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Sindh Coastal Community Development Project Initial Environmental Examination Village Haji Mehaar Kapoorani Taluka Ghorabari Thatta District December 2010

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Contents Executive Summary 3 Acronyms 4 1. Introduction 5 2. Purpose and Scope of IEE 5 3. Description of Sub-Project 6

3.1 General Features 6 3.2 Technical Features of Shrimp and Crab Ponds 6 3.3 Technical Features of Oyster, Mussels and Seaweed Rafts 7 3.4 Type and Category of the Project 7 3.5 Location of Project 7 3.6 Objectives of Project 8 3.7 Alternatives Considered 8 3.8 Size and Magnitude of Operations and Implementation Schedule 8 3.9 Government Approval and Leases 8

4. Description of Environment 8 4.1 Physical Resources 8 4.2 Ecological Resources 8 4.3 Socioeconomic Profile 9 4.4 Quality of Life 9

5. Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 10 5.1 Environmental Impacts Due to Existing Site 10 5.2 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Design 11 5.3 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Construction 11 5.4 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Operation 12 5.5 Mitigation Measures 12

6. Analysis of Alternatives 14 7. Public Consultation and Disclosure 14 8. Conclusion and Recommendations 15 References 16 Annexure 17

Executive Summary The Sindh Coastal Community Development Project (SCCDP) is being implemented by the Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) in coastal areas of Thatta and Badin through government agencies (Sindh Forest Department, Sindh Fisheries Department and district governments) and non-governmental organizations (NRSP and IUCN). The project is funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). IUCN has been entrusted with the planning and implementation of community mangrove planting and management and environmental assessment of aquaculture, under the sub-component on improved coastal management. This report presents findings of an initial environmental examination (IEE) of the pilot aquaculture site identified by Sindh Fisheries Department, where 10 shrimp/crab ponds are to be established on approximately one hectare land. The initiative is being managed by the local community, mobilized by NRSP. The site under assessment is located near village Meeru Jat some 4.5 km away from Garho town (240

19’ 26.37” north latitude and 0670 34’ 28.86” east longitude). This is situated in Union Council Garho, Taluka Ghora Bari District Thatta The site belongs to private land holder as supported by record of rights (form VII) and donated to Community Organization belonging to village Haji Mehaar Kapoorani for establishment of the pilot project comprising on a series of 10 shrimp/crab ponds, each measuring 0.1 ha (20m x 50m) to be operated on communal basis. The environmental examination revealed that the site is situated considerably away from agriculture fields and settlements and affected by salinity and has no potential for agriculture Further the establishment of new ponds will have a very negligible impact on the existing water table in the area. The selected site is situated away from the mangrove ecosystems thus the aquaculture expansion impacts on mangrove system will be negligible. Adverse impacts on ecosystem or biodiversity may also be averted if local species are cultured in the ponds. The assessment has shown some concerns related to the design of proposed intervention. It has been noted that the current design of collective construction of ten ponds at one location may not transfer project benefits to the poor fisherfolk as compared to single household based segregated ponds scattered around deferent communities. Such design may serve as an easy replication model to suit a single family operation and maintenance capacities and will have more potential for greater replication among coastal communities. However, this aspect needs further discussion and involves revision of basic design as provided in the SCCDP project document (PC-I). Overall, the assessment has revealed that the proposed site is suitable for aquaculture. The screening process has not identified any major negative environmental issues related to operation of the proposed intervention, due to smaller scale of the proposed activity involving approximately one hectare of infertile land, however an environmental management plan is also annexed to this document

Acronyms ADB Asian Development Bank EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan GPS Global Positioning System IEE Initial Environmental Examination IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCNP International Union for Conservation of Nature, Pakistan NRSP National Rural Support Programme SCCDP Sindh Coastal Community Development Project SCDA Sindh Coastal Development Authority CO Community Organization

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1. Introduction The Sindh Coastal Community Development Project (SCCDP) is an ADB funded project being implemented by SCDA in coastal areas of Thatta and Badin. The project is in its 2nd year of implementation and various government and non government organizations are its implementing partners like Sindh Forest Department, Sindh Fisheries Department, and District Governments of Thatta & Badin) and non-government organizations (NRSP and IUCN). Each organization has specific roles and responsibilities assigned to them. The objectives of the project are: i. Diversify household income generation options and access to service in ways sustainable to the

fragile ecosystem ii. Improve coastal zone management by stabilising environmental degradation and protecting

coastal areas from accelerated erosion iii. Strengthen institutional capabilities for coastal zone planning, development and management of

fisheries resources The complex nature of the project demands effective cooperation between organizations to achieve the following outputs co-relating with the defined objectives: i. Sustainable community managed income generating mangrove stands, pond/raft fisheries and

shell fisheries are established ii. Transparent and accountable community driven mechanisms for identification, implementation,

operations and maintenance of civil works and public services are in place IUCN Pakistan is working closely with partner organization such as NRSP, Sindh Forest Department and Sindh Fisheries Department. Under the sub-component of ‘improved coastal management’, IUCNP has been assigned the task of planning and implementation of community planting and management and environmental assessment of aquaculture in the coastal areas of Thatta and Badin districts. IUCNP’s key roles project are to: i. Implement the community mangrove plantation component which covers 350 ha of land ii. Monitor and evaluate the 350 ha area by IUCN and 3000 ha of mangroves (on government

owned land) by Sindh Forest Department iii. To monitor environmental impacts of the aquaculture related activities

2. Purpose and Scope of IEE Under the aquaculture sub-component of the project pilot scale aquaculture activities are to be initiated in Thatta and Badin districts. The pilot activities will include establishment of 20 shrimp/crab ponds and 20 seaweed/bivalve rafts in selected coastal areas at two separate locations. Based on the results of these pilots, the aquaculture activities are intended to be expanded to establish 80 more ponds, each to promote livelihood of households in selected coastal areas of Sindh. For the establishment of pilot ponds, local communities are to be mobilized and engaged in the pilot initiatives with support of NRSP. The environmental assessment and monitoring of pilot interventions and subsequent expansion is to be carried out by IUCNP; this component will ensure that the adverse environmental consequence are avoided or mitigated to enhance the positive benefits of the proposed interventions. The purpose of this report is to present IEE of the pilot aquaculture site near Ambra creek some 5 km from Garho town of Thatta district. Based on this assessment, environmental impacts of proposed pilot interventions have been identified, screened and assessed. Mitigation measures to address the potential environmental impacts have been proposed and a monitoring plan has been suggested for continuous monitoring of the proposed interventions during construction and operation phases. Team of the experts conducted IEE of the proposed site for pilot aquaculture intervention. purpose was to assess baseline situation and analyse environmental impacts of proposed aquaculture intervention during design, construction and operation phases. The scope of this environmental assessment report is limited to environmental situation within the immediate surrounding of the identified site. The assessment covers physical, biological and socio-economic parameters pertaining

to the proposed pilot aquaculture intervention. The assessment was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts, comprising of:

i. Aquaculture / Fisheries Specialist ii. Muhammad Tahir Qureshi, Coastal Ecosystem Expert iii. Rafiul Haq, Natural Resource Management Specialist

For the preparation of this assessment report several visits of the proposed site were conducted to collect required information. These included joint visits with relevant fisheries officials, meetings with local NRSP staff, discussion and consultation with community members. In addition, background project documents and literature was reviewed for the preparation of this report. 3. Description of Sub-Project The aquaculture sub-component of SCCDP aims at sustainable fisheries (aquaculture) development in the coastal areas of Thatta and Badin specifically involving the local fishermen who rely on fishing as their primary source family income. As per project document (PC-I) the proposed interventions entail development of shrimp and crab ponds, with further work on a pilot basis in oyster, mussel and seaweed raft cultivation. The project intends to establish mariculture pond and raft system, comprising of small, low technology ponds supported by mangrove plantings. The project document envisages the following strategy for aquaculture interventions: 3.1 General Features

i. Initial construction and operation of twenty (20) ponds and (20) pilot rafts with expansion of 80 additional ponds and 80 rafts based on successful pilot.

ii. The proposed sites for mariculture include Keti Bundar, Shah Bundar and Zero Point near Ahmad Rajo. For piloting, the two proposed sites are Keti Bandar and Shah Bandar. If these trials are successful they will be extended to Zero Point near Ahmad Rajo.

iii. The pond and raft would involve domestic species (Annexure X of PC-I). Endogenous species fully adapted to local environmental conditions have been selected: (i) two prawn species, Penaeus indicus and Penaeus merguiensis; (ii) the mud crab, Scylla serrata; (iii) a local species of oyster, Crassostrea rivularis; (iv) the mussel, Perna viridisand; and (v) local seaweed species, Ulva. Enteromorpha Porphyra (RRP-SCCDP).

iv. The ponds and rafts will be managed in collaboration with the Coastal Fisheries hatcheries at Gharho and Hawks Bay and with consultants.

v. Community organizations in villages will be mobilized by NRSP to assist in the pilot scale trails. Community members will be trained in cultivation and harvesting techniques and in the maintenance and policing of ponds and rafts.

vi. Village selection will be based on (i) poverty levels, (ii) interest and willingness of poor households to engage in the overall activities of the project; and (iii) physical proximity the coast, to other interested villages and to proposed mangrove and fish pond working areas.

vii. Harvest and marketing of the prawns and crabs will be managed carefully, taking into consideration a good return fairly distributed to the local communities involved in the operation.

viii. Following successful pilot scale replication, the cultivation of crabs, shrimps, bivalves and seaweeds will be extended to the third site at Zero Point, and also expanded at the Keti Bandar and Shah Bandar sites with eighty additional ponds and eighty rafts, for a total of 100 ponds and 100 rafts, subject to advance environmental planning and regulation to avoid future pollution and environmental degradation.

ix. The aquaculture activities would be linked to protective mangrove planting. x. The sites selected for this sub-component would not be located in ecologically sensitive or wildlife

areas (Annexure X of PC-I). 3.2 Technical Features of Shrimp and Crab Ponds i. A series of 10 ponds (each about 20 x 50 meters in size or 0.1 ha) will be built for pilot testing of

the approaches on two of three sites. Ten ponds will be constructed at each site, five each for crab and shrimps.

ii. Twenty initial ponds will be sited above mean high tide level with built up bunds (embankments) to prevent encroachment during spring tides. Seawater supply will be by a gravity-fed system relying on the ebb and flow of the twice-daily tide. The shrimp ponds will be seeded with post-

larvae from the Hawks Bay shrimp hatchery. The crab ponds will be seeded with young crabs caught by local villagers in the mangrove swamps.

iii. The feed for the crab is trash fish and shrimp. The feed for shrimp is commercial feed pellets, or a combination of urea, cow and poultry waste, DAP (di-aminophosphate), molasses and yeast, prior to stocking the pond.

iv. Shrimp fishery will yield 1650 kg after 4 months, and crab fishery will produce 2000 kg after 4 months. There is a large local and export market for shrimps (Rs.200-300/kg depending on season). Crabs (Rs. 80-100/kg) are valuable export with a significant market, and the potential for seaweed direct exports and local sale of extracts is high.

3.3 Technical Features of Oyster, Mussels and Seaweed Rafts i. Cultivation of oyster, mussels and of seaweeds will be undertaken on a pilot scale by growing

them on ropes attached to simple rafts (5 x 5 meters size). ii. The twenty initial pilot rafts will be anchored in the mangrove creeks so that they are flushed

twice a day by the ebb and flow of the tides. iii. Seed for the mussels and oysters occurs naturally on a seasonal basis, and will attach to the

ropes. iv. Six rafts will be sited at each site, three for mussels and oysters and three for seaweeds, plus two

extra for bivalves in the most promising location.

3.4 Type and Category of the Project The proposed pilot aquaculture ponds consist of small scale community managed initiatives which fall in Schedule-I of the ‘Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (IEE and EIA) Regulations 2000’. For such project, IEE is required, which deals with preliminary assessment of predicted quantitative and qualitative environmental impacts of a project to know if there are any adverse impacts that may require a full scale EIA. 3.5 Location of Project The proposed site for pilot aquaculture ponds is located near village Meeru Jat some 4.5 km away from Garho town (240 19’ 26.37” north latitude and 0670 34’ 28.86” east longitude). This is situated in Union Council Garho, Taluka Ghora Bari District Thatta (see Figure 1: Location Map). For implementation of the this pilot, the project proponent, Sindh Fisheries Department has entered into an agreement (Annexure I) with the community organization. One the member of the CO Mr. Jamal Lashari has donated his land for establishment of the pilot project comprising on a series of 10 shrimp/crab ponds, each measuring 0.1 ha (20m x 50m), on a communal basis. Fig 1: Location Map of Proposed Aquaculture Site (Source: Google Earth)

3.6 Objectives of Project i. Aquaculture based on community ponds and rafts will provide livelihood opportunities ii. Enhance income of the communities engaged in operation of aquaculture activities iii. Enable communities to better manage their natural resource base, enabling more diversified,

regular and sustainable income from these sources iv. Develop sustainable alternatives that reduce pressure on the capture fisheries 3.7 Alternatives Considered The proposed establishment shrimp and crab pond and rafts system has been prescribed in SCCDP being executed by SCDA in Thatta (Keti Bundar and Shah Bundar) and Badin (Zero Point) districts of Sindh province. The proposed site for pilot scale shrimp and crab ponds and oyster, mussel rafts has been selected by Sindh Fisheries Department as an alternate to the site selected previously. The identified site is affected by salinity and has no potential for agriculture in future. 3.8 Size and Magnitude of Operations and Implementation Schedule By design, the proposed pilot aquaculture ponds and rafts involve low technology and low input community operated aquaculture activities. The total land occupied by the proposed pilot 10 ponds is 1 hector..The pilot pond and raft construction would be completed during the second year of SCCDP, however the operation phase will remain continued throughout the project implementation period and beyond and would require continuous monitoring. 3.9 Government Approval and Leases The proposed pilot aquaculture activities are being implemented as one of the sub-components of SCCDP being executed by the Government of Sindh through SCDA. As such the proposed interventions are endorsed by the government. Further, implementation and technical supervision of proposed aquaculture activities is being carried out by the Sindh Fisheries Department which is a responsible Sindh Government Agency. The designed pilot project intervention would require approximately 1 ha land, which has been identified by Sindh Fisheries Department and entered into an agreement with a local landowner, Mr. Jamal Lashari through the village CO, to get the subject land allocated for the purpose. The pilot rafts are to be sited in the mangrove creeks and require no land as such. As per project document, in all the expansion to a proposed 100 aquaculture ponds would require 75 ha land, government or community owned land. Many hectares of suitable government owned land has been identified as potentially available in inter-tidal zone, besides the community owned land for the proposed intervention. 4. Description of Environment 4.1 Physical Resources The proposed aquaculture site is situated near village Meeru Jat at a distance of approximately 5 km from Garho town towards north-east. The proposed site is located at 240 19’ 26.37” north latitude and 0670 34’ 28.86” east longitude. The general topography of the area consists of inter-tidal creek zone. Being, adjacent to the creek the proposed aquaculture ponds site consists of saline wasteland. Climatically, the area can be categorized as subtropical maritime desert. There are two distinct seasons; summer (March – June) and winter (November to February). Average annual rainfall is about 221 mm and in some years virtually there is no rainfall during the monsoon season. Winds blow from the west during March to October and from north-east during November to January. During peak monsoon season, wind speed rises to an average of 8 knots (Heokstra et al. 1997). 4.2 Ecological Resources The proposed aquaculture pond site falls under the sub-category of sparse mangrove forests. Small scattered patches of mangroves exist at some distance of approximately 5-6 kilometre from the proposed site showing semi-homogenous edaphic patterns, As the terrain is exposed to seasonal and diurnal inundations; therefore the soil has the hard top showing crusts at places with salt in it. The sub soil area is wet and showed presence of waterlogged regimes. The agriculture productivity of such soil always been reported low; as it does not offer much air to accommodate for roots to assimilate.

The vegetation is dominated mostly by shrubs; however variations in vegetation composition were observed with varying microhabitats. The floristic list of the area is shown as per Annexure IV. The patches of mudflats in the terrain were observed hospitable for Avicennia sp to germinate and establish. The dominant life forms consisted halophytes belonging to family Chenopodiaceae. The other significantly represented members of the floristic list belonged to Poaceae, Asteraceae and Zygophylliaceae. The areas close to the habitations were under agricultural use with wheat, rice, sugarcane and vegetables as major crops but with compromised productivity and quality levels. The Keti Bundar and surrounding area is reported to have some 69 species of avifauna with a composition 25 resident species and 44 migratory species, besides 21 species of reptiles and 2 species of amphibians, 63 species of fin fish and 24 species of shell fish. More than 15 mammalian species including both terrestrial and aquatic representatives were also reported in the area (IFAP 2007). There are reports of dolphin citation in the area. A drastic decline in fish catch has been observed and reported. The same pattern was followed by Prawns and Crabs. 4.3 Socioeconomic Profile The sub-project falls in Union Council Garho, tehsil Ghorabari, district Thatta. The fishing settlements of Meeru Jatt exist near the proposed site in a homogenous unit. The village Meeru Jatt comprises of 30 households with a population of around 300 residents (Personal communication). The village, Haji Mehar Kapoorani consists of approximately 57 households. Community organization formed by NRSP exists in the village Haji Mehar Kapoorani. The predominant occupation of the area is fishing and fishing related activities such as fish cleaning or drying. Agriculture is second major occupation of the area. Agriculture is practiced using canal irrigation. A small percentage of the residents are occupied as factory workers, shopkeepers, wood cutters and professional workers. The major livestock in the area includes goats, buffaloes and cows. All villages are older coastal settlements whose inhabitants have lived there for generations. Ethnic composition of the villages consists of Baloch and Sindhi origin. The main languages, Balochi and Sindhi vary according to the ethnic groups. The majority of inhabitants in these villages are residents by birth. Some had in-migrated from other areas of the district. The livelihoods of local communities depend mainly on fishing thus, well integrated into the coastal environment. Women are reportedly employed in fish related activities such as fish drying and cleaning and agricultural activities. However, observation is based on the experience of field work in this area in the past. The actual data to substantiate this assertion is unavailable since information from female respondents could not be collected. During community consultation, it was revealed that the average household earning ranged from Rs.4000-5000 per month from the fishing. The income from seasonal cultivation ranged from Rs.500-600 per month. Since fishing is the main economic activity of the coastal communities, fishing is practiced throughout the year, even during the banned period. Majority of fishermen are against the imposition of ban, as they do not have alternate livelihood. There is no easy solution to this problem; however, the effects of over-fishing have severe consequences on sustainability of fisheries. If economic alternatives such as shrimp/crab/fish farming at household level were promoted, the fishermen could use such ponds/ cages for sustaining their livelihoods during banned period. Some of the fishermen were quite sceptical about the results of the proposed aquaculture activities in the area, due to failure of such efforts by the Fisheries Department in the past. The majority of villagers earn their livelihoods from fishing and fish related products. Crab fattening ponds and prawn culture were found in operation in the area by private parties with promising success and gains. The activity is reported being successfully carried out since last six years. The semi-abandoned fisheries infrastructure also exists in the vicinity of proposed pond site. 4.4 Quality of Life Socio-economic conditions of the villages and settlements are almost identical. In general, the shortage of water, the absence of education, housing and health facilities are some of the common issues prevalent in the area. There is a great disparity between physical infrastructures found in the villages and Garho town. The types of houses or shelters in the villages consist of mostly thatched

and a few of brick made houses. No sanitation and water supply facilities exist in the villages. The canal water and hand pumps are the sources of drinking water for the local communities. The literacy ratio is extremely low. The communication facilities are relatively better developed due to nearness to the major town and mobile telephone services. The average household size is seven members. The diseases such as Malaria, Cholera, T.B, Renal, Skin and ENT were common in the area. The preliminary physical data do not show environmental pollution of great magnitude, it seems likely that the frequency of such symptoms may be due to pollution as well as are the reflection of the absence of the civic amenities in the area. Due to ethnic and professional homogeneity, community conflicts are less prevalent. The local Bradari (communal) system is used to resolve community conflict. 5. Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 5.1 Environmental Impacts Due to Existing Site a. Legal Position The proposed site for establishment of proposed pilot aquaculture ponds (240 19’ 26.37” north latitude and 0670 34’ 28.86” east longitude) is a qubooli land comprising on 1-8 acres, owned by a local community member. Mr. Jamal Lashari who has donated his land for collective use by the CO formed by NRSP (Annexure II). The claim is supported by the Record of Rights (Form VII) (Annexure III). Further, the Sindh Fisheries Department has entered into an agreement with the CO for establishing aquaculture interventions on the proposed land. b. Groundwater The site for establishment of proposed pilot aquaculture ponds is located on near the Ambra creek near some 6 km from Garho town. As per design, there will be ten ponds constructed in a series on one hectare plot. The ponds will be established at the current location to take advantage of the tides to fill ponds and later for flushing. Since the ponds are located right next to Ambra Creek, the issue of ground water contamination due to saline water is negligible. The water table is already very high in the area which was evident from the trench dug between the aquaculture ponds to create a dyke for protection from high tide. The establishment of new ponds will have a very negligible impact on the existing water table in the area. There are already existing some aquaculture ponds in the vicinity – established, owned and operated by different parties. Some ponds were established under a project funded by ADB in late eighties or early nineties by the Sindh Fisheries Department. Since several ponds are already functioning in the area, the impact on groundwater quality due to the establishment of new ponds would be minimal. c. Agriculture Agriculture is one of the most prominent sources of livelihoods in the area after fishing. During the field visit, some agriculture activity was noticed at about 1 km from the location of the ponds. Despite the presence of several aquaculture ponds and high water table in the area, agriculture is being successfully practiced at some distance from the project location. Establishment of ten new pilot ponds is likely to have very minimal impact on agriculture in the area. d. Structures A few thached houses were noticed at a distance of about 500-600 meters from the proposed aquaculture ponds location. As mentioned earlier, the water table in the area is already very high due to close proximity of Creek. Establishment of ten new ponds of 0.1 ha each might only increase water table very slightly and may not have any major impact on structures in the area. e. Erosion Since the proposed ponds location is at considerable distance from the active creek as such direct erosion risk to the proposed ponds seems negligible. However, in general the coastal areas have been subject to extreme weather phenomena during recent years, hence potential risk of flooding may not be overlooked.

5.2 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Design The existing site is well suited for aquaculture ponds, for the reason that it is situated in the natural creek system and availability of shrimp/crab seed will be ensured on one hand and the water levels will also be easily managed through periodic low and high tides. The proposed aquaculture pilot ponds are designed in a series on a single piece of land which being smaller in size (0.1 ha each) and not involving extensive infrastructure development, may not have significant impact on the local environment. Nevertheless one of the key objectives of the Project is to improve livelihoods among poor masses of the area as such the project design should have been revised to benefit the individual families. If single ponds managed by poor individual households, making it easier for them to manage and sustain, were piloted, these would have greater impact through easy replicability by the poor fisherfolks to meet the individual demands of poor families having no livelihood alternatives. In this way the project may yield much higher benefits for the target beneficiaries through creation of alternate sources of income for them. Since ten ponds of 0.1 ha each are designed to be constructed at the proposed site which will not involve extensive infrastructure development as such the proposed pilot will not have any environmental concerns due to its design. 5.3 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Construction Following are some of the potential impacts due to construction of aquaculture ponds: a. Groundwater The proposed ponds site is situated in an area which receives sea water twice a day through low & high tide phenomenon and further being considerably away from agricultural lands / villages receiving ground water for drinking and/or agriculture as such the proposed project will have any negligible impacts on ground water. Further, any indiscriminate dumping of waste oil from vehicles, chemicals or any other contaminants may result in groundwater contamination, if not properly disposed which needs consideration during construction. b. Dust Dust is an inherent problem in construction activities especially if excavation is required. It is very likely that dust will be an issue in the area during construction. However, considering that the size of the ponds the construction phase will be shorter further the project site is located at a distance from the habitations, impact on the population may be minimal and temporary. c. Noise The movement of heavy machinery especially when it passes through the residential areas will result in noise. Similarly operation of the machinery at the project site will be a source of noise. However, since the site is at some distance from the habitations, it may have very minimal impact on the people living in the vicinity. . However the cumulative impact of all forms of noise resulting from construction at the project site may be a source of disturbance to people in the area but may not be a major issue due to short span of the construction phase which may be minimized through proper mitigation measures. d. Excavated Soil/Material: Disposal of the excavated soil does not seem a potential issue at the proposed project site for being away from agricultural lands and habitations. Further the extra soil may be used to reinforce the pond embankments to minimise the risk of any possible flooding. e. Agriculture Agriculture activity is existent at a distance of around 1 km from the project site and the construction machinery will be moving through the metalled road leading to the proposed site situated away from villages. Further, given the smaller nature of construction activities, it is unlikely that the construction activities may have a major negative impact on agriculture in the area.

f. Construction Camp If the contractor decides to establish a camp for the construction of ponds, it may potentially result in environmental and social impacts. The environmental impacts are mainly generation of wastewater and solid waste. However, considering the overall wastewater and solid waste management in Garho, the issue is of a very minimal concern but needs to be given attention. There could be potential social issues if the contractor decides to bring external labour instead of using local labour. This can potentially lead to conflict if the labour is involved in practices not acceptable in local cultural context. However, it is very likely that the contractor will use local labour to cut cost and to avoid any potential conflict with the local population. g. Community Safety Nevertheless the site is situated at a sufficient distance from the villages and a metalled road leads to the site directly as such community safety may not be a big concern but it is expected that heavy earthmoving machinery will be used for excavation purposes and any carelessness on part of the operator or of the community may potentially result in an accident. It is particularly important to pay attention to the safe speed limits and keep an eye out for elders/children in the area to avert any possible risks. h. Occupational Health and Safety The use of heavy earthmoving machinery is expected to be used for civil works during difficult working conditions which may be a potential major concern in this intervention. Careless operation of heavy machinery may potentially cause injuries to staff and labour. Similarly other civil works such as construction of dykes / protective walls using big stones to check sea erosion may potentially be harmful for labour if proper protective gear is not provided. Although labour in Pakistan is not very fond of wearing protective gears such as helmets, it is up to the contractor to ensure that the protective gears are used by labourers to protect them against any potential injuries. In addition, harsh weather conditions may be another potential risk for the labourers to suffer due to such weather. Labour intensive tasks should be avoided during harsh weather conditions such as chilling winds or hot summers. 5.4 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Operation Some of the potential environmental impacts during the operation of aquaculture ponds are as follows: a. Biodiversity The introduction of any fish species which is alien and potentially invasive is a potential threat to marine biodiversity in the area. Only local species should be introduced in the pilot ponds. Since mangrove plantation is proposed to address erosion issues, it is important that local mangrove species are used such as, Avicenia marina. Similarly if there is any other plantation to be done in this project, only local species should be used and other species such as Eucalypts should be avoided. Further, the use of chemicals and fertilizers is a common practice in aquaculture activities. Excessive use of these chemicals and fertilizers may be a source of aquatic pollution, however given the operation design of the pilot ponds as extensive/ loose aquaculture system specifically during the project period it is expected that no any excessive fertilizers/chemicals may be used. b. Sludge/ excavated material disposal During the project operational phase, it is likely that desilting /excavation will be required to restore capacity of the ponds atleast once a year. Any indiscriminate dumping on adjacent land, agriculture fields, adjacent ponds or sea will result in environmental and social issues. Dumped material becomes a source of dust in the area and eventually ends up in the ponds again by wind and rain. To avert such impacts the sludge may be used to fertilise the planted mangroves and other plants or vegetables sowed along the dykes of the ponds. 5.5 Mitigation Measures a. Construction Soil Erosion and Flooding: The pond embankments shall be properly compacted and reinforced to prevent erosion of soil, permanent loss of constructed ponds and consequent flooding due to intrusion by creek water. Stone pitching would be essential for embankments facing the creek flow directly.

Protective planting of mangrove plants along the embankment and creek frontage should help in providing a sustainable measure to prevent erosion of the pond embankments. b. Groundwater Disposal of any chemicals, waste oil or any other contaminants should not be dumped indiscriminately to avoid contamination of groundwater. Vehicle maintenance should be undertaken at a specified location and all waste should be collected and not disposed indiscriminately. All waste oil should be collected and given to vendors in recycling business. Similar caution should also be taken while handling other chemicals. d. Waste Disposal Extra care should be taken to avoid any direct or indirect impact of construction on community or agriculture fields in the area. No waste material should be dumped near villages or agriculture land. When an excavation is undertaken for construction purposes and later during the project operation to restore capacity of the ponds, the disposal of the sludge/ excavated material should be properly undertaken. Dumping of the waste materials on adjacent land, agriculture fields, and aquaculture ponds or in the sea should be strictly avoided. The disposal of solid waste produced during pond construction and operation should be undertaken in consultation with local authorities and owners of the land, if the site is a private land. e. Air Pollution To minimize air pollution due to dust emission or transport of waste materials during construction or operation, the waste materials should be transported in covered vehicles especially if the route is through town areas and frequently used roads. Transportation should preferably be undertaken during night to avoid inconvenience to people and road users. If the temporary storage is necessary at the site, the waste should be sprinkled with water to suppress dust. f. Noise Pollution Noise is not a major issue during construction since the project site is at some distance from the settled area. However, the movement of machinery through habitations may create a temporary noise issue. It is recommended that the heavy machinery and dumper trucks should use any bypass roads to avoid town centre or village habitations during day and night time. In case, if bypass option is not available, the town administration and local communities should be consulted to suggest times for maximum movement of heavy traffic. g. Construction camp If the contractor decides to setup a camp, it should be located close to the construction site. After the construction is complete, the camp should be properly dismantled and the site rehabilitated. Any structures constructed should be demolished if the owner does not want them. Solid waste should be collected and dumped at the municipal dumping area. Wastewater from the camp should not be indiscriminately discharged out in the open. As far as possible, the contractor shall prefer engagement of local community members as labourers to avoid chances of social conflict and provide employment to the local people. The contractor should ensure that the labour employed does not create any problems for the community. h. Community Safety Extreme care should be taken while moving earth moving machinery through habitations. The safe speed limits should be strictly enforced during movement of machinery or such movement should preferably be carried out at night time when the streets are empty. Any movement during the day should be done carefully with the help of some staff to clear and warn people of machinery’s movement. The machinery should have proper lights and reflectors. The project area should be strictly prohibited for the movement of people who are not working for the project, especially children. The ponds should have safety markings especially warning tape around the site to keep unauthorized people away and also to forewarn people of potential risks that lie at the construction site. i. Occupational Health and Safety The staff and labour should be provided protective gears. It is the duty of the project contractor to ensure that the staff wears protective gears. A first aid box should be available at the project site to deal with emergencies. The camp office and construction site should be properly guarded to avoid

threats associated with unauthorized use of stored equipment, chemicals and machinery. j. Biodiversity To prevent biodiversity loss, no exotic or alien and invasive species should be introduced in the pond. Only recommended local species of crab and shrimp should be tried in the pond. The excessive use of chemicals and fertilizer should be avoided to prevent aquatic pollution. 6. Analysis of Alternatives a. No Project Option It is a good project and it should definitely be implemented. Improving livelihoods through providing better alternatives such as aquaculture is one of the best ways of alleviating poverty of the fisherfolks in the area. However, the project should be implemented in line with the project objectives and ensuring sustainability of the initiatives. b. Design Alternatives The existing design of ten ponds in series is not consistent with the project objectives. The existing design needs reconsideration to make pilot interventions within the reach of poor households and make their replication feasible. The current design requires considerably high investment for excavation and other infrastructure developments which may be beyond the reach of poor and heavily indebted coastal fisherfolks. The project objectives envisage that any initiative undertaken should be easily replicable in other parts of the coastal area which is an issue in the current design. Therefore, the inherent flaws in the current design should be carefully reviewed before implementation. Ideally, individual household based ponds would be a useful option to distribute project benefits widely, take advantage of natural creek system, introduce low input technology that requires minimal investment and is sustainable, and target those areas where there are no other livelihood alternatives are available except fishing. Such model would ensure easy replicability by the poor fisherfolks to meet the individual demands of poor families having no livelihood alternatives Also, such a strategy may provide an opportunity to test and compare the results at diversified locations. through c. Site Alternatives Although the site qualifies for the proposed pilot project intervention but many other potential alternate sites exist within the natural creek system on inland and island systems around Keti Bundar and Shah Bundar, which may otherwise fit as more viable site as compared with the current site. d. Input Alternatives The current design for establishment of aquaculture project in a series of ten ponds would require considerably high investment which will be beyond reach of an individual poor fisherfolk which are the target beneficiaries of the project. Therefore, consideration should be given to alternate designs which suit the single family operation and maintenance capacity and prove to be an easy replication model for provision of alternate livelihoods to poor fisherfolks in coastal areas at large. 7. Public Consultation and Disclosure Public consultation was carried out with the purpose to receive and record stakeholders’ views related to objectives and other aspects of the proposed aquaculture ponds, including the issues of sustainability, integration of social and environmental concerns and quality of life. It was also intended to reflect expectations, fears, apprehensions and general views of the people of the area. Through this consultation process; comments can be received, issues can be prioritized and appropriate changes can be made during the project implementation. Public consultation focused on primary and most directly relevant stakeholders, particularly the local communities,. Formal and informal institutional consultation was made with Sindh Fisheries Department, local NRSP officials, community organisations, private entrepreneurs, fish traders, and adjoining community members. Consultation process was completed by adopting an interactive and participatory method; to ensure equal opportunity of expression to each and every participant and record their perceptions about the proposed intervention. Majority of the consultations took place in

and around the project site and the details of the discussion of consultation were incorporated in the report. Formal and informal community consultations were held with the relevant communities and other relevant stakeholders at and near the project site. During community consultations the information about project and the proposed aquaculture interventions was shared with the community members in an understandable and culturally appropriate way. Views of female participants could not be recorded due to socio-cultural reasons. However, supportive views of female community members for the proposed interventions were relied from discussion with female social workers of NRSP. Generally the attitude of local communities was very positive towards the proposed interventions in the area. The community members expected that this project would improve the general economic conditions and livelihoods of the local people by creating employment opportunities during the different phases of the project construction and operation. However, some of the adjacent households feared social issues if staff / labour for pond establishment and operation was hired from outside the community. 8. Conclusion and Recommendations Promotion of aquaculture activities under SCCDP is aimed at diversifying income generation opportunities for coastal fisher folk communities. Under the project, a total of 100 each shrimp and crab ponds and rafts of oyster mussels and seaweeds are planned to be established in coastal areas of Keti Bundar, Shah Bundar and Zero Point near Ahmad Rajo based on successful initial piloting through construction and operation of 20 ponds and rafts at initial two locations. As mandated under the project, IUCNP is responsible for environmental baseline, monitoring, and advisory on crab and prawn pond environmental impacts and mitigation measures to prevent environmental damage. An IEE of site selected at village Haji Mehaar Kapoorani by Sindh Fisheries Department for establishment of 10 pilot shrimp and crab ponds was carried by IUCN team of experts before the start of project. However, the assessment has revealed some concerns related to the design of proposed intervention. It has been noted that the current design of collective construction of ten ponds at one location may not transfer project benefits to the poor fisherfolk as compared to single household based segregated ponds scattered in deferent communities. Such design may serve as an easy replication model to suit the single family operation and maintenance capacities and will have more potential for greater replication among coastal communities. However, this aspect needs further discussion and revision of basic design as provided in the SCCDP project document (PC-I). Overall, the assessment has revealed that the proposed site is suitable for aquaculture. The screening process has not identified any major negative environmental issues related to operation of the proposed intervention, due to smaller scale of the proposed activity involving approximately one hectare of infertile land.

References Heokstra, D. A., N. Mahmood., G. R. Shah, W.A. Shah., M. A. Domki., and Q. M. Ali. 1997. Diagnostic study – Indus delta mangrove ecosystem, main sub-system characteristics, problems, potentials, proposed interventions and pilot sites, Subproject, RRIDM (World Bank/GoS funded). 76 pp. IFAP 2007. Detailed Ecological Assessment of Fauna including Limnology Studies at Keti Bundar. NRSP, n.d. Situational Analysis and Profile of Haji Mehaar Kapoorani (un-published) Qureshi, M. T. 1985. Working Plan of Coastal Forests (1985 -86 to 2004 – 05) Sindh Forest Department.

9. Annexure I

Annexure II

Annexure III

Annexure IV Detail Floristic list of the area adjacent to Ambra creek: # Taxon Family 1 Blepharis sindica Stocks ex T. And. Acanthaceae 2 Achyranthes aspera L Amaranthaceae 3 Pentatropis nivalis (J.F.Gmel.) Field &J.R.I.Wood Asclepiadaceae 4 Conyza aegyptiaca Ait. Asteraceae 5 Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Amin Asteraceae 6 Sonchus asper Fig. Asteraceae 7 Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh Avicenniaceae 8 Heliotopium ophioglossum Boiss Boraginaceae 9 Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew Capparidaceae 10 Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) C.Koch Chenopodiaceae 11 Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq Chenopodiaceae 12 Atriplex stocksii Boiss Chenopodiaceae 13 Chenopodium album L Chenopodiaceae 14 Salsola imbricata Forsk Chenopodiaceae 15 Suaeda fruticosa Forsk. ex J.F.Gmelin Chenopodiaceae 16 Suaeda monoica Forsk. ex J.F.Gmelin Chenopodiaceae 17 Convolvulus arvensis L Convolvulaceae 18 Cressa cretica L. Convolvulaceae 19 Cyperus bulbosus Vahl Cyperaceae 20 Euphorbia serpens Kunth Euphorbiaceae 21 Alhagi maurorum Medic Fabaceae 22 Acacia nilotica Delile Mimosaceae 23 Prosopis juliflora Swartz Mimosaceae 24 Commicarpus boissieri (Heimerl) Cufod Nyctaginaceae 25 Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thw Poaceae 26 Chloris barbata Sw Poaceae 27 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae 28 Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf Poaceae 29 Paspalum vaginatum Swartz.. Poaceae 30 Pennisetum purpureum Schum. Poaceae 31 Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud. Poaceae 32 Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth Poaceae 33 Salvadora persica L Salvadoraceae 34 Tamarix indica Willd. Tamaricaceae 35 Typha angustata Bory & Chaub Typhaceae 36 Fagonia indica Burm.f. Zygophyllaceae 37 Zygophyllum simplex L. Zygophyllaceae

Annexure V Environmental Management Plan

Currently the aquaculture is practiced in Pakistan on small scale and dispersed over the inland areas of the country. The species cultured include indigenous species of major Indian and some Chinese carps. The aquaculture practices are based on extensive or semi-intensive farming systems with lesser use of inputs and low harvests. As far as the coastal aquaculture is concerned it could not take off due to a mix of multiple reasons. There are no environmental concerns related to Pakistani aquaculture yet, however, in the current scenario the aquaculture is set for a new leap especially in coastal areas which carries high expectations and in the long run it is likely that aquaculture will be practiced by an increasing number of people, leading to corporate culture, thus potentially will have some effects on the environment. The adverse effects associated with aquaculture include habitat destruction, discharge of effluents containing high concentrations of organic matter and the contamination of the aquatic environment and organisms with chemicals. Common-user conflict and the introduction of exotics, which may alter the diversity of the natural flora and fauna, and escapees from aquaculture, are also contentious issues (Choo 2001). The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report of the pond site at village Haji Mehaar Kapoorani in deh Jariyoon, taluka Ghorabari district Thatta has qualified the pond site for setting up of the aquaculture facility. The activity will be the establishment and operation of 10 community managed ponds to be used for shrimp and crab farming on equal land use basis stretching collectively over an area of approximately one hectare. Nevertheless it is planned to be a small scale activity with low use of inputs and low productions, yet there is a need to take into account the possible adversaries and mitigation measures which are presented in table below: Activity Possible

Problem/ impact Mitigation Measures monitoring

parameters Construction Erosion and

Flooding • The pond embankments need to be

properly compacted and have proper slopes and reinforced to prevent erosion of soil, permanent loss of constructed ponds and consequent flooding.

• Design discharge structures and canals to prevent erosion by impact of water or scouring by excessive water velocity.

• Stone pitching would be essential for embankments facing the creek or protective bund may be constructed in addition to pond embankments. Protective planting of mangrove plants along the embankments and water frontage should help in providing sustainable measure to prevent erosion of the pond embankments.

• Plan for seasonal constraints such as rainy season need to be evolved.

• Presence of eroded areas near the site

• Occurrence of landslide

• Altered land topography

Habitats destruction

• Habitat destruction is a lesser threat under the given conditions however the construction work should be restricted to the selected site and the water supply and drainage channels should be well built so as to avoid the possible erosion of adjacent land.

• The existing vegetation around the site should be retained and replanted

• De-rooted plants

• Presence of eroded areas near the site

• Occurrence of landslide

• Altered

as much as possible. • The structures should be so

reinforced that these could avoid the risks emanating from high tides & occasional flooding and rains.

biological profile

Seepage into ground and surface waters

• The soil content of the site needs to be checked before start of construction to test its water holding capacity.

• The bottom of the pond should be layered with clay in case its holding capacity is less than the required levels.

• Laboratory report on soil composition

Poor quality of construction works

• Regular monitoring & evaluation (M&E) is needed to be maintained by the project team and Fisheries department officials.

• Sufficient funds are needed to be made available for M&E activities.

• Visual presence of sub-standard materials

• Occurrence of damages during construction

Operations Unsustained Aquaculture operations (below optimum capacity) 1. Due to sub-

standard construction

2. Due to lack of farming techniques

• Sufficient trainings of community members on aquaculture management should be ensured.

• Regular monitoring, maintenance & repair of pond structures on regular basis.

• Preparation & implementation of an acceptable operation & maintenance (O&M) plan.

• Reports on O&M status.

• Necessary repairs

Water Quality (supply and discharge)

• Identify potential sources of water contamination and limiting factors. Determine treatment requirements for waste water.

• Identify parameters of water monitoring to detect water changes.

• Consider building water settlement ponds if intake water is muddy. Consider water treatment if water quality of waste water is adverse for releasing into natural environment. Ensure that effluent quality will not have a significant impact on creek ecosystem and aquatic life.

• Number of trainings and technicians trained.

• Water quality reports

Impacts from use of chemicals and pesticides

• Use only the allowed chemicals, pesticide and fertilizers. Use less toxic alternatives to hazardous products.

• Apply chemicals with proper containment. Use drugs only as the last alternative. Consider fertilizing ponds with animal manure or plant material.

• Take necessary measures to avoid contamination of the aquatic

• Number of trainings & technicians trained.

• M&E data on chemicals actually used, dosage & timing of application.

• Water quality

environment and organisms with chemicals.

• Training of community personnel (farmers) and aquaculture technicians on proper selection, dosage and timing of such applications is required.

• Periodic analysis of the pond water prior to discharge to ensure compliance with effluent standards or organic parameters.

reports

Post larvae health & growth

• The post larvae should be obtained from certified facility and health test should be conducted before stocking

• Relevant training to farmers and fisheries staff

Overfeeding • Use only necessary quantities of feeds and/or fertilizers/manure to avoid economic loss and health constraints to stocked species.

• Use feed pellets designed to float longer in the water column. Consider integrating some planktivorous fish with shrimp if seeds available locally.

• Water quality Number & quality of trainings to farmers and fisheries staff

• Availability of proper feeds/ manures/ fertilizers

Overcrowding • Reduce density of shrimp/crab under the recommended densities as per plan

• Proper trainings to farmers and fisheries staff

• Knowledge about the carrying capacity and stress levels of species

Escape and predation

• Place recommended screens at outlet and inlet points to avert any loses and use double nets to reduce escapes/ influx of aquatic predators.

• Place protective netting / taps on the sides and tops of ponds to protect shrimp / crab from birds. Use nets with mesh sizes that will prevent birds from getting entangled.

• Daily checks and replacements of screens where necessary.

• Birds sightings

Disease prevention

• Use certified pathogen-free stock whenever possible. Avoid high-density stocking.

• Isolate diseased fish. • Minimize stressing conditions by

avoiding unnecessary or excessive handling or activity around the ponds. In cases of disease outbreak do not release effluents to creek water to prevent spreading disease to wild populations.

• Monitoring of movement and feed intake of farmed species

Eutrophication/ nutrient loading

• Controlled use of organic chemicals and feeds should be maintained for optimum productions.

• Occurrence of algal blooms

• Occurrence of

• Integrated culture should be considered to reduce nutrient loading. Filter feeders help for maintenance of water quality by consuming plankton and preventing eutrophication.

• Consider the use of aeration and water circulation to allow degradation of organic matter and avoid anaerobic sediment accumulation at the bottom of the pond. Aeration will also remove ammonia. Use settling basins to treat suspended solid matter. Settle effluents released during harvesting or other interventions in pond. Avoid discharging nutrient-rich water into natural creeks.

fishkills

Erosion • Do not let large animals graze on the banks of ponds; they may break the banks down.

• Do not leave the drain open in empty ponds to prevent rainfall erosion and discharge of suspended solids.

• Do not allow livestock to walk on pond embankments or wade in ponds.

• Presence of eroded areas near the site

• Occurrence of landslide

• Altered land topography

Biodiversity • To prevent biodiversity loss, no exotic or alien and invasive species should be introduced in the pond.

• Only recommended local species of crab and shrimp should be tried in the ponds to avert any issues to diversity of the natural flora and fauna in case of escape of stocked species.

• The excessive use of chemicals and fertilizer should be avoided to prevent aquatic pollution and resultant impacts on aquatic life.

• Training of fisheries staff on adverse impacts of exotic/alien species

Pond sludge disposal

• The disposal of the sludge/ excavated material should be properly undertaken. Dumping of the waste materials on adjacent land, agriculture fields, and aquaculture ponds or in the sea should be strictly avoided. The sludge may be used in fortifying the vegetation around the embankments.

• Dumps appear in vicinity of ponds

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