIEEorEIAinvestigationprogresses,andshouldbemadeprogressivelyavailable.Accordingly,ProjectProponentsmusttakeanapproachtoinformationdisclosurethatisbasedonthefollowing:

(i) TheearlieraProjectProponentnotifiesthepublicofitsproposalandprovidesavailableinformationaboutboththeproposalandEIAprocess(includingwhereandhowtheycanobtainmoreinformationabouttheproject,andhowtheycangetinvolvedintheprocess),thebetter.

(ii) NeworupdatedinformationabouttheProjectProposalanditspotentialimpactsshouldbepubliclydisclosedassoonaspossibleafteritbecomesavailable.

(iii) Alackofcompleteinformationisnotareasonforwithholdingtheinformationthatisavailable.

h) Identifyingallrelevantinformationinvolvesabalancebetweenrelyingonthemostup-to-dateandcomprehensiveknowledgeandwhatcanfeasiblybeobtained.

i) InformationthatisrelevantwillvarydependingontheparticularProjectProposal,butgenerallytheinformationthatcanbeexpectedasaminimumateachstageoftheIEEorEIAprocessissummarisedinTable1.

j) Informationneedstobeprovidedinaformandlanguagethatiseasilyaccessibleandcanbeusedbythetargetaudience,andwithsufficienttimeforittobeunderstood,consideredandrespondedto.

k) ProjectProposalsthatwillimpactindigenouspeoplesorothervulnerablegroupswillusuallyrequiretheutilizationofadditionalmethodsfor


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informationdisclosuretoensuretheyhavetheopportunityforfullandmeaningfulparticipation.

l) TheriskofinformationoverloadforPAPandotherstakeholders,especiallyforlargeorcomplexProjectProposals,alsoneedstoberecognisedbyProjectProponents.Tomanagesuchrisks,ProjectProponentsmayneedtoconsiderappropriatewaystosupplementdetailedinformationwith:

(i) technicalandnon-technicalsummaries;and(ii) oral(orothervisual)methodsofexplaininglonganddetailed

documentation.

Table1:MinimuminformationgenerallyexpectedfordisclosureateachstageoftheEIAprocess

IEE/EIAstage

Minimuminformationgenerallyexpectedtobedisclosed

Screening • Projectproposaldescription,including:− Mapsanddiagrams− Summaryofprojecttype,size,locationandtimeframes− Proposalhistoryandcontext− Projectjustification,includingexpectedbenefits

• DetailsofProjectProponent,including:− Contactinformation− Pastexperience− Projectfunders

Scoping(forEIATypeProjects)7

• Allinformationabove• Screeningdecision• Moredetailedprojectdescription,including:

− Projectproposalalternatives(e.g.alternativelocations,size,technologiesoroperationalarrangements)

− Proposedprojectphases(includingpre-constructionactivitiesandanticipatedconstructionandoperationtimeframes)

− Requiredlandandpossibleresettlement• Summaryofinitialidentificationofimpactsincluding:

− Directandindirectimpacts− Sensitiveorimportantlocations− Pastexperiencewithsimilarprojectsorotherprojectsin

thearea• SummaryofinitialidentificationofPAPandother

stakeholders• SummaryofEIAprocess,includinganticipatedtimeframes• Outlineofplannedpublicparticipationprocesses• DraftScopingReport,TermsofReferenceandPublic

ParticipationPlan

7UndertheEIAProcedure,onlyEIATypeProjectsarerequiredtogothroughaformalscopingstage.


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IEE/EIAInvestigation&ReportPreparation

• Allinformationabove• ApprovedScopingReportandTermsofReference(ifanEIA

typeproject)andPublicParticipationPlan• AnyupdatestothePublicParticipationPlan• Detailedtechnicalandscientificinformationabouttheproject

proposalandpossibleimpacts,including:− Detailsonprojectalternatives− Impactassessmentmethodology− Riskassessmentofidentifiedimpacts− Mitigationmeasures(includingdetailsonwhythe

particularmeasuresarebeingconsideredandonanyparticularreasonsfornotconsideringothermeasures)

− Supplementarysummaryinformationinplainlanguage(i.e.withlimiteduseoftechnicalterms)thatcanbeeasilyunderstoodbythegeneralpublic

• SummaryinformationaboutfeedbackalreadyreceivedfromPAPandotherstakeholders

• Summaryofhowfeedbackfrompublicparticipationprocesseswasconsideredintheinvestigationandreport

• DraftIEEorEIAReport,including:− EMP(includingbudgetrequirements)− AnyResettlementActionPlan,LivelihoodRestoration

Planand/orcompensationproposed

Review&Decision

• Allinformationabove• SubmittedIEEorEIAReport• FinaldecisionontheIEEorEIA,including:

− theEnvironmentalComplianceCertificateandanyconditionsimposediftheIEEorEIAisapproved

− asummaryofhowfeedbackfrompublicparticipationprocesseswasconsideredinthedecision

Monitoring&Compliance

• Allinformationabove• Projectimplementationupdates• Projectmonitoringreports• Detailsofexpenditureon:

− Mitigationandmanagementmeasures− Monitoringsystems− Projectcommitments

• AnyupdatestotheEMP• Detailsofanycompliancebreachesandresponsemeasures• Communityengagementmechanismrecords

1.4.6. Languagea) TheeffectivenessofthepublicparticipationforaProjectProposalwill

dependinlargepartonthewayinwhichproject-relatedinformationiscommunicatedtoPAPandotherstakeholders.


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b) ProjectProponentsandEIAConsultantsshouldbepreparedtocommunicateproject-relatedinformationtoPAPandotherstakeholdersinplainlanguage(i.e.withlimiteduseoftechnicalterms)andinamannerthatisdesignedtobeeasilyunderstandable.(i) Forexample,ScopingReports,IEEReports,EIAReportsandother

documentsshouldbeaccompaniedbyExecutiveSummariesthatarewritteninanon-technicalstyleusingplainlanguagethatwouldbeunderstandabletothegeneralpublic.

c) Inconsideringappropriatecommunicationapproaches,ProjectProponentsandEIAConsultantsshouldalso:(i) considertailoringtheuseoflanguagefordifferentaudienceneeds

(includingusingageandability-sensitivelanguageanddeliverymethods);and

(ii) beresponsivetoanyrequestsfromstakeholdersforproject-relatedinformationtobeclarified.

d) Forpublicparticipationmeetings,ProjectProponentsandEIAConsultantsshouldbepreparedto:

(i) makeoralpresentationstomeetingparticipantsinanon-technicalstyleusingplainlanguage(i.e.withlimiteduseoftechnicalterms)thatwouldbeunderstandabletothegeneralpublic;

(ii) berepresentedbyspecialistsinimplementingpublicparticipationprocessesandfacilitatingpublicmeetings;and

(iii) usealternativecommunicationtools,suchasmodels,maps,videos,interactivewebsites,etc.

e) Inaddition,ifaproposedprojectwillpotentiallyimpactPAPforwhomMyanmarlanguageisnottheirprimarylanguage,theProjectProponentandEIAConsultantshouldbepreparedtotranslatecertainproject-relatedinformationintothePAP’sprimarylanguage.

f) Thisshouldincludeinformationpresentedinwrittenformandthroughoralpresentations.

g) Similarly,translatorsshouldbemadeavailableatallpublicparticipationeventstoensurethattheEIAConsultantproperlyunderstandsthefeedbackfromthePAPandotherstakeholders.

1.5. Budgetingpublicparticipationprocessesa) TheEIAprocessisaninvestmentoftheProjectProponentinthedesign,

planning,andmanagementoftheproject,especiallyformajordevelopmentproposalsthatinvolvemanyaspectsandphases.

b) ConsistentwiththeEIAProcedure(Articles43,69,82and122),theProjectProponentmustbearallcostsassociatedwiththeEIAprocess,includingfortheprovisionandimplementationofpublicparticipation.

c) PublicparticipationisarequiredelementoftheEIAprocessandtheProjectProponentandEIAConsultantmustensurethatthebudget(includinginany


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contractoragreementbetweentheProponentandConsultant)issufficienttocoverthepublicparticipation.

d) ThegeneralpublicshouldnothavetobearthecostsofparticipatinginEIAprocesses,orforgovernmentassessmentsofEIAs.AllofthesecostsneedtobeincludedintheoverallEIAbudgetcoveredbytheProjectProponent.

e) Iftheprojectproposalisapprovedandproceedstoimplementation,theEIAprocesswillresultinarangeofmonitoringandmanagementdutiesforinclusionintheEMPandECC.Someofthesearrangementsmayinvolveparticipationbyaffectedcommunitiesand/orCSOs.

f) Theprojectbudgetshouldprovideenoughfundingforalloftheseimplementation-stagemonitoring,managementandpublicparticipationactivities–whethertheyareundertakeninternally,byanexternalthirdpartyorbycommunityrepresentatives.

g) AlloftheseexpensesassociatedwithundertakinganEIAprocessandimplementingtheEMP(iftheprojectproposalisapproved)arepartofthenormalcostsofdoingbusiness.


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CHAPTER 2: Planning Public Participation

2.1. PurposeandbenefitsofPublicParticipationPlansa) Withoutundertakingmeaningfulpublicparticipation,thereisariskthat

ProjectProponentswillfacepotentialnegativereactionsfromthePAPandotherstakeholders.ThereisalsoarealriskthattheEIAprocesswillnotidentifyandaddressthekeyimpactsoftheProjectProposal.Thiscouldleadto:

(i) arejectionoftheProjectProposal;(ii) significantdelaysiftheIEEReportorEIAReportmustbere-drafted;or

(iii) seriousandirreversibleimpactsduringimplementationofapprovedprojects.

b) TobemeaningfulpublicparticipationneedstooccurinastructuredandplannedwaythroughouttheEIAprocess(andcontinueinaplannedwaythroughouttheimplementationofapprovedprojects).

c) ItisalsoimportantthatanappropriatePublicParticipationPlanisestablishedandfollowedtohelpProjectProponents:(i) buildcommunitytrustandsupport;

(ii) understandandrespondtolocalknowledgeandgenuinecommunityconcerns;

(iii) minimisedelayandcostimpactsduetodelaysincompletingtheIEEorEIA,andinimplementingtheEMP;

(iv) avoidpotentiallegalchallengestoprojectsoractivities;(v) follow-upeffectivelyonprojectcommitmentsorrespondto

complaints;and(vi) complywiththereportingrequirementsrelatingtopublic

participationandcompliancewiththeEMP.

d) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldalsoaccountfortheparticularcircumstancesoftheparticularProjectProposal(includingitstype,location,potentialimpacts,etc.)andtailortheapplicationoftherequirementsandrecommendationsinthisGuidelinetothosecircumstances.

e) ProjectProponentsmustdevelopaPublicParticipationPlanforallEIAs,tobeapprovedbyECD,aspartoftheToRthatisconsideredduringthescopingstage(inaccordancewithArticle52oftheEIAProcedure).

f) Inallothercases,ProjectProponentsarestronglyrecommendedtodevelopaPublicParticipationPlanforProjectProposals,evenrelativelysimpleandstraightforwardIEEs.

2.2. IdentificationofPAPandotherstakeholdersa) AnearlytaskintheIEEorEIAprocessistoidentifythePAPandother

stakeholderswhoarelikelytobeimpactedbytheproposedproject.


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b) ThisidentificationofPAPshouldbedoneasearlyaspossibleintheEIAprocess–eitherattheScreeningStageorafterECDhasmadeaScreeningdetermination,ordeterminedthatanEMPisrequired.

c) ThistaskincludesadetailedanalysisofpotentialPAPandstakeholdersthatidentifies:

(i) thePAPandotherstakeholderslikelytobedirectlyimpactedbytheproposedproject

(ii) thePAPandotherstakeholderslikelytobeindirectlyimpactedbytheproposedactivity

(iii) thepotentialimpactthattheproposedprojectwillhaveonthePAPorotherstakeholders

d) ThisidentificationshouldbebasedonpotentialimpactsoftheProjectProposal,ratherthanusingasimpleradiusaroundtheprojectsite(e.g.5or10km).Suchanapproachcanbeausefulstartingpointtoidentifypeopleandenvironmentsclosetotheproposedprojectsite,buttheareaofprojectimpactshouldbeexpandedtotakeintoaccountallthepotentialimpacts(bothdirectandindirect)oftheproject.

(i) Forexample,anycommunitiesnearroadsusedtotransportproductsfromamine,ordownstreamfrompotentialpollutionsources,shouldbeconsideredstakeholders.

(ii) Forexample,thePAPforanoffshoreoildevelopmentprojectmaynotbelocatedclose(geographically)totheProjectProposalsite(suchasfishersortourismoperatorsthatnavigatethearea.

e) Inadditiontoidentifyingthelocationsofcommunitiesthatmaybeimpacted,theProjectProponentshouldutilizeanyexistinginformationsuchascommunityresourcemappinginordertoidentifyimpactsonresourcesuponwhichcommunitiesdepend.

f) SeeTable2forexamplesofPAPandotherstakeholders.

Table2:ListofpossiblePAPandotherstakeholders8

PAP ● Landownersandresidentsinthearea(includingthosewithcommunalorcustomarytitle).

● Indigenouspeoples9andethnicgroupsinandaroundthearea.

● Thosepeoplewhorelyofwater,landandotherresourcespotentiallyimpactedbytheProjectProposal.

● Peoplewhomayuseresourcesinthelocalarea(e.g.fishers,farmers,tourismoperators),evenonaseasonablebasis.

8AdaptedfromtheGuidelinesonPublicParticipationinEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentintheMekongRegion,FirstEdition.9TheunofficialEnglishversionoftheEIAProcedureusestheterm“indigenouspeople,”whichusuallytranslatesas“hta-naytain-yintha,”whereastheMyanmarversionusestheterm“tain-yin-thamyo-nweh-su.”However,thedefinitionintheEIAProcedureforthistermissimilartothatintheInternationalLabourOrganisation(ILO)IndigenousandTribalPeoplesConvention1989(No.169).Sotheterm“tain-yin-thamyo-nweh-su”essentiallybearsthesamemeaningas“hta-naytain-yintha”.


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● Vulnerableanddisadvantagedgroupsandindividualsincludingwomen,children,elderlypeople,peoplewithdisabilities,resourcedependentgroups,andeconomicallymarginalisedpeople.

● Workers ● Managementcommitteesandotherbusinessesinindustrial

zones

● Otherindividuals,organizations,businesses,etc.thatmayexperienceenvironmentalorsocialimpactsduetotheproject.

GovernmentAuthorities

● MinistriesandothergovernmentorganisationsattheUnion,StateandRegion,District,Township,andWardandVillageTractlevels

● Locallevelhouseholdheadsandotherlocalauthorities.● Specificgovernmentorganisationsresponsibleformatters

potentiallyrelevanttotheparticularProjectProposalsuchas:• pollutioncontrolinthearea(includingwater,waste,

soil,noiseandairpollution).• protectionofnature,culturalheritageandthe

landscape.• publichealthandsafety• occupationalhealthandsafety• emergencymanagement• landusecontrol,spatialplanningandzoning• agriculture,energy,forestry,fisheriesorothersectors

whoseinterestsmaybeaffected.● Authoritiesinneighbouringcountrieswhere

transboundaryimpactsmaybeanissue.

OtherStakeholders

● Local,nationalandinternationalenvironmental,socialanddevelopmentinterestgroups.

● Internationalagencies,includingUnitedNationsorganisations.

● Localemployers’andbusinessassociationssuchasChambersofCommerce,tradeassociations,etc.

● CivilSocietyOrganizations,includingNGOs(suchaswomen’sgroups,youthgroups,localcommunitygroups,residentgroupsetc.)

● Groupsrepresentingenvironmentandnaturalresourcesusers,e.g.farmers,fishers,womenusinglocalresourcesforownconsumptionandtrade,tourismoperators.

● Researchinstitutes,universitiesandothercentresofexpertise.

● Thelocalandnationalmedia.● Electedrepresentativesandcommunityfiguressuchas

religiousleadersorteachers.


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● Scientificcommunity,researchersandacademics.● Ethnicarmedorganisations● Representativesofself-administeredareas ● Generalmembersofthelocalandwiderpublic.

2.3. Identificationofissuesandinitialassessmentofpotentialimpactsa) ThedevelopmentofthePublicParticipationPlanneedstoincludean

identificationofpossibleissuesandaninitialassessmentofthepotentialimpactsoftheProjectProposal.

b) Thiswillonlybeaninitialidentificationandassessment,butisnecessarytohelpframethedraftingofthePublicParticipationPlan.ThisprocesswillbemoreextensiveduringthepreparationoftheIEEorEIA.ItshouldalsocontributetotheScopingReportforEIATypeProjects.

c) AspartoftheEIAprocess,theProjectProponentwillberequiredtoundertakeandprovideevidenceofthefollowingintheIEEorEIAReport:(i) analysisofthekeyissuesofconcerntothePAPandidentified

stakeholders;

(ii) howthepublicparticipationthatwasundertakenrespondedtotheseissues;

(iii) theoutcomesofthepublicparticipationinresponsetotheseissues;(iv) anychangestoaPublicParticipationPlanorstrategyrequiredasa

resultoftheissuesraised;

(v) whethertheissuesarelikelytocontinuetobeofconcernduringtheconstruction,management,operationorclosureoftheproject;and

(vi) howfuturepublicparticipationwillrespondtotheissues,oranynewissueslikelytoberaisedduringtheIEEorEIAprocess.

d) Issuesofconcernmaychangeastheprojectprogresses.ThePublicParticipationPlan,includingtheidentificationofPAPsandotherstakeholders,shouldbeupdatedaccordingly.

(i) Forexampleinthecaseofmining,whenon-groundexplorationactivitiescommence,orwhenmoreintensivedrillingisundertaken.

2.4. ContentsofthePublicParticipationPlana) ThePublicParticipationPlanisapublicdocumentandshouldbepreparedin

suchawaythatit:

(i) establishestheobjectivesoftheplanforthespecificProjectProposal(ii) includesadetaileddescriptionandanalysisofpotentialPAPand

stakeholdersthatidentifies:

− thePAPandotherstakeholderslikelytobeimpactedbytheProjectProposal;


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− thelikelyimpactthattheProjectProposalwillhaveonthepotentialPAPandotherstakeholders;and

− thelikelyconcernsandinterestsofthedifferentpotentialPAPandotherstakeholders;

(iii) describeshowpublicparticipationwillbeundertakentoensurethat:

− individuals,communitiesandstakeholdergroupsareprovidedwiththeinformationtounderstandthenatureoftheProjectProposal,andthelikelyimpactsandbenefitsthatmaybederivedfromtheproject;

− theProjectProponentcanidentifyandaddresscommunityconcernsearlyintheIEEorEIApreparationstage;

− PAPandotherstakeholdersareinformedoftheproposedscheduleforthepreparationoftheIEEReportorEIAReportandnotifiedpriortothecommencementofrelevantactivitiesundertheEIAProcedure;and

− issuesraisedbythepublicparticipationprocesswillberespondedtoduringtheEIAprocess;

(iv) setsoutmechanismsforrevisingthePublicParticipationPlantoensureitcontinuestomeettherequirementsofthisGuidelinethroughouttheentireEIAprocess.ThismustincludeensuringthatthePublicParticipationPlan:

− continuestomeettheobjectivesofthisGuideline;

− includesanyadditionalissuesorstakeholdersidentifiedduringthepublicparticipationprocess;

− maintainsapublicparticipationprocessthatisadequate,inclusiveandappropriatetothecircumstances;and

− respondstoissuesraisedthroughpublicparticipationprocesseswithinthepreparationandsubmissionoftheIEEReportorEIAReport.

b) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldbeinplainlanguage(i.e.withlimiteduseoftechnicalterms).

c) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldinclude,asaminimum,thefollowingcontents:

(i) Objectivesofthepublicparticipationprocess.

(ii) Rolesandresponsibilitiesfortheprojectteam.(iii) IdentificationandanalysisofPAPandotherstakeholders.

(iv) Initialidentificationoflikelystakeholderconcernsandinterests.(v) ThetoolsandmethodsthatwillbeusedtocommunicatewithPAPand

otherstakeholders,includingmethodstodisseminateinformationabouttheProjectProposalandEIAprocess.

(vi) Thefrequencyandformatofpublicparticipationactivities.


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(vii) Theprocessforrespondingtoissuesraisedduringpublicparticipation.

(viii) ComplaintsmanagementandgrievanceredressmechanismsduringtheEIAprocess.

(ix) Timeframesforpublicparticipationmeetings.(x) Informationtobeprovidedforthepublicparticipationmeetings.

(xi) Monitoring,reviewandreportingofthepublicparticipationprocesses.

d) ThePublicParticipationPlantitlepageshouldincludethefollowinginformation:

(i) documenttitle;

(ii) proposedprojectnameandlocation;(iii) ProjectProponent;

(iv) EIAConsultant(ifthereisone);(v) dateofdocument;and

(vi) contactdetailsfortheProjectProponentandEIAConsultant.

e) TheProjectProponentshouldconsultwiththePAPtoseekcommentsonthedraftPublicParticipationPlan.

f) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldberegularlyreviewed,andupdatedwherenecessary,duringthepreparationoftheIEEReportorEIAReport.

2.5. ResourcingthePublicParticipationPlana) ForthePublicParticipationPlantobeeffectivelyimplemented,itneedstobe

properlyresourced.

b) TheProjectProponentmustbearallthecostsofpublicparticipationatallstagesintheEIAprocess.

(i) ThisincludescostsincurredbytheProjectProponent’sEIAConsultantandthoseincurredbytheEIAauthorityinundertakingpublicparticipationduringthereviewanddecision-makingstagesandinmonitoringapprovedprojects(inaccordancewithArticles43,69and122oftheEIAProcedure).

(ii) Therefore,thePublicParticipationPlanmustclearlyidentifythecostsofitsimplementationandbebudgetedaccordingly.

(iii) Irrespectiveofthebudget,thepriorityisonmeaningfulpublicparticipationwithqualityoutcomes.

(iv) TheProjectProponentshouldavoidthetemptationtocutcostsonpublicparticipation,asthecostofsubsequentdelaysandconflictsmayoutweightheapparentcostsavings.

c) TheresourcestobeallocatedtothePublicParticipationPlanincludetimeaswellasfinancialresources.


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(i) Followingtheprovisionofinformation,allstakeholderswillrequiresometimetoabsorb,processandformulateresponsestotheproposals,informationandconceptspresented.

(ii) Somegroupswillneedmoretimethanothers,andsomegroupswillrequiredifferentforumsortoconsultwithothermembersofthecommunity.

(iii) Sufficientfundsmustbeallocatedfortranslationofwrittenmaterialsandpublicparticipationmeetingproceedingsintomultiplelanguages(includingMyanmarandlocallanguages)asisnecessaryinthecircumstances.

d) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldalsoconsiderhowtheProjectProponentcanmosteffectivelycommunicateinamannerthatisappropriatetothetargetedaudience,takingintoaccountimportantmatterssuchasculturalsensitivities,languageconstraints,andformaleducationlevelsoftheparticipants.(i) TheProjectProponent’srepresentativesshouldbechosenbasedon

theirempathy,presence,experienceincommunicationandcredibilitywiththePAP,aswellasontheircontentknowledgeandtechnicalexpertise.

(ii) Itiscriticalthatallcommunicationisbasedonrespect,anopen-mindandawillingnesstolistentoandlearnfromparticipants.

2.6. ImplementingthePublicParticipationPlana) OncethePublicParticipationPlanhasbeenfinalised(and,inthecaseofEIA

Typeprojects,approvedbyECDaspartoftheToR),itmustbeimplementedbytheProjectProponent.

b) ImplementationofthePublicParticipationPlanshould:

(i) considertheminimumrequirementsformeaningfulpublicparticipationasidentifiedforeachofthestageoftheEIAprocess;

(ii) considertherecommendedgoodpracticeformeaningfulpublicparticipation,inadditiontotheminimumrequirements,inthecontextoftheparticularProjectProposal;

(iii) betimely,accessible,plannedandwithclearobjectives;(iv) provideinformationinplainlanguage(i.e.withlimiteduseoftechnical

terms);

(v) beundertakenthroughactivitiesthatattempttoovercomebarrierstopublicparticipation,includingthecapacityofparticipants;

(vi) ensurethattheexpectedlevelofparticipationandthecommitmentsoftheProjectProponentareclearlyexpressedtothePAPandotherstakeholders;

(vii) establishchannelsofcommunicationtoallowcommunityfeedbackandidentificationofpotentialissuesduringtheassessmentofissuesandthepreparationoftheIEEorEIAreport;


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− TheProjectProponentandanyEIAConsultantshallusetheirexpertiseandjudgementtodeterminewhetherindividualcommentsrequireconsiderationandincorporationintotheinvestigationandreport.

(viii) includeprocessesfortheprovisionoffeedbacktoparticipantsontheresultsoftheircontribution(whetherindividuallyand/orinsummaryform);and

(ix) reviewandevaluatetheeffectivenessoftheengagementstrategies.

c) Thepublicparticipationprocessesandactivitiesshould:(i) maximiseopportunitiesforindividuals,communitiesandstakeholder

groupstoengageinameaningfulway;

(ii) promoteandsupportprocessesfortheinclusiverepresentationindividuals,communitiesandstakeholdergroupsintheengagementprocess;

(iii) developtailoredandculturallyappropriateapproachesthatsupportengagementopportunities;

(iv) promotestakeholderconfidenceintheproposedprojectmanagementbyensuringopenandtransparentdiscussionoftheproject,technicalstudies,impactsandriskmanagementprocesses;and

(v) enhanceopportunitiesforsustainableexplorationactivitiesanddecision-makingbyincorporatinglocalcommunityknowledge,viewsandconcernsintechnicalstudies,explorationprogramdesignanddecisionmaking,whereappropriate.

d) EarlyengagementwithPAPandstakeholderswillassistProjectProponentstoidentifythebestwayofinteractingandengagingwiththeallgroupsastheEIAprocessprogresses.

e) Ingeneral,though,whendeterminingthenumberofpublicparticipationmeetingstheProjectProponentshouldhaveregardto:

(i) PAPandotherstakeholdervalues,concernsandattitudes;

(ii) PAPandotherstakeholderexpectationsinregardtoobjectiveinformation;

(iii) thepotentialimpactsarisingfromtheproposedproject;

(iv) thelevelofPAPandotherstakeholderinterestintheproposedproject;(v) anyexistingrelationshipwiththePAPandotherstakeholders;

(vi) therequirementsofindividualcommunitystakeholdersandgroups(vii) differentmethodsfordifferentstakeholdersandgroups,including

maximizingtheparticipationofwomen,children,youthandtheelderly;and

(viii) theneedtoensurevulnerableanddisadvantagedgroupsandindividualsareprovidedwithappropriateopportunitiestoprovidefeedback.


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f) Publicparticipationmeetingsshouldbeheldatvarioustimesoftheday,notonlyduringbusinesshours,toensurethatthemaximumnumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersaregiventheopportunitytoattend.

g) WhereonlyonemeetingistooccurataparticularstageoftheEIAprocess,anadditionalalternativepublicparticipationopportunityshouldbeconsidered(forexampleaninformationsession)atadifferenttimeofday.

h) InimplementingthePublicParticipationPlan,nogroupsorindividualscanbeforcedtoattendpublicparticipationmeetings.

(i) ThedutyonProjectProponentsandEIAConsultantsistoprovideappropriateopportunitiesforPAPandotherstakeholderstoparticipate,byfollowingtheprinciplesandapproachesoutlinedinthisGuideline.

(ii) Shouldmeaningfulattemptsbemadetoprovideparticipationopportunities,theabsenceoffullattendanceorcommentatmeetingswillnotinvalidatetheEIAprocess,butthesecircumstancesshouldbeclearlyexplainedintherelevantreport.

2.7. PublicParticipationFocalPointa) WhereaProjectProposalrequiresthepreparationofanEIA,theProject

ProponentshouldconsidertheappointmentofapersonwithaparticularresponsibilitytoengagewiththePAPandlocalcommunityasafocalpoint.

b) ThismaybeanemployeeoftheProjectProponentortheEIAConsultantappointedtoconducttheEIA.

c) Thefocalpointshouldbeskilledandexperiencedinundertakingtherole,includinghavingundertakenculturalawarenesstrainingifappropriate.

d) Thefocalpointmayhavethefollowingresponsibilities:(i) facilitatingcommunitymeetings;

(ii) respondingtoquestions,commentsandcomplaintsinatimelyandthoroughmanner;

(iii) beingavailabletocontactinperson,orbyemailortelephone;

(iv) maintaininginformationabouttheProjectProposal(includingsocialmediaandwebpages)toensurethatinformationabouttheprojectisaccurateandup-to-date;

(v) ensuringthetimelydisclosureofinformationabouttheprojecttoPAPandotherstakeholdersthroughthemethodsidentifiedinthePublicParticipationPlan.

2.8. Specificprocedurestopromotepublicparticipation

2.8.1. Specificattentionforvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroupsandindividualsa) TheidentificationofPAPandotherstakeholders(refertosections1.4.4and

2.2above)alsoneedsspecialconsiderationtoidentifyvulnerableanddisadvantagedindividualsandgroups,particularlywithinthelocal


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community,andanyparticularneedstheymayhavetomaximisetheirabilitytoparticipateeffectively.

b) Theymayneedadditionalsupporttoparticipate,whichmaytakeoneormoreforms:(i) separatemeetingswithvulnerableanddisadvantagedindividualsand

groupsmaybeimportanttoprovidethemwiththeopportunityandappropriatesupportingenvironmenttofeelempoweredtospeakandvoiceconcerns;

(ii) supportandfacilitationtoencouragepeopletoparticipate–thismay,forexample,includeappropriatearrangementsforwomenorchildrenorpeoplewithdisabilities;

(iii) physicalsupporttobeabletoattendmeetings–thismaybeforpeoplewithdisabilitiesorotherpeoplewithoutameansofgettingtoameeting;

(iv) facilitationofmeetingsandprovisionofdocumentsinthelanguage/dialectsoflocalcommunities,indigenouspeoplesand/orethnicgroups;and

(v) appropriateschedulingofmeetingsoutsideofpeople’stypicalwork(includingdomesticwork)hours,takingintoaccountsuitabletimesforwomen’sparticipation.

c) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldincludespecificelementsaddressingengagementwithvulnerableanddisadvantagedindividualsandgroups.

(i) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldaddresshowthesestakeholderswillbeidentifiedandtheirneedswillbeassessedandwhatsupportwillbeoffered,particularlyseparatemeetings.

− Onegenerallyusefulstrategyistoinviteparticipantstoputforwardanymattersorquestionstheywishtohaveaddressedinthemeetingsinadvance(e.g.byemail,letterorverballytotheProjectProponent).

(ii) ThePublicParticipationPlanmustconsidersystemicbarriersthatimpedethefullparticipationofwomen,andparticularlywomenwholikelysuffercompounddiscriminationduetoothercharacteristics(e.g.age,ethnicity,disability,etc.).Additionalsupport,includingseparateandtailoredformsofengagement,willbeneededtoensuretheyhavetheopportunitiestomeaningfullyparticipate.

(iii) ThePublicParticipationPlanmustallocatesufficienttimeforseparateconsultationswithvulnerableanddisadvantagedindividualsandgroups,basedontheparticularneedsoftheidentifiedstakeholders,throughouttheEIAprocessandespeciallyduringtheinvestigationstage.

(iv) ThesestakeholdersshouldhavetheopportunitytoproposeanddiscussdifferentiatedavoidanceandmitigationmeasuressothatadverseimpactsoftheProjectProposaldonotfalldisproportionately


28

onthemandtheyarenotdisadvantagedinsharinganybenefitsandopportunities(e.g.employment).

2.8.2. Specificattentionforindigenouspeoplesandethnicgroups

2.8.2.1. Generala) Publicparticipationprocessesinvolvingindigenouspeoplesrequiresspecific

considerationtoensurethatconcernsandviewsofindigenouscommunitiesarefullyconsideredandrespondedtoinaccordancewiththeEIAProcedure.

b) Inaddition,Article5oftheProtectionoftheRightsofNationalRacesLawprovidesthat“Priortoimplementingdevelopmentprojectsandmajorplans,economicplansandmajorplans,extractingofnaturalresources,localindigenousinhabitantsaretobeinformedandbeexplainedindetailabouttheseplansandprojectstoachievemutualcooperation.”ThisGuidelineprovidesguidanceonimplementingArticle5,togetherwithanyfurtherguidanceissuedbytheUnionMinisterforEthnicAffairs.

c) Wherestakeholdersareidentifiedasindigenouspeoples,thishasconsequencesforboththesubstanceofdecisionsontheprojectandtheprocessofpublicparticipation.

d) TheEIAshouldconsiderthatindigenouspeoplesareoftenamongthemostmarginalizedandvulnerablesegmentsofthepopulationandareparticularlyvulnerableiftheirlandsandresourcesaretransformed,encroachedupon,orsignificantlydegraded.Theirlanguages,cultures,religions,spiritualbeliefs,andinstitutionsmayalsocomeunderthreat.Asaconsequence,IndigenousPeoplesmaybemorevulnerabletoadverseimpactsfromProjectProposalsthannon-indigenouscommunities.Thisvulnerabilitymayincludelossofidentity,culture,andnaturalresource-basedlivelihoodsandexposuretoimpoverishmentanddiseases.

e) TheEIAshouldaddresspotentialadverseimpactsandavoidanceandmitigationmeasures,particularlyconcerning:

(i) theircultureandbeliefs,includingtheirculturalheritage;

(ii) customaryuseandownershipoflandandnaturalresources;and(iii) livelihoods.

2.8.2.2. Stakeholderidentificationa) TheidentificationofPAPandotherstakeholders(refertosections1.4.4and

2.2above)shouldidentifyindigenouspeoplewhomaybeimpactedbytheProjectProposal.

b) TheProjectProponentshouldconsultwiththeEthnicAffairsMinisterandexpertsastowhetherthereareanyindigenouspeoplesintheproposedareaoftheproject.

c) TheProjectProponentshouldalso,throughitsstakeholdermappingprocess,identifythosepeoplewhoself-identifyasindigenous.

d) Self-identificationshouldbeafundamentalcriterionfordeterminingthegroupstowhichtheseprovisionsofthisGuidelineapply.


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e) Inaddition,ifgroupsdonotself-identify,thefollowingcharacteristicswillbetakenintoaccountinidentifyingindigenousstakeholders:(i) tribalpeopleswhosesocial,culturalandeconomicconditions

distinguishthemfromothersectionsofthenationalcommunity,andwhosestatusisregulatedwhollyorpartiallybytheirowncustomsortraditionsorbyspeciallawsorregulations;and

(ii) peopleswhoareregardedasindigenousonaccountoftheirdescentfromthepopulationswhichinhabitedthecountry,orageographicalregiontowhichthecountrybelongs,atthetimeofconquestorcolonisationortheestablishmentofpresentstateboundariesandwho,irrespectiveoftheirlegalstatus,retainsomeoralloftheirownsocial,economic,culturalandpoliticalinstitutions.

f)

2.8.2.3. ApplicationofFPICa) WhileultimatelythedecisionontheIEEorEIAforaProjectProposalisthe

responsibilityofthegovernment,theapplicationoftheprincipleof“free,priorandinformedconsent”(FPIC)mayhavesomebearingonthatdecision.

(i) (ii) TheUnitedNationsDeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples10

recognisesthatindigenouspeopleshavespecificrightsthatshouldberespected,includingthroughtheapplicationoftheFPICprinciple.

(iii) Itaimstoprovideindigenouspeopleswithself-determinationovertheirlives,landsandresources,includingregardingdecisionsondevelopmentprojectsthatmightaffectthem.

(iv) FPICprovidesforameaningfulprocessofpublicparticipationwithindigenouspeoplesthatrespectstheirdecision-makingproceduresandresultsinafinalagreementabouttheconditionsunderwhichtheProjectProposalwouldbeacceptedoraclearopinionthattheProjectProposalisnotaccepted.

(v) TheapplicationofFPICisoneclearwaythatindigenousPAPcanbegivenvoiceintheEIAprocess.

b) TheapplicationofFPICisparticularlyrelevantforProjectProposalsthatpotentiallyhaveasignificantimpactonindigenouspeoples,includingwhere:

(i) theprojectwouldbelocatedon,orcommerciallydevelopnaturalresourceson,landstraditionallyownedby,orunderthecustomaryuseof,indigenouspeoples;

(ii) thatwouldseektorelocateindigenouspeoplesfromtheirlandsand/orrestricttheiruseofnaturalresources;or

(iii) whentheremaybeimpactsontheculturalheritageoftheindigenouspeoples.

10UNGeneralAssembly,UnitedNationsDeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples:resolution/adoptedbytheGeneralAssembly,2October2007,A/RES/61/295.http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf


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c) Ineachofthesecases,theProjectProponentshouldbeguidedbytheapplicationoftheIFCPerformanceStandards,particularly:(i) PerformanceStandard1onAssessmentandManagementof

EnvironmentalandSocialRisksandImpacts;and(ii) PerformanceStandard7onIndigenousPeoples.

d) TheProjectProponentshouldengagewiththeindigenouspeoplesingoodfaithnegotiationtoreachagreementontheconditionsinwhichtheindigenouspeoplesmayaccepttheProjectProposal,orwhereagreementcannotbereached,todocumentthecontinuingconcernsoftheindigenouspeoples.

e) ECDwilltakeanyagreementsorlackofagreementintoaccountwhenreviewingtheIEEorEIAReportand,iftheProjectProposalisapproved,attachingconditionstotheECC.

2.8.2.4. Resettlementa) Theremaybeparticularlyseriousconsequencesforindigenouspeoplesif

theyareresettledfromtheirtraditionallandsandresources.b) ForProjectProposalsthatproposeormayinvolvetheresettlementof

indigenouspeoples,whethervoluntaryorinvoluntary,theProjectProponentmust:

(i) informECDandtheUnionMinisterforEthnicAffairsofthatproposalorpossibilityattheearliestpossiblestage(nolaterthaninsubmittingtheScopingReportforEIATypeprojects);

(ii) complywithIFCPerformanceStandard7onIndigenousPeoplesandPerformanceStandard5onLandAcquisitionandInvoluntaryResettlementuntilfurtherrequirementsareadoptedinaccordancewithMyanmarlaw;

− ThesePerformanceStandardssetoutrequirementsaroundboththeprocessesforpublicparticipationaswellasthesubstantivestandardsaroundavoidance,mitigationandcompensationthatmustbefollowed.

(iii) consider,asafirststepinaccordancewiththesePerformanceStandards,feasibleprojectalternativesthatdonotinvolveresettlement;and

(iv) ifnoalternativestoproposedresettlementcanbefound,obtainFPICfortheresettlementfromtheindigenouspeoples.

c) Iftheindigenouspeoplesdonotconsenttotheproposedresettlement,ECDwilltakethatintoaccountinanydecision-makingontheProjectProposal,includinginpreparingtheECCandanyconditionsiftheProjectProposalisapproved.

d) Iftheindigenouspeoplesdoconsenttotheproposedresettlement,theProjectProponentmustagreeonaResettlementActionPlanandLivelihoodRestorationPlanwithECDandtheindigenouspeoplesinvolved.


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e) ThePublicParticipationPlanmustallocatesufficienttimeandresourcestoallowforrepeatedconsultationwiththeindigenouspeoplestoexplainanddeveloptheseplansandforindigenouspeoplesdecision-makingprocesses.

f) ECDshallmakecompliancewith,andsuccessfulcompletionof,theResettlementActionPlanandLivelihoodRestorationPlanaconditionoftheECCforanyapprovedProjectProposal.

2.8.2.5. Approachtopublicparticipationprocessesa) Therearemanybarrierstoeffectiveparticipationbyindigenouspeoples

includinglanguage,remotenessoflocations,lackoffamiliaritywiththeEIAprocess,theneedtoexplainscientificandtechnicalissuesusingindigenouslanguagesandalsothelackofknowledgebyProjectProponentsandEIAConsultantsinengagingwithindigenouspeoples.

b) ForProjectProposalsthatmayimpactindigenouspeoples,ProjectProponentsmustensurethatpublicparticipationprocessesinvolvingindigenouspeoplesrecogniseandrespecttheir:

(i) cultureandbeliefs;(ii) traditionalpracticesandperspectivesonlandandnaturalresources;

(iii) communicationapproaches;and(iv) decision-makingprocesses.

c) Inthiscontext,publicparticipationprocesses,andthePublicParticipationPlan,must:(i) ensurethatthedisclosureofinformation,consultationmeetings,and

participationprocessesgenerally,areundertakeninaculturallyappropriatemannerthatrespectstheculturesandbeliefsoftheindigenouspeoples;

(ii) beundertakeninalanguageandmannerofpresentationthatisunderstandabletotheindigenouspeoples;

− ThismightrequiretheProjectProponenttoemploymoreproactivemeasurestodistributeprojectrelatedinformationandtoexplainthepotentialimpactsoftheProjectProposalonindigenouspeoples’landandlivelihoods.

(iii) involveindigenouspeoples’representativebodiesandorganisations(e.g.councilsofeldersorvillagecouncils),aswellasothermembersofaffectedcommunities,particularlythosenotrepresentedintherepresentativebodiesandorganisations(suchaswomenandyouth);and

(iv) providesufficienttimeforindigenouspeoples’decision-makingprocesses,whichwilloftenmeanholdingmultiplemeetingstoexplainthedetailsoftheproposedprojectandtoansweranyquestions.


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2.8.3. Publicparticipationinconflict-affectedareas

2.8.3.1. Generala) Publicparticipationprocessesinconflict-affectedareasshouldbeplanned

andcarriedoutwithspecificattentiontothecontextbecauseconflict-affectedareaspresentuniquechallenges.

(i) Anypublicparticipationprocessneedstobeconflictsensitive.

(ii) ThisshouldbereflectedinthePublicParticipationPlan.b) Thereareregionaldifferencesinconflicts,andinrelationtodifferentethnic

armedorganizations(EAOs).ProjectProponentsandECDshouldadaptpublicparticipationprocessestoeachparticularcircumstance.

c) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldaddressthekeychallengesofengagingandoperatinginconflict-affectedareas,including:(i) carryingoutspecificconflictanalysisandplanningtomakesurethe

publicparticipationprocessisconflict-sensitive;

(ii) addressingpotentialunintendedconsequencesbyunderstandinghowtheprojectislikelytoaffectexistingrelationsandaddressingthisaspartoftheconsultation;

(iii) gainingaccesstorelevantstakeholdersandappropriatestrategiesforon-groundengagement;

(iv) buildingtrustovertheshortandlong-termincommunitiesthatmaybesuspiciousanddistrustful;

(v) balancingallperspectivestomakesurethosepotentiallyimpactedbytheProjectProposalinparticularareheard;

(vi) addressingexpectations,whichcanbecomehigherandmorevolatileifmisunderstood,managedpoorly,orunmet;

(vii) ensuringthesecurityofstaffandstakeholdersparticipatinginthepublicparticipationprocess;and

(viii) devotingsufficienttimeandresourcesgiventheadditionalchallenges.

2.8.3.2. Conductanalysisandplanninga) TheProjectProponentshouldinformthemselvesabouttheconflict

dynamics,contextandsensitivities,includingby:

(i) mappingdifferentEAOsoperatingwithintheProjectProposalarea,thedifferentethnicgroupsandtherelationsbetweenthem;and

(ii) identifyingcontactsandintermediaries.

b) TheProjectProponentshouldconsiderengagingwithexpertstoadviseonconflict-sensitivebusinesspracticesandthelocalcontext.


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2.8.3.3. Considerunintendedconsequencesa) Asastartingpointinbeingconflictsensitive,ProjectProponentsshould

recognisethatchoicesmadearoundpublicparticipationarepoliticaleveniftheyarepresentedastechnical.

b) Includingorexcludingpartiesfromconsultationsisapoliticalchoiceandcanpromoteconflictandshouldbeaddressedcarefullyandwiththeseconsiderationsinmind,ratherthantreatingpublicparticipationinconflictareasasmerelyaplanningexercise.

c) Morebroadly,itwillbeimportantforProjectProponentstoconsiderthepotentialunintendedconsequencesoftheProjectProposal(beitdiggingawellordevelopingamine).(i) TheProjectProponentshouldconsiderwhethertheintroductionofa

newresourcemightaffectexistingorlatentconflictdynamics.(ii) Thisinquiryshouldbemulti-layered.Forexample,theProject

Proponentshouldtakeintoconsiderationnotonlywhatbenefitswillaccruetolocalcommunitiesbutalsowhethertheproposedprojectwillspurincreasedcompetitionamongcommunities.TheProjectProponentshouldalsoconsiderwhethertheprojectwouldrequireincreasedpoliceormilitarypresenceinthearea,ormorein-migrationthatcouldincreaseresentmentandtensionwiththoseinsideandoutsidetheProjectProposalarea.

d) TheProjectProponentshouldconsidertheseissuesitselfandbuildthemintothepublicparticipationprocessinacarefulmanner,beingsensitivetothepossibilityofstirringupconcerns.

2.8.3.4. Seektogainaccesstothefullrangeofstakeholdersa) Publicparticipationprocessesshouldincludeawiderrangeofstakeholders

thaninnon-conflictareas.b) TheProjectProponentwillneedtoplanfortheadditionalpolitical,logistical

andsecuritychallengesofconsultingtheseadditionalgroups:

(i) StateandRegionalGovernments,includinganystate/regionministerswitharelevantethnicaffairsportfolio:itwillbeimportanttounderstandtheirperspectiveontheconflictandtheirdevelopmentplansfortheStateorRegion.

(ii) EAOs:ItmaynotbepossibleforProjectProponentswithnopriorlinksorcontactsinaconflict-affectedareatocontactanddiscusswithEAOsdirectly.Instead,theProjectProponentmayneedtouseexpertsandorganisationsoperatingintheareatomakecontactsandopenadialogue.ProjectProponentsshouldconsiderfacilitationbytrustedindividualsororganisationswithstrongtrackrecordofengagementinthearea.SomeEAOsdonothavecleargovernancestructures.ProjectProponentsneedtoobtainadviceonthedynamicsofEAOleadershipandensurethatwheretherearefactions,allfactionsareprovidedopportunitiestoengageandparticipate,includingthroughbilateralconsultations.


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(iii) Localcommunities:TheProjectProponentshouldnotviewconsultationswithEAOsasasubstituteforconsultationwithlocalcommunities.EAOsdonotnecessarilyholdthesameviewsascommunitymembersandshouldbeconsultedseparately.TheremayalsobeseveraldifferentethnicitiesintheProjectProposalarea.TheProjectProponentshouldbeawareofthedynamicsbetweendifferentethnicgroupsandconsiderseparateconsultations,inlocallanguages,tounderstandeachcommunity’slocalconcernsabouttheProjectProposalandinter-communityrelationshipsanddynamics.

(iv) Displacedgroupsoutsidethecountry:Duetodisplacement,somecommunityleadersandopinion-formersmaybebasedoutsideMyanmar,particularlyinThailand.TheProjectProponentshouldadoptmeasurestoensurethatthesegroupsareprovidedtheopportunitytoengageandparticipate.

2.8.3.5. Buildtrusta) TheProjectProponentshouldbeawareofthelikelihoodofheightened

scrutinyofproposedprojectsinconflictaffectedareas.

b) ThisencompassespotentialsuspicionofboththeprivatesectorandtheauthoritiesgrantingapprovalstotheProjectProponent.

c) WhilepublicparticipationisrequiredformallyintheEIAprocess,itshouldbeconsideredapartoflonger-termengagementwithcommunitiesandEAOsinconflict-affectedareas.

2.8.3.6. Balanceviewsa) Giventhepotentialchallengesingainingaccesstoallrelevantstakeholders,

theProjectProponentshouldnonethelesstrytoensurethatallperspectivesarerepresentedasbestaspossible.

b) Inparticular,theProjectProponentshouldattempttoensurethatthosewhomaybeimpactedbytheprojectareheard,amongstthosewithpotentiallymorepowerfulvoicesintheprocess.

c) Understandinghowlocalsrelatetothedifferentauthorities–bothEAOsandthegovernment–isanimportantpartofensuringthatlocalcommunitieshavetheopportunityandspacetopresenttheirviews.

2.8.3.7. Addressexpectationsa) LocalcommunitiesandEAOsmaybeparticularlyconcernedaboutwhowill,

orisperceivedto,benefitfromtheProjectProposal.

b) TheymayhaveexaggeratedexpectationsaboutbenefitsfromtheProjectProposal,includingemployment,distributionofrevenues,etc.

c) Expectationsmayfocusonwiderdemandsbyethnicgroupsforgreatereconomicbenefits,developmentandcontroloflandandresources,withthepotentialforvolatileresponsesiftheyarenotmet.

d) IftheProjectProposalinvolveslandacquisitionoruse,theProjectProponentshouldbeawareoflocalsensitivitiesaboutland,andpotentiallyconflictinglandregisters(ifsuchregistersexistatall).Forexample,anEAOmayhaveits


35

ownlandregistrationprocess,separatefromtheUnionGovernment,andpossiblynotconsistentwithit.

e) ProjectProponentsshouldparticularlyemphasisedisclosureofinformationabouttheProjectProposalinanefforttomanagetheexpectationsoflocalcommunities.Thisshouldaddresspotentialimpactsoftheproposedprojectandexplainpotentialbenefits(ifsoadvisedbyexperts)asthiscanbeanimportantstepinbeginningtoreducesuspicionandavoidexacerbatingconflict.

2.8.3.8. Addresssecurityasacorepartoftheprocessa) Giventheconflictcontext,theProjectProponentshouldbeawareofand

addresssecuritythreatstothoseparticipating(includingitsownstaff).b) Threatsmaybeposedbydifferentgroupsincludingthemilitary,police,EAOs

andsplinterfactions,orthosewhohaveaninterestintheProjectProposal.c) TheProjectProponentshouldmakeeveryefforttominimisethepossibility

thatstakeholdersmaybeputatriskasaresultofthepublicparticipationprocesses,andconsideralternativemeetingmethodsandlocationsifsatisfactoryarrangementscannotbeagreed.

d) WhiletheMyanmargovernmentmaywanttoarrangethepresenceofsecuritypersonnelatconsultations,apolice/militarypresenceislikelytoreducethewillingnessoflocalcommunitiesorotherstakeholderstoparticipateandspeakopenlyabouttheirconcerns.

2.8.3.9. Planforsufficienttimeandresourcesa) Therewillbemorepartiestoconsultanddiscussionsarelikelytobelonger

andmorecomplexgiventhecircumstances.

b) Additionaltime,resourcesandexpertiseforpublicparticipationprocessesinconflict-affectedareasshouldthereforebeincludedinthePublicParticipationPlan.


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CHAPTER 3: IEE Type Projects

3.1. Generala) InaccordancewithArticle32oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponent

mayundertaketheIEEbyitselformayappointanEIAConsultanttodoso.ForpurposesofclaritythisChapterwillonlyrefertotheProjectProponent,butallreferencestotheProjectProponentshouldbetakentoalsoincludeanyappointedEIAConsultant.

b) ThefirststepinpreparinganIEEistoidentifypotentialimpactsandconcernsregardingtheProjectProposal,inconsultationwithPAPandotherstakeholders(includingECD),tofocustheIEEassessment.ThisisimportantgiventheabsenceofaformalscopingstageinvolvinganECDdecision-pointforIEETypeProjects.

c) Toaidinthisprocess,theProjectProponentisencouragedtodraftaPublicParticipationPlan.

d) ThePublicParticipationPlanwilloutlinetheprocessthattheProjectProponentwilladoptduringtheIEEReportpreparationstage.ThisisoutlinedinChapter2.

(i) Inordertoachievethebestresults,thePublicParticipationPlanshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwiththePAPandotherstakeholders.

(ii) ThekeyaimofthePublicParticipationPlanistoensurethatthePAPandotherstakeholdersareeffectivelyengagedintheIEE.

(iii) ThePublicParticipationPlanshouldberevisedandupdatedthroughouttheIEEprocessastheProjectProponentgathersnewinformation.

e) ConcernsandissuesraisedbythePAPduringthepreparationofthePublicParticipationPlanshouldbecarefullyrecordedsothattheseissuesmaybeinvestigatedandaddressedduringtheIEEinvestigation.

f) TheresultsofthisinvestigationshouldbecommunicatedtothePAPduringtheIEE.Thisisanessentialpartofmeaningfulpublicparticipation.

g) Commentsfromthepublicparticipationprocessshouldinfluencethedesignandplanningforaproposedproject.ThesecommentscanleadtoamendmentstotheProjectProposaltomitigatethepossibleadverseimpacts.

h) TheapplicationofthisGuidelinetotheIEEinvestigationisdepictedinFigure1.

i) TheapplicationofthisGuidelinetotheIEEReportreviewisdepictedinFigure2.


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Figure1:ApplicationofGuidelinetoIEEinvestigation

Figure2:ApplicationofGuidelinetoIEEReportreview


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3.2. NoticeofCommencementofIEEa) InaccordancewithArticle34oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponent

mustissuenoticetothepublicofthecommencementoftheIEE.

b) Contentofthenotice:Theminimuminformationinthepublicnoticeshouldinclude:

(i) typeofprojectanditslocation;(ii) informationabouttheIEEprocess;

(iii) detailsabouttheavailabilityofinformationrelatedtotheproject,includinghowtoaccesssuchinformation;

(iv) contactdetailsforrequestinginformationabouttheproject;

(v) informationaboutwheretolookforupdates;and(vi) informationonhowtosubmitwrittencommentsontheIEEtothe

ProjectProponent.

c) MethodofNotice:theProjectProponentmustpublishnoticeofthecommencementoftheIEEusingacombinationofthefollowingmethodsinawaythatisappropriatefortheProjectProposalandthatmaximizesthenumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersreached:(i) ontheProjectProponent’swebsite;

(ii) throughadvertisementspublishedinlocalnewspapers;(iii) theprominentpostingofalegiblesignboardattheprojectsite;

(iv) targetednoticetolocalgovernment,neighbours,localreligiousorganizations,andlocalcommunityorganizations;and

(v) throughadditionalmethodsappropriatetothespecificlocationandnatureoftheproposedproject.

d) TheProjectProponentisencouragedtoconsultwithlocalcommunitiesandgovernmentauthoritiesinordertodeterminethebestmethodsforprovidingnoticeofthecommencementoftheIEE.TheProjectProponentmustprovideanexplanationandrationaleforthechosenmethodsforprovidingnoticeinthefinalIEEReport.

e) TimingofNoticeofCommencementoftheIEE:ProjectProponentsmustissuenoticeatleast14daysbeforethefirstpublicparticipationactivityundertheIEE.

3.3. Informationdisclosurea) Timingofdisclosure:informationabouttheProjectProposalmustbemade

availabletothepublicsimultaneouslywiththeissuanceofthenoticeofthecommencementoftheIEE(EIAProcedure,Article34).

b) TheProjectProponentshall:(i) activelydisseminateinformationtothegeneralpublicincludingPAP,

civilsociety,communityrepresentativesincludingbutnotlimitedtolocalreligiousleadersandorganizations,relevantministriesand


39

governmentorganisationsattheUnionandsub-nationallevels,andotherstakeholderswhoareinterestedintheproject.

(ii) ensureallinformationispubliclyaccessiblyonprojectwebsite(s)andinhardcopyatconvenient,accessiblelocationsneartheprojectsite(e.g.schools,localgovernmentoffices,monasteries,etc.).

c) Informationthatisrelevantandavailablewillvarybetweenprojectproposals,forvariousreasonsincludingthetypeofprojectanditslocation.Generally,thefollowinginformationshouldbeavailabletobeprovidedtoclearlyshowthescopeandtypeoftheProjectProposal:

(i) SummaryoftheProjectProposal,includingtype,size,locationandtimeframes.

(ii) ProjectProponents(includingprojectfunders).(iii) Visualinformation,includingphotographs,maps,drawingsand

diagrams.

d) Asmuchinformationaspossibleshouldbeleftwiththecommunitytoconsideranddiscussfurther.SeealsoBox2onInformationDisclosure.

e) TheinformationshouldberelevantandinaformthatthePAPandotherstakeholderscanunderstand.Thismeansthattechnicaldocumentsshouldbeexplainedinsimpletermsinthelocallanguage.

f) Ifthereisarequestforscientificandtechnicalinformationtobeexplained,thentheProjectProponentisencouragedtoarrangeforameetingwiththeappropriateexpertsandthecommunity.

g) Informationthatispubliclydisclosedshouldbemadeavailable:(i) OnprojectandProjectProponentwebsite(s)

(ii) Fordistributionatpublicparticipationactivitiesandotherproject-relatedactivities

(iii) AttheProjectProponent’soffices(electronicversionsandhardcopies)

(iv) Hardcopiesavailableforviewingatconvenient,accessibleandindependentlocationsneartotheprojectsiteandtoPAP(e.g.schools,localgovernmentoffices,monasteries,etc.)

h) AllmaterialprovidedtothePAPandotherstakeholdersshouldbetreatedasinformationinthepublicdomainthatcanbeaccessedanddistributedtopeopleoutsidethelocalcommunity.


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Box2:IEEInformationDisclosureWhattypeofinformationshouldbeprovided?• OutlineofProjectProposal,includingmaps,draftplansandotheravailable

information• Detailsofthetimeframeforconstructionandoutlineofpossibleimpacts–

updatedasmoreinformationismadeavailable• ScientificortechnicalinformationabouttheProjectProposalandpossible

impacts• Initialcommentsfromthelocalcommunities,CSOs,andgovernment

agencies• Writtenfeedbacktostakeholdersontheirinitialcomments• DraftIEEReport,includingcommentsfromPAPandotherstakeholders,and

draftEMP• IEEReport,EMPandPublicParticipationPlan

3.4. PublicParticipationduringpreparationoftheIEE

3.4.1. Numberofpublicparticipationmeetingsa) InaccordancewithArticle34(b)oftheEIAProcedure,theMinistryrequires

thattheProjectProponentholdatleasttwopublicparticipationmeetingsduringthepreparationoftheIEE.(i) TheMinistrymayrequiretheProjectProponenttoholdmorethantwo

publicparticipationmeetingsifitdeterminesthatmoremeetingsarewarrantedbasedonthesizeandnatureoftheProjectProposalandthestakeholders.

(ii) ThesemeetingsshallnotincludetheIEEReportFinalPresentation(seeSection4.4.4).

(iii) AnyfewerthantwopublicparticipationmeetingswouldneedtobejustifiedclearlybytheProjectProponent,includinganindicationofhowtheresultsofpublicparticipationwillstillbemeaningful.

(iv) TheProjectProponentmustgainECD’sexplicitapprovaltoholdanyfewerthantwopublicparticipationmeetings.

b) EvenatthisearlystagetheProjectProponentshouldconsiderseparatemeetingstoensurethatbothmenandwomenareabletoattendthemeetingsandraiseissuesofconcerntothem.

3.4.2. Organisingandconductingpublicparticipationmeetingsa) TimingofNoticeofPublicParticipationMeetings:Noticeshouldbeissuedno

lessthan14daysinadvanceofeachpublicparticipationmeeting.

b) MethodofNotice:TheProjectProponentmustpublishnoticeofeachpublicparticipationmeetingusingacombinationofthefollowingmethodsinawaythatisappropriatefortheProjectProposalandthatmaximizesthenumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersreached:(i) ontheProjectProponent’swebsite;

(ii) throughadvertisementspublishedinlocalnewspapers;


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(iii) theprominentpostingofalegiblesignboardattheprojectsite;and

(iv) targetednoticestolocalgovernment,neighbours,localcommunityorganizations.

c) TheProjectProponentisencouragedtoconsultwithlocalcommunitiesandgovernmentauthoritiesinordertodeterminethebestmethodsforprovidingnoticeofeachpublicparticipationmeetingduringtheIEEReportpreparationstage.TheProjectProponentmustprovideanexplanationandrationaleforthechosenmethodsforprovidingnoticeinthefinalIEEReport.

d) Liaisonwithrelevantgovernmentagenciestoorganisemeetings:TheProjectProponentshouldliaisewiththerelevantgovernmentofficestoensure:(i) theProjectProponenthasinvitedallrelevantPAPandother

stakeholderstopublicparticipationmeetings;(ii) therelevantgovernmentagenciesareawareoftheplannedmeeting(s);

and

(iii) theProjectProponentisawareofanyrelevantlocalcircumstances,suchassecurityconsiderations.

e) ConductofPublicParticipationMeetings:AllIEEpublicparticipationmeetingsshouldinvolvethefollowingminimumelements:(i) Anagendathatclearlyarticulatestheobjectivesforthepublic

participationmeeting.(ii) PresentationsbytheProjectProponentabouttheproject,includingbut

notlimitedto:

− adescriptionoftheproposedproject;

− themainphasesoftheproject(design,preconstruction,construction,operation,decommissioning/closure/postclosure);

− abriefhistoryoftheproject;

− plannedtimeframesfortheproject;

− theactualstatusofanyexistinginfrastructurerelatedtotheproject;

− theneedfortheprojectincludingabriefjustification;

− potentialalternativestotheproposal,includingalternativelocations;

− potentialenvironmentalimpactsoftheproject(direct,indirect,andcumulative),including:airandwateremissions;waste;noise;traffic;odour;socio-economic,cultural,publichealthoroccupationalhealthandsafetyimpacts;oranyothertypeofimpact;

− potentialimpactavoidance,mitigationandmanagementmeasures,includingtheproposedEnvironmentalManagementPlan(EMP);

− thePublicParticipationPlanfortheIEEinvestigationstage;and


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− anygrievancemechanismandanyon-goingcommunityengagementmechanismstobeestablishediftheProjectProposalisimplemented.

(iii) Opportunitiesfortheparticipantstogivepubliccommentorally.(iv) Equitableopportunitiesforwomen,childrenandyouthtobeinvolved.

(v) Detailsonhowwrittencommentscanbeprovided,includingdeadlinesforsubmissionofcomments

(vi) DetailsabouttheIEEReportapprovalprocess.

f) TheProjectProponentmustgivespecialconsiderationto:(i) howtobestfacilitatetheinvolvementofwomen;

(ii) ensuringthatitisabletoobtaintheviewsofvulnerableanddisadvantagedpeople,includingverypoorpeopleandthosewithdisabilities;and

(iii) howtobestfacilitatetheinvolvementofindigenouspeople.g) TheProjectProponentmustensurethat:

(i) publicparticipationmeetingproceedingsandcommentsarerecorded;

(ii) anycommitmentsmadebytheProjectProponentduringthemeetingproceedingsarerecorded;

(iii) theserecordsarekeptonfile;and

(iv) theserecordsaremadeavailabletoECDwiththesubmissionoftheIEEReporttoECDforreviewpursuanttoArticle37oftheEIAProcedure.

3.4.3. SiteVisitsa) Inordertoenhancetheeffectivenessofthepublicparticipationprocess,the

MinistryencouragestheProjectProponenttoarrangeforECDandotherrelevantgovernmentorganisationstovisitthesiteoftheproposedproject.

b) AnysitevisitsshouldbearrangedinconsultationwiththePAP,shouldbepublicandshouldbeopentothePAPtojoin.TheProjectProponentshallnotpreventthePAPfrombeingaccompaniedbyanoutsidetechnicalexpertduringthesitevisit.

c) SitevisitsshouldbecoordinatedbetweentherelevantMinistries,localauthorities,andrepresentativesofthePAP.

3.4.4. IEEReportFinalPresentationa) PriortosubmittingtheIEEReporttoECD,theProjectProponentis

encouragedtoarrangeandconductafinalworkshop.ThisissothatPAPandotherstakeholdersinvolvedwiththeprojectcanbeinformedabouttheIEEconclusionsandrecommendations.

b) ThefinalpresentationshouldalsoincludeapresentationoftheproposedEMP,whichshouldincludedetailsofanyproposedcommunitygrievancemechanismsordisputeresolutionprocesstoapplyduringimplementationiftheprojectisapproved.


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c) TheProjectProponentmustinviteparticipantsthatincluderepresentativesfromcivilsociety,thelocalcommunity,relevantgovernmentagenciesattheUnionandsub-nationallevels,andotherstakeholdersinvolvedwiththeProjectProposal.

d) ThePAPandotherstakeholderscanusethisasanopportunitytopreparecommentsforsubmissiontoECDduringtheIEEreviewstage.

e) ThepurposeoftheIEEReportFinalPresentationistopromotetransparencyandtogivethePAPandotherstakeholdersanopportunitytogaininformationaboutthefinalIEEReportpriortoitssubmissiontoECD.AnynewcommentsorinformationthatthePAPorotherstakeholdershaveatthispointshouldbesubmittedtoECDduringtheIEEReportreviewstage.

3.4.5. IEEmeetingssummarya) Table3providesasummaryoftheminimumexpectedmeetingsduringthe

IEEinvestigation,includingwhoshouldbeinvitedandtheexpectedpurposeandoutcomesofthemeetings.

Table3:IEEmeetingssummary Meetingpurposeandexpected

outcomesInviteesandparticipants

1stmeeting

ToinformthePAPandotherstakeholdersoftheProjectProposal,includingpotentialenvironmentalimpactsandtheirrelevantmitigationmeasuresToinformthePAPandstakeholdersoftheIEEprocessandhowitwillbeconductedToinformthePAPoftheproposedPublicParticipationPlanTosetthedateforthenextmeeting

PAP• Specificattention

shouldbemadetoinvolvewomen&vulnerableanddisadvantagedgroupsandindividuals.

LocalandregionalCSOs• Thiscouldinclude

NGOswithaninterestintheareaortheProjectProposal.

ECDofficesandotherrelevantgovernmentorganisationsattheStateandRegionallevelLocalauthoritiesOtheridentifiedstakeholders

2ndmeeting(andanysubsequentmeetings,ifrequired)

ToenablethePAPandotherstakeholderstocontributetheirknowledge,experienceandviewsonthelocalenvironmentandProjectProposalintotheIEEinvestigationTorespondtotheinitialfeedbackandideasfromthePAPandotherstakeholdersonsomeoftheissuesthatshouldbeincludedintheIEEToprovideupdatesontheIEE


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The2ndmeeting,atleast,shouldalsoincludeaseparatemeetingforwomen(withwomenfacilitators)inadditiontoacombinedmeeting

ProjectProponentandIEEConsultantTranslator(s)

IEEReportFinalPresentation

TopresenttheIEEReportandexplaintothePAPandotherstakeholdershowtheircommentsandconcernswereaddressedintheReport

3.5. IEEReportRequirementsa) Article36(g)oftheEIAProcedurerequireseveryIEEReporttoincludethe

resultsofthepublicparticipationprocesses,recommendationsreceivedfromthepublic,andtheProjectProponent’swrittenresponsestocommentsreceived.

b) Thisisasubstantiveobligationtoconsidertheresultsofpublicparticipation,notjustaproceduralsummaryofthepublicparticipationprocessesundertaken.

c) ResultsofthePublicParticipationprocess:Inreportingontheresultsofthepublicparticipationprocess,theProjectProponentmustincludeintheIEEreport,ataminimum:

(i) themethodologyusedforthepublicparticipationprocesses,includinganypublicparticipationplansprepared;

(ii) theinitialnoticeofthecommencementoftheIEEandinformationsentouttothepublic(includingthemethodsofnoticeandthedateonwhichnoticewasmade);

(iii) noticeaboutpublicparticipationmeeting(s)(includingthemethodsofnoticeandthedateonwhichnoticewasmade);

(iv) thenumberofpublicparticipationmeetingsheldandtheirlocation;

(v) thenumberofpeopleattendingpublicparticipationmeetings(brokendownbygenderandotherrelevantdemographicdatasuchasage);

(vi) numberofpeopleofferingoralcommentsatpublicparticipationmeetings;

(vii) thenumberofwrittenpubliccommentsreceived;

(viii) asummaryoftheissuesraisedbythePAPandotherstakeholdersinoralandwrittensubmissions;and

(ix) thewaysthattheissuesraisedwereaddressedintheIEEReport.

d) IftheProjectProponentdevelopedaPublicParticipationPlan,theIEEReportshouldalsoincludesummaryofthePublicParticipationPlanandhowitwasimplementedduringtheIEEinvestigation(withthePublicParticipationPlanattachedtotheIEEReport).


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e) ResponsetoComments:PursuanttoArticle36(g)oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponentmustprovideresponsestothecommentsreceived.(i) Theresponsesshouldspecifywherethecommentswereaddressedin

theIEEReport,includingwithregardtotheproposedproject’sEMP,orproviderationaleastowhythecommentsorsuggestionswererejected.

(ii) IftheProjectProponentdeterminesthatanyofthecommentsorissuesraisedbyPAPorotherstakeholdersareeithernotreasonableornotrelevanttotheproposedproject,theProjectProponentshallprovideanexplanationinitsresponse.

3.6. PublicParticipationduringIEEReportReview

3.6.1. Generala) Article39oftheEIAProcedurerequirespublicparticipationduringECD’s

reviewofthefinalIEEReport.

b) Publicparticipationisessentialduringthereviewstagetoensurethat:(i) Stakeholdershavetheopportunitytoreviewandcommentonthefinal

versionoftheIEE;

(ii) Stakeholdershavetheopportunitytocontributetheirviewstothedecision-makers,independentoftheProjectProponent;

(iii) Thedecision-makershaveindependentaccesstotheopinionsofstakeholders;and

(iv) Thedecision-makerscanconfirmthattheconcernsofPAPandotherstakeholderswereincorporatedintotheIEEandEMP.

c) InaccordancewithArticle39oftheEIAProcedure,ECDisresponsibleforcoordinatingthereviewofsubmittedIEEs,includingthepublicparticipationprocessesintendedtoinformthedecisionontheIEE.

d) InaccordancewithArticle43oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponentshallbearallcostsincurredinconductingpublicparticipationactivitiesduringthereviewstage.

e) AsArticle42oftheEIAProcedurerequiresadecisiononanIEEReporttobemadewithin60daysofitssubmission,thepublicparticipationprocessesatthisstagemustbestructuredwithsufficienttimefor:

(i) PAPandotherstakeholderstoaccessandreviewtheIEEReport;(ii) PAPandotherstakeholderstoprepareandsubmitcommentsonthe

IEEReport;

(iii) PAPandotherstakeholderstoparticipateinpublicparticipationevents;and

(iv) ECDtoconsidertheresultsofpublicparticipationundertakenatthisstageinthepreparationofrecommendationsontheIEEReport.


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3.6.2. DisclosureoftheIEEReporttothepublicbytheProjectProponenta) BoththeProjectProponentandECDareobligatedbytheEIAProcedureto

releasetheIEEReporttothepublicforreview.

b) InaccordancewithArticle38oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponentmustdisclosetheIEEReporttocivilsociety,PAP,localcommunitiesandotherconcernedstakeholdersnolaterthan15daysaftersubmissionoftheIEEReporttoECD.

c) InordertodisclosetheIEEReport,theProjectProponentmustissuenoticesofavailabilityoftheIEEReport(inadditiontomakingtheIEEReportitselfavailableforreview)inseveraldifferentforums,including:

(i) ontheProjectProponent’swebsite;(ii) throughlocalmedia(i.e.newspapersandradio);

(iii) onaprominent,legiblesignboardattheprojectsite;

(iv) intargetednoticestolocalgovernment,PAPandlocalCSOs;and(v) throughadditionalmethodsappropriatetothespecificlocationand

natureoftheproposedproject.

d) NolaterthanfifteendaysafterthesubmissionoftheIEEReporttoECD,theProjectProponentmustmaketheIEEReportavailabletothepublicforreviewinthefollowingways:(i) postingontheProjectProponent’swebsite;

(ii) placingahardcopyoftheIEEReportatappropriatepublicplaces(suchaslibraries,localgovernmentoffices,communityhalls,temples,etc.);and

(iii) makinghardcopiesavailableforreviewattheofficesoftheProjectProponent.

3.6.3. DisclosureoftheIEEReporttothepublicbyECDa) InaccordancewithArticle39(a)oftheEIAProcedure,ECDshouldmakethe

IEEReportavailableassoonaspossibleafterthereceiptoftheIEEReport.Underallcircumstances,thisshouldoccurwithin14daysofreceiptoftheIEEReportatECD.

b) InordertodisclosetheIEEReport,ECDshouldissuenoticesofavailabilityoftheIEEReport(inadditiontomakingtheIEEReportitselfavailableforreview)inseveraldifferentforums,including:

(i) ontheMinistryand/orECD’swebsite;

(ii) throughlocalmedia(i.e.newspapers);and(iii) intargetednoticestolocalgovernment,PAPandlocalCSOs.

c) ECDmustmaketheIEEReportavailabletothepublicforreviewinthefollowingways:(i) postingontheMinistryand/orECD’swebsite;and

(ii) makinghardcopiesavailableforreviewatlocalECDoffices.


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d) ThisrequiresECDtoensurethattheProjectProponentsubmitsbothelectronicversionsandhardcopiesofallreportsandrelateddocumentation.

3.6.4. PublicSubmissionsontheIEEReporta) InvitingSubmissionofWrittenPublicComments:InaccordancewithArticle

39(b)oftheEIAProcedure,ECDisrequiredtoinvitethepublictosubmitwrittencommentsontheIEEReportforitsconsideration.

b) Inordertodothis,ECDshouldprominentlyandclearlyincludeaninvitationtosubmitwrittencommentsinthenoticesofavailabilityoftheIEEReport.Thisinformationshouldnotifythepublicof:

(i) theirrighttosubmitwrittencommentsontheProjectProposaland/ortheIEEReport,

(ii) thepreferredmethodforsubmittingcommentstoECD,and(iii) thefinaldateonwhichECDwillacceptcommentsfromthepublic.

c) Atleast20daysafternotificationmustbeprovidedforthepublictosubmitwrittencommentsontheprojectproposaland/orIEEReport.NorecommendationontheIEEReportwillbemadeuntilafterthissubmissionperiodhasclosedandECDhasconsideredallsubmissions.

d) ECDshouldacceptwrittencommentsinbothhardcopyandelectronicforms.

3.6.5. PublicparticipationmeetingsontheIEEReporta) InaccordancewithArticle39(c)oftheEIAProcedure,publicparticipation

meetingsaretobeorganisedatthelocallevel,allowingPAPandotherstakeholderstheopportunitytocontributetheirviewstothereviewoftheIEEReport.(i) ECDmustrequiretheProjectProponenttomakearrangementsforat

leastonepublicparticipationmeetingatanappropriatelocationincloseproximitytotheproposedProjectsite.

(ii) DependingonthenatureoftheProjectProposalunderreview,ECDmayrequireadditionalmeetingsonanIEEReport.

b) ECDisresponsibleforensuringthesepublicparticipationmeetingsareorganisedbytheProjectProponent,whichrequiresECDtogivedirectiontotheProjectProponentonthefollowingmatters:(i) Thenumber,locationandtimingofmeetings.

(ii) HowthePAPandotherstakeholdersaretobenotifiedofthemeetings.(iii) InvitingallPAPandotherstakeholdersthatwereinvolvedinthe

earlierpublicparticipationprocesses,withexplicitreferenceintheinvitationsthatIEEReportreviewmeetingsareopentothepublic.

(iv) Theminimumtimebetweenthenotificationandthemeetings(atleast14days).

c) ThenotificationofmeetingsshouldbegivenusingacombinationofthefollowingmethodsinawaythatisappropriatefortheProjectProposalandthatmaximizesthenumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersreached:


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(i) ontheProjectProponent’sandECDwebsites;

(ii) viasocialmedia; (iii) bytheprominentpostingofalegiblesignboardattheprojectsiteand

atmeetingsites; (iv) throughadvertisementsontheradioandinnewspapers;

(v) throughtargetedinvitationstoidentifiedpotentialstakeholders;and

(vi) throughadditionalmethodsappropriatetothespecificlocationandnatureoftheproposedproject.

d) AllPAPandotherstakeholders,includingthosewhohaveprovidedcommentsduringtheIEEinvestigationstage,shouldbeinvitedto,andhavetheopportunitytoberepresentedat,allpublicparticipationmeetings.

e) CSOsandthemediashouldbeinvitedtotheIEEReportreviewpublicparticipationmeetings.

f) Duringthepublicparticipationmeetings,ECDwillberesponsiblefor:

(i) keepingaccuraterecordsofallcomments;(ii) respondingtoquestionsontheIEEprocessgenerallyandtothe

decision-makingprocessinparticular;and

(iii) informingpublicparticipationmeetingparticipantsoftheirrighttoappealECD’sdecisionontheIEEReportpursuanttoChapterVIoftheEIAProcedure.

g) Duringthepublicparticipationmeetings,theProjectProponentwillberesponsiblefor:

(i) presentingthefinalIEEReportandhighlightingkeyissues,findingsandresultsofpreviouspublicparticipationprocesses;and

(ii) respondingtoquestionsontheIEEReport.

3.6.6. ConsiderationofpubliccommentsandrecommendationonIEEReporta) InaccordancewithArticle39(d)oftheEIAProcedure,ECDshallcollectand

reviewallcommentsandrecommendationsreceivedduringtheIEEReportreviewperiodandforwardthemtotheMinistryalongwitharecommendationregardingtheIEEReport.

b) TherecommendationontheIEEReportshouldincludesummariesof:(i) thepublicparticipationundertakenduringthereviewoftheIEE

Report;(ii) thepubliccommentsreceived;

(iii) howthepubliccommentswereconsideredduringthereviewandinformulatingtherecommendationsontheIEEReport;and

(iv) thelikelykeyimpactsonPAPandotherstakeholdersiftheprojectproposalisapprovedandimplemented.


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3.6.7. EnvironmentalComplianceCertificatea) PursuanttoArticle41(c)oftheEIAProcedure,iftheprojectisapproved,ECD

mustmaketheECC,theEMP,andanyconditionsoftheapprovalavailableontheECDwebsiteandtobereviewedinhardcopyinECDoffices.

b) TheProjectProponentshouldalsomaketheECCavailableonitswebsites.


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CHAPTER 4: EIA Type Projects

4.1. ThirdPartyEIAConsultanta) InaccordancewithArticle45oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponent

mustappointaregisteredthirdpersonororganizationtocarryouttheEIAinvestigationandreporting(referredtohereinasEIAConsultant).

b) TheEIAConsultantwillgenerallyalsobeappointedtoconducttheEIAscoping.

c) TheEIAConsultantwillberequiredtocomplywiththisGuideline.d) Whileboththeterms“ProjectProponent”and“EIAConsultant”areused

throughoutthisChapter,ultimateresponsibilityfortheEIAprocesslieswiththeProjectProponent.EIAConsultantshavetheobligationtocarryoutanytaskordutyunderthisGuidelineinaccordancewiththeEIAProcedureandtheircontractwiththeProjectProponent.

4.2. Scoping

4.2.1. Generala) Scopingistoidentifymajorissuesandpotentialproblems,inconsultation

withPAPandotherstakeholdersandagreementwithECD,whichthenfocusestheEIAinvestigationstage.

b) ThescopingstageoftheEIAprocesswillalsoproduceadetailedTermsofReference(ToR)fortheEIA,whichshallincludeaPublicParticipationPlan.BoththeToRandthePublicParticipationPlanaretobeapprovedbyECDinaccordancewithArticle54oftheEIAProcedure.

c) ThePublicParticipationPlanproducedduringthescopingstageshalloutlinethepublicparticipationapproachfortheEIAinvestigationstage.ThisprocessfordevelopingthePublicParticipationPlanisoutlinedinChapter2.

(i) WhilethefocusofthePublicParticipationPlanwillbeontheEIAinvestigationstage,theProjectProponentisencouragedtoconsiderdevelopingadedicatedplanforpublicparticipationatthescopingstage(especiallyformajorprojectproposalsorthoselikelytohavesignificantimpacts).

d) TheEIAConsultantshouldensurethatconcernsandissuesraisedbythePAPinthescopingstageareincludedintheToRfortheEIAsothattheseissuesmaybeinvestigatedandaddressedattheEIAinvestigationstage.TheresultsofthisinvestigationneedtobecommunicatedtothePAPduringtheEIAprocess.Thisisanessentialpartofpublicparticipation.

e) Commentsfromthepublicparticipationprocessshouldinfluencethedesignandplanningforaproposedproject.InformationgatheredduringthescopingstageisimportantfortheEIAConsultantandProjectProponent.ThesecommentsshouldleadtoamendmentstotheProjectProposaltomitigateitspossibleadverseimpacts.TheEIAConsultantandProjectProponentshouldbepreparedtoprovideanexplanationastowhyanycommentsfromthepublicwererejected.


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f) TheapplicationofthisGuidelinetotheEIAscopingisdepictedinFigure3.

Figure3:ApplicationofGuidelinetoEIAscoping

4.2.2. NoticeofcommencementofScopinga) InordertoimplementtherequirementsofArticle49(e)oftheEIAProcedure,

theProjectProponentmustissuenoticetothepublicofthecommencementoftheEIAscopingstage.

b) Contentofthenotice:Theminimuminformationinthepublicnoticeshouldinclude:(i) typeofprojectanditslocation;

(ii) informationabouttheEIAscopingstageincludingplannedpublicparticipationmeetingsandtheanticipatedtimeframeofthescopingstage;

(iii) contactdetailstorequestinformation;(iv) informationaboutwheretolookforupdates;and

(v) informationonhowtosubmitwrittencommentsontheProjectProposaltotheProjectProponent.


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c) MethodofNotice:TheProjectProponentmustpublishnoticeofthecommencementoftheEIAscopingstageusingacombinationofthefollowingmethodsinawaythatisappropriatefortheProjectProposalandthatmaximizesthenumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersreached:(i) ontheProjectProponent’swebsite;

(ii) throughadspublishedinlocalnewspapers;

(iii) theprominentpostingofalegiblesignboardattheprojectsite;(iv) targetednoticetolocalgovernment,localreligiousleadersand

organizations,neighbours,andlocalcommunityorganizations;and


d) TheProjectProponentisencouragedtoconsultwithlocalcommunitiesandgovernmentauthoritiesinordertodeterminethebestmethodsforprovidingnoticeofcommencementoftheEIAscopingstage.TheProjectProponentmustprovideanexplanationandrationaleforthechosenmethodsforprovidingnoticeintheScopingReportandthePublicParticipationPlan.

e) TimingofNotice:TheProjectProponentshouldissuenoticeofthecommencementoftheEIAscopingstageatleast14dayspriortothefirstmeetingwithPAPorotherstakeholders.

4.2.3. Informationdisclosurea) TheProjectProponentandEIAConsultantshall:

(i) activelydisseminateinformationtothegeneralpublicincludingPAP,,civilsociety,communityrepresentativesincludingbutnotlimitedtolocalreligiousleadersandorganizations,relevantministriesandgovernmentorganisationsattheUnionandsub-nationallevels,andotherstakeholderswhoareinterestedintheproject;and

(ii) ensureallinformationispubliclyaccessiblyonprojectwebsite(s)andinhardcopyatconvenient,accessiblelocationsneartheprojectsite(e.g.schools,localgovernmentoffices,localcommunityhalls,etc.).

b) Informationthatisrelevantandavailablewillvarybetweenprojectproposals,forvariousreasonsincludingthetypeofprojectanditslocation.Generally,thefollowinginformationshouldbeavailabletobeprovidedtoclearlyshowthescopeandtypeoftheProjectProposal:(i) SummaryoftheProjectProposal,includingtype,size,location,

timeframes;

(ii) DetailsabouttheProjectProponents(includingprojectfunders);and(iii) Visualinformation,includingphotographs,maps,drawingsand

diagrams.c) Asmuchinformationaspossibleshouldbeleftwiththecommunityto

consideranddiscussfurther.SeealsoBox3onInformationDisclosure.


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d) TheinformationshouldberelevantandinaformthatthePAPandotherstakeholderscanunderstand.Thismeansthattechnicaldocumentsshouldbeexplainedinsimpletermsinthelocallanguage.

e) Ifthereisarequestforscientificandtechnicalinformationtobeexplained,thentheEIAConsultantshouldarrangeforameetingwiththeappropriateexpertsandthecommunity.

f) InformationthatispubliclydisclosedshouldbemadeavailableusingacombinationofmethodsthatareappropriatefortheProjectProposalandthatmaximizesthenumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersreached,including:(i) onprojectandProjectProponentwebsite(s);

(ii) fordistributionatpublicparticipationactivitiesandotherproject-relatedactivities;

(iii) attheProjectProponentandEIAConsultantoffices(electronicversionsandhardcopies);

(iv) hardcopiesavailableforviewingatconvenient,accessibleandindependentlocationsneartotheprojectsiteandtoPAP(e.g.schools,localgovernmentoffices,localcommunityhalls,etc.);and


g) AllmaterialprovidedtothePAPandotherstakeholdersshouldbetreatedasinformationinthepublicdomainthatcanbeaccessedanddistributedtopeopleoutsidethelocalcommunity.

Box3:EIAScopingStageInformationDisclosureWhattypeofinformationshouldbeprovided?• OutlineofProjectProposal,includingmaps,draftplans,projectdesign,

projectactivities,projectmanagement,andotheravailableinformation• Detailsofthetimeframeforconstructionandoutlineofpossibleimpacts(in

general)• AnyscientificortechnicalinformationavailableabouttheProjectProposal

andpossibleimpacts• Initialcommentsfromthelocalcommunities,CSOs,andgovernment

agencies• DraftScopingReport,ToRandPublicParticipationPlan• ApprovedScopingReport• ToRandPublicParticipationPlan

4.2.4. PublicParticipationActivitiesa) InaccordancewithArticle50(b)oftheEIAProcedure,theMinistryrequires

thattheProjectProponentholdatleasttwopublicparticipationmeetingsduringthescopingstageforanEIA.TheMinistrymayrequiretheProjectProponenttoholdmorethantwopublicparticipationmeetingsduringthescopingstageifitdeterminesthatmoremeetingsarewarrantedbasedonthesizeandnatureoftheProjectProposalandthesurroundingcommunities.


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(i) AnyfewerthantwomeetingswouldneedtobejustifiedclearlybytheProjectProponent,includinganindicationofhowthepublicparticipationprocessandresultswillstillbemeaningful.

(ii) TheProjectProponentmustgainexplicitapprovalfromECDtoholdanyfewerthantwopublicparticipationmeetings.

b) DependingonthesizeandlocationoftheProjectProposal,theMinistrymayrequiretheProjectProponenttoholdmorethantwopublicparticipationmeetingsduringthescopingstage.

c) EvenatthisearlystagetheProjectProponentandEIAConsultantshouldconsiderseparatemeetingstoensurethatbothmenandwomenareabletoattendthemeetingsandraiseissuesofconcerntothem.

d) Liaisonwithrelevantgovernmentagenciestoorganisemeetings:TheEIAConsultantshouldliaisewiththerelevantgovernmentofficestoensure:

(i) theEIAConsultanthasinvitedallrelevantPAPandotherstakeholderstopublicparticipationmeetings;

(ii) therelevantgovernmentagenciesareawareoftheplannedmeeting(s);and

(iii) theEIAConsultantisawareofanyrelevantlocalcircumstances,suchassecurityconsiderations.

e) ConductofthePublicParticipationMeetings:Allpublicparticipationmeetingsduringthescopingstageshouldinvolvethefollowingminimumelements:

(i) Anagendathatclearlyarticulatestheobjectivesforthepublicparticipationmeeting.

(ii) Presentation(s)bytheProjectProponentabouttheProjectProposal,includingbutnotlimitedto:

− abriefdescriptionoftheProjectProposal;

− themainphasesoftheproject(design,preconstruction,construction,operation,decommissioning/closure/postclosure);

− abriefhistoryoftheProjectProposal

− expectedinvestmentandbenefits(taxes,royalties,etc.);

− theactualstatusoftheexistinginfrastructurerelatedtotheproject;

− potentialalternativestotheproposal,includingbutnotlimitedtoalternativelocations;

− potentiallikelyimpacts(direct,indirect,andcumulative)oftheproject;and

− potentialimpactavoidance,mitigationandmanagementmeasures,includingaproposedEMPfortheproject.

(iii) Opportunitiesfortheparticipantstogivepubliccommentorally.

(iv) Equitableopportunitiesforwomen,childrenandyouthtobeinvolved.


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(v) Measurestoobtaintheopinionsofvulnerableanddisadvantagedpeople,includingverypoorpeopleandthosewithdisabilities,andindigenouspeople

(vi) Detailsaboutthescoping,EIAReportpreparation,andEIAReportreviewprocesses.

f) InaccordancewithArticle51(g)oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponentmustensurethat:(i) publicparticipationmeetingproceedingsandcommentsarerecorded;

(ii) anycommitmentsmadebytheProjectProponentduringthepublicparticipationmeetingproceedingsarerecorded;


(iv) theserecordsaremadeavailabletoECDwiththesubmissionoftheScopingReport.

g) Therearedifferentwaystoobtaininformationandconductpublicparticipationprocessesatthescopingstage.Meetingtypes,locationsandstructurescanbedifferentdependingonthesituationofthestudysiteanditssurroundings,thenatureandcomplexityoftheProjectProposalandthenumberofinterestedparticipants.

h) Inadditiontotherequiredscopingstagepublicparticipationmeetings,theProjectProponentisencouragedtoholdothertypesofmeetingstohelpdeterminethescope,whichmayinclude“workshops”withparticipantsinsmallworkinggroupsconsideringoptionsandotherdesigns.

i) Dependingonthelocationoftheproject,theMinistrymayrequirethattheProjectProponentarrangefortranslatorstobepresentatpublicparticipationactivitiestotranslateinformationforthosewhodonotspeakthesamelanguage.Technicalandscientifictermsandissuesmayalsoneedtobecarefullyexplained.

j) Table4providesasummaryoftheminimumexpectedmeetingsduringtheEIAscopingstage,includingwhoshouldbeinvitedandtheexpectedpurposeandoutcomesofthemeetings.

Table4:Scopingstagemeetingssummary Meetingpurposeandexpected


1stmeeting(earlyinscopingstage)

ToinformthePAPandotherstakeholdersoftheProjectProposalToinformthePAPandstakeholdersoftheEIAprocess,especiallythescopingstage,andhowitwillbeconductedTosetthedateforthenextmeeting



Local,regionaland2ndmeeting ToenablethePAPandother

stakeholderstocontributetheir


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knowledge,experienceandviewsontheissuesthatshouldbeincludedintheScopingReportandtheToRfortheEIAinvestigationstageTorespondtoanyinitialfeedbackandideasfromthePAPandotherstakeholdersontheissuesthatshouldbeincludedinScopingReportTopresenttheproposedPublicParticipationPlanthatwillincludefuturemeetingsandprovisionofinformation,andtoelicitfeedbackontheproposedPublicParticipationPlanThe2ndmeeting,atleast,shouldalsoincludeaseparatemeetingforwomen(withwomenfacilitators)inadditiontoacombinedmeeting

nationalCSOs• ThisincludesNGOs

withaninterestintheareaoranyaspectoftheProjectProposal.

MONRECandotherrelevantministriesandUnion-levelgovernmentorganisationsECDofficesandotherrelevantgovernmentorganisationsattheStateandRegionallevelLocalauthoritiesOtheridentifiedstakeholdersProjectProponentandEIAConsultantTranslator(s)

3rdmeeting(ifrequired,otherwisecombinedwith2ndmeeting)

TopresentthedraftScopingReportandToRfortheEIAinvestigationstageToexplaintothePAPandotherstakeholdershowtheircommentsandconcernswereaddressedinthedraftReport

4.2.5. NoticeandTimeFrameforPublicParticipationa) MethodofNotice:TheProjectProponentmustpublishadvancenoticeofeach

publicparticipationmeetingusingacombinationofthefollowingmethodsinawaythatisappropriatefortheProjectProposalandthatmaximizesthenumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersreached:

(i) ontheProjectProponent’swebsite;

(ii) viasocialmedia;(iii) throughadspublishedinlocalnewspapers;

(iv) theprominentpostingofalegiblesignboardattheprojectsite,(v) viaradioandtelevisionannouncements;

(vi) targetednoticetolocalauthorities,localreligiousleadersandorganizations,neighbours,andlocalcommunityorganizations;and

(vii) throughotherappropriatemeansdependingonthesizeandlocationoftheprojectproposal.


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b) TheProjectProponentisencouragedtoconsultwithlocalcommunitiesandgovernmentauthoritiesinordertodeterminethebestmethodsforprovidingnoticeofthepublicparticipationmeetingsheldduringtheEIAscopingstage.TheProjectProponentmustprovideanexplanationandrationaleforthechosenmethodsforprovidingnoticeofthepublicparticipationmeetingsintheScopingReportandPublicParticipationPlan.

c) TheProjectProponentshouldarrangethepublicparticipationmeetingsatatimethatisappropriateforthePAP.

d) TheProjectProponentmustissuenoticeofameetingatleast14daysinadvanceofthemeeting.ThistimeperiodmaybeincreasedbytheneedtoconductmoremeetingsorattherequestofthePAPformoretimetoconsidertheinformationprovidedbytheEIAConsultant.

e) Eachmeetingshoulddiscussthenextpossiblemeeting(ifrequired).TheProjectProponentorEIAConsultantshouldbeasclearaspossibleaboutthenextstepsthatwillbetakenintheEIAprocess.Thisisakeywaytobuildtrustwiththecommunity.

f) ThereshouldbeagapbetweenmeetingstoallowthePAPandotherstakeholderstoconsidertheinformationprovidedbytheProjectProponentorEIAConsultant.Thereshouldbebetweenatleast14daysbetweenmeetings.

g) Publicparticipationshouldoccurearlyenoughinthescopingstagesothatthereissufficienttimeallowedforstakeholderstoconsidertheissues,contributetheirviewstothepreparationoftheScopingReport,ToRandPublicParticipationPlan,beforethesedocumentsarefinalisedandsubmittedtoECDforreview.

4.2.6. PublicParticipationOutcomesattheScopingStagea) InaccordancewithArticle51oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponentor

theEIAConsultantmustprepareaScopingReportandsubmitthistoECDforreviewandcomment.

b) InaccordancewithArticles52and53oftheEIAProcedure,theScopingReportmustincludeadraftToRforthekeyissuesthatneedtobeincludedintheEIAReport.ThedraftToRmustbeaccompaniedbytheproposedPublicParticipationPlanfortheEIAinvestigation.

c) ResultsoftheEIAscopingpublicparticipationprocess:InordertofulfiltherequirementtoreportontheresultsoftheEIAscopingpublicparticipationprocess(Article51(g)oftheEIAProcedure),theProjectProponentshouldincludeintheScopingReport,ataminimum:

(i) theinitialnoticeofthecommencementoftheEIAscopingandinformationsentouttothepublic(includingthemethodsofnoticeandthedateonwhichnoticewasmade);

(ii) noticeaboutpublicparticipationmeeting(s)(includingthemethodsofnoticeandthedateonwhichnoticewasmade);

(iii) thenumberofpublicparticipationmeetingsheldandtheirlocation;


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(iv) thenumberofpeopleattendingpublicparticipationmeetings(brokendownbygenderandotherrelevantdemographicdatasuchasage);

(v) thenumberofpeopleofferingoralcommentsatpublicparticipationmeetings;and

(vi) thenumberofwrittenpubliccommentsreceived;and

(vii) thenatureofcommentsreceivedandhowthesewereconsideredinthescopingstageandpreparationofthedraftToR.

d) OnceECDhasreviewedandapprovedtheScopingReport,theTermsofReferenceandthePublicParticipationPlan,theProjectProponentanditsEIAConsultantmayproceedtotheEIApreparationstep.

e) ResponsetoComments:TheProjectProponentmustprovideresponsestothecommentsreceived.(i) Theresponsesshouldspecifywherethecommentswereaddressedin

theToRandPublicParticipationPlanfortheEIAinvestigation,orproviderationaleastowhythecommentsorsuggestionswererejected.

(ii) IftheProjectProponentdeterminesthatanyofthecommentsorissuesraisedbyPAPorotherstakeholdersareeithernotreasonableornotrelevanttotheproposedproject,theProjectProponentshallprovideanexplanationinitsresponse.

4.3. PublicParticipationDuringEIAInvestigation

4.3.1. Generala) TheEIAinvestigationstageistostudyandassessthepotentialimpactsofthe

projectproposalonthePAP,otherstakeholdersandtheenvironment.

b) Thisprocessrequiressignificanttimeandefforttocomplete.Theinvestigationstagemaygenerallybeexpectedtotakeatleast6months,andmaytakemultipleyearstocompleteforlargeandcomplexprojects..

c) Thenatureandscopeoftheinvestigationisbasedonthescaleofimpactaroundtheprojectsite.ThiswilldependontheToR,anysector-specificguidelinesthatmayhavebeendevelopedandtheconcernsexpressedbythePAPandotherstakeholdersduringthescreeningandscopingstages.

d) ThispartoftheEIAprocesswilltakethelongesttimeandrequiresextensivepublicparticipation.TheProjectProponentandEIAConsultantmustmeet,discuss,interviewandconsultwithPAPandotherstakeholdersinaccordancewiththeEIAProcedure,thisGuidelineandanyothersector-specificTechnicalGuidelinesissuedbyECD.

e) OncetheEIAinvestigationhasbeenundertakentheEIAConsultantwillthenneedtodrafttheEIAReport.

f) TheapplicationofthisGuidelinetotheEIAinvestigationisdepictedinFigure4.


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Figure4:ApplicationofGuidelinetoEIApreparation

4.3.2. NoticeofCommencementoftheEIAInvestigationStagea) InordertoimplementtherequirementsofArticle61oftheEIAProcedure,

theProjectProponentmustissuenoticetothepublicofthecommencementoftheEIAinvestigation.

b) Contentofthenotice:Theminimuminformationinthepublicnoticeshouldinclude:(i) typeofprojectanditslocation;

(ii) informationabouttheproject’sproposedlanduserequirementsandpotentialimpacts;

(iii) informationabouttheEIAinvestigationprocesses,includinganyplannedpublicparticipationmeetingsandtheEIAinvestigation’santicipatedtimeframe;


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(iv) detailsabouthowtoaccesstheapprovedScopingReport,ToRandPublicParticipationPlan;

(v) contactinformationtorequestinformationabouttheprojectproposalandEIAinvestigation;

(vi) informationaboutwheretolookforupdatesabouttheprojectproposalandEIAinvestigation;and

(vii) informationonhowtosubmitwrittencommentsontheprojectproposaland/orEIAinvestigationtotheProjectProponent.

c) MethodofNotice:TheProjectProponentmustpublishnoticeofthecommencementoftheEIAinvestigationusingacombinationofthefollowingmethodsinawaythatisappropriatefortheProjectProposalandthatmaximizesthenumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersreached:(i) ontheProjectProponent’swebsite;

(ii) throughadspublishedinlocalnewspapers;

(iii) theprominentpostingofalegiblesignboardattheprojectsite;(iv) targetednoticetolocalgovernment,localreligiousleadersand

organizations,neighbours,andlocalcommunityorganizations;

(v) throughotherappropriatemethodsdependingonthesizeandlocationoftheproposedproject.

d) ThemethodsforprovidingnoticeofthecommencementoftheEIAinvestigationshouldhavebeendeterminedinthePublicParticipationPlan,inconsultationwithPAPandotherstakeholders.

e) TimingofNotice:TheProjectProponentmustissuenoticeofthecommencementoftheEIAinvestigationatleast14dayspriortothefirstmeetingwithPAPorotherstakeholders.

4.3.3. InformationDisclosurea) InaccordancewithArticle61(a)oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponent

andEIAConsultantshall:(i) activelydisseminateinformationtothegeneralpublicincludingPAP,

civilsociety,communityrepresentativesincludingbutnotlimitedtolocalreligiousleadersandorganizations,relevantministriesandgovernmentorganisationsattheUnionandsub-nationallevels,andotherstakeholderswhoareinterestedintheproject;and

(ii) ensureallinformationispubliclyaccessiblyonprojectwebsite(s)andinhardcopyatconvenient,accessiblelocationsneartheProjectProposalsite(e.g.schools,localgovernmentoffices,localcommunityhalls,etc.).

b) Informationthatisrelevantandavailablewillvarybetweenprojectproposals,forvariousreasonsincludingthetypeofprojectanditslocation.Generally,thefollowinginformationshouldbemadepubliclyavailable:


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(i) SummaryoftheProjectProposal,includingtype,size,locationandtimeframes.

(ii) DetailsabouttheProjectProponents(includingprojectfunders).

(iii) Visualinformation,includingphotographs,maps,drawingsanddiagrams.

(iv) ApprovedScopingReport,ToRandPublicParticipationPlan.

(v) Detailsonprojectalternativesandtheirconsideration.(vi) Detailedtechnicalandscientificinformationabouttheprojectproposal

andpossibleimpacts,includingriskassessmentofidentifiedimpacts.

(vii) Summaryoftheimpactassessmentmethodology.(viii) Summariesofanyinitiallyconsideredpreventionandmitigation

measures(includingdetailsonwhytheparticularmeasuresarebeingconsideredandonanyparticularreasonsfornotconsideringothermeasures).

c) TheinformationshouldberelevantandinaformthatthePAPandotherstakeholderscanunderstand.

(i) Thismeansthattechnicaldocumentsshouldbeexplainedinsimpletermsinthelocallanguage.

(ii) Supplementaryinformationusingplainlanguage(i.e.withlimiteduseoftechnicalterms)mayneedtobepreparedtoensurethegeneralpubliccanreadilyunderstandallrelevantinformationabouttheprojectproposalandEIAinvestigation.

d) Ifthereisarequestforscientificandtechnicalinformationtobeexplained,thentheEIAConsultantshouldarrangeforameetingwiththeappropriateexpertsandthecommunity.

e) SummaryinformationaboutfeedbackalreadyreceivedfromPAPandotherstakeholdersshouldalsobemadepubliclyavailable.

f) Asmuchinformationaspossibleshouldbeleftwiththecommunitytoconsideranddiscussfurther.SeealsoBox4onInformationDisclosure.

g) Informationthatispubliclydisclosedshouldbemadeavailable:

(i) onprojectandProjectProponentwebsite(s);(ii) fordistributionatpublicparticipationactivitiesandotherproject-

relatedactivities;(iii) attheProjectProponentandEIAConsultantoffices(electronic

versionsandhardcopies);

(iv) inhardcopyforviewingatconvenient,accessibleandindependentlocationsneartotheprojectsiteandtoPAP(e.g.schools,localgovernmentoffices,localcommunityhalls,etc.);and

(v) throughotherappropriatemeansdependingonthesizeandlocationoftheprojectproposal.


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h) AllmaterialprovidedtothePAPandotherstakeholdersshouldbetreatedasinformationinthepublicdomainthatcanbeaccessedanddistributedtopeopleoutsidethelocalcommunity.

Box4:EIAInvestigationStageInformationDisclosureWhattypeofinformationshouldbeprovided?• OutlineofProjectProposal,includingmaps,draftplans,projectdesign,

projectactivities,projectmanagementandotheravailableinformation• Detailsofthetimeframeforconstructionandoutlineofpossibleimpacts–

updatedasmoreinformationismadeavailable• ScientificortechnicalinformationabouttheProjectProposalandpossible

impacts• Initialcommentsfromthelocalcommunities,CSOs,andgovernment

agencies• Writtenfeedbacktostakeholdersontheirinitialcomments• DraftEIAReport,includingcommentsfromPAPandotherstakeholders,

anddraftEMP• EIAReport,EMPandPublicParticipationPlan

4.3.4. PublicParticipationActivities

4.3.4.1. NumberofPublicParticipationMeetingsa) PublicparticipationduringthisstagewillfollowthePublicParticipationPlan

developedduringthescopingstageandapprovedbyECD.b) EnsuringthatpublicparticipationismeaningfulduringtheEIAinvestigation

stagerequiresensuringthatPAPandstakeholders:(i) First,arefullyinformedabouttheproposedproject,including

backgroundofProjectProponentandtheproject,andthePublicParticipationPlan,andhavesufficienttimetoconsiderthatinformation;

(ii) Second,havetheopportunitytobeconsultedontheirviewsandknowledgeduringtheEIAinvestigation;

(iii) Third,havetheopportunitytoprovidefeedbackontheinvestigationfindingsandanalysis;and

(iv) Finally,havetheopportunitytoformallycommentonadraftEIAReportbeforeitisfinalisedandsubmittedtoECDforreview.

c) ThenumberofmeetingsrequiredtoachievethislevelofmeaningfulpublicparticipationwillvarydependingonthesituationoftheProjectProposalsiteanditssurroundings,thenatureoftheProjectProposal,andthelevelofexistingawarenessoftheProjectProposalamongstthestakeholders–includingtheextentofpublicparticipationalreadyundertakeninthescreeningandscopingstages.

d) ForsmallerEIA-typeprojectproposals,atleasttwomeetingswithPAPandotherstakeholderswillberequiredduringtheEIAinvestigationstage.


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e) Complexprojectproposals,orproposalswithmanydifferentimpactsorawideareaofimpact,(e.g.hydropower,minesorinfrastructureprojects)willrequiremore(andoftenmanymore)thantwomeetings.

f) ItwillbetheresponsibilityoftheEIAConsultanttodetermine–basedonthePublicParticipationPlan,theparticularcircumstancesandinnegotiationwiththeProjectProponent–theexactnumberandlocationsofmeetingsthatwillberequired(thisshouldnotbeanylessthanwasincludedinthePublicParticipationPlan).

4.3.4.2. OrganisingandConductingPublicParticipationMeetingsa) InordertoimplementtherequirementsofArticle61oftheEIAProcedure,

theProjectProponentmustpublishadvancenoticeofeachpublicparticipationmeetingusingacombinationofthefollowingmethodsinawaythatisappropriatefortheProjectProposalandthatmaximizesthenumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersreached:

(i) ontheProjectProponent’swebsite;

(ii) viasocialmedia;(iii) throughadvertisementspublishedinlocalnewspapers;

(iv) theprominentpostingofalegiblesignboardattheprojectproposalsite;

(v) viaradioandtelevisionannouncements;

(vi) targetednoticetolocalgovernment,localreligiousleadersandorganizations,neighbours,andlocalcommunityorganizations;and

(vii) throughotherappropriatemethodsdependingonthesizeandlocationoftheproposedproject.

b) ThemethodsforprovidingnoticeofthecommencementoftheEIAinvestigationstageshouldhavebeendeterminedinthePublicParticipationPlan,inconsultationwiththePAPandotherstakeholders.

c) TheEIAConsultantshouldarrangeallmeetingsattimesthatareappropriateforthePAPincollaborationwiththeProjectProponent.

d) TheProjectProponentmustissuenoticeofeachEIAinvestigationpublicparticipationmeetingatleast14daysinadvanceofthemeeting.ThistimeperiodmaybeincreasedbytheneedtoconductmoremeetingsorattherequestofthePAPformoretimetoconsidertheinformationprovidedbytheEIAConsultant.

e) ThereshouldbeagapbetweenmeetingstoallowthePAPandotherstakeholderstoconsidertheinformationprovidedbytheProjectProponentorEIAConsultant.Thereshouldbeatleast14daysbetweenmeetings.

f) Eachmeetingshoulddiscussthenextpossiblemeeting(ifrequired).TheProjectProponentorEIAConsultantshouldbeasclearaspossibleaboutthenextstepsthatwillbetakenintheEIAprocess.Thisisakeywaytobuildtrustwiththecommunity.


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g) Liaisonwithrelevantgovernmentagenciestoorganisemeetings:TheEIAConsultantshouldliaisewiththerelevantgovernmentofficestoensure:(i) theEIAConsultanthasinvitedallrelevantPAPandotherstakeholders

topublicparticipationmeetings;(ii) therelevantgovernmentagenciesareawareoftheplannedmeeting(s);

and

(iii) theEIAConsultantisawareofanyrelevantlocalcircumstances,suchassecurityconsiderations.

h) ConductofPublicParticipationMeetings:Allpublicparticipationmeetingsshouldinvolvethefollowingminimumelements:(i) Anagendathatclearlyarticulatestheobjectivesforthepublic

participationmeeting.(ii) Presentation(s)bytheProjectProponentabouttheprojectproposal,

includingbutnotlimitedto:

− Adescriptionoftheproposedproject;

− Themainphasesoftheproject(design,preconstruction,construction,operation,decommissioning/closure/post-closure);

− Abriefhistoryoftheproject;

− Plannedtimeframesfortheproject,includingthetimeframesforimplementationofthePublicParticipationPlan;

− Theactualstatusoftheexistingandplannedinfrastructurerelatedtotheproject;

− Theneedfortheprojectincludingabriefjustification;

− Potentialalternativestotheproposal,includingalternativelocations;

− Potentialenvironmentalimpacts(direct,indirect,cumulative)oftheproject,includingairandwateremissions,waste,noise,traffic,odouroranyothertypeofimpact;

− Potentialsocio-economic,publichealth,occupationalhealthandsafety,andculturalimpactsoftheproject,includingimpactsonincomesandlivelihoodsandanyresettlementnecessaryfortheproject;

− Potentialimpactsonlegallyprotectednational,regional,orstateareas;

− Potentialimpactsonbiologicalcomponents,withspecialattentionpaidtorare,endangered,andvulnerablespecies;

− Potentialimpactavoidance,mitigationandmanagement,andcompensationmeasures,includingthedraftEMP;and


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− Anygrievancemechanismandanyon-goingcommunityengagementmechanismstobeestablishediftheProjectProposalisimplemented.

(iii) ProgressonthepreparationofthedraftEIAreporttodate.(iv) Opportunitiesfortheparticipantstogivepubliccommentorally

(v) Equitableopportunitiesforwomen,childrenandyouthtobeinvolved.(vi) DetailsabouttheEIAReportReviewandapprovalprocess.

i) InaccordancewithArticle63oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponentmustensurethat:(i) publicparticipationmeetingproceedingsandcommentsarerecorded;

(ii) anycommitmentsmadebytheProjectProponentduringthepublicparticipationmeetingproceedingsarerecorded;


(iv) theserecordsaremadeavailabletoECDwiththesubmissionoftheEIAReport.

j) TheEIAConsultantshouldalsopresentthedraftEMPpreparedduringtheEIAinvestigationstage,includingtheproposedbudgetfortheimplementationoftheEMP,tothePAPandotherstakeholdersforcomments.

k) ThedraftEMPshouldberevisedtotakeintoaccountcommentsmadebythePAPandotherstakeholders.

4.3.4.3. SiteVisitsa) InaccordancewithArticle61(d)oftheEIAProcedureandinorderto

enhancethevalueandeffectivenessofthepublicparticipationprocess,theProjectProponentandEIAConsultantmustoffertoarrangeforECDandotherrelevantgovernmentorganisationstovisitthesiteoftheproposedproject.(i) ThisshouldbedoneinconsultationwiththePAP.

(ii) Thisshouldtakeintoaccountpracticalitiesofvisitingsitesthataredifficulttoaccess,includingforreasonssuchassecurityandlocation(e.g.offshoreprojectsites).

b) SitevisitsbyshouldbecoordinatedbetweentherelevantMinistries,localauthoritiesandrepresentativesofthePAP.

c) Anysitevisitsshouldhaveclearlydefinedobjectivesandagendas.d) Thesesitevisitsshouldbeconductedtransparentlyandshouldbeopento

thePAPtojoin.TheProjectProponentmaynotpreventthePAPfrombeingaccompaniedbyanoutsidetechnicalexpertduringthesitevisit.

e) Detailedrecordsofthesitevisits,includinglistsofattendees,shouldbemaintainedbytheEIAConsultantanddocumentedclearlyintheEIAReport.


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4.3.4.4. EIAReportFinalPresentationa) PursuanttoArticle50(b)oftheEIAProcedure,theMinistryrequiresthatthe

ProjectProponentandEIAConsultantarrangetopresenttheEIAReporttothepublicpriortosubmittingtheEIAReporttoECD.ThisissothatPAPandotherstakeholdersinvolvedwiththeprojectcanbeinformedabouttheEIAconclusionsandrecommendationsandtheEMP.

b) ThefinalpresentationshallalsoincludeapresentationoftheproposedEMP,whichmustincludedetailsoftheproposedmechanismsforpublicparticipationinprojectmonitoring,andcommunitygrievancemechanismstoapplyduringimplementationiftheProjectProposalisapproved.

c) TheProjectProponentshallinvitePAP,representativesfromthelocalcommunity,civilsocietyandotherstakeholderstoattendthisfinalpresentation,withskilledofficialsofECDandothergovernmentofficialsinvitedasobservers.

d) ThePAPandotherstakeholderscanusethisasanopportunitytopreparecommentsforsubmissiontoECDduringtheEIAreviewstage.

4.3.4.5. EIAInvestigationStageMeetingsSummarya) Table5providesasummaryoftheminimumexpectedmeetingsduringthe

EIAinvestigationstage,includingwhoshouldbeinvitedandtheexpectedpurposeandoutcomesofthemeetings.

Table5:EIAInvestigationStageMeetingsSummary Meetingpurposeandexpected


Informingmeetings(earlyintheinvestigationstage)

ToinformthePAPandotherstakeholdersoftheProjectProposal,thePublicParticipationPlanandtheToRfortheEIAinvestigationToinformthePAPandotherstakeholdersindetailaboutthetypesofstudiestobecarriedout(suchashouseholdsurveys)andtoexplainhowandwhythesewillbeundertakenToidentifysourcesofinformationwithinthePAPandotherstakeholdersthatcouldcontributetotheresearchandanalysisintheEIAinvestigationTosetthedateforthenextmeeting



Local,regionalandnationalCSOs• ThisincludesNGOs

withaninterestintheareaoranyaspectoftheProjectProposal.

MONRECandotherrelevantministriesandUnion-levelgovernmentorganisations

On-goinginvestigationmeetings(duringEIA

ToenablethePAPandotherstakeholderstocontributetheirknowledge,experienceandviewsonthelocalenvironment(includinglocallivelihoodactivities)andProject


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investigationanddatagathering)

ProposalintotheEIAdatagatheringprocessToexplaintothePAPandotherstakeholderstheearlyandon-goingfindings,potentialprojectimpactsandanalysis–includingprojectalternativesandothermeasurestoaddresstheseimpactsToprovidethePAPandotherstakeholderstheopportunitytorespondto,andpresenttheirperspectiveson,thesefindingsandanalysesTorespondtoanyinitialfeedbackandideasfromthePAPandotherstakeholdersontheirconcerns,ideasandothercontributionsTheseon-goingmeetingsduringtheinvestigationshouldalsoincludeatleastoneseparatemeetingforwomen(withwomenfacilitators)inadditiontoacombinedmeeting

ECDofficesandotherrelevantgovernmentorganisationsattheStateandRegionallevelLocalauthoritiesOtheridentifiedstakeholdersProjectProponentandEIAConsultantTechnicalandscientificexperts(ifrequestedbythestakeholdersorotherwiseconsiderednecessary)Translator(s)

MeetingsondraftEIAReport

TopresentthedraftEIAReport,explainthefindingsoftheinvestigation(includingthe:impacts;alternatives;avoidance,mitigation,restorationandcompensationmeasures;andEMP)ToprovideinformationaboutanyproposedbenefitsfromtheProjectProposalforthePAPToexplaintothePAPandotherstakeholdershowtheirviewswereincorporatedintothedraftReportTogivethePAPandotherstakeholdersanopportunitytorespondtothedraftEIAReportbeforeitisfinalised

EIAReportFinalPresentation

TopresentthefinalEIAReport(includingtheEMPandanyproposedComplaintsandGrievance


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Mechanism,ResettlementActionPlan,LivelihoodRehabilitationPlanand/oron-goingcommunityengagementprocesses)ToexplaintothePAPandotherstakeholdershowtheircommentsandconcernswereaddressedintheReport

4.3.5. EIAReportRequirementsRegardingPublicParticipation

4.3.5.1. ConsideringResultsofPublicParticipationa) Article63oftheEIAProcedurerequirestheEIAReporttoaddress:

methodologyandapproach;summaryofconsultationsandactivitiesundertaken;resultsofconsultations;furtherongoingconsultations;anddisclosure.

b) TheEIAProcedurerequirestheEIAtoconsidertheresultsofpublicparticipation,notjusttosummarisethepublicparticipationprocesses.Thisisasubstantiveobligation,notjustaproceduralrequirement.

c) ThissectionoftheGuidelineprovidesadditionalguidanceonhowtheresultsofpublicparticipationshouldbeintegratedintotheEIAandreflectedintheEIAReport.

d) ThefindingsfrompublicparticipationprocessesshouldbeconsideredthroughouttheEIAprocess,ateachstage.

e) Thesefindingsshouldparticularlyinformtheassessmentofpotentialimpacts(bothbeforeandaftermitigationmeasureshavebeentakenintoaccount),thedesignofmitigationmeasures(includingtoensurethatmeasuresrespondtotheneedsandconcernsidentifiedbystakeholdersandthatthemeasuresdonotcreatenewproblemsorconcerns),andthedevelopmentofmanagementandmonitoringplans(includingtotakefacilitateongoingstakeholderparticipation).

f) ThefindingsfrompublicparticipationprocessesshouldalsoinfluencerevisionstothePublicParticipationPlansusedfortheEIAtoensurethatmethodsandapproachestopublicparticipationaremostappropriateandresponsivetostakeholderneeds.

g) ThewaythattheresultsofpublicparticipationinformedtheEIAprocessshouldbeclearlydocumented,explainedinsubsequentpublicparticipationprocessesandreflectedintheEIAReport.

4.3.5.2. DocumentationintheEIAReporta) ThissectionoftheGuidelineprovidesadditionalguidancetoProject

ProponentsonhowtheyshouldaddresseachelementofthechapteronPublicConsultationandDisclosureintheEIAReport,asrequiredbyArticle63oftheEIAProcedure.

b) Theexplanationofthemethodologyandapproachshouldinclude:


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(i) asummaryofthePublicParticipationPlanusedduringallstepsoftheEIApreparation,includinganyamendmentstothePublicParticipationPlan;

(ii) thePublicParticipationPlanasanattachmenttotheEIAReport;and(iii) asummaryofhowthePublicParticipationPlanwasfollowed,

includinganyproblemsencounteredandhowtheproblemswereaddressed

c) Thesummaryofpublicparticipationprocessesandactivitiesundertakenshouldinclude:

(i) detailsofallpublicparticipationactivitiesorganisedincludingdatesandtimes,locations,participants(numberofparticipants,aswellasbreakdownoftheirgenderandotherrelevantdemographicdatasuchasage),presenters(includingskillsandpurpose),objectivesandagendas;

(ii) asummaryoftheapproachtoorganizingpublicparticipationactivities,includingtimingofevents,timingofinvitations,invitationmethods,andapproachtoliaisonwithlocalcommunitiesandgovernmentofficials;and

(iii) asummaryofanyfeedbackprovidedtostakeholdersfollowingpublicparticipationactivities

d) Theexplanationoftheresultsofpublicparticipationshould:

(i) conformwiththeapproachdescribedindetailinthisGuideline(see4.3.5.1above);

(ii) includeinthechapteroftheEIAReportonpublicparticipationasummaryofhowtheresultsofpublicparticipationprocessesinfluencedtheotherpartsoftheEIAReport;and

(iii) identifyanysignificantfindingsorinputsfrompublicparticipationthatwerenotaddressedintheEIAReport,includingreasons

e) Theexplanationoffurtherongoingpublicparticipationprocessesshould:

(i) includedetailsofhowthePublicParticipationPlanwillbeupdated;

(ii) beconsistentwiththeEMP;and(iii) belinkedtoanygrievancemechanismsproposedintheEIAReportfor

theprojectimplementationphasesf) TheexplanationofdisclosureintheEIAReportshouldinclude:

(i) alistofallprojectdocumentationthatwasdisclosedduringeachstageoftheEIAprocess,includingthelanguageofdocumentation;

(ii) detailsofthemethodsusedforinformationdisclosureandthedatesofdisclosure;and

(iii) asummaryofanyprojectdocumentationthatwasnotdisclosed,orthatwasredacted,includingreasons

g) ThisdocumentationofpublicparticipationintheEIAReportshouldnotbe:


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(i) limitedtodescriptionsofthenumberorproportionofstakeholdersthatwereconsulted;or

(ii) confusedwithsocio-economicbaselinesurveysorotherformsofassessmentoftheexistingsocialconditionorpotentialimpacts.

4.4. PublicParticipationDuringEIAReportReview

4.4.1. Generala) Article67oftheEIAProcedurerequirespublicparticipationduringECD’s

reviewofthefinalEIAReport.

b) PublicparticipationisessentialduringtheEIAreviewstagetoensurethat:

(i) StakeholdershavetheopportunitytoreviewandcommentonthefinalversionoftheEIA;

(ii) Stakeholdershavetheopportunitytocontributetheirviewstothedecision-makers,independentoftheProjectProponentandEIAConsultant;

(iii) Thedecision-makershaveindependentaccesstotheopinionsofstakeholders;and

(iv) Thedecision-makerscanconfirmthatthePublicParticipationPlanwasfollowedcorrectlyandthattheconcernsofPAPandotherstakeholderswereincorporatedintotheEIAandEMP.

c) InaccordancewithArticle67oftheEIAProcedure,ECDisresponsibleforcoordinatingthereviewofsubmittedEIAs,includingthepublicparticipationprocessesintendedtoinformthedecisionontheEIA.

d) InaccordancewithArticle69,theProjectProponentshallbearallcostsincurredinconductingpublicparticipationactivitiesduringthereviewstage.

e) AsArticle68oftheEIAProcedurerequiresadecisiononanEIAReporttobemadewithin90daysofitssubmission,thepublicparticipationprocessesatthisstagemustbestructuredwithsufficienttimefor:

(i) PAPandotherstakeholderstoaccessandreviewtheEIAReport;(ii) PAPandotherstakeholderstoprepareandsubmitcommentsonthe

EIAReport;

(iii) PAPandotherstakeholderstoparticipateinpublicparticipationevents;and

(iv) ECDtoconsidertheresultsofpublicparticipationundertakenatthisstageinthepreparationofrecommendationsontheEIAReport.

f) TheapplicationofthisGuidelinetotheEIAReportreviewisdepictedinFigure5.


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Figure5:ApplicationofGuidelinetoEIAReportreview

4.4.2. DisclosureoftheFinalEIAReportbytheProjectProponenta) InaccordancewithArticle65oftheEIAProcedure,theProjectProponent

mustpubliclydisclosetheEIAReportwithin15daysofitssubmissiontoECD.

b) InordertodisclosetheEIAReport,theProjectProponentmustissuenoticesofavailabilityoftheEIAReport(inadditiontomakingtheIEEReportitselfavailableforreview)inseveraldifferentforums,including:

(i) bymeansofnationalmedia(i.e.newspapersandradio);

(ii) ontheProjectorProjectProponentwebsite(s);(iii) atpublicmeetingplaces(e.g.libraries,communityhalls);

(iv) attheofficesoftheProjectProponent;(v) onaprominent,legiblesignboardattheprojectsite;

(vi) intargetednoticestolocalgovernment,PAPandlocalCSOs;and

(vii) throughadditionalmethodsappropriatetothespecificlocationandnatureoftheproposedproject.

c) TheProjectProponentshalltakemeasurestoensurethattheEIAReportisavailabletothepublicforreviewthroughouttheentirelifeoftheproject.


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4.4.3. DisclosureoftheFinalEIAReportbyECDa) InaccordancewithArticle66oftheEIAProcedure,ECDmustalsomakethe

submittedEIAReportavailabletothegeneralpublicandensurethepublicisawareoftheReport’savailability.

b) ECDshouldpubliclyreleasethesubmittedEIAReportinthefollowingways:

(i) OntheECDwebsite;(ii) Atsub-nationalECDoffices;and

(iii) Viaformalgovernmentannouncements(e.g.newspapers).

c) ECDshouldensurethatthesubmittedEIAReportismadepubliclyavailable:(i) Within15daysofitsreceipt;

(ii) Atleast15daysbeforeanypublicparticipationeventsareheld;and(iii) Foratleast30daysbeforeanyrecommendationontheEIAReportis

preparedfortheMinister’sconsideration.

d) ThisrequiresECDtoensurethattheProjectProponentsubmitsbothelectronicversionsandhardcopiesofallreportsandrelateddocumentation.

4.4.4. PublicSubmissionsontheEIAReporta) InvitingSubmissionofWrittenPublicComments:InaccordancewithArticle

67(b)oftheEIAProcedure,ECDisrequiredtoinvitethepublictosubmitwrittencommentsontheEIAReportforitsconsideration.

b) Inordertodothis,ECDshouldprominentlyandclearlyincludeaninvitationtosubmitwrittencommentsinthenoticesofavailabilityoftheEIAReport.Thisinformationshouldnotifythepublicof:(i) theirrighttosubmitwrittencommentsontheProjectProposaland/or

theEIAReport,

(ii) thepreferredmethodforsubmittingcommentstoECD,and(iii) thefinaldateonwhichECDwillacceptcommentsfromthepublic.

c) ECDmustallowatleast30daysafternotificationforthepublictosubmitwrittencommentsontheProjectProposaland/orEIAReport.NorecommendationontheEIAReportwillbemadeuntilafterthissubmissionperiodhasclosedandECDhasconsideredallsubmissions.

d) ECDshouldacceptwrittencommentsinbothhardcopyandelectronicforms.

4.4.5. Publicparticipationmeetingsa) InaccordancewithArticle67(d)oftheEIAProcedure,publicparticipation

meetingsaretobeorganisedatdifferentlevels,allowingdifferentstakeholderstheopportunitytocontributetheirviewstothereviewoftheEIAReport.

b) ECDisresponsibleforensuringthesepublicparticipationmeetingsareorganisedbytheProjectProponent,whichrequiresECDtogivedirectiontotheProjectProponentonthefollowingmatters:


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(i) thenumber,locationandtimingofmeetings;

(ii) howthePAPandotherstakeholdersaretobenotifiedofthemeetings;and

(iii) minimumtimebetweenthenotificationandthemeetings.c) Thenotificationofmeetingsshouldbeissuedusingacombinationofthe

followingmethodsdesignedtoensurethatthemaximumnumberofPAPandotherstakeholdersarereached:(i) ontheProjectProponent’sandECDwebsites;

(ii) viasocialmedia;

(iii) bytheprominentpostingofalegiblesignboardattheprojectsiteandatmeetingsites;

(iv) throughadvertisementsontheradio,ontelevisionandinnewspapers;and

(v) throughtargetedinvitationstoidentifiedPAPandotherstakeholders.

d) AllPAPandotherstakeholders,includingthosewhohaveprovidedcommentsduringtheEIAinvestigationstage,shouldbeinvitedto,andhavetheopportunitytoberepresentedat,allpublicparticipationmeetings.

e) CSOsandthemediashouldbeinvitedtothepublicparticipationmeetings.f) Duringthepublicparticipationmeetings,ECDwillberesponsiblefor:

(i) keepingaccuraterecordsofallcomments;and(ii) respondingtoquestionsontheEIAprocessgenerallyandtothe

decision-makingprocessinparticular

(iii) InformingpublicparticipationmeetingparticipantsoftheirrighttoappealECD’sdecisionontheEIAReportpursuanttoChapterIVoftheEIAProcedure.

g) Duringthepublicparticipationmeetings,theProjectProponentwillberesponsiblefor:

(i) presentingthefinalEIAReportandhighlightingkeyissues,findingsandresultsofpreviouspublicparticipationprocesses;and

(ii) respondingtoquestionsontheEIAReport.

4.4.6. Reportingonpublicparticipationa) InaccordancewithArticle67(e)oftheEIAProcedure,ECD’s

recommendationtotheMinistryontheEIAReportshouldincludesummariesof:

(i) thepublicparticipationundertakenduringthereviewoftheEIAReport;

(ii) thepubliccommentsreceived;

(iii) howthepubliccommentswereconsideredduringthereviewandinformulatingtherecommendationsontheEIAReport;and


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(iv) likelykeyimpactsonPAPandotherstakeholdersiftheprojectproposalisapprovedandimplemented.

b) ECDshouldpreparearesponsetostakeholdercommentsontheEIAReport,whichshouldbemadepublicassoonaspossiblefollowingthedecisionontheEIA.

4.4.7. EnvironmentalComplianceCertificatea) Iftheprojectisapproved,ECDshouldmaketheECCavailable,togetherwith

theEMPandanyconditionsoftheapproval,ontheECDwebsite.

b) TheProjectProponentshouldalsomaketheECCavailableonitswebsites.


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CHAPTER 5: Stand-alone EMPs

5.1.1. Generala) InaccordancewithArticle24oftheEIAProcedure,theMinistrycanmakea

determinationthatanyProjectProposalthatgoesthroughthescreeningstagerequiresanEMP,evenifanIEEorEIAisnotrequired.

b) TheEMPisanimportantpartofthemanagementofthepotentialimpactsofaproposedproject.ItisnecessarythatthisdocumentisthesubjectofconsultationwiththePAPandotherstakeholders.

c) TheEMPwillincludemultiplesub-plansandshouldbedividedintodifferentprojectphasessuchas:

(i) pre-construction;

(ii) construction;(iii) operation;

(iv) closureanddecommissioning;and

(v) postclosure(i.e.rehabilitationandrestoration).

5.1.2. PublicparticipationduringEMPpreparationa) AdraftEMPshouldbeprepared,togetherwithanybudgetforthe

implementationoftheEMP,andpresentedtothePAPandotherstakeholdersforcomments.

b) DependingonthenatureoftheProjectProposal(includingfactorssuchaspotentialimpacts,location,PAPandprojectduration)thepresentationofthedraftEMPandinvitationforPAPandotherstakeholderstocommentshouldinvolve:

(i) oneormorepublicparticipationmeetings(organisedinaccordancewiththeprinciplesandbroadapproachesoutlinedinChapters1and2ofthisGuideline);

(ii) distributionofhardcopiesinconvenient,accessibleandindependentlocationsneartheProjectProposalsite(e.g.schools,localcommunityhalls,etc.),alongwithdetailsofhow,bywhenandtowhomsubmissionscanbemade;and/or

(iii) publicannouncementsofwhereelectronicversionscanbeaccessed(e.g.ProjectProponentwebsite),alongwithdetailsofhow,bywhenandtowhomsubmissionscanbemade.

c) ThedraftEMPshouldberevisedtotakeintoaccountcommentsmadebythePAPandotherstakeholders.

d) TheFinalEMP,togetherwiththesub-plans,shouldbepresentedtothePAPandotherstakeholderspriortosubmissiontoECD.

e) DependingonthenatureoftheProjectProposalandthenatureofpubliccommentsmadeonthedraftEMP,thepresentationoftheFinalEMPtothePAPandotherstakeholderstocommentshouldinvolve:


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(i) oneormorepublicmeetings;

(ii) distributionofhardcopiesinconvenientandaccessiblelocationsneartheProjectProposalsite(e.g.schools,localgovernmentoffices,localcommunityhalls,etc.);and/or

(iii) publicannouncementsofwhereelectronicversionscanbeaccessed(e.g.ProjectProponentwebsite).

f) Ifapproved,theEMPandanyECCshouldbemadepubliclyavailableviathefollowingmechanisms:

(i) onthewebsiteoftheProjectProponent;and

(ii) inhardcopyattheProjectProponent’sofficesandinconvenientandaccessiblelocationsneartheprojectsite(e.g.schools,localgovernmentoffices,localcommunityhalls,etc.).

g) Box5providesasummaryofthetypeofinformationthatshouldbedisclosedduringthepreparationofastand-aloneEMP.

h) Thepublicparticipationprocesswillcontinueduringtheprojectimplementation,iftheProjectProposalisapproved.TheEMPReportshoulddefinethefuturepublicparticipationprocessintermsof:

(i) objectivesofthepublicparticipationprocessesduringallprojectimplementationphases;

(ii) thePAPandotherstakeholders;(iii) engagementmechanisms(s);

(iv) complaintsandgrievancesmechanism;and

(v) informationdisclosure.

Box5:EMPPreparationInformationDisclosureWhattypeofinformationshouldbeprovided?• OutlineofProjectProposal,includingmaps,draftplansandotheravailable

information• Detailsofthetimeframeforconstructionandoutlineofpossibleimpacts–

updatedasmoreinformationismadeavailable• Scientificortechnicalinformationabouttheprojectproposalandpossible

impacts• DraftEMPforallphasesoftheprojectfromconstructionandoperationto

closureandpost-closure(i.e.rehabilitationandrestoration)• FinalEMP,includinganysub-plans,andECCforapprovedprojects


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CHAPTER 6: Project Monitoring and Compliance

6.1. Generala) PursuanttoauthoritygrantedbyArticles83,85,91,andChapterIXoftheEIA

Procedure,ECDrequiresthatallapprovedprojectsoractivitiesundertakesomeformofmonitoringduringallphasesoftheprojectinordertoensurecompliancewithallrelevantenvironmentallawsandregulationsandwithallcommitmentsmadeintheEMPand/orECC,asthecasemaybe.

b) Monitoringmustoccuratallphasesofaproject’simplementation:(i) pre-construction;

(ii) construction;

(iii) operation;(iv) closureanddecommissioning;and

(v) post-closure(i.e.rehabilitationandrestoration).

c) MeaningfulpublicparticipationduringmonitoringcanhelptosatisfythePAPandotherstakeholdersthat:

(i) theprojectisbeingoperatedinaccordancewiththeconditionsofapproval;and

(ii) anyissuesandconcernsthatmayariseduringprojectimplementation,includingthoseraisedbythePAP,arerespondedtobeforeseriousconsequencesoccur.

d) Monitoringalsoenablestheidentificationof:

(i) anynon-compliancewith,orfailuretoimplement,measuresintheIEE/EIAReport,EMP,ECCandothercontractualagreements;

(ii) anyweaknessesinmitigationandmanagementmeasures(i.e.measuresmaybebeingimplementedaspertheIEE/EIAreportandEMP,butnotresultingintheanticipatedavoidanceormitigationofimpacts);

(iii) anynewimpactsthatmaynothavebeenincludedintheIEE/EIAReport,aswellasappropriatemitigationmeasuresandassociatedamendmentstotheEMP;and

(iv) findingsandexperiencethatmayberelevantforfutureEIAprocessesonsimilarProjectProposalsorProjectProposalsinsimilarlocations.

6.2. PublicParticipationinProjectMonitoringa) ForallprojectsrequiringanEMPpursuanttoArticle24oftheEIAProcedure,

theEMPshouldclearlyspelloutthepublicparticipationprocessesthatwillapplytothemonitoringoftheproject’simplementation,includingrolesandresponsibilitiesofrelevantstakeholders.

b) Article63oftheEIAProcedurerequirestheEMPforEIATypeProjectstoincludemonitoringsub-plansbyprojectphase(i.e.construction,operation,etc.).Thepublicparticipationprocessesshouldberelevanttoeachsub-plan.


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c) CommentsandconcernsraisedbyPAPandotherstakeholdersduringtheIEEinvestigationstageorEIAscopingandinvestigationstagesshouldbetakenintoaccountandinfluencethemechanismsproposedforpublicparticipationinprojectmonitoring.

d) Theparticularmonitoringarrangementsdevelopedwillneedtobespecifictotheparticularproject,includingitslocation,potentialandactualimpacts,andPAP.

e) ThemechanismsforinvolvingPAPandotherstakeholdersinmonitoringwillalsoneedtobespecifictotheparticularproject.Thesemonitoringarrangementscouldalsoevolveovertime,especiallyforprojectswithlonglifespans,includingasaresultofchangesinPAPcapacity,actualimpactsandotherdevelopmentsinthearea.

f) ThePublicParticipationPlanfortheprojectimplementationstage(orbroaderstakeholderengagementstrategy)should:

(i) clearlydocumentthemechanismsforinvolvingPAPandotherstakeholdersinmonitoringactivities;

(ii) ensuresufficientresourcesareprovidedtofacilitatemeaningfulpublicparticipationinmonitoring;

(iii) beconsistentwiththeprojectEMPandECC;and

(iv) bemadepubliclyavailable.

6.3. Informationdisclosurea) Themechanismsforpublicparticipationinprojectmonitoringshall

specificallyaddresshowtheProjectProponentwillensurethepublicavailabilityanddisclosureofproject-relatedinformation(includingbutnotlimitedtotheproject’smonitoringreports)toPAPandotherstakeholdersduringallphasesofprojectimplementation.

b) AllinformationmaterialshouldbeprovidedinMyanmarlanguageandEnglishandwritteninnon-technicaltermssoastobeeasilyunderstoodbythegeneralpublic.

c) Throughoutprojectimplementation,PAPandotherstakeholdersshouldhaveaccesstowide-ranginginformationincluding:

(i) regularmonitoringandactivityreports;(ii) detailsontheproject’sexpendituresonmitigationandmanagement

measures,monitoringsystemsandprojectcommitments;

(iii) compliancewithprojectconditionsandcommitments;(iv) informationaboutanybreachesofcomplianceandremedialmeasures;

(v) updatedEMPsandprojectapprovalconditions;

(vi) actualemissionscomparedtostandards;(vii) levelsofanytoxicwaste,pollutantreleasesortransportationof

hazardouswaste;


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(viii) actionstepsandresponsestoanycommunityconcerns.

d) Tofacilitatedisclosureofinformation,itisrecommendedthatadedicatedinformationcentrebeestablishedwithinthestudyareaandneartheaffectedpeople.ThiscouldbeaplaceagreetobythecommunityoralocalofficethatcanbevisitedbythePAP.

6.4. Monitoringreportsa) InaccordancewithArticle108oftheEIAProcedure,ProjectProponents

mustsubmitmonitoringreportspursuanttothescheduleestablishedbyECDorbytheproject’sEMP/ECC.Ataminimum,ProjectProponentsshallsubmitmonitoringreportstoECDnolessfrequentlythaneverysix(6)months.

b) Withregardtopublicparticipationinprojectmonitoring,theproject’speriodicmonitoringreportsshallinclude:

(i) AsummaryofPAPand/orotherstakeholderparticipationinprojectmonitoringduringthepreviousreportingperiod,includingthedissemination/availabilityofprojectrelatedinformationtoPAPandotherstakeholders.

(ii) Asummaryofchallengesencounteredinimplementingproject’smechanismsforpublicparticipationinmonitoring.

(iii) Proposedmeasurestoaddresssuchchallenges.c) InaccordancewithArticle110oftheEIAProcedure,ProjectProponents

shouldestablishprotocoltomaketheirrequiredprojectmonitoringreportsavailabletothepublicnolaterthanten(10)daysaftertheyaresubmittedtotheMinistry.

d) ProjectProponentsmustmaketheirprojectmonitoringreportsavailableinthefollowingways:(i) ElectroniccopiesshallbepostedontheprojectorProjectProponent’s

website.(ii) Hardcopiesofmonitoringreportsshallbemadeavailableforreviewat

appropriatepublicmeetingplaces(e.g.,libraries,communityhalls).

(iii) Hardcopiesshallalsobeavailableforreviewattheprojectoffices.e) Additionally,ProjectProponentsshallbepreparedtosupplyelectronic

versionsoftheprojectmonitoringreportstoanypersonuponrequest.f) TheProjectProponentshalldeliveranelectroniccopyoftheproject

monitoringreportsbyemailorasotherwiseagreedwiththerequestornolaterthanten(10)daysafterreceivingtherequest.

6.5. ComplaintsandGrievancesMechanisma) TheProjectProponentshouldindicate,intheEMP,howitwillmanage

complaintsandgrievances.TheEnvironmentalComplianceCertificatemayalsoincludeconditionsoncontinuingconsultationsfollowingapprovaloftheprojectandonmeasurestodealwithcomplaints.


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b) TheProjectProponentisencouragedtoestablishaComplaintsandGrievancesMechanism(CGM)toaddressgrievances/complaints,includingthoserelatedtoenvironmentalandsocialissuesarisingduringallphasesoftheproject’simplementation.

c) TheformoftheCGMshouldbescaledtotherisksandimpactsoftheprojectandmaydependonthetypeofproject,itsdurationandanyrequirementscontainedintheECC.

d) TheoutcomeoftheCGMprocessshouldbetofindsolutionstocomplaintsraised,whichshouldincludeprovidingaremedywheretherehavebeenimpactsonpeopleortheenvironment.(i) Remediesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,apologies,restitutionof

thingslost(suchasajob),rehabilitationofthingsharmed(suchasrestoringwatersources)orfinancialornon-financialcompensation,orguaranteesofnon-repetition.

(ii) Remediesshouldbeaccompaniedbysolutionstohelppreventthesameimpactsrecurring,suchaschangingoperatingprocedurestoeliminatepollutionortoreducetheriskofworkeraccidentsbyprovidingbetterproceduresorprotectiveequipment.

(iii) TheEMPfortheprojectshouldalsobereviewedandupdatedasaresultoftheseremediesandsolutions.

e) TheCGMshouldbedesignedbasedonprinciplessetoutininternationalstandards12asfollows:

(i) Legitimate:theProjectProponentshoulddesigntheCGMtogetherwiththePAPsandotherstakeholders(i.e.potentialCGMusers)asawayofbuildingtrustintheCGM,ratherthanjustunilaterallydecidingonhowitwillfunction.TheProjectProponentshouldalsoholditselfaccountableforfairconductoftheprocess.

(ii) Accessible:thereshouldbeaclearwayforPAPandotherstakeholderstoraiseacomplainttotheProjectProponent,regardlessofthephaseoftheproject.ThereshouldbeacontactpointthatiseasilyaccessibleandtheCGMprocessshouldbepromotedandpublishedtothePAPinlocallanguagesandunderstandableterms.

(iii) Predictable:theCGMshouldsetoutclearandsimpleprocessesthatwillbefollowedtoexamineanddealwiththecomplaint.Thisshouldinclude,ataminimum,detailsaboutwhowillinvestigatethecomplaint,howlongitwilltaketoreplytothecomplaintandwhatkindsofactionsmaybetakeninresponse.

(iv) Equitable:thepartymakingthecomplaintshouldhavereasonableaccesstoinformationandadvicerelevanttotheircomplaint.TheCGMshouldbeoperatedtoprovideafairandbalancedprocess,recognizingthattheprocessisnotabout“winning”butaboutfindingmutuallyagreedsolutions.

12SeeUNGuidingPrinciplesonBusinessandHumanRights,Principles29-31andIFCPerformanceStandard1.


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(v) Transparent:TheCGMshouldkeepthepartiesinformedabouttheprocessandprovideinformationtostakeholdersabouttheperformanceofthemechanismtoprovideconfidencethatitisworking.TheCGMshouldincludeapubliccomplaintsregisterthatrecordsallcomplaintsandgrievances(bothoralandwritten)andhowissueshavebeenresolved,exceptwhenthatmightputacomplainantatrisk.

(vi) Rightscompatible:Eachcomplainantshouldbetreatedwithdignityandrespect.Thereshouldbenoretributiontotheperson(s)whooriginatedthecomplaint.TheaimofaCGMistoresolvedisputesinawaythatrespectsthelegalrightsofthecomplainant,butdoesnotblockaccesstootherjudicialoradministrativeremediesifthecomplainantchoosesthisroute.Forcomplaintsthataredifficulttoresolveorimpactingalotofpeople,theCGMcouldprovidefortheengagementofanindependentorneutralmediatorwhocouldreviewthecomplaintsandproviderecommendationstotheProjectProponent.Ifthisdoesnotresolvethedisputeinaquickandfairandopenmanner,thecomplainantmaybringthematterbeforetherelevantgovernmentauthoritiesorotheradministrativeprocesses,ortakethemattertocourt.

(vii) Asourceoflearning:TheProjectProponentshouldusetheCGMprocesstoidentifytrendsandpatternsincomplaints,learnlessonsaboutwhatisnotworkingwellinitsoperationsandtakestepstopreventtherepetitionofthesamekindofcomplaintsinthefuture.

(viii) Basedonengagementanddialogue:ThepurposeoftheCGMistoidentifyandresolveissuesearly,andprovidearemedywhereappropriate.Todothat,theprocessshouldbebasedonreachingagreedsolutionsthroughdialogue.

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