FACESHEET FOR USAID FOOD FOR PEACE ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS REPORT (ESR)

Activity Title: Harande

Implementing Partners(s): CARE

Award #: AID-FFP-A-15-00013

Geographic Location: Mali

Operating Unit(s): DCHA Food for Peace

PREP Year: 2017

IEE Link: http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/48466.pdf

Amount of Dollar Funding Requested in the PREP: $ 15,827,536

Amount of Commodity: $ 219,542 Life of Award (LOA): $45,000,000

Activity Start and End Dates: 09/30/2015 – 09/29/2020

Contact Person: Moustapha Gaye, COP mgaye@care.org; +223 20 24 22 62 / 20 24 91 37

Date Prepared: April 26, 2017 (Edited June 16, 2017, to respond to MEO comments)

Recommended Threshold Determination: ☒Categorical Exclusion ☒Negative Determination ☒With Conditions

☒Positive Determination ☐ Deferral

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USAID Bureau Environmental Officer Approval:

This BEO Decision Memo is to inform CARE that the Harande FFP ESR for Mali has been approved with conditions by the DCHA Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO), on October 3, 2017.

The FY17 ESR has undergone all necessary Mission and Washington clearances and meets the minimum requirements, with the following 3 conditions for implementation.

Note: Due to simultaneous review of the Mali PEA as well a shift in duties in the approval process, there was a delay in final BEO clearance of the ESR.

Summary of BEO Conditions (3):

1. Please elaborate on your plans to incorporate best practices for healthcarewaste within the Environmental Monitoring System in Condition #3 of the ESR.

2. Regarding Condition #5 of the ESR, please provide more clarification on theextent of the coordination with other parties and/or how the coordination willlook.

3. Please share some of the findings of greatest relevance that will be included inthe forthcoming EMMP. What do you intend some of the primary changes in theupdated EMMP to be (i.e., based on changes in activities)?

Issue 1: Not enough information on specific plans of addressing Condition #3 of the ESR (healthcare waste).

Discussion 1: The ESR mentions that the IP is committed to following relevant guidance from the USAID Healthcare Waste Sector Environmental Guidelines. This point could be expanded on to include more specifically how they will incorporate guidance from the Healthcare Waste SEG.

Condition 1: Please elaborate on your plans to incorporate best practices for healthcare waste within the Environmental Monitoring System in Condition #3 of the ESR. __________________________________________________________________________

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Issue 2: Not enough information on specific plans of initiating plans to bring about behavioral changes with tippy tap usage.

Discussion 2: The ESR mentions that they plan to work with Sun Mountain as well as with the USAID/Mali Health team and the CARE Nutrition and Hygiene Project to address behavioral problems associated with tippy tap usage. However, they do not describe how they plan to collaborate exactly with these other organizations or what this collaboration will look like.

Condition 2: For Condition #5 in the ESR, please provide more clarification on the extent of the coordination with other parties and/or how the coordination will look. __________________________________________________________________________

Issue 3: No details provided on findings in forthcoming EMMP.

Discussion 3: The ESR states that the IP will be providing USAID with a revised EMMP based on the most current Harande Logical Framework. It would be interesting to know about some of the core findings from this forthcoming EMMP that the IP finds the most relevant, and what these changes are based on (changes in activities, mitigation measures, etc).

Condition 3: Please share some of the findings of greatest relevance that will be included in the forthcoming EMMP. What do you intend some of the primary changes in the updated EMMP to be (i.e., based on changes in activities)? ____________________________________________________________________________

USAIO APPROVAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ACTfON(S);

Mjssion (or Regional Offfce, as appropriate):

b - J ·' - ) ,,, ~~----=-~""=- . .c:._ c t-

Food for Peace, Washington:

Agreement Officer's Representative (AORJ A----.... \..- Date: '5/Z.1-//J

OCHA Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO} cr/ka J Cle.seer/ Date: 10/3 /2017

Note: Due to simultaneous review of the Mali PEA as well a shift in duties in the approval process, t here was a delay in final BEO clearance of the ESR.

CC to:

OCHA Climate Integration Lead (CIL); Regional Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO), if relevant.

"Clearance recommended, but optional.

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HARANDE ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS REPORT

Submitted as Attachment to Fiscal Year 2017, Pipeline and Resource Estimate Proposal

1. Introduction

CARE USA was awarded the five-year Harande DFAP on September 30, 2015, with the goal of “sustainable food, nutrition and income security for 270,000 vulnerable household members in Youwarou, Tenenkou, Bandiagara and Douentza Districts by 2020.” Using a gender sensitive approach and a strong focus on building resilience and inclusive governance, the program will reach 290 villages in 16 communes.

Fiscal Year 2017 will mark the first year of full program implementation after spending a year conducting the baseline study, executing assessment studies, and refining the Theory of Change.

For this past year, the majority of activities implemented were classified as Categorical Exclusion per Regulation 22 CFR 216 and did not require specific environmental mitigation and safeguarding.

During Fiscal Year 2016, Harande focused on studies, beneficiary targeting, group formation (e.g. mobilizing groups of women), and overall training of project staff on general processes for anticipated roll out of planned activities.

A few trainings at the field level related to behavior change also occurred. However, the only activity that has started since the start of the project until now (April 26, 2017) that classified as Negative Determination with Conditions has been trainings associated with composting for female beneficiaries in Bandiagara and Douentza. This classified as a Negative Determination because all agriculture-related trainings classified as

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Negative Determination in the IEE. What’s interesting to note is that this activity – i.e. composting – is in and of itself a mitigation measure for Harande. It was added in as an IEE safeguard as a complement to other agriculture-related training. For this reason, Harande began with this environmentally-focused action first. Also composting is a best practice to reduce chemical fertilizer use, to improve soil quality, the compost will be applied on sites at least 30 m away from water steams and in recommended rates to avoid any nutrient leaching to the groundwater. The composting pits will be protected to avoid any animals or child falling in the pits.

In the EMMP, this training corresponds to Mitigation Measure #17: Adopt conservation agriculture techniques that encourage natural or organic soil fertilization, including planting green manure, nitrogen fixing crops and trees, and applying compost and animal manure. Discourage over-application for chemical fertilizers.

In the EMMP, there is currently one indicator associated with this activity/mitigation measure: % of beneficiaries practicing 2 or more organic fertilizer techniques.

Given that this activity has just recently started, Harande has yet to begin collecting EMMP results for this indicator. Rather, Harande will be finalizing its Environmental Monitoring System in the coming months, which will be used to track this indicator annually as indicated in the EMMP. See Section 3B, EMMP Reporting for details.

It should be noted that the composting processes promoted by the project are not high risk; for example, they do not include promotion of human manure waste management or industrial sized waste management, which can have serious unintended environmental consequences if not managed well. Below describes the process promoted.

As part of each training, Harande ensures best environmental practices/safeguards are promoted, such as ensuring that non-decomposing materials, such as cans, plastics, etc. are not added to compost piles. Likewise, composting education is used to also deter less environmentally-friendly traditional practices, such as slash-and-burn or overuse of chemical fertilizers. Water is used as part of this composting process, and Harande beneficiaries are trained to use only the amount of water they need (no over-watering, especially in view of climate risks).

Composting Trainings (two methods):

Method 1: Composting in heaps. This technique is a way to make compost in the open air using vegetable matter (crop residues, straw, etc.) and other livestock related wastes (feathers, animal droppings, etc.). A heap is made by layering piles of waste up to no more than 1.5 meters high. Water is used to moisten the heap. After, the pile is covered (with straw, old mats, etc.) to keep it from drying.

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Method 2: Composting in pits. This method involves digging trenches and layering the vegetable matter and other organic wastes into the pits. The process is essentially the same as the heap. In the case that there is enough organic waste generated, three pits may be used where the matter is rotated monthly between each pit. Compost is normally ready in 4-5 months.

2. Environmental Compliance in the Upcoming Implementation Year

A. Staffing and Expertise:

Starting January 2016, Harande hired a full-time Environmental Safeguards Officer, Ba Sadio, for the project who is based in Mopti. The Environmental Safeguards Officer provides environmental management and compliance support across the entire project. The Environmental Safeguards Officer’s role is to promote best practices and ensure compliance with local Malian regulations and USAID’s Environmental Procedures.

A copy of the job description for this positon is provided as Annex 1 of this ESR. It should be noted that as of April 1, 2016, there has been a change to the organigram in the job description. Now, the Environmental Safeguards Officer reports directly to the Chief of Party (COP) to facilitate a direct line of communication to upper management in the event that environmental compliance concerns do arise.

Recently, Harande has also reached out to Sun Mountain International LLC as it hopes to sub-contract the organization for long-term environmental management and compliance support. Sun Mountain International LLC completed Harande’s Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and has been contracted to complete a USAID/Mali Mission-Wide Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for Ramsar Sites in the country.

Based on Sun Mountain International LLC’s in-depth knowledge about Harande since its inception, CARE contacted the organization in hopes of finalizing an agreement that will provide additional support and capacity building for Harande.

Sun Mountain International LLC is an Ecuador and US-based sustainable development organization with coverage in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Sun Mountain International LLC was founded to help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations dedicated to improving the socio-economic and environmental well-being of vulnerable households and communities. The organization provides technical assistance, focusing on the implementation of environmentally sound design, management and monitoring systems over life-of-project.

Established in January 2001 in Quito, Ecuador, Sun Mountain International LLC has

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carried out over 200 projects in more than 35 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa. Sun Mountain International LLC has broad experience and expertise in (1) Environmental Compliance, (2) Community-Based Capacity Building, (3) Disaster Risk Management/Climate Change Adaptation, and (4) Climate-Smart Agriculture. Sun Mountain International LLC has employees and on-call specialists with relevant experience and expertise that align with the goals of Harande.

CARE is currently considering the following role for Sun Mountain International LLC during Fiscal Year 2017:

Assist in developing a complete Environmental Monitoring System to implementthe EMMP (see Section 3B, EMMP Reporting).

Train staff on life-of-project environmental compliance and environmental soundmanagement, as well as Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Train the local Environmental Safeguards Officer and provide additional capacitybuilding support.

Develop and / or amend the existing Mali Pesticide Evaluation Report and SaferUse Action Plan (PERSUAP) covering all of Harande’s pesticide / fumigation needsin compliance with 22 CFR 216.3(b).

Provide additional Climate-Smart Agriculture and Integrated Pest Managementtraining to Harande staff.

Provide assistance with meeting USAID DCHA BEO Conditions (see Section 3A,Previous Conditions from IEE) and other USAID requirements, such as developinga Water Quality Assurance Plan (WQAP).

Provide technical advice for addressing other environmental issues andleveraging behavior change / environmental messaging as needed.

Conduct occasional “spot checks” at the field level for environmentalcompliance and environmental stewardship opportunities.

Involving beneficiaries in environmental mitigation: The support anticipated from Sun Mountain will be provided to Harande staff in a training-of-trainers approach designed for Harande staff to be able to understand and transmit learnings and requirements to beneficiaries. Equipped with tools and training provided by Sun Mountain, Harande will use key environmental messages to transmit safeguarding information to beneficiaries through its many activities, especially through its groups (e.g. women’s groups). As appropriate, materials designed for low literate populations will also be distributed. In general, environment and climate mitigation measures will be integrated into existing activities among beneficiaries and not treated as a separate initiative at intervention sites.

B. Budgeting:

Harande is aware of the USAID Environmental Budgeting Toolkit and takes environmental budgeting very seriously.

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In addition to having already budgeted for the full-time Environmental Safeguards Officer salary, Harande is anticipating to sub-contract Sun Mountain International LLC at approximately $150,000-$200,000 USD for Fiscal Year 2017 to provide the services described in the Section 2A just above.

Harande has also assessed budget for a series of activity specific environmental needs that largely relate to national Mali requirements and additional natural resource management activities.

Below summarizes the budget for these activities in the local currency (West African CFA Franc). Based on the current exchange rate, this amounts to a total of approximately $93,000 USD.

For construction of latrines: 3,500,000 - Environmental and Social Impact Statement 2,800,000 - Additional Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation

For construction / rehabilitation of water points: 12,500,000 - Environmental and Social Impact Statement 10,000,000 - Additional Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation (e.g. testing)

For management of the vegetable garden: 12,000,000 - Environmental and Social Impact Statement 4,000,000 - Additional Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation

For fish pond development: 1,500,000 - Environmental and Social Impact Statement 800,000 - Additional Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation

For rural road management: 2,000,000 - Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 600,000 - Additional Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation

For DRS / CES (anti-erosive devices): 2,000,000 - Environmental and Social Impact Statement 800,000 - Additional Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation

For reforestation with local species: 3,500,000 - Planting Related Activities

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3. Progress Toward Achieving Environmental Compliance:

A. Previous Conditions from IEE:

Below lists the DCHA BEO Conditions from the IEE dated August 5, 2016. Below each Condition is the Harande response / update.

Condition 1: The DCHA BEO requires that the budget information provided in the CARE IEE be reflected in the project’s budget (i.e., detailed and comprehensive budget and narrative)

At the time of developing the IEE, estimated budget figures and budgeting needs were provided. As noted in the IEE, some of the elements were budgeted into the overall Harande budget at the time of application submission while others were additional costs highlighted as a result of the IEE study. When developing this ESR, CARE reviewed the table in Annex 2 of the IEE and incorporated (albeit by different names in most cases) the mitigation costs that were important for implementation during Fiscal Year 2017. More costs will continue to be included each year by CARE and other Harande partners until the project finishes in 2020 and all environmental compliance needs are met for both USAID and the Government of Mali.

Condition 2: CARE must not use and find alternatives to any lead-based paints

CARE confirms no lead-based paints will be used as part of the project. There was never intention to use lead-based paints; the wording of the IEE was misleading.

Condition 3: CARE must include mitigation measures for O 1.1.3.1: Health Workers trained in counselling and providing appropriate methods of birth control

Please refer to Section 3B, EMMP Reporting, below. As described in the following section of this ESR, there will be an update of the EMMP and this Condition will be addressed. This EMMP update will take place prior to activity implementation. Best practices for healthcare waste will be incorporated as part of this activity and monitored with field tools from the Environmental Monitoring System that is to be finalized during Fiscal Year 2017. Harande is committed to following relevant guidance from the USAID Healthcare Waste Sector Environmental Guidelines and other global best practice.

Condition 4: CARE must include a safe family planning product disposal strategy and other mitigation measures in order to promote the hygienic disposal of condoms

Harande is committed to ensuring training includes safe approaches for condom disposal and appreciates the resources provided by the DCHA BEO in the Environmental Threshold Decision (ETD) of the IEE. Harande intends to work closely with Sun Mountain International LLC during Fiscal Year 2017 to develop a comprehensive programmatic

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strategy for promoting safe family planning product disposal. This strategy (and inclusion of other mitigation measures in the EMMP update) will be finalized prior to implementation.

Condition 5: CARE must incorporate long-term behavior change initiatives in order to ensure the sustainability of tippy taps

CARE fully agrees with the DCHA BEO’s Condition discussion that Harande must consider a combination of both “push” and “pull” methods for influencing behavior change. For behavior change to be realized, it is important that beneficiaries understand the need for the change and embrace it for their own benefit, not just because the project is telling them to do the change. Although Harande already strives to use a combination of behavior change strategies, CARE also intends to collaborate with Sun Mountain International LLC to explore additional creative methods to enhance the sustainability of tippy taps further.

The Mali Mission Environmental Officer (MEO) has also suggested that Harande collaborate with the USAID/Mali Health Team which has a BCC program. Harande will also coordinate with Keneya Jenu Kan and the CARE Nutrition and Hygiene Project.

Condition 6: Coupled environmental and social concerns need to be integrated into the site-specific EMMP, especially for road rehabilitation activities

Additional analysis is being budgeted for Fiscal Year 2017 for road activities; see Section 2B above. This budget is intended to be used to meet this DCHA BEO Condition and meet local Mali requirements and will coincide the development of the overarching Environmental Monitoring System as described further within this ESR. Completed mitigation and monitoring plans will be provided to USAID. The Environmental Safeguards Officer expects to collaborate closely with Sun Mountain International LLC who has staff and on-call associates that focus on social issues to ensure social considerations are integrated fully as part of roadwork. Harande agrees that the interactions of poverty, inequality, and land access, etc. are extremely sensitive in the context for which Harande is operating and takes this issue very seriously. It should be noted that environmental and social concerns will be integrated into the EMMP prior to the implementation of activities.

Condition 7: CARE must send the DCHA BEO a copy of the site-specific irrigation feasibility study when completed for the DCHA BEO to better assess the irrigation activities

It should be noted that the exact framework for this site-specific study is still being discussed. Sun Mountain International LLC will be assisting with this since it will be part of the Environmental Monitoring System described in Section 3B below. To date, Harande has done some initial site targeting, but this has focused on land tenure as the

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main criteria given the conflict sensitivities in the areas where Harande operates. Before implementation of irrigation activities, other environment and climate risks will be considered. Results will be shared with the DCHA BEO.

B. EMMP Reporting:

The Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for Harande covers the activities classified as Negative Determination with Conditions. Given the fact that Harande has not yet begun implementing activities that are classified as Negative Determination with Conditions, except composting training that occurred recently, EMMP reporting has not fully been operationalized. As noted above, these composting trainings are actually a mitigation measure in and of themselves for the project. As part of these trainings, though, environmental best practices were integrated, specifically focusing on soil fertility and alternatives to more hazardous options, such as chemical fertilizers. Trainings also focused on ensuring proper creation, maintenance, and use of compost. Harande did not promote any high-risk composting activities (and will not do so), such as composting of human manure waste that requires extensive oversight to avoid unintended consequences. The compost will be applied on sites at least 30 m away from water steams and in recommended rate to avoid any nutrient leaching to the groundwater. The composting pits will be protected to avoid any animals of child falling in the pits.

Harande is still in the process of developing its complete Environmental Monitoring System, which will include a series of tools for field monitoring and site selection screening to capture the necessary data for the EMMP indicators. This Environmental Monitoring System is anticipated to be integrated to the best extent possible with the overarching Harande performance monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system.

The system will allow Harande to flag possible concerns and opportunities across all activities with the potential for negative environmental impact and to reinforce EMMP and 22 CFR 216 compliance.

Harande intends to sub-contract Sun Mountain International LLC to work closely with the Environmental Safeguards Officer to develop this system and train Harande staff on its implementation across all activities. More details regarding the intended Sun Mountain International LLC sub-contract is provided under Section 2B, Budgeting.

It should be noted that during the process of completing this ESR, Harande became aware that the EMMP included in the Harande Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) approved by the USAID DCHA Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) on August 5, 2016, is based on a slightly outdated version of the Harande Logical Framework. See Table 1 below for latest wording of Purposes and Subpurposes. The overall activities and approaches are the same with slight tweaks to wording, overall order of the Logical Framework, different numbering, etc.

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Table 1. Current Harande Purposes and Subpurposes that will be used to update the EMMP

Project Goal: Sustainable food, nutrition and income security improved for 270,000 vulnerable household members in 290 communities of Youwarou, Tenenkou, Bandiagara and Douentza Districts by 2020

Purpose 1: Nutritional status of 56,804 WRA and 52,451 CU5 is improved in project targeted communities in Youwarou, Tenenkou, Bandiagara and Douentza Districts

Subpurpose 1.1: Household level nutritional practices are improved

Subpurpose 1.2: Households use WASH services sustainably Purpose 2: Livelihoods Among 62,000 Targeted Participants (including 70% women and 40% youth) Diversified and Improved

Subpurpose 2.1: On farm livelihoods among 55800 Targeted Participants (including 70% women and 40% youth) improved

Subpurpose 2.2: Non-Farm livelihoods among 6,200 youth (45% female) improved

Subpurpose 2.3: Access to suitable financial services for 25,000 targeted participants including 65% women and 15% youth) increased

Subpurpose 2.4: Functional literacy and numeracy enhancing food, nutrition and income security among 20,300 participants in targeted communities improved

Purpose 3: Climate Change Resilience among 270,000 Targeted Farmers in Targeted Communities Improved

Subpurpose 3.1: The livelihood and production decisions are improved using climate, weather, hydrological, and DRR information among 18,850 targeted producers (among which are 30% women and 50% youth)

Subpurpose 3.2: Climate change resilience of participants in the 16 communes implementing climate change adaptation plans increased

Purpose 4: Conflicts Limiting Food, Nutrition and Income Security within the 290 Targeted Communities (30,500 targeted participants) reduced.

Subpurpose 4.1: Understanding about current and potential conflict by targeted participant improved

Subpurpose 4.2: Use of effective conflict mitigation mechanisms among targeted participants improved

Subpurpose 4.3: Gender-based violence in all 290 communities reduced

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Purpose 5: Governance around food and nutrition security and income is improved for 270,000 participants

Subpurpose 5.1: Utilization of services essential to food nutrition and income security among 270,000 targeted participants improved

Subpurpose 5.2: Governance of natural resources is improved and accountable at the local level for 270,000 participants

Subpurpose 5.3: Communities take increased ownership of project interventions

Harande is also aware that anticipated activities may be required to change in the Youwarou and Tenenkou regions as a result of the Mission-Wide Ramsar Site Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) that is currently in development.

As part of the finalization of the Environmental Monitoring System with Sun Mountain International LLC, the EMMP will be revised to match the most current Logical Framework of Harande and the findings of the Mission-Wide Ramsar Site PEA.

Based on latest thinking, it is currently anticipated that the Environmental Monitoring System can be completed by September 2017. It is expected that staff will be trained and the system will be piloted fully in October 2017. USAID will be provided the revised EMMP and complete Environmental Monitoring System package (e.g. field tools) as soon as it becomes available.

C. Other Progress or Completed Actions

Harande has added this section to the ESR to provide additional updates to USAID on the progress the project has made towards best environmental practices during Fiscal Year 2016.

Environmental Analyses: The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for Harande was conducted during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2016. The IEE determined a list of activities qualified as Categorical Exclusion that could be implemented in all intervention areas. It also classified activities as Negative Determination with Conditions that could be implemented with the application of the mitigation measures. The IEE determined a list of activities (the same activities listed as Negative Determination), which will require that an Environment Assessment (EA) be conducted in specific villages in the Interior Delta of the Niger River in Youwarou and parts of Tenenkou districts because these locations are designated as Ramsar Sites and are critical wetlands for Mali and migratory birds. As this type of assessment has not been done in the past, it will increase general understanding and capacity to mitigate environmental impacts in this region. Harande worked with the USAID Mission to conduct a joint PEA Scoping Statement in the intervention areas for Harande and other USAID Programs such as Feed the Future

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programs. The Mission agreed to pay for the EA through the Global Environmental Management Support Project (GEMS) which provides support to USAID Environmental Officers and USAID Missions. GEMS contracted with Sun Mountain International LLC for the EA.

Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Analysis: An international consultant conducted a study from mid-July to September and submitted the final report in October 2016. Programmatically, findings have been considered across all activities. In terms of harmonizing Harande Regulation 22 CFR 216 documentation with the Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Analysis findings, this will take place as part of the planned EMMP update with the anticipated support of Sun Mountain. This harmonization will be reflected in what will be submitted to USAID in the coming days.

Capacity Building: Although technically completed during the beginning of Fiscal Year 2017, the following trainings of Harande staff are specifically worth noting:

The Environmental Safeguard Officer and the COP attended a Regulation 22CFR 216 on Environmental Compliance workshop organized by USAID in Senegal in November 2016.

The Harande Climate Change and Resilience Team Leader attended a workshopon GTPA/USAID partner training on ENACTS DL & maprooms (use of Mali Meteo data library) in December 2017 in Bamako.

o As an aside related to mapping, the Action Research Group forDevelopment (GRAD) is expected to also conduct mapping of natural resource management practices in the zones of intervention for Harande during Fiscal Year 2017.

Activity Risk Screening: Although Harande has explained in Section 3B above that the Environmental Monitoring System is still being developed, Harande wants to reassure USAID that in absence of a complete environmental monitoring system, screening of all activities has been completed by the Environmental Safeguards Officer.

Tools used to date include a preliminary environmental screening sheet, environmental monitoring sheet, and of course the EMMP approved by USAID. Screenings to date have shown that activities are either Category C for the local government or Categorically Excluded (except in the case of compost trainings) per USAID’s Regulation 22 CFR 216. Therefore, further environmental impact assessment hasn’t been necessary yet except for within the Ramsar Sites as previously noted.

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D. Integration into Performance M&E:

Harande has made an effort to integrate and compare the indicators of the IPTT and EMMP to ensure environmental management and compliance are considered at the performance level.

The following lists the indicators and / or elements that have been integrated in the Harande IPTT to enhance environmental monitoring at the project M&E level:

A protocol of collaboration between Harande and the DRACPN A comprehensive environmental assessment developed and approved by USAID % Adoption of good practices for cooking and using firewood % Of latrines adequately located Number of masons trained for sustainable design % Of beneficiaries who adopt good conservation practices and use of aquatabs % Of tippy taps with adequate drainage % Of water points in compliance with standards PERSUAP developed and approved % Of beneficiaries who adopt good practices for the handling, application,

storage and disposal of pesticides and chemical fertilizers % Of beneficiaries who practice 2 or more conservation agriculture techniques

using organic fertilizer Local breeds are considered the first option Obtaining approval from competent authorities for inputs Ponds are made of durable materials

E. Climate Resilience:

Harande is aware of USAID ADS 201’s new climate risk screening requirements for new projects. Although Harande is not required to comply because it was awarded prior to the start date of this new requirement, Harande considers climate as a core element of its activities.

Climate resilience is actually the focus of Purpose 3 for Harande. For this reason, there is significant dedicated staff with climate change adaptation experience and resources budgeted that are beyond the references included thus far in this ESR that are planned for Fiscal Year 2017. In future ESRs, more updates will be provided. At this point in time, the focus has been onboarding new recruits and finalizing climate analyses.

Of particular importance, the Environmental Safeguards Officer collaborates closely with the Climate Change and Resilience Team Leader on a regular basis and intends to continue this collaboration when working on the Environmental Monitoring System during this next year.

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E. Fumigation PEA:

Although it has not occurred yet, it is anticipated that Harande will need to fumigate its warehouses that are used to stock commodities. As outlined in the IEE, Harande will adhere to all requirements and guidelines described in the USAID Fumigation PEA and the USAID Warehouse Staff Safety Guide (and posters). In accordance with 22 CFR 216.3(b), preparation of a Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP) is planned as part of Fiscal Year 2017 activities. CARE intends to hire Sun Mountain International LLC for the completion of this PERSUAP. Harande will also ensure the use of a Fumigation Management Plan (FMP) for each fumigation event by the qualified, well equipped fumigation service provider. The PERSUAP and FMPs will be shared with USAID. The current thinking is that the PERSUAP will be developed in the last quarter of Fiscal Year 2017.

F. Lessons Learned / Innovation:

The primary lesson learned for CARE has been in relation to the awareness that the IEE brought to the importance of Ram\sar Sites in Mali.

When originally designing the project, CARE and its partners were unaware of the environmental significance of the areas they were proposing to work within. CARE feels very fortunate to have consulted with Sun Mountain International LLC – the organization who brought this to the attention of CARE. CARE prides itself on best environmental practice around the world and is excited to be part of the USAID/Mali Mission-Wide Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) that will be completed during this year, Fiscal Year 2017.

Once the PEA findings are released, CARE hopes to work with Sun Mountain International LLC to conduct a training for Harande staff to share findings and document further lessons learned.

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ANNEX 1 – Job Description for Environmental Safeguards Officer

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