PROJECT/ACTIVITY DATA - United States Agency for ... · Web viewThis amendment #2 addresses time (from 1 year from the original IEE to 5 year) and cost extension (from 1,200,000

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATIONAMENDMENT #2 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DATA

Project/Activity Name: Connecting Citizens to Post-Electoral Processes in the Central African Republic and Refugee Areas (CONNECT) (managed by USAID/DRC Peace & Security Office)

Amendment (Y/N): YGeographic Location(s) (Country/Region):

DRC LPC Central African Republic/Central Africa Region

Implementation Start/End: September 30, 2016- September 30, 2021Solicitation/Contract/Award Number: AID-605-A-16-00003Implementing Partner(s): Internews Network (INN)Tracking ID/link: Amendment #2 https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=50623 Tracking ID/link of Related RCE/IEE (if any):

Original IEE: https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49101.pdf

Tracking ID/link of Other, Related Analyses:

Amendment 1 approved September 21, 2017: http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=50393

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit(s): (e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

Peace and Security Office

Funding Operating Unit(s): (e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

USAID/DRC

Funding Account(s): 660Funding Amount: 5,000,000 Amendment Funding Date: Amendment Funding

Amount:Other Affected Unit(s):Lead BEO Bureau: Brian HirschPrepared by: Alain-Yvon Kabeya CAROU Program Management

Specialist and Diane Elizabeth Mbanzidi, Mission Environment Officer USAID/DRC

Date Prepared: December 18, 2017

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC CONNECT IEE AMENDMENT 2 1

http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=50393

https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49101.pdf

https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=50623

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

Analysis Type: ☒Categorical Exclusion☒Initial Environmental Examination

Amendment Deferral

Environmental Determination(s): ☒Negative Determination Positive Determination

Initial Environmental Examination Expiration Date:

November 2021

Additional Analyses/Reporting Required:Climate Risks Identified (#): Low _____ Moderate __X____ High ______Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low ______ Moderate ___X___ High ______

THRESHOLD DECISION MEMO AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

This amendment #2 addresses time (from 1 year from the original IEE to 5 year) and cost extension (from 1,200,000 to 5,000,000) for the CONNECT activities under the IEE “DRC_CONNECT_IEE”: https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49101.pdf. This amendment reviews reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the planned activities as required under Reg. 216. This CAR Limited Presence Country (LPC) program is managed by the USAID DRC Peace and Security Office.

PROJECT/ACTIVITY SUMMARY The relative success of recent elections and constitutional reforms creates a narrow window of opportunity to reinforce the democratic process in CAR and connect the new government with its citizens. Through this activity, CAR citizens will benefit from credible reporting on political processes and transitional issues. The media will play a central role in ensuring that citizens are kept informed, that the new government is responsive to the realities on the ground, and that rumors and hate speech are dispelled before sparking violence.

The objective of the CONNECT activity is to foster citizen engagement and access to information during the fragile post-electoral transition process. This activity is a follow-up to Supporting Local Media to Inform Vulnerable Populations (AID#-OAA-LA-00003, January 17, 2014 to November 30, 2015), which provided support to community-based radio stations and journalists as a way to better inform the CAR population of efforts to end the conflict and rebuild their country.

USAID will reach this objective through three intermediate results (IRs), which can be achieved through a continuation and expansion of the interventions of the previous award:

IR 1: Timeliness, accuracy, and objectivity of media reporting on political processes improved

USAID will improve the quality of content and coverage of political processes by supporting media monitoring and building the capacity of journalists in CAR and neighboring countries to report accurately

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC CONNECT IEE AMENDMENT 2 (DRC LIPC)

2


and reliably on the on-going, post-election political processes and the humanitarian crisis in CAR. This will include training efforts to prevent the dissemination of rumors and hate speech.

IR 2: Community access to responsible media reporting improved

USAID will improve access to media reporting among communities in CAR, especially access by women and youth, as well as refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). In many cases, this activity may require small-scale construction and rehabilitation of community-based radio stations, supporting journalists in the management of these stations, and linking journalists across the country to enable information sharing.

IR 3: Citizens’ input into post-elections political processes enhanced

USAID will strengthen public input into CAR political processes and national dialogue through media programming that solicits the view of citizens and relays these views back to decision-makers. Particular attention will focus on attaining the input of women, youths, refugees, and IDPs. Through this activity, journalists will maximize citizen engagement in their reporting, using participatory formats such as call-in shows and village debates. Content will also be programmed to address in particular the concerns of women, youth, refugees, and IDPs.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations (22CFR216). See the Conditions in Table 1 on Environmental Determinations.

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVALNone beyond those stipulated as Conditions in Table2 below, Sect. 4.

The following table summarizes the environmental determinations applicable to the CONNECT activities.

TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/Activities

Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable) Negative Det.

Positive Det. Deferral1

1. Training, awareness raising and capacity building:

- of journalist on gathering, sourcing, verifying, and reporting information related to the post-elections political processes;

Categorical exclusion per 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (i)(i)(iii)(v).

1 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities. USAID/IPs may utilize the Environmental Screening Tool to assess impacts of deferred activities.


3

Projects/Activities

Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable) Negative Det.

Positive Det. Deferral

- Facilitation of dialogues

2. writing and researching of media stories by journalists;

3. Assessments, community dialogue, media monitoring, civic education and media related research

4. Broadcasting and radio operations ND/C

5. Power generationND/C

6. Construction and rehabilitation of radio stations

ND/C

CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

The CONNECT design team has used USAID's “Climate Risk Screening Tool” to assess the potential climate risks. The tool is essentially a matrix that systematically identifies the relevant sectors, regions, and timeframes for analysis, and assesses the potential climate change impacts, adaptive capacity and potential options to address those impacts.

USAID has not yet produced a Climate Risk Profile for the Central African Republic. However, a variety of resources provide climate change information, such as the World Bank’s Climatei.

The design team has incorporated climate change analysis to highlight mitigation and adaptation opportunities in implementation. The overall goal of the climate change risk screening is to screen the project in order to improve the accessibility of beneficiaries to services provided (e.g. training, research, media etc.) by overcoming uncertainty and risk associated with climate change. Addressing this goal requires considering CONNECT activities in the context of the key climate change issues at hand (e.g., increased temperature, variability in precipitation, increased intensity and frequency of droughts etc), determined in the first step of the screening process.

The CONNECT’s climate change screening has highlighted that

- The training and research activities are at low risk for extreme precipitation events and flooding, decrease in rainfall and landslide,

- Moderate risk has been identified for extreme precipitation and flooding risk for broadcasting and construction of small scale communication infrastructure and rehabilitation of radio activities.


4

IMPLEMENTATION

In accordance with 22CFR216 and Agency policy, the conditions and requirements of this document become mandatory upon approval. This includes the relevant limitations, conditions and requirements in this document as stated in Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the IEE and any BEO Specified Conditions of Approval.

General Implementation & Monitoring Conditions: The negative determinations recommended in this IEE are contingent on full implementation of a set of general monitoring and implementation requirements specified in this IEE, including: (1) Implementing Partner briefings on environmental compliance responsibilities; (2) Development of environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs); (3) Integration and implementation of EMMPs in work plans and budgets; (4) Integration of compliance responsibilities in prime and sub-contracts and grant agreements; (5) Assurance of sub-grantee and sub-contractor capacity and compliance;(6) Environmental compliance monitoring; (7) 22 CFR 216 documentation coverage for new or modified activities; and (8) Compliance with host country requirements. The EMMP, which identifies the IEE conditions and mitigation measures for each award, must be developed using the EMMP template attached to this IEE.

General Restrictions: For purposes of compliance with USAID procedures, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) are defined as “living organisms modified by genetic engineering techniques” and include, e.g., plants, microorganisms, live animal vaccines (if used outside a contained area and not approved in the US), animals, and insects. This IEE does not authorize support for laboratory or field-based research involving GMOs/LMOs, nor does it authorize support for multiplication, confined field testing, open release, or commercialization of GMOs/LMOs. Support for laboratory research involving GMOs/LMOs in contained facilities would require an approved amendment to this IEE. Support for field testing or open release of GMOs/LMOs would require successful review under USAID’s Biosafety Procedures followed by an approved IEE amendment.

Pesticides: All activities that fall outside of the category of “controlled experimentation exclusively for the purpose of research and field evaluation” and entail the procurement or use, or both, of pesticides are not covered by this IEE. Any additional procurement, use, or recommended use of pesticides requires a Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP), conducted in accordance with USAID Pesticide Procedures (22 CFR 216.3(b)). No funds shall be obligated or expended for the procurement or use of pesticides without an approved PERSUAP.

USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

PROJECT/ACTIVITY NAME: Connecting Citizens to Post-Electoral Processes in the Central African Republic and Refugee Areas (CONNECT). Amendment #2. (DRC LPC)


5

Approval: __/s/______________________________________Christophe Tocco, Mission Director

_01/23/2018____________Date

Clearance: __/s/________________________________Sarah Atwood Barma, Office Director

_12/21/2017__ Date

Clearance __/s/________________________________

Sarah Atwood Barma, Office Director

_12/21/2017_ Date

Clearance: ___/s/______________________________________ Diane-Elizabeth Mbanzidi, Mission Environmental Officer & Climate Integration Lead

_12/21/2117____________Date

Clearance: ___/s/____________________________________ _ David Kinyua, Regional Environmental Advisor

_01/10/2018___Date

Clearance /s/

Roopa Karia, Africa Bureau Climate Integration Lead

_1/19/2018___

Date

Concurrence:

_________________________________________________Brian Hirsch, Bureau Environmental Officer

_____________Date

File name (AFR BEO): DRC CAR CONNECT Connecting tiizens IEE Amendment #2.& ECD Permalink Https://Ecd.Usaid.Gov/Document.Php?Doc_Id=50623


6

https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=50623

1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF IEE

This amendment #2 addresses time (from 1 year from the original IEE to 5 year) and cost extension (from 1,200,000 to 5,000,000) for the CONNECT activities under the IEE “DRC_CONNECT_IEE”: https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49101.pdf. This amendment reviews reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the planned activities as required under Reg. 216.

The activity will support efforts to connect the newly-elected Central African Republic (CAR) Government with its citizens through responsible journalism, in order to support citizen engagement in post-elections political processes that are legitimate and accountable to the public. Through a strengthened media, CAR citizens will receive accurate and reliable information about public policy issues that affect them. This document will ensure environmental compliance and will also permit the implementation of the activity in accordance with USAID Environmental Policies and Procedures.

The activity will take place in CAR and will be managed by USAID’s Central Africa Regional Operating Unit at USAID’s Mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This IEE is a critical element of USAID’s mandatory environmental review and compliance process meant to achieve environmentally sound activity design and implementation. Potential environmental impacts should be addressed through formal environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs) and/or Environmental Assessments (EAs), if needed.

1.2 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

Since its independence from France in 1960, CAR has been plagued by poor governance and conflict that has prevented economic and social development, leaving the population impoverished and highly vulnerable to food and physical insecurity. After the Séléka rebel group overthrew President Bozizé in March 2013, the country descended into civil conflict from which it is still struggling to emerge. The conflict took on increasingly religious dimensions as the predominantly Muslim “Séléka” group clashed with a loose coalition of predominantly Christian “anti-balaka” militias. The civilian population suffered from human rights atrocities and pillage. Many were displaced internally, while others fled to Chad, the DRC, the Republic of Congo and Cameroon. In May 2014, the situation in the country was described by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations as pre-genocidal and continues to be monitored under the U.S. Government’s atrocity prevention efforts.

For two years, CAR underwent a period of fragile political transition. In 2014, a transitional government was established with Catherine Samba-Panza as interim president, but violence continued in both the capital city Bangui and throughout the country. The UN Security Council authorized a peacekeeping force under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which continues to serve as the main provider of security in the country. In early 2016, with extensive support from the international community, CAR held peaceful presidential and


7


legislative elections. A post-transitional government began in March 2016 under newly elected President Faustin Archange Touadera. The post-elections period presents a crucial opportunity for CAR to move away from the cycle of conflict and the turbulent political transition into a period of greater stability.

Numerous challenges continue. Around 859,000 people, or nearly one-fifth of CAR’s population of 4.5 million, remain displaced. A disproportional number of the refugees are members of CAR’s Muslim minority. The security situation in CAR remains volatile, with relatively calm stretches interrupted by periodic outbreaks of violence, as witnessed in September and October 2015 when clashes broke out between communities, militias, and international forces and again in June 2016.

Media coverage in CAR is scarce and Bangui-centric. The sector has not been shielded from the political instability and violence in CAR, where journalists and media outlets have become targets of intimidation and looting. Most community radio stations, in some form or another, have been affected and have stopped broadcasting at some point.

In times of crisis, agencies, public information officers, and international journalists often report to the outside world, but few organizations are tasked with sharing accurate, useful, and unbiased information with the local populations in languages they understand. The limited communication infrastructure in CAR and in the refugee areas located in neighboring countries compounds feelings of insecurity and reinforces vulnerable communities’ sense of isolation. During the post-election period, reliable, accurate information is needed to prevent a re-escalation of violence, manage community expectations, and give affected populations a voice in decisions that affect them.

1.3 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

The relative success of recent elections and constitutional reforms creates a narrow window of opportunity to reinforce the democratic process in CAR and connect the new government with its citizens. Through this activity, CAR citizens will benefit from credible reporting on political processes and transitional issues. The media will play a central role in ensuring that citizens are kept informed, that the new government is responsive to the realities on the ground, and that rumors and hate speech are dispelled before sparking violence.

The objective of the CONNECT activity is to foster citizen engagement and access to information during the fragile post-electoral transition process. This activity is a follow-up to Supporting Local Media to Inform Vulnerable Populations (AID#-OAA-LA-00003, January 17, 2014 to November 30, 2015), which provided support to community-based radio stations and journalists as a way to better inform the CAR population of efforts to end the conflict and rebuild their country.

USAID will reach this objective through three intermediate results (IRs), which can be achieved through a continuation and expansion of the interventions of the previous award:

IR 1: Timeliness, accuracy, and objectivity of media reporting on political processes improved

USAID will improve the quality of content and coverage of political processes by supporting media monitoring and building the capacity of journalists in CAR and neighboring countries to report accurately


8

and reliably on the on-going, post-election political processes and the humanitarian crisis in CAR. This will include training efforts to prevent the dissemination of rumors and hate speech.

Anticipated interventions include:

Training, awareness raising, and capacity building o Training, capacity building, and mentoring for local journalists on gathering, sourcing,

verifying, and reporting information related to the post-elections political processes and efforts to prevent the dissemination of rumors and hate-driven speech.

o Media monitoring to promote responsible journalism. Writing and researching of media stories by journalists

o Production of responsible media content and coverage of post-election political developments.

o Expanded media coverage of political, humanitarian, security, and other news in regions of CAR outside of Bangui.

IR 2: Community access to responsible media reporting improved

USAID will improve access to media reporting among communities in CAR, especially access by women and youth, as well as refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). In many cases, this activity may require small-scale construction and rehabilitation of community-based radio stations, supporting journalists in the management of these stations, and linking journalists across the country to enable information sharing.


Training, awareness raising, and capacity building o Institutional and management capacity building for partner media outlets and selected

community radios, on topics such as revenue generation training, security, and equipment maintenance.

o Mentoring for managers of partner radio outlets and community radio stations.o Strengthening of the community radio network for sharing content as well as information

related to management of radio stations. Writing and researching of media stories by journalists

o Production of media content that is targeted to the needs of various populations, including women, youth, refugees, and IDPs.

o Production of targeted media content that builds awareness on key issues such as sexual and gender-based violence.

Broadcasting and radio operations o Production and dissemination of media content described above.

Construction and rehabilitation of radio stations o Assessment to inform the allocation of community radio resources to target audiences,

including refugees and IDPs.o Support and rebuilding of community radio stations across the country.o Creation of interfaith community radio stations.


9

IR 3: Citizens’ input into post-elections political processes enhanced

USAID will strengthen public input into CAR political processes and national dialogue through media programming that solicits the view of citizens and relays these views back to decision-makers. Particular attention will focus on attaining the input of women, youths, refugees, and IDPs. Through this activity, journalists will maximize citizen engagement in their reporting, using participatory formats such as call-in shows and village debates. Content will also be programmed to address in particular the concerns of women, youth, refugees, and IDPs.


Training, awareness raising, and capacity building o Facilitation of dialogues between citizens, government officials, humanitarian

organizations, and other key stakeholders. Writing and researching of media stories by journalists

o Political and civic education radio programming of general interest.o Political and civic education radio programming of interest to women, youths, refugees,

and IDPs.o Innovative, participatory formats used to present content.o Citizen input from outside Bangui incorporated into broadcasts in the capital city.

Broadcasting and radio operations o Production and dissemination of media content described above.

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

2.1 Locations Affected

2.1.1 Geographical Scope

The activity will take place across CAR from October 2016 to September 2021. The exact locations within CAR and refugee camps will be determined based on need, physical access, and security concerns.

2.1.2 Area description

CAR is a landlocked nation with a population of approximately five million people. It is one of the poorest nations in the world, despite having significant natural resources, including diamonds, gold, oil, timber, and arable land. The absence of government institutions and rule of law has led to the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources throughout the country. Massive displacement of local populations has placed pressure on land and other natural resources.

Key environmental threats include desertification, water pollution, and the rapid loss of wildlife due to poaching, organized wildlife trafficking, and lack of land use planning. Populations of elephants and other


10

important species have dropped dramatically in recent years. Additionally, desertification of the country's agricultural and forest lands has occurred due to climate change and movements of people.

2.1.3 Demography and land occupation

CAR has been affected by conflict and weak governance since its independence in 1960. The country is ranked among the least developed in the world. It ranked 187 out of 188 countries on the 2015 UNDP Human Development Index. An estimated 67 percent of the population is illiterate.2 The average life expectancy is 50.7 years with an infant mortality rate of 96.1 out of every 1,000 live births.3

Since the civil conflict began in 2012, militant groups across the country have clashed with one another and attacked civilians. The UN, in cooperation with other donors, has worked to gradually restore security to the country and build a functioning government. After two years under a transitional government, CAR held peaceful elections and is now transitioning towards a more sustainable system of governance. Nevertheless, the government has only limited presence outside the capital city of Bangui. A large percentage of the country remains under the control of armed groups.

An estimated 4.7 million people live in CAR. Most CAR citizens live in conditions of extreme poverty and chronic food insecurity without access to basic services.4 The World Bank estimates that less than seven percent of the population has access to electricity, while only 30 percent of the population has access to safe water.5 These are pre-conflict statistics, suggesting that the situation has become even worse for many CAR citizens.

Over 60 percent of the population lives in rural areas.6 Most parts of the country are sparsely populated with an average density of 7.2 inhabitants per square kilometer.7 Infrastructure is in poor quality or non-existent in most parts of the country. During rainy season, roads become impassable in many areas. Travel along existing roads is dangerous, as attacks by armed groups and bandits are common.

The conflict has uprooted over one-fifth of the population, resulting in a large population of refugees and IDPs. At the same time, approximately ten percent of the population belongs to migratory pastoralist communities who move across the land with their cattle. Conflicts often emerge over competing interests in land and natural resources.

2 2015 UNDP Human Development Index.3 2015 UNDP Human Development Index.4 2015 UNDP Human Development Index.5 World Bank, Central African Republic: Country Environmental Analysis (Nov. 2010), p. iv, http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTRANETENVIRONMENT/Resources/CARCEA.pdf [hereinafter World Bank 2010]; UN Environment Program, Mission Report: Risks and opportunities from natural resources and the environment for peacebuilding in the Central African Republic (Aug. 2009), pp. 8-9, http://www.unep.org/disastersandconflicts/Portals/155/disastersandconflicts/docs/UNEP_car_mission_Report_August_2009_draft_rev_1.pdf [hereinafter UNEP 2009]. 6 World Bank 2010, supra note 4, p. iv.7 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Central African Republic: Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (Sept. 2015), p. 4, http://www4.unfccc.int/submissions/INDC/Published%20Documents/Central%20African%20Republic/1/CPDN_R%C3%A9publique%20Centrafricaine_EN.pdf [hereinafter UNFCCC 2015].


11

http://www4.unfccc.int/submissions/INDC/Published%20Documents/Central%20African%20Republic/1/CPDN_R%C3%A9publique%20Centrafricaine_EN.pdf

http://www4.unfccc.int/submissions/INDC/Published%20Documents/Central%20African%20Republic/1/CPDN_R%C3%A9publique%20Centrafricaine_EN.pdf

http://www.unep.org/disastersandconflicts/Portals/155/disastersandconflicts/docs/UNEP_car_mission_Report_August_2009_draft_rev_1.pdf

http://www.unep.org/disastersandconflicts/Portals/155/disastersandconflicts/docs/UNEP_car_mission_Report_August_2009_draft_rev_1.pdf

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTRANETENVIRONMENT/Resources/CARCEA.pdf

Most CAR citizens pursue their livelihoods outside of the formal economy. An estimated 90 percent of all agriculture occurs at subsistence levels.8 Meanwhile, corruption is rampant and limits people’s ability to pursue their livelihoods. The country ranks 145 out of 167 in Transparency International’s 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index. Gender-based violence is endemic, while gender inequality exists throughout the country’s formal and informal economies.

Where the formal economy exists, revenue draws mainly from the mining and forestry sectors. Prior to the conflict, diamonds and timber accounted for an estimated 90 percent of exports.9 CAR also has deposits of iron, copper, zinc, tin, nickel, coltan, and colbalt, but these are largely unexploited.10 Diamond mining occurs primarily at an artisanal scale, rather than at an industrial scale. Many of the diamond mines are concentrated in the southwestern part of the country, while a mix of artisanal gold and diamond mining occurs in the eastern part of the country outside the control of the central government.

Legal diamond and timber exports came to a halt during the civil conflict and are beginning to re-emerge. Notably, the Kimberley Process for responsible diamond trade permitted CAR to begin exporting diamonds from certain compliant zones. The first post-conflict exports took place from southeastern CAR (Berberati) in mid-2016.

Revitalizing the artisanal diamond mining sector is a high priority for the CAR government as it seeks to recover from years of civil conflict. Prior to the start of the conflict in 2012, an estimated 25 percent of the population was linked to the diamond economy and its ancillary sectors. Diamonds from CAR’s artisanal mining sector accounted for 40 to 50 percent of all export earnings.

One of the major drivers of conflict in CAR has been competition for land use between agricultural and pastoralist communities. Pastoralist migrations have taken place in Central Africa for centuries. In many cases, communities have succeeded in sharing land and natural resources through local-level negotiations and traditional arrangements. As described by the UN Environment Program (UNEP):

“Shared use of resources among agriculture, livestock and other needs such as hunting is common and has usually been governed by a series of tacit or explicit understandings or tribal-level negotiation processes. Where these situations hold, the mutual benefit can be substantial. Settled communities receive an income by selling goods and services to the passing pastoralists. The cattle can feed on post-harvest stubble and fertilize the fields as they pass through. The hooves of the cattle can also break up the soil prior to the rains, allowing better water retention in the soil.”11

In some cases, however, conflicts have arisen between agriculturalists and pastoralists. These tensions have worsened in recent years, as climate change and desertification force pastoralists into new areas. Additionally, CAR political leaders’ manipulation of religious and ethnic differences between communities has heightened the likelihood of conflict. As described by UNEP:

“Traditional practices assumed a limited number of pastoralists, with herds limited by disease and wild animal predation, passing through infrequently and remaining for a limited time. As the

8 UNEP 2009, supra note 4, pp. 8-9.9 World Bank 2010, supra note 4, p. iv.10 UNEP 2009, supra note 4, p. 13.11 UNEP 2009, supra note 4, p. 32.


12

number of herders grows, and as they accumulate more animals and lose fewer to foot-and-mouth disease or predators, traditional understandings break down and tensions grow. These tensions are aggravated where land use and resource access rights are unclear, notably in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country. Reports from north and northeast CAR suggest that increased numbers of livestock are crossing the borders from Chad and Sudan, driven by conflict and prolonged drought in parts of the range. As a result, conflicts over rights of passage, access to water, crop damage and poaching of local game have become more prevalent. Traditional transhumant corridors have simply broken down, as have the wildlife areas and national parks...”12

2.1.4 Geography and Climate

CAR is located on a large plateau between the arid deserts of the Sahel in the north and the tropical forests of Congo River Basin in the south. It is surrounded by Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, and the DRC. Most of the country is covered by savannah woodland with humid tropical forests in the southwest.13 Forests cover 36.5 percent of the country.14

Northern CAR has a moist savanna climate, while the southern part of the country has an equatorial forest climate. Rainfall varies from 800 mm in the north to 1600 mm in the south. Average temperatures range from 15 degrees Celsius in the south and 38 degrees Celsius in the north.15 The dry season generally begins in October and ends in March.16

The CAR once had the third largest area of rainforest cover in Africa. Today, while tropical forest covers 36 percent of the country, very little of the forest cover can be considered primary forest. Global Forest Watch reports that CAR had 76 percent tree cover in 2000, but only nine percent of that forest was primary. The remaining 91 percent of tree cover came from regenerated forest.17 Most of the country's forests have been logged for valuable tree species, including sapelli, ayous, and sipo. Where a timber industry still exists, the wood is generally exported to Europe, sometimes through illegal channels. Fuelwood collection has also placed pressure on the nations’ forests. Furthermore, deforestation and poor agricultural practices are resulting in desertification in the northern parts of the country. Desertification, in turn, has led to the migration of pastoralist cattle herders further south, fueling conflict with sedentary, agricultural communities over use of land and water resources.

2.1.5 Ecological Zones and Biodiversity

CAR lies primarily in a savanna zone between the arid, treeless land in the north and dense tropical rainforests in the south. These ecosystems host a wide range of plant and animal life.

12 UNEP 2009, supra note 4, p. 32.13 World Bank 2010, supra note 4, p. 1.14 World Bank 2010, supra note 4, p. 1.15 UNFCCC 2015, supra note 6, p. 4.16 Encyclopedia Brittanica, “Central African Republic,” Apr. 2016, https://www.britannica.com/place/Central-African-Republic [hereinafter Brittanica].17 Global Forest Watch, Country Profile: Central African Republic (last accessed 24 Aug. 2016), http://www.globalforestwatch.org/country/CAF [hereinafter Global Forest Watch].


13

http://www.globalforestwatch.org/country/CAF

https://www.britannica.com/place/Central-African-Republic

https://www.britannica.com/place/Central-African-Republic

While there are few environmental studies of CAR, it likely that biodiversity is under threat throughout the country. High levels of poverty and lack of economic alternatives, combined with the impacts of sustained armed conflict, have increased demand for bushmeat. Large-scale poaching of elephants and other high value species has also proved lucrative for armed and criminal groups, leading to the devastation of animal populations. In northern parts of the country, deforestation and poor agricultural practices are resulting in desertification.

In southern CAR, the Congo rain forest is renowned for its biodiversity, including over 400 mammal species, 1,200 bird species, and 8,000 plant species. Of these, at least 16 species of birds and 23 species of mammals are considered threatened or endangered. Some well-known mammals include forest and savanna elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, okapi, leopards, hippos, and lions. The forests also provide food, medicine, and shelter for local people. The forest savanna mosaic, which includes the northernmost savanna woodlands in Africa, also hosts diverse habitats and high biodiversity.18 Conflict and poor governance have had a devastating effect on these habitats and the species that live within them, especially as armed groups and displaced populations disrupt ecosystems and engage in poaching.

The vast majority of CAR citizens face extreme food insecurity, which in turn forces people to exploit local resources and wildlife wherever possible. Researchers have also gathered evidence of organized poaching networks that traffic ivory and wildlife through the country. An estimated 34 species of mammals are threatened with extinction in west and central Africa, of which 17 are primates. The black rhino is no longer present in the country due to poaching. Some local extinction has already occurred, and many non-threatened species are exhibiting diminishing stocks. These losses could lead to further environmental degradation through the disappearance of species important for ecosystem functions such as seed dispersal and pollination.19

2.1.6 Soils

According to WWF, “Central Africa’s active seismic history exposed many rock types that provided parent material for diverse soil catenas.”20 Many parts of the region contained soils of low fertility, similar to other humid tropical areas. Over time, human activities have resulted in lower soil quality. WWF summarized the history of soil in Central Africa:

“The transition from the equatorial forest to northern latitude savannas was most probably gradual throughout the early Pleistocene. Two main factors sharpened the transition zone. Initially, about 50,000 years ago, fires became a frequent disturbance. Secondly, for the last 3,000 years humans have burned clearings for farms and livestock, further reducing tree densities and creating wooded grasslands. These historic land use patterns reflect plant-soil interaction. Nutrient-poor oxisols traditionally have been left under forest or [fire-fallow cultivation].”21

In recent years, economic activities and development have likely affected soil quality. However, there is limited data on this subject. In general, activities such as artisanal mining are likely to contribute to 18 WWF, “Central Africa” (last accessed 24 Aug. 2016), http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/at0712 [hereinafter WWF].19 World Bank 2010, supra note 4.20 WWF, supra note 17.21 WWF, supra note 17.


14

http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/at0712

erosion due to top soil disturbance, as well as the introduction of toxic chemicals into the soil. In more densely populated areas, such as towns or displacement camps, land degradation and conversion of land is likely to have occurred due to lack of strong environmental management practices.22

2.1.7 Water Resources

As summarized by Brittanica: “[CAR] occupies an immense rolling plateau that forms, along a crest that trends southwest to northeast, the major drainage divide between the Lake Chad and Congo River basins. The country is well supplied with waterways. Tributaries of the Chari River occupy the northern third of the country’s territory. The remaining two-thirds of the terrain drains southward into the Ubangi River, which forms [CAR’s] southern border with [the DRC].”23

According to a 2009 study by UNEP, the country receives significant annual rainfall of around 1,000 mm and has a number of river courses. However, ground water levels are diminishing and surface water quality is low.24 Access to clean water remains a challenge for many CAR citizens, especially following the wide displacement during the civil conflict. Sanitation facilities and practices also contribute extensively to poor water quality. Prior to the conflict, only 30 percent of the population had regular access to clean drinking water.25 Health threats continue to affect the population. In mid-2016, a cholera outbreak emerged in the capital city Bangui and in Kemo prefecture.26

2.1.8 Climate Change

CAR contributes less than 0.002 percent of global GHG emissions.27 Of the country’s emissions from 2011, 89.46 percent came from land-use change and forestry activities.28 While it is insignificant as a global polluter, CAR provides important carbon storage capacity, especially in the southern forests that form part of the Congo River Basin. According to Global Forest Watch, CAR has 2,843 million metric tons of carbon stocks in living forest biomass.29

Meanwhile, CAR citizens remain highly vulnerable to climate change. Most of the population lives below the poverty line and is exposed to extreme climate hazards, such as heavy rains, floods, or drought that destroy their limited resources.30 Pastoralists, which comprise ten percent of the population, have already altered their migration routes in response to increased desertification and climate change. This, in turn, has contributed to further conflicts between communities.

22 University of Gothenberg, “Democratic Republic of Congo – Environmental and Climate Change Policy Brief” (June 2008), pp. 2-3, http://www.vub.ac.be/klimostoolkit/sites/default/files/documents/env_policy_brief_congo.pdf [hereinafter U. of Gothenberg].23 Brittanica, supra note 15.24 UNEP 2009, supra note 4, pp. 14-15.25 UNEP 2009, supra note 4, p. 34.26 Reuters, 18 Aug. 2016, “Aid agencies race to contain cholera outbreak in Central African Republic,” http://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-cholera-idUSKCN10T1PN. 27 UNFCCC 2015, supra note 6, pp. 4-5.28 UNFCCC 2015, supra note 6, p. 6.29 Global Forest Watch, supra note 16.

30 UNFCCC 2015, supra note 6, p. 9.


15

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-cholera-idUSKCN10T1PN

2.2 National Environmental Policies and Procedures

As a result of years of conflict and political turmoil, the government’s environmental management capacity remains weak to non-existent. The Environmental Code of the Central African Republic: Law No. 07.018 of 28 December 2007 (http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/caf105925.pdf) sets forth the most recent requirements for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in CAR. The Ministry of Environment, Economy, and Sustainable Development is responsible for EIA decision-making in CAR, except in the case of mining activities where the Ministry of Mining is responsible. No detailed regulations on the EIA process have been established. Due to the extremely limited capacity of government ministries, very little environmental enforcement exists, if at all.

CAR is a party to the Ramsar Convention (1994) for the protection of important wetlands, CITES (1975) for the conservation of threatened wildlife and plants, the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), World Heritage Convention (1975), and the African Convention on nature and natural resource conservation (1976), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Central African Forestry Commission.

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK31

In this section, the interventions envisaged under the CONNECT activity are described and their potential impacts analyzed.

Most of the interventions planned for this activity include training, awareness raising, and capacity building; writing and researching of media stories by journalists; and assessments, community dialogue, media monitoring, civic education and media related research. None of these interventions are expected to negatively affect the environment.

A few interventions are expected to involve biophysical interventions that have potential to adversely affect the environment. These include small-scale construction and rehabilitation interventions, power generation and radio broadcasting masts and operations.

Small-scale construction and rehabilitation

The construction of small-scale communications infrastructure to be carried out under this program, such as radio towers and antenna construction and installation, will be minor and the details of the construction carried out in support of any particular community development intervention or site may have a number of unique aspects. However, construction activities in general share a set of common features and potential adverse environmental impacts. Potential adverse impacts of small scale construction and rehabilitation projects include: damage to ecosystems; sedimentation of streams and surface water; contamination of water supplies; or damage to aesthetics of the area.

While small-scale construction and rehabilitation is not expected to have a significant impact, USAID partners will need to work with communities to avoid issues which can arise with such construction. For new, small-scale (<1000 m2) construction, care will be taken to ensure that the

31 Includes analysis of environmental and social


16

foundation is well-prepared meeting at least best engineering standards for construction in country (e.g., to avoid collapse due to ignorance of basic construction standards), and measures taken to ensure that construction allows for proper run-off of rainwater.

Moreover, construction should ensure that the integrity of the structure is maintained and that actual construction has a minimal impact on the environment.

Power generation

Fuel use and spillage. Because of limited fuel availability, power generation from solar and self-sustaining local sources is preferred. In rare cases, generators may be placed on the tower sites. Depending on how the towers are powered, fueling the generators could possibly lead to fuel spillage. Generators should be installed on concrete aprons, and berms or gutters/sumps should be used in order to limit and contain possible fuel spillage.

Fumes and noise pollution. Power generation could increase the amount of fumes in the air and has the potential to create noise pollution. Internews can mitigate these problems by purchasing fuel efficient generators with quiet noise suppressing features. Generators will be sheltered from weather conditions in an effort to keep them in peak operating condition.

Radio broadcasting masts and operations

Runoff and standing water. Runoff from cleared ground or materials stockpiled during construction can result in sedimentation/fouling of surface waters, particularly if the site is located in close proximity to a stream or waterbody. Construction may result in standing water on‐site, which readily becomes breeding habitat for mosquitoes and other disease vectors; this is of particular concern as malaria is endemic in the region. Both impacts are controllable below the level of significance with basic good construction practices.

Broadcasting. By definition, radio broadcast antennas emit non‐ionizing radio‐frequency (RF) radiation. Very high intensity RF radiation can induce heating in body tissues. The science of other “non‐heating” effects, particularly at moderate field intensities, is uncertain, with some studies suggesting increased cancer and developmental risks and immunological effects, among others. Any developments need to keep within the acceptable parameters of the industry standards.

Waste streams and pathogens. Radio operations will generate a set of waste streams (e.g. gray water, latrine discharge, solid waste). However, experience shows that such impacts controllable below the level of significance with basic good design and management practices given the low volumes of such wastes produced by the radio stations.


17

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONSThe following table summarizes the recommended determinations based on the environmental analysis conducted. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, per 22CFR216. Specified conditions, detailed in Section 5, become mandatory obligations of implementation, per ADS 204.

TABLE 2. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/ActivitiesCategorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable) Negative Determination

1. Training, awareness raising and capacity building:

awareness raising, and capacity building of journalist on gathering, sourcing, verifying, and reporting information related to the post-elections political processes; facilitation of dialogues

2. writing and researching of media stories by journalists;

3. Assessments, community dialogue, media monitoring, civic education and media related research

Categorical exclusion per 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (i)(i)(iii)(v),. These activities are not anticipated to have any adverse impacts on the physical and biological environment.

4. Broadcasting and radio operations

Negative determination with Conditions pursuant 22 CFR 216.3 (a) (2) (iii) Mandatory conditions include the following: Radio broadcasting- Even though the emissions of non-ionizing radio frequency will not exceed the acceptable standard, the Implementing Partner will closely monitor these emissions to ensure they remain safe for the environment and human health. Any drastic increase of emissions should be documented, and


18


actions should be taken. Waste generation- Any waste generated by the intervention will be disposed of in compliance with USAID guidelines on solid waste management: http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/solidWaste.htm.

5. Power generation

Negative determination with Conditions pursuant 22 CFR 216.3 (a) (2) (iii) Power generation- Generators should be installed on concrete aprons, and berms or gutters/sumps should be used in order to limit and contain possible fuel spillage.- Generators will be sheltered from weather conditions in an effort to keep them in peak operating condition.- Generators will be maintained regularly to remain in good condition.

Refer to USAID Sector Environmental Guidelines for Small-Scale Energy for guidance in case of fuel spillage or seepage.


Negative determination with Conditions pursuant 22 CFR 216.3 (a) (2) (iii) Construction and rehabilitationConditions apply to construction or rehabilitation of facilities or structures in which the surface area to be disturbed does not exceeds 10,000 sq. ft (1,000 sq meters):

- Interventions will not involve displacement of existing settlement/inhabitants.- Sites must not be placed within 30m of a permanent or seasonal stream or water body. Sites must have an average slope of less than 5% and be located in areas that are not heavily forested, not in undisturbed local ecosystem, and not in a protected area. Sites violating one or more of these criteria are subject to the condition established under the last bullet point in this section.


19

http://www.usaidgems.org/Documents/SectorGuidelines/SectorEnvironmentalGuidelines_Energy_2014.pdf

http://www.usaidgems.org/Documents/SectorGuidelines/SectorEnvironmentalGuidelines_Energy_2014.pdf


- Construction will be undertaken in a manner generally consistent with the guidance for environmentally sound construction provided in the USAID Sector Environmental Guideline for Construction: http://usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm.- At minimum, (1) During construction, prevent sediment-heavy run-off from cleared site or material stockpiles to any surface waters or fields with berms, by covering sand/dirt piles, or by choice of location. (Only applies if construction occurs during rainy season.); (2) Construction must be managed so that no standing water on the site persists more than 4 days; (3) Implementing Partners must require their general contractor to certify that it is not extracting fill, sand or gravel from waterways or ecologically sensitive areas, nor is it knowingly purchasing these materials from vendors who do so; (4) Implementing partners must identify and implement any feasible measures to increase the probability that timber is procured from legal, well-managed sources.- Implementing partners will undertake a USAID Environmental Review Form (http://www.encapafrica.org/documents/AFR-EnvReviewForm-20Dec2010.doc) review process that covers each intervention or category of interventions involving construction or rehabilitation of HF radios, FM radios, or other telecommunications interventions.- For construction or rehabilitation of facilities or structures in which the surface area to be disturbed is MORE than 10,000 sq. ft (1,000 sq meters): the IP must confer with the REA as whether an IEE, programmatic IEE, EA, or programmatic EA is most appropriate.


20

http://usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm

http://usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

The CONNECT design team used USAID's “Climate Risk Screening Tool” to assess the potential climate risks. The tool is essentially a matrix that systematically identifies the relevant sectors, regions, and timeframes for analysis, and assesses the potential climate change impacts, adaptive capacity and potential options to address those impacts.

4.2.1 Country Climate Change Information (Baseline information)

USAID has not yet produced a Climate Risk Profile for Central African Republic. A variety of resources provide climate change information, such as the World Bank's Climate Knowledge Portal:

The Central African Republic is characterized as a humid, tropical climate with a distinct rainy and dry season. Mean annual rainfall increases from north to south and ranges from 300 mm to 2,500 mm per year throughout the country. Average temperatures in CAR range between 20-35° C.CAR spans three distinctive climatic zones, corresponding to different annual precipitation and temporal distribution of the wet and rainy seasons.In the southern part of CAR, the Guinea-Forest climate zone typically receives around 1,600-1,800 mm of rainfall per year, and the rainy season lasts longer than the dry season.The central part of the CAR is characterized as the Sudanese-Guinean zone, receiving between 1,000-1,600 mm of rainfall per year. The dry season and wet season are generally the same temporal range.The Sudanese-Sahelian zone occupies the northern region of the country with annual average rainfall less than 800 mm, and a longer dry season than wet season.In general, May to October is characterized as the rainy season. Average monthly rainfall ranges between 140-240 mm and average temperatures between 24-25° C.The dry season, from November-April, is characterized as hot with average temperatures from 26-27° C. During this season, harmattan winds bring dry, dusty, and hot air from the Sahara.

EXTREMESMaximum temperatures have been increasing more quickly than minimum temperatures in CAR since 1978. Maximum temperatures have been increasing at 0.35° C per decade versus minimum temperatures at 0.21° C per decade.The catchment area of Mbali has observed alternating periods of wet and dry periods, with dry periods persisting longer, over the period of 1952-1995. Available water at the Mbali Dam has steadily declined since 1971.RAINFALLMean annual rainfall depicts a slight decreasing trend over the period of 1978-2009, though this trend shows relatively more inter-annual variability than a strong trend. Northeastern CAR has seen the main downward trend in precipitation while the southwestern region has experienced a positive trend over this time period.


Table 3 below contains the key risks and options adopted in the connected citizen Activity.

TABLE 3. ACTIVITY CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT SUMMARY TABLE Tasks/Defined or Illustrative Interventions

Climate Risks

List key risks related to the defined/illustrative interventions identified in the screening and additional assessment.

Risk Rating

Low/Moderate/ High

How Risks are Addressed

Describe how risks have been addressed in activity design and/or additional steps that will be taken in implementation. If you chose to accept the risk, briefly explain why.

Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience

Describe opportunities to achieve multiple development objectives by integrating climate resilience or mitigation measures

1.Training, awareness raising and capacity building: awareness raising, and capacity building of journalist on gathering, sourcing, verifying, and reporting information related to the post-elections political processes; facilitation of dialogues

2. Writing and researching of media stories by journalists;

3. Assessments, community dialogue, media monitoring, civic education and media

Extremeprecipitation andflooding result ininaccessibilityand destruction oftraining facility.

Low NA NA


22

Tasks/Defined or Illustrative Interventions

Climate Risks


Risk Rating

Low/Moderate/ High





related research

4. Broadcasting and radio operations

Extremeprecipitation andflooding result in scrambling of the transmission signal and destruction of antenna

Moderate During heavy rains, the overcast sky can be a constraint for good signal transmission. The signal will be re-enforced with equipment appropriate for this purpose.

The structures of the antennas will be strengthened and protected in a way that resists the heavy rains and flooding that can result.

Wherever possible, rainwater will be channeled to reduce flooding

Whenever possible, local institutes can join efforts to divert rainwater to reduce flood disasters, the diverted water can be collected to be use in a dry season. The antenna reinforcement measures can be duplicated on other structures in order to protect them from heavy rain as well.


Extremeprecipitation andflooding result ininaccessibility of material

Moderate Material resistant to the rainwater will be used. As far as possible the construction will be done during the dry season.

Whenever possible, local institutes can join efforts to divert rainwater to reduce flood disasters, the diverted water can be


23

Tasks/Defined or Illustrative Interventions

Climate Risks


Risk Rating

Low/Moderate/ High





and destruction ofConstruction.

Buildings will be equipped with gutters to reduce the pressure of water on the ground around the building. A system of rainwater diversion will be put in place.Include climate risk management language in the solicitation and the agreement.

collected to be use in a dry season. The antenna reinforcement measures can be duplicated on other structures in order to protect them from heavy rain as well.

6. Power Generation Extremeprecipitation andflooding result ininaccessibility of materialand destruction ofConstruction.

Moderate Material resistant to the rainwater will be used. To protect the power generator from heavy rain.

A system of rainwater diversion will be put in place.

Include climate risk management language in the solicitation and the agreement.

Whenever possible, local institutes can join efforts to divert rainwater to reduce flood disasters. The protection measure can be duplicated on other structures in order to protect them from heavy rain as well.


24


25

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES5.1 CONDITIONSThe environmental determinations in this IEE are contingent upon full implementation of the following general implementation and monitoring requirements. USAID will ensure that applicable requirements are met.

1. Implementing Partner briefings on environmental compliance responsibilities. USAID/DRC will provide the Implementing Partner with a copy of this IEE, and the AOR will brief the Implementing Partner on their environmental compliance responsibilities. During this briefing, the IEE conditions applicable to the interventions will be identified.

2. Development of an environmental mitigation and monitoring plan (EMMP). The Implementing Partner shall develop and provide for AOR and MEO review and approval, an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) documenting how their project will implement and verify all IEE conditions that apply to their activities (The AFR EMMP Factsheet provides EMMP guidance and sample EMMP formats: http://www.usaidgems.org/Documents/lopDocs/ENCAP_EMMP_Factsheet_22Jul2011.pdf ).

3. Integration and implementation of EMMP. The Implementing Partner shall integrate their EMMP into their activity work plan and budgets, implement the EMMP, and report on its implementation as an element of regular project performance reporting.

4. Communication to firms regarding compliance. The Implementing Partner shall communicate to potential sub-grantees the requirements established in this IEE. Specifically, the Implementing Partner shall, and as appropriate, communicate environmental compliance responsibilities to each potential sub-grantee.

5. USAID/DRC monitoring responsibility. As required by ADS 204.3.4, the USAID/DRC Mission will actively monitor and evaluate whether the conditions of this IEE are being implemented effectively up to the signatures of agreements/deals and whether there are new or unforeseen consequences that were not identified and reviewed in this IEE. If new or unforeseen consequences arise, the team will suspend the activity and initiate appropriate, further review in accordance with 22 CFR 216. USAID Monitoring shall include regular field visits.

6. Compliance with Host Country Requirements. Nothing in this IEE substitutes for or supersedes Implementing Partner, sub-grantee and subcontractor responsibility for compliance with all applicable host country laws and regulations. The Implementing Partner, sub-grantees and subcontractor must comply with host country environmental regulations unless otherwise directed in writing by USAID. However, in case of conflict between host country and USAID regulations, the latter shall govern.


i http://sdwebx.worldbank.org/climateportal/index.cfm?page=downscaled_data_download&menu=historical