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HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN
JORDAN BADIA ECOSYSTEM AND LIVELIHOODS PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Final Report
May 2012
هاتف : 4725071 6 (962+)– :فاآس 64726099 (962+)- :ب . ص (639)– البقعة 19381ألردنTel. (+962) 6 4725071 Fax. (+962) 6 4726099 – P.O.Box 639‐ Baqa' 19381 Jordan
E‐mail: [email protected] – website: www.ncare.gov.jo
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Project Objective and Components ................................................................................................................. 6
Project Implementation Arrangements ........................................................................................................ 12
Project Beneficiaries ......................................................................................................................................... 13
World Bank Safeguard Policies ...................................................................................................................... 13
ESIA Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Potential Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation Measures .............................................. 17
ESMP .................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Monitoring and Evaluation of ESMP Implementation ............................................................................. 28
Capacity Required to Implement the ESMP ............................................................................................... 28
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................ 28
BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................................... 30
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................. 32
Objective ............................................................................................................................................................... 32
Location and Description ................................................................................................................................. 32
Implementation Arrangements ....................................................................................................................... 39
Project Beneficiaries ......................................................................................................................................... 40
PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ESIA ...................................................................................... 41
Scope of the ESIA ............................................................................................................................................... 41
Objectives of the ESIA ...................................................................................................................................... 41
Methodology and Approach ............................................................................................................................ 42
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................. 43
World Bank Safeguards Policies .................................................................................................................... 43
3
Jordan’s Legal Framework ............................................................................................................................. 45
International and Regional Environmental Legislation ........................................................................... 48
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT .................................................... 49
PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE DATA ............................................................................................. 50
Environmental .................................................................................................................................................... 50
Socio-economic .................................................................................................................................................... 53
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 62
GENDER ISSUES .................................................................................................................................................. 66
Background.......................................................................................................................................................... 66
Gender Analysis .................................................................................................................................................. 66
Gender at the Household Level ....................................................................................................................... 67
Opportunities for Women Empowerment ................................................................................................... 67
Training Programs for Women ...................................................................................................................... 68
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN………………………………………………………..69
CONSULTATION REPORT .............................................................................................................................. 77
Objectives ............................................................................................................................................................. 77
Consultations ....................................................................................................................................................... 77
People Met ............................................................................................................................................................ 78
Summary of Main Findings ............................................................................................................................ 79
4
ACRONYMS
ASL Above Sea Level
BELP Badia Ecosystem and Livelihoods Project
DOS Department of Statistics
EA Environmental Assessment
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan
ETDP Ecotourism Development Plan
GEF Global Environment Facility
GNI Gross National Income
GOJ Government of Jordan
HFDJB Hashemite Fund for the Development of the Jordan Badia
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MENA DELP Middle East and North Africa Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods
program
MOA Ministry of Agriculture
MOE Ministry of Environment
MOPIC Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation
MOTA Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
MOWI Ministry of Water and Irrigation
NCARE National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension
NGO Non Governmental Organization
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
OP Operational Policy
PA Protected Area
PAD Project Appraisal Document
PDO Project Development Objective
PMU Project Management Unit
RF Results Framework
5
RSCN Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature
SC Steering Committee
TWG Technical Working Group
WB World Bank
6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
The Badia Ecosystem and Livelihoods Project (BELP) is one of five projects under the Middle
East and North Africa Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods Program (MENA-DELP), a new
Global Environment Facility (GEF) and World Bank (WB) partnership. The MENA-DELP was
approved by the GEF in November 2011, and it includes four national country pilot projects
(Algeria, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco), and a regional knowledge sharing project. The MENA-
DELP framework seeks to maintain and improve the flow of desert ecosystem services for
sustainable development in a positive feedback loop. The program will focus on piloting
enabling economic opportunities specific to deserts that integrate the health and diversity of the
desert biome with the vast potential for innovative livelihood opportunities that also sustain
valuable repository knowledge linked to adaptive practices. It is intended that such an approach
will ultimately enhance desert livelihood opportunities and increase the resilience and adaptation
responses of desert communities and ecosystems to projected pressures, in particular climate
change impacts. The focus of MENA-DELP is on different production sectors and on improving
the sustainability of investments through an integrated ecosystem management approach.
Emphasis is also placed on participatory approaches, capacity building and on harnessing local
knowledge. The regional umbrella project aims to enhance knowledge and experience sharing on
opportunities for enhancing desert livelihoods among the four participating pilot countries.
Following an analysis of the proposed investments under the BELP, the it has been determined
that the WB Safeguard Policies on Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01), Physical Cultural
Resources (OP 4.04), and Natural Habitats (OP 4.11) would be triggered by the project. Given
the largely positive project environmental and social impacts anticipated and expected minor and
temporary environmental impacts, the project has been confirmed as environmental category B
project, necessitating the preparation of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
(ESIA), including an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). The Government of
Jordan (GOJ) has therefore contracted the services of an independent third-party consultant,
according to Terms of Reference approved by the WB. The ESIA includes an assessment of
potential impacts of the proposed project, the likely significance of such impacts and
recommended mitigation measures.
Project Objective and Components
The BELP‘s Development Objective (PDO) is to support sustainable livelihoods and enhance
ecosystem services through participatory approaches in selected areas of the Jordan Badia. The
PDO will be measured throughout project implementation using the following key indicators:
(i) Amount of new ecotourism-related income to communities along the Al Azraq/Shaumari-
Burqu‘ corridor; and
(ii) Hectares of rangelands managed by communities in a sustainable biodiversity-friendly manner in
Al Jafr and Al-Husseinieh.
The project will focus on three poverty pockets in the southern and northern Badia. In the south,
Al Jafr and Al Husseinieh, sub-districts within the Ma‗an Governorate, will be targeted; while in
the north, ecotourism activities will be implemented along a corridor which will begin in Al
7
Azraq (south east of Amman, Zarqa Governorate) and will end in the Burqu‗ Protected Area
(PA) in the east (Mafraq Governorate), targeting the Ar Ruwaished communities. The itinerary
along the corridor and exact locations will be determined during the first year of implementation
as part of the design and piloting of the corridor. The BELP will comprise three components as
follows:
Component 1: Community-Centered Ecotourism in the Northern Badia: The project will
expand ecotourism into the northeast Badia by using the Royal Society for the Conservation of
Nature (RSCN)-managed Al Azraq and Shaumari reserves and attached facilities as a starting
point, from which a 250 km ecotourism corridor will be developed ending in the Burqu‘
Protected Area (PA). The corridor will be developed around a concept of ―low volume, high
value‖ community-centered ecotourism and provide income opportunities to the Ar Ruwaished
and nearby communities, who will also receive targeted information and training to foster their
understanding of the project and their engagement in it; the design of the corridor will also
include a revenue sharing mechanism with communities. The component will be executed by
RSCN which will be contracted by NCARE, and will support the following two sub-
components:
Sub-component 1.1: Establishment of an Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor:
This sub-component will begin with the development of an Ecotourism Development Plan
(ETDP) laying out the vision of the corridor, exact siting, intervention points, services and
products to be developed. The ETDP will be submitted by the project to the Steering Committee
and the World Bank for endorsement and approval, respectively. Once the ETDP is endorsed an
approved, this sub-component will provide necessary visitor management infrastructure and
human resources in identified locations along the corridor, and enable the proper management of
the increase in the number of visitors in these areas. Investments will begin in itineraries close to
the Al Azraq/Shaumari starting point, gradually extending toward the Burqu‗ end point. This
approach is expected to allow the testing of established sites and the build-up of interest amongst
Jordanian and international visitors. A strong marketing initiative for the corridor will be carried
out applying the business and marketing approaches developed under RSCN‗s Wild Jordan
division, using a variety of vehicles with the aim of reaching local and international markets, by
engaging with the Tourism Board, tourism operators, websites, social media and RSCN‗s
tourism network.
Sub-component 1.2: Community engagement: Sub-component 1.2 will ensure that communities
living in towns and villages close to Burqu‘ as well as some along the corridor are fully engaged
in, and directly benefit from, the ecotourism activities. This will involve consulting with, and
engaging these communities early in the planning and development of the proposed ecotourism
activities. Attention will be paid to increasing the awareness of the population about the fragility
of the local environmental resources, the need to support and finance protective measures, and
the benefits (financial and other) that can accrue to the community from well-formulated and
executed ecotourism activities. The roles communities could play in the supply chain for
ecotourists will be stressed, including new job creation opportunities such as reserve rangers,
guides, service provision, camp and ecolodge operation, etc. The provision of training
opportunities and the possibility for new income-generating activities (leather goods production,
camel tours, local herb and medicinal plant sales, basket weaving, indigenous performances, etc.)
8
associated with ecotourism will also be stressed. Experience from the Dana and Ajloun reserves
will help validate the potential opportunities for the communities through tours to Ar Ruwaished
community leaders, hosted by the Ajloun Ecotourism and Ranger Training Academy. The
project will continue through its lifespan to actively engage the communities in the ecotourism
activities and ensure that they directly benefit from them.
Component 2: Adapted Rangeland Management and Alternative Livelihoods Support in
the Southern Badia: This component will pilot more sustainable rangeland management models
for local communities by engaging them directly in the design and implementation of improved
and adapted management of the natural resources on which they depend. In tune with the first
component, investments will be geared at showing the validity of different alternative livelihood
options. This component will be implemented by the project Implementing Agency, the National
Center for Agriculture Research and Extension (NCARE), who will contract the Hashemite
Fund for the Development of the Jordan Badia (HFDJB) to execute the community engagement
and alternative livelihoods aspects. The component will support the following three sub-
components:
Sub-component 2.1: Water harvesting: Two modified hafirs, in terms of their shape and the
geological characteristics of the sites, will be constructed by the project, making water available
for 6-7 months. The hafirs’ water holding capacity will be between 50,000 and 100,000 m3.
While the exact sites of the hafirs will be based on hydrological, topographic and geological
investigations, the general interest area will be determined in collaboration with communities
which are expected to directly benefit from the hafirs, as well as those living in the surrounding
areas. A consultation-based design process will be coordinated by NCARE‘s watershed
specialists (technical and socio-economists) and operated by HFDJB (see sub-component 2.3),
which specializes in community participation and engagement in general, and has experience
engaging with communities and associations in the target localities in specific. Aspects of land
ownership and use rights will be considered carefully, and will be a focus of community
engagement efforts. Agreements will be reached with the communities on the management and
maintenance of the hafirs after the project is closed through a community engagement process, in
collaboration with NCARE and HFDJB.
Sub-component 2.2: Adapted rangeland management: This sub-component supports the
establishment and operation of two non-fenced rangeland reserves (total area of about 3000 ha)
in Al Jafr and Al Husseinieh (one in each) and the building of communities‘ capacity to assume
responsibility for the adapted management and maintenance of the reserves. The pilot rangeland
reserve areas will be on state-owned land with Government formally granting the pilot
communities increased management authority over the reserve areas. The communities will be
directly involved in the design of this pilot initiative from the outset, including in the
identification of the reserve sites, and in all decisions regarding the choice of plant species to be
replanted, water conservation and harvesting, and in the management and monitoring approaches
to be followed. The aim will be to not only transfer responsibility for site management to the
communities, but also the authority for rehabilitation and maintenance. Central to this effort will
be the acceptance of the communities that reserve areas will be closed initially to livestock
grazing for a two year period to allow for rehabilitation of plant cover. The collaboration
between NCARE and HFDJB is a key element of this approach; HFDJB will have the lead in all
9
community engagement aspects, and continue to support the communities through the life of the
project on these initiatives. The project will support 6 Community Youth Rangers who will be
recruited from the target communities. The rangers will be employed for a period of about three
years and their work will start at the beginning of the reserve improvement activities.
Rangeland management works will also include carrying out ‗water spreading‘ through contour
bunding type works to increase vegetation cover in selected areas outside the reserves. Areas for
water spreading will be selected with community consultation and agreement, with HFDJB‘s
assistance. The management practices of these ‗special areas‘ will be carefully verified,
discussed and agreed to with the communities. Reserves‘ (inside) contour bunding and water
spreading (outside, in the reserves‘ surrounding areas) works will be preceeded by all required
studies (topographic, hydrological and soils studies) and will be based on NCARE‘s standard
design and technologies. Management of the reserves will be the responsibility of the beneficiary
communities during the life of the project; it is expected that the communities, upon project
completion, will be capable of sustainably managing and utilizing the reserves. Responsibility
for monitoring of the reserves‘ biomass after project completion will rest with MOA.
Sub-component 2.3: Alternative livelihoods: This sub-component comprises two activities: one
involves deepening the understanding of the socio-economic circumstances and tribal affiliations
of the target communities, which will be important in understanding how best to engage them on
project activities and, particularly, in the alternative livelihoods activities; the second activity
provides a range of support for alternative livelihoods initiatives in the communities, with some
special focus on women and youth.
While the target communities have been extensively consulted during project preparation and
have provided input on project design, more detailed information on the communities will help
refine activities so they respond effectively to local interests and incentives. The activity will
refine information about the loci of poverty in the community, the circumstances of youth and
women, perceptions about land use and management, and interest in, and opportunities for,
alternative livelihoods. Activities will include focus group meetings, a rapid rural appraisal, and
a survey. HFDJB will be responsible for these activities. The findings will usefully inform the
implementation of all Component 2 project activities.
Community engagement, which is central to the success of all Component 2 project initiatives,
will be directly informed by the findings of the socio-economic assessment of the target
communities. The community engagement activities will: inform the target communities of the
proposed alternative livelihoods and small grants programs; clarify the objectives and expected
outcomes of these activities; inform communities of the conditions governing the programs;
identify and obtain as comprehensive a list as possible of cooperatives who will benefit from the
alternative livelihoods activities; and fully involve community members in the program so it has
their full support and buy-in. The Community Engagement activities will also provide an
opportunity to identify possible obstacles or potential opposition to the proposed activities and to
work out ways to address these proactively.
The second activity aims to support communities through established community cooperatives to
initiative new, or significantly improve existing, micro-business income-generating activities.
10
The objective is to encourage communities to engage in income-generating activities that will
ultimately improve their livelihoods and, over time, help reduce their reliance on natural
resources exploitation.
This activity will be implemented by HFDJB which will work closely with between 10 and 21
established local cooperatives, spread rather evenly across the two target communities. At least
one of the cooperatives will be a women‘s only cooperative, and it is required that women‘s
membership in the total number of participating cooperatives be at least 15 percent.
Additionally, one cooperative will focus specifically on providing livelihoods support for youth
(18-25 years of age) relating to the on-the-job training and short- and term employment
opportunities in the pilot reserves.
Funding for the alternative livelihoods activities will come from both GEF and HFDJB. GEF
funding will support capacity building, skills training, technical assistance (including
consultancies) and small equipment purchases for alternative livelihoods activities for a
minimum of 8 and a maximum of 11 local cooperatives. The precise number of cooperatives
included will ultimately be determined by the costs involved in supporting the cooperatives. The
alternatively livelihoods activities are expected to operate through the life of the project as
micro-businesses, with profits probably only beginning to be realized in the second year of their
operation. The cooperatives will likely choose to engage in traditional activities such as cheese
making, herb production, tailoring, traditional biscuit production, etc. GEF funding can, and
should, be used to support consultancies relating to the determination of markets, quality
standards, and packing requirements related to the cooperatives‘ proposed business ventures.
The HFDJB will be responsible for working with the communities and cooperatives on the
design and implementation of the GEF-supported alternative livelihoods activities. HFDJB
resources will be used to support a small grants program in up to 10 local community
cooperatives in the two target communities. The small grants will help the cooperatives enhance
or introduce new micro-business activities. It is possible that some of the cooperatives receiving
GEF support for alternative livelihoods activities will also receive small grants support from the
HFDJB. However, at least 25 percent of the GEF‘s alternative livelihoods support must be used
for cooperatives which are not receiving HFDJB‘s small grants support.
The cooperatives receiving support under the GEF‘s alternative livelihoods activities and/or from
the HFDJB‘s small grants program will be selected based on the following criteria:
i. they will have been in existence for at least one year;
ii. they will have shown, through a review undertaken by the HFDJB, the capacity to
manage investments and equipment in a sound and transparent way;
iii. they are in full compliance with Jordanian regulations governing the establishment and
operation of cooperatives;
iv. they represent only local residents living in the target communities;
v. they have an active membership of 10+ persons;
vi. they are not affiliated with a specific political party or religious entity;
vii. there is no history of controversy about their activities, practices, or membership within
their communities or more broadly;
11
viii. their proposed alternative livelihoods activities are considered by the HFDJB to have
potential to be economically viable and sustainable, being based on local skill and
knowledge capacities and technologies, readily available resources, and a clearly
identified and accessible market.
HFDJB will be responsible for ensuring that all cooperatives receiving support under the GEF‘s
alternative livelihoods support and HFDJB‘s small grant support meet the 8 criteria listed above.
It is not anticipated that the cooperatives will themselves receive and manage the financial
support for their planned alternative livelihoods activity. They will be advanced 25 percent of the
total financial support amount on signing of an Operational Agreement with the HFDJB, but
thereafter will provide original invoices and statements of expenditures to the HFDJB for
reimbursement. HFDJB will be responsible for procuring and delivering the needed capacity
building, training and, in some cases, small equipment needs, for the cooperatives consistent
with the specific micro-business they are pursuing. The alternative livelihoods activities may
either be new ventures or be initiatives to upgrade and improve the quality and marketability of
ongoing productive activities.
Prior to the cooperatives receiving alternative livelihoods or small grant support, the HFDJB will
ensure that each cooperative signs an Operational Agreement which clearly lays out the
objectives, manner of operation, membership and conditions under which the alternative
livelihoods and/or small grants support is being provided. Cooperatives receiving support under
the project‘s alternative livelihoods activities must ensure their activities do not involve any
activities included on the following Negative List:
i. the purchase or maintenance of live animals or birds;
ii. the construction or modification of buildings or infrastructure;
iii. the movement or resettlement of persons or families from their existing homes, whether
their settlement is legal or illegal;
iv. the removal or moving of cultural artifacts or structures;
v. the purchase of land;
vi. the purchase of vehicles;
vii. the use of groundwater from unlicensed wells or sources;
viii. the introduction of invasive alien species;
ix. the production, processing, or movement of illegal substances and items;
x. the killing, trade or trafficking of endangered animal species.
The HFDJB will be responsible for ensuring that the participating cooperatives meet and comply
with the Negative List through the life of the project.
Component 3: Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation: A Project Management
Unit (PMU), comprising a project manager, M&E specialist and fiduciary staff, capable of
directing and supporting project implementation, will be established in NCARE. The PMU will
receive guidance from a high level Steering Committee (SC) and will be technically supported
by a Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising of focal points from the implementing
agency-NCARE, the two contractors-RSCN and HFDJB, and from the Ministry of Planning and
12
International Cooperation (MOPIC). The TWG will also ensure communication and
collaboration between the three entities.
Figure 1: Project Intervention Sub-Districts (Source: NCARE)
Project Implementation Arrangements
The project will be implemented by NCARE, a semi-autonomous (1993) leading center for
agricultural research and extension in Jordan under MOA. Project components will be executed
as follows:
a. Component 1 NCARE will contract RSCN (an independent non-profit Non
Governmental Organization (NGO) devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural resources)
to execute the component.
b. Component 2 sub-component 2.1 (Water harvesting) and sub-component 2.2 (Adapted
rangeland management) will be implemented by NCARE through its Baqa‘a headquarters and
extension staff. Sub-component 2.3 (Alternative livelihoods ) will be executed by HFDJB
(contracted by NCARE), the institution mandated by Royal Decree (2006) to sustainably
develop the Jordan Badia.
c. Component 3 will be implemented by a PMU housed in NCARE.
13
Project institutional arrangements are as follows:
a. Project Management Unit: The PMU will comprise a full-time project manager, a part-
time M&E specialist, procurement and financial officers. The PMU will manage the activities
of all entities, prepare annual work plans and budgets, ensure collaboration between
stakeholders and conduct M&E.
b. Steering Committee: The PMU will be guided by a SC, chaired by the Secretary
General of MOPIC. The SC will provide strategic guidance and oversight for the project
(including on procurement, financial management, disbursement, M&E and reporting matters),
advise on corrective measures, provide conflict resolution, and be responsible for approving
annual work plans and associated budgets submitted by the PMU. The SC will include the
general directors-of NCARE, RSCN and HFDJB and the secretary generals of MOA, Ministry
of Environment (MOE), Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MOWI) and Ministry of Tourism
and Antiquities (MOTA). The SC will hold meetings every 6 months, or more frequently as
required.
c. Technical Working Group: The PMU will benefit from a TWG, chaired by the project
manager. Focal points from NCARE, RSCN and HFDJB as well as a representative from
MOPIC and MOA will form members of the TWG. The TWG will discuss technical issues,
enable information exchange between project activities, provide technical advice and guidance
on various aspects of project implementation, and may also make recommendations to be
discussed at the SC. It is crucial for project success that the PMU operate in a flexible,
transparent and collaborative manner with all concerned entities. To this end, the TWG will be
a key mechanism. The TWG will meet on a quarterly basis, or more often as required.
Project Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries of the project are communities in Ar Ruwaished (northern Badia), Al Jafr and
Al Husseinieh sub-districts (southern Badia). Individuals, cooperatives and community
organizations will benefit from learning about and implementing a more sustainable management
approach to the natural resources upon which their livelihoods are dependant; a variety of
income-generating activities related to ecotourism and local product development and
processing; and grant resources for micro business development, adapted rangeland
management, and hafirs (traditional name for animal watering reservoirs) for animal watering
and fodder production.
World Bank Safeguard Policies
The WB environmental and social policies (referred to as ‗safeguard policies‘) are used to
examine potential environmental risks and benefits associated with WB-funded operations. The
following table summarized the safeguard policies which the BELP triggers:
14
Table 1: World Bank Safeguard Policies and their Applicability to the Jordan BELP
Safeguard Policy Policy
triggered
(Yes/No)
Justification
OP 4.01: Environmental
Assessment
Yes The policy is triggered. The project is classified as
an environmental Category B requiring partial
assessment. Activities will largely result in positive
environmental impacts, and the minor, site-specific
impacts mainly from small-scale works can be
mitigated with integration of appropriate measures
and implementation of common sense good practice
measures.
OP 4.04: Natural Habitats Yes The policy is triggered. The policy will be covered
within the scope of OP 4.01. As per the project
design in the north Badia, the existing Shaumari
reserve and Azrak reserve and wetland managed by
RSCN will serve as starting point for the ecotourism
corridor, and the corridor will extend to the proposed
Burqu reserve in the east Badia—however, the
project will not invest in these reserves. With regards
to citing of ecotourism related activities along the
corridor (e.g. camel and hiking trails, campsites,
ecolodge, etc.), an Ecotourism Development Plan
(ETDP) will be developed during the first year of the
project by RSCN that will include a baseline
ecological study that will define areas for ecotourism
interventions taking into account environmental
considerations. The study will determine the
conservation value of the area and the relative
importance of different habitats or parts of the site
and individual species. It will also explore the
relative sensitivity/value of different ecotourism
areas in terms of nature conservation, landscape,
archaeology and cultural interests. Based on the
results of the study, in the event any ‗core
conservation or wilderness area‘ is identified
(ecologically valuable areas), the project will
exclude this area and include only those areas
suitable for tourism and as informed by the study. In
addition to the ETDP, RSCN will undertake an EMP
specific to the proposed 10-12 room ecolodge.
Communities living in Ar Ruwaished and other
smaller villages close to Burqu‘ as well as some
along the corridor are consulted with and engaged in
the planning and development of any ecotourism
activities. Attention will be paid to increasing the
15
awareness of the population about the potential
fragility of the local environmental resources, and
the project will continue through its lifespan to
actively engage with the communities.
OP 4.09: Pest
Management
No The policy is not triggered. The BELP will not
involve the purchase of pesticides.
OP 4.11: Physical Cultural
Resources
Yes The policy is triggered. However, project
interventions will affect any known archaeological
sites. For chance-finds, Jordan‘s national procedures
to be followed. General interest area for the location
of the hafirs will be determined in collaboration with
communities and also taking into account results
from a geological/hydrological/topographic study.
Project will not impact any know physical cultural
resources. OP 4.11 will be considered within the
scope of the ESMP implementation. Furthermore if
any chance finds are encountered during
implementation, the government‘s national
procedures will be applicable and the national
procedures for archaeological chance finds will be
followed during implementation. OP 4.11 will be
considered during the preparation of the ETDP and
EMP (under component 1).
OP 4.12: Involuntary
Resettlement
Yes The policy is triggered. Some potential for social
discontent over the project‘s activities around Badia
land use may arise. The borrower accordingly
prepared a Process Framework to guide the response
to any potential social or socio-economic impacts.
OP 4.20: Indigenous
People
No The policy is not triggered. No indigenous people
are present in project areas.
OP 4.36: Forestry No The policy is not triggered. No forest areas exist in
the project areas.
OP 4.37: Safety of Dams No The policy is not triggered. The BELP does not
involve construction of dams, and does not depend
on any dams for its activities.
OP 7.50: Projects on
International Waterways
No The policy is not triggered. The sites of Jordan
BELP do not intersect with any international
waterways.
OP 7.60: Projects in
Disputed Areas
No The policy is not triggered. The project will not be
implemented in disputed areas.
With regard to OP4.01, it is imperative that any WB-financed project does not have any
detrimental environmental or social impacts on the surrounding environment and populations.
Resulting from the nature of the proposed investments, the project has been confirmed by the
WB under its safeguards policies as Environmental Category B and the safeguard policy on
Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01) has been triggered. To this effect, the Government of
16
Jordan was requested to prepare an ESIA for the project, complemented by an ESMP. By
reviewing the environmental and social aspects of the project according to both Jordan‘s legal
framework and the WB Safeguard policies, the ESIA and ESMP identify measures to be taken
and describe the procedure to be implemented to ensure that potential minor project risks to the
environment are adequately assessed and managed.
The ESIA is complemented by a socioeconomic assessment and Process Framework which the
project will utilize to ensure that communities are not negatively affected by BELP activities in
line with WB policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12). The World Bank safeguard policies
on Natural Habitats (OP 4.04) and Physical Cultural Resources (OP 4.11) will be triggered as a
result of project interventions. The objective of OP 4.11 is to avoid, or mitigate, adverse impacts
on cultural resources from development projects that the World Bank finances. Cultural property
encompasses both remains left by previous human inhabitants and unique natural environmental
features. World Bank Policy OP4.11 is triggered because project activities are located in the
vicinity of a physical cultural resources site such as Qasr Burqu‘ in the north Badia.
Additionally, the project involves excavations and movement of earth as in the construction of
ecolodge and hafirs, which implies that activities may come across chance finds, in which case
Jordan‘s national procedures for chance finds will be followed.
With regard to OP 4.04, BELP will not result in the conversion or degradation of natural
habitats. Moreover, the project will enhance natural habitats through promotion of ecotourism
and natural reserves in the north Badia, and rangeland rehabilitation, and establishment of water
harvesting structures in the south Badia. Furthermore, World Bank Policies OP4.04 and OP4.11
will need to be taken into account within the scope of implementation of the ESMP.
ESIA Objectives
The objectives of the ESIA are:
(a) To assess the potential environmental and social impacts of the project as a result of potential
interventions; (b) To compare the impacts in relation to relevant national and World Bank
requirements and guidelines; (c) To develop an ESMP (including screening criteria) for the
mitigation of any potentially negative impacts of the proposed interventions and for monitoring
compliance with the relevant laws and policies.
The ESMP aims to:
i. Ensure that the project complies with national legal requirements and environmental and
social WB procedures;
ii. Specify the criteria for environmental and social analysis of investments financed under
the BELP;
iii. Provide options to prevent, minimize or mitigate the risks and potential negative impacts
during project preparation and implementation or increase the positive impacts of
financed investments;
iv. Provide an assessment of training needs and capacity building for various stakeholders in
the project, including frequency and cost; and
17
v. Describe the procedures and responsibilities for monitoring the impacts of the
project,reporting to the World Bank and implementing the ESMP.
The assessment of the potential environmental and social impacts of the project activities under
its three components (particularly components 1 and 2) was conducted using the following
approach:
o Field visits were conducted to project sites in the targeted poverty pockets where
potential impacts on natural habitats (physical, biological, and social spheres) of project activities
were identified;
o Identification of all stakeholders and at all levels. The stakeholders included relevant
farmers‘ organizations, government officials, NGOs, target communities and potential
beneficiaries;
o Undertaking consultations with the identified stakeholders and recording of meetings
with stakeholders.;
o Identifying individuals and households whose socioeconomic status might be adversely
affected by project activities, and consulting with them about the expected impact of project
activities and the most appropriate mitigation measures and locations for implementation of on
the ground investments
Potential Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation Measures
The BELP potential adverse impact and mitigation measures are analyzed in table 2 as follows:
Table 2: Potential Project Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact Mitigation Measures
Impacts on air quality and noise from the
construction of the ecolodge and of the
hafirs: mainly from excavation, drilling,
site clearance, vehicle loading and
unloading, and other construction-related
activities.
(i) Covering waste disposal trucks with tarpaulins
during transportation and limiting travel speed;
(ii) Ensuring that vehicles and machinery comply
with Jordanian emission standards; (iii)
Maintaining construction activity noise levels
below Jordanian standard; (iv) Respecting
Ambient Air Quality limits; (iii) Providing
personnel and workers operating on site with
hearing and breathing protection gear.
Impacts on air quality and noise from the
operation of the ecolodge: mainly from the
burning of fossil fuels for heating and
cooking, and the operation of vehicles,
such as trucks for water supply, solid waste
collection, and sewage water collection.
(i) Utilizing solar water heating and photovoltaics
for lighting (as appropriate); (ii) Using animals
for transportation to reducing dependency on
vehicles for service; (iii) Finding alternative water
sources or recycling options to reduce
dependency on water supply trucks; (iv) Adopting
composting and recycling practices to reduce the
reduced the need for waste collection vehicles.
Occupational Health and Safety risks from
the construction of the ecolodge and hafirs:
mainly eye and respiratory risks, physical
(i) Complying with Jordanian Rules and
Regulations on Occupational Health and Safety;
(ii) Providing protective gear for workers
18
injuries, and overexposure of workers to
sunlight, dust and noise.
including helmets, boots, gloves, masks, and
earplugs; (iii) Providing first aid kits at work sites
and necessary information and training on rescue
and emergency response procedures; (iv)
Prohibiting admission of children, guests, or
dependents of legal employees or underage
workers to construction site.
Occupational Health and Safety risks from
the operation of the ecolodge
(i) Providing fire extinguishers and first-aid kits
in the ecolodge and camp sites, as well as access
plan to emergency services; (ii) Developing an
operational manual for facilities management.
Impacts on soils from the construction of
the ecolodge: mainly the production of
loose soil and sand as a result of
excavation and site clearance, which could
be increase erosion.
(i) Using excavated soil as back filling or
removing it from site immediately after
excavation; (ii) Ensuring proper location and
covering by tarpaulin of excavated soil remaining
temporarily on site; (iii) Avoiding construction
during periods of anticipated rainfall to prevent
any soil erosion.
Impacts on soils from the operation of the
ecolodge: mainly soil compaction (and
reduced vegetation) from vehicles (water
trucks, sewage water collection trucks, and
solid waste collection trucks).
Using existing paths for transportation and
avoiding the creation of new routes that would
disrupt vegetation, wildlife and compact soils.
Production and disposal of solid wastes
generated by construction of ecolodge and
hafirs.
(i) Designating a suitable location for the safe
storage of construction waste onsite (void of
vegetation and natural habitats and outside
depressions and surface water drainage); (ii)
Covering onsite wastes with tarpaulin; (iii)
Carting wastes away by the contractor from the
onsite storage location to an outside location
identified by for filling purposes; (iv) preparing
and implementing a solid waste management
disposal plan for the site.
Production and disposal of solid wastes
generated by operation of the ecolodge and
the campsites.
(i) Identifying, sorting and storing wastes,
including designated spaces for paper, glass,
aluminum, steel and plastics and other
recyclables; (ii) Adopting a garbage prevention
strategy, including use of biodegradable products
and composting methods; (iii) Preparing and
implementing a solid waste management disposal
plan.
Production and disposal of sewage wastes
generated by construction and operation of
the ecolodge and the campsites.
(i) Using of composting toilets not flush toilets or
best relevant option; (ii) Using biological
treatment technologies for sewage waste and
wastewater that does not involve land disposal;
(iii) Using pit latrines during the construction
19
stage of the ecolodge and for the mobile camp
sites (located away from runoff areas,
depressions, or water sources); (iv) Using eco-
friendly portable WCs in the permanent campsites
as per RSCN‘s experience. RSCN will use good
practice measures building from its experience.
The transport of tourists along the corridor
and in the Burqu‘ nature reserve.
Designated trails within the reserves (for biking,
hiking and camel riding) will be indicated, with
monitoring by guides and rangers. In terms of
vehicle entrance into Burqu‘, only RSCN vehicles
would move tourists in/out and around the
reserve, along designated trails. This will be made
clear in the ETDP.
The hydrological functioning of
watersheds for the construction of the
hafirs: mainly impacts on impact
watershed drainage patterns, as well
sedimentation of the hafir itself.
A hydrological and geological survey will
identify different parameters like peak flow,
possible quantity and quality of raw water, soil
analysis to identify the type of soil of the
proposed hafir site, and types and locations of
other locally available construction materials, etc.
The risk of further overgrazing and
degradation of vegetation cover and of the
rangeland in general.
Rangeland reserves will include contour bunding
for water conservation, and will be replanted with
palatable and nutritious indigenous drought-
resistant species (e.g., atriplex sp. and g. Saxola)
over 25 percent of the reserve‘s area. The reserves
will be set-aside for a period of two years to allow
regeneration and growing.
Impact on Physical Cultural Resources (OP
4.11) and chance finds during the
construction of ecolodge, establishment of
trails, campsite, and construction of hafirs
(i) General interest area for the location of the
hafirs will be determined in collaboration with
communities and also taking into account results
from a geological/hydrological/topographic study,
(ii) If any chance finds are encountered during
implementation, the government‘s national
procedures will be applicable and the national
procedures for archaeological chance finds will be
followed during implementation, and (iii) OP
4.11 will be considered during the preparation of
the ETDP and EMP (under component 1)
Impact on Natural Habitats (OP 4.04) as a
result of project activities: camel and
hiking trails, campsites, and ecolodge
(Component 1)
(i) OP 4.04 on Natural Habitats will be covered
under the scope of OP 4.01 on Environmental
Assessment, (ii) With regards to citing of
ecotourism related activities along the corridor
(e.g. camel and hiking trails, campsites, ecolodge,
etc.), an Ecotourism Development Plan (ETDP)
will be developed during the first year of the
project by RSCN that will include a baseline
ecological study that will define areas for
20
ecotourism interventions taking into account
environmental considerations. The study will
determine the conservation value of the area and
the relative importance of different habitats or
parts of the site and individual species. It will also
explore the relative sensitivity/value of different
ecotourism areas in terms of nature conservation,
landscape, archaeology and cultural interests.
Based on the results of the study, in the event any
‗core conservation or wilderness area‘ is
identified (ecologically valuable areas), the
project will exclude this area and include only
those areas suitable for tourism and as informed
by the study, (iii) RSCN to undertake an EMP
specific to the proposed 10-12 room ecolodge,
(iv) Communities living in Ar Ruwaished and
other smaller villages close to Burqu‘ as well as
some along the corridor will be consulted with
and engaged in the planning and development of
any ecotourism activities. Attention will be paid
to increasing the awareness of the population
about the potential fragility of the local
environmental resources, and the project will
continue through its lifespan to actively engage
with the communities.
ESMP
The ESMP was produced based on the findings of the ESIA. The ESMP includes potential
environmental and social impacts and recommends mitigation measures for all project
components. The ESMP aims to:
i. Ensure that the project complies with national legal requirements and environmental and
social World Bank procedures;
ii. Specify the criteria for environmental and social analysis of investments financed under
the BELP;
iii. Provide options to prevent, minimize or mitigate the risks and potential negative impacts
during project preparation and implementation or increase the positive impacts of
financed investments;
iv. Provide an assessment of training needs and capacity building for various stakeholders in
the project, including frequency and cost;
v. Describe the procedures and responsibilities for monitoring the impacts of the project,
reporting to the World Bank and implementing the ESMP.
21
Table 3. Environmental Management Plan
Mitigation
Aspects
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Monitoring
Methods
Responsibility for
Implementation
of Mitigation
Responsibility
for
Monitoring
Monitoring
Frequency
Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor – Ecolodge
Preservation of
chance finds Construction Phase:
In the event of chance finds, national legislations pertaining to
chance find procedures will be followed
Discovery of chance finds
during construction activities
Field
observations
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
RSCN Ongoing
Conservation of
archaeological
and cultural
resources
Construction Phase:
OP 4.11 will be considered during the preparation of the ETDP and
EMP
Framework of ETDP
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
and tourists
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Preservation of
natural habitats Construction Phase:
An Ecotourism Development Plan (ETDP) will be developed during
the first year of the project by RSCN for ecotourism related activities
along the corridor that will include a baseline ecological study that
will define areas for ecotourism interventions taking into account
environmental considerations. Study to determine the conservation
value of the area and the relative importance of different habitats or
parts of the site and individual species. It will also explore the
relative sensitivity/value of different ecotourism areas in terms of
nature conservation, landscape, archaeology and cultural interests.
Based on the results of the study, in the event any ‗core conservation
or wilderness area‘ is identified (ecologically valuable areas), the
project to exclude this area and include only those areas suitable for
tourism and as informed by the study.
Operational Phase:
Set guidelines and regulations for the preservation of natural habitats
Framework of ETDP
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
and tourists
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Reduce
emissions, dust,
and suppression
of noise
Construction Phase:
Covering waste disposal trucks with tarpaulins
Ensuring that vehicles and machinery should comply with emission
standards.
Construction activity noise levels will be maintained below limits.
Personnel and workers operating on site will be equipped with
hearing and breathing protection gear.
Operation Phase:
Dependency on non-renewable energy sources will be reduced by
adopting solar water heating and photovoltaics for lighting, as
relevant.
Dependency on vehicles for service will be reduced by possibly
depending on animals for transportation of waste, and also by finding
readily available water source instead of truck supply.
Adopting composting practices to reduce the amount of solid waste
Complaints from local
community and occupants
Dust clouds within
construction site and
road/path leading to it.
Dust deposition on vegetation
and rocks
Loud noise can be heard from
a distance
Ground vibration due to
machinery and vehicles
Change in natural habitats
within ecolodge surroundings
Monitoring
devices to ensure
compliance of
noise and
emissions
Field
observations
Interaction with
local community:
use indigenous
knowledge to
understand
impact on
wildlife
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
PMU during
operation phase
RSCN Ongoing
22
produced and reduce the need for waste collection vehicles.
Occupational
Health and
Safety
Construction Phase:
Compliance with General rules and regulations on Occupational
Health and Safety.
Provision of protective gear for workers including helmets, boots,
gloves, masks, and earplugs.
Provision of first aid kit at work sites and necessary information on
rescue during emergency.
Prohibiting admission of children, guests, or dependents of legal
employees or underage workers to construction site.
Provision of appropriate training and emergency response
procedures.
Operation Phase:
Provision of fire extinguishers and first-aid kits in the ecolodge and
camp sites.
An operational manual will also be developed for the building
facilities management.
Complaints from laborers,
occupants, and local
community
Number of incidents/accidents
Adoption level of OHS
Construction site
inspection
Review of
incidents records
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
PMU during
operation phase
RSCN Ongoing
Solid Waste
Management Construction Phase:
Construction waste will be stored and disposed of in an
environmentally safe manner.
A suitable location will be designated for the safe storage of
construction waste onsite. The designated location should be void of
vegetation, natural habitats, and distant from depressions or surface
drainage.
Onsite waste shall be covered with tarpaulin to prevent dust clouds
from forming.
Waste will be carted away from the onsite storage location to a
location identified by for filling purposes.
Solid waste from the labor camp will be stored in bins and collected
as part of the local community‘s solid waste management disposal
plan.
Operation Phase:
Wastes produced should be properly identified and adequate sorting
and storage space should be provided.
Spaces should be designated for on-site separation for paper, glass,
aluminum, steel and plastics.
Processes of waste collection and transportation offsite should be
well designed.
Adopting a garbage prevention strategy: everything brought into the
facility should be recycled for reuse or recycled back into the
environment through biodegradation.
Final disposal of waste through landfills (as relevant) should be
conducted in an environmentally safe manner. Landfill should be
Complaints from local
community and occupants
Construction site
inspection
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
PMU during
operation phase
RSCN Weekly
during
construction
phase
23
remote from population and properly designed in accordance with
global and national specifications.
Organic waste should be composted as part of the recycling strategy,
as relevant.
Sewage Waste
Management Operation Phase: (RSCN to adopt best practice from prior
experience)
Adopting composting strategy of solid sewage waste and use
compost for greenery
Use of composting toilets not flush toilets.
Recommended use of biological treatment technologies of sewage
waste that does not involve land disposal.
Recommended use of biological systems to purify wastewater.
Recommended use of pit latrines during the construction stage of the
ecolodge and in the remote camping areas. Pit latrines should not be
located in runoff areas, in depression, or near water resources.
Construction specifications
and infrastructure design
Review of tender
and contractor bid
documents
Ecolodge site
inspection
PMU RSCN Annually
Soil protection
and prevention
of compaction
Construction Phase:
Soil removed through excavation should be used as back filling or
immediately removed from the project.
Any excavated soil remaining temporarily on site should be placed in
proper location (void of vegetation, habitats, and distant from
waterways) and covered using tarpaulin.
Construction should be avoided during periods of anticipated rainfall
to prevent any soil erosion.
Occupational health measures should be taken and personnel should
be equipped with breathing masks and other protective measures.
Operation Phase:
Use of existing paths for transportation and avoiding the creation of
new routes that would disrupt vegetation, wildlife and compact soils.
Limit the use of vehicles in the region to reduce soil compaction and
ecosystem disruption.
Set limits to where vehicles may reach.
Reduce dependency on vehicles for services
Indication of rill or inter-rill
erosion
Soil compaction during
construction or operation
Disruption of vegetation and
wildlife
Field
observations
Complaints from
local community
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
PMU during
operation phase
PMU Weekly
during
construction
phase and
periodically
during project
operation
Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor – Campsites/trails
Preservation of
chance finds In the event of chance finds, national legislations pertaining to
chance find procedures will be followed
Discovery of chance finds
during ecotourism activities
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Conservation of
archaeological
and cultural
resources
OP 4.11 will be considered during the preparation of the ETDP and
EMP
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
and tourists
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Preservation of
natural habitats Construction Phase:
An Ecotourism Development Plan (ETDP) will be developed during
the first year of the project by RSCN for ecotourism related activities
Framework of ETDP
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
24
along the corridor that will include a baseline ecological study that
will define areas for ecotourism interventions taking into account
environmental considerations. Study to determine the conservation
value of the area and the relative importance of different habitats or
parts of the site and individual species. It will also explore the
relative sensitivity/value of different ecotourism areas in terms of
nature conservation, landscape, archaeology and cultural interests.
Based on the results of the study, in the event any ‗core conservation
or wilderness area‘ is identified (ecologically valuable areas), the
project to exclude this area and include only those areas suitable for
tourism and as informed by the study.
Operational Phase:
Set guidelines and regulations for the preservation of natural habitats
and tourists
Sanitary
facilities
management
Dry toilet pits emptied as required or filled with inert local material
when full and allowed to decompose
Periodic inspections made for leakages.
Complaints from tourists
Field inspection
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Waste
management
Collection of solid waste onsite
Constant removal of waste from campsite
Complaints from tourists
Field inspection
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing as
required
Reduce local
water
consumption
Use of water conservation devices
Promote water conservation among tourists
Develop management ethos to conserve water
Complaints from local
community
Inspections
Monitoring of
water
consumption
PMU RSCN Ongoing as
required
Reduce impact
of bike/camel
trails
Bike, camel, foot, or vehicle traffic will be carefully controlled with
user limits defined and enforced for each category and route
Complaints from local
community and tourists
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Water harvesting structures – Hafirs
Preservation of
chance finds Construction Phase:
In the event of chance finds, national legislations pertaining to
chance find procedures will be followed
Discovery of chance finds
during construction of hafirs
Field
observations
Contractor during
hafir construction
PMU Ongoing
Conservation of
archaeological
and cultural
resources
General interest area for the location of the hafirs will be determined
in collaboration with communities and also taking into account
results from a geological/hydrological/topographic study.
Field observations Field
observations
NCARE and
HFDJB
PMU Ongoing
Preservation of
natural habitats Construction Phase:
General interest area for the location of the hafirs will be determined
in collaboration with communities and also taking into account
results from a geological/hydrological/topographic study
Operational Phase:
Set guidelines and regulations for the preservation of natural habitats
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
and tourists
Field
observations
NCARE and
HFDJB
PMU Ongoing
Control
sedimentation
Periodical excavation Reduction in storage capacity Field
observations
NCARE PMU Annually or
as required
25
Reduce
consumption of
water
Promote awareness among local community on water conservation Reduction in storage capacity Field
observations
NCARE PMU Annually
Evaporation Implement water conservation measures
Promote awareness among local community on water conservation
Reduction in storage capacity Field
observations
NCARE PMU Annually
Reduce animal
disease incidents Monitoring of disease incidents in the area
Periodic inspection of livestock
Complaints from local
community
Documenting of
disease
incidences
NCARE PMU Annually
Intermittent
damages are not
repaired or
rehabilitated on
time, weakening
the structural
system
Implementation of maintenance and repair measures
Allocate budget for maintenance and repair (MOA)
Periodic inspections and checkups on hafirs
Reduction in storage capacity
Complaints from local
community
Field inspection
Feedback from
local community
NCARE/MOA PMU Annually or
as required
Preventing
pollution of
water structures
Identifying pollution sources
Implementation of pollution prevention measures
Promote awareness among local community on pollution prevention
Complaints from local
community
Field inspection
Feedback from
local community
Contractor during
hafir construction PMU Annually
Groundwater
contamination Proper gravel pack and head work construction. Avoid siting sanitary
facilities close to hafirs Change of water quality
Observation of
groundwater
Contractor during
hafir construction PMU
Annually or
as required
Maintaining
water quality Eliminate sources impacting water quality Change of water quality
Observation of
groundwater
Contractor during
hafir construction PMU
Annually
Reducing
impact from
livestock routes Identify and limit routes used by livestock for access to hafir Change in flora and fauna
Field
observations NCARE PMU
Monthly
Accidents Place caution signs to prevent accidents
Promote awareness among local community
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations PMU PMU
Monthly
Soil erosion
Avoid slope areas exposed for erosion.
Drilling and other works should not be executed under aggressive
weather conditions (rains, strong winds)
Change of water quality
Field
observations Contractors NCARE Monthly
Crop-livestock
conflict Establish livestock routes to and from water points/haffir
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations Contractors NCARE Monthly
Rangeland Reserves
Unauthorized
access during
regeneration
period
Promote awareness among local community on importance of
rangeland preservation
Continuous inspections and visits to ensure no trespassing
Reduction in rangeland
vegetation
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations
HFDJB and
NCARE PMU Ongoing
26
Overgrazing Promote awareness among local community on importance of
rangeland preservation
Continuous monitoring and inspection of rangeland reserves
Reduction in rangeland
vegetation
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations
HFDJB and
NCARE PMU Ongoing
Prolonged
droughts Prohibit access to rangeland reserves to promote vegetation
Promote awareness among local community
Reduction in rangeland
vegetation
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations
HFDJB, NCARE
and community PMU Annually
Table 4. Social Management Plan
Mitigation
Aspects
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Monitoring
Methods
Responsibility for
Implementation
of Mitigation
Responsibility
for
Monitoring
Monitoring
Frequency
Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor – CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Obtaining
community
approval over
ecolodge
location and
encouraging
community
participation
Increase awareness among community about the benefits of the
ecolodge
Discussions with the community about the importance of
contribution to activities of project
Take into consideration community opinion on their proposed
location of ecolodge
Complaints from local
community concerning site
location
Meetings with
community
members and local
organizations
RSCN PMU Design phase
Water harvesting structures - CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Community
discontent over
hafir location
Hold discussions with local community members and local
organizations
Take into consideration community opinion on their proposed
location of hafirs
Complaints from local
community concerning site
location
Meetings with
community
members and local
organizations
HFDJB and
NCARE
PMU Design phase
Rangeland Reserves - CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Community
discontent over
rangeland
locations
Hold discussions with local community members and local
organizations
Take into consideration community opinion on their proposed
location of hafirs
Complaints from local
community concerning site
location
Meetings with
community
members and local
organizations
HFDJB and
NCARE
PMU Design phase
Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor – OPERATION PHASE
Involve
community
members in
project activities
of ecolodge,
campsites,trails
Hold discussions with local community members and local
organizations explaining the benefits of participation
Obtain feedback and listen to suggestions offered
Poor community
involvement
Meetings with
community
members and local
organizations
RSCN PMU Monthly or as
relevant
Water harvesting structures – OPERATION PHASE
27
Conflict
resolution over
water
allocation/hafir
Involve local organizations and tribal leaders in decision making
concerning water allocation and usage
Complaints from
community members
Conflicts within community
Meetings with tribal
leaders, community
members and local
organizations
HFDJB PMU Annually
Community
involvement in
maintenance and
operation
Hold discussions with local community members and local
organizations explaining the benefits of participation
Obtain feedback and listen to suggestions offered
Absence of community
contribution
Deterioration of structures
Field observations NCARE PMU Annually
Rangeland Reserves - OPERATION PHASE
Stopping
unauthorized
access during
regeneration
period
Involve local organizations and tribal leaders in decision making
Holding meetings with community members on the importance of
preserving rangeland vegetation
Deterioration of rangeland
reserves
Inspection of
vegetation at
rangeland reserve
NCARE PMU Ongoing
Prevent
overgrazing Involve local organizations and tribal leaders in decision making
Holding meetings with community members on the importance of
preserving rangeland vegetation
Deterioration of rangeland
reserves
Inspection of
vegetation at
rangeland reserve
HFDJB,
NCARE and
community
PMU Ongoing
Conflict
resolution over
rangeland usage
Involve local organizations and tribal leaders in decision making
Deterioration of rangeland
reserves
Inspection of
vegetation at
rangeland reserve
HFDJB PMU Ongoing or as
required
Maintaining and enhancing livelihoods in pilot communities
Community
involvement
Increase awareness among community about the benefits of
participation
Discussions with the community about the importance of
contribution to activities of project
Presenting successful cases to the local community
Absence of community
involvement
Absence of
community
involvement
HFDJB PMU Ongoing
28
Monitoring and Evaluation of ESMP Implementation
The implementation of the environmental and social measures of the ESMP should be monitored
by the PMU since all environmental and social actions are linked to project components and to
their performance indicators. The M&E specialist within the PMU, who will be responsible for
monitoring overall progress and evaluating project performance, will also be in charge of
monitoring and evaluating safeguard compliance with the ESMP. The PMU will include a
section on safeguards compliance in each progress report which will be submitted to the SC and
the WB, with input from RSCN, NCARE and HFDJB. In addition, relevant consultants will be
hired by the PMU for ensuring compliance with safeguards, and for reporting on compliance, if
necessary.
Capacity Required to Implement the ESMP
NCARE, the BELP Implementing Agency, has strong technical capacity and previous
experience with implementing Bank/GEF projects, and thus will be able to ensure compliance
with safeguard policies. In addition, RSCN, the contractor to execute component 1 has prior
experience implementing Bank/GEF projects and hence is familiar with the requirements to
comply with safeguard policies. Additional training and capacity strengthening will be
undertaken during implementation as necessary by the project at both the PMU level (M&E
specialist on Bank safeguard policies and on the requirements for monitoring and reporting), and
by the implementing agency and contractors (NCARE, RSCN and HFDJB) and community level
(specifically in the areas of ecotourism development and rangeland management, chance-finds
procedures, etc.).
As mitigation measures are taken into account in the project design and costs, the ESMP does
not need a separate budget allocation. The costs are included in the activities of the project and
therefore any associated costs related to construction will be part of the works contract.
Consultation Summary
Stakeholder consultations was carried out during the preparation of the ESIA that supports the
conclusion that the BELP will result in positive environmental, social and economic needs of the
target beneficiaries and ecosystem. They were given the opportunity to express their views and
opinions regarding the potential impacts on the environment and how the project might affect
their livelihoods. Community members highly appreciated consulting them regarding this project
at this early stage. There was a clear consensus among the groups that project activities will not
have any significant negative impacts on the individuals or the household in their communities.
On the contrary, they believe the BELP components will positively affect the whole community.
The summary conclusion from the consultations was that very strong support was expressed by
the communities to the project, and they saw largely positive environmental and social impacts
from the project.
Conclusion
29
The project will be highly positive from an environmental standpoint if implemented as planned,
as the project is designed to provide economic, social and environmental benefits to communities
in the three selected poverty pockets of the Jordan Badia. Therefore, by its nature the BELP is
expected to result in positive impacts on the environment and living conditions of targeted
beneficiaries, in general. Any of the above-mentioned potential negative environmental impacts
are expected to be minor, temporary, and site-specific in nature and should be mitigated by
implementing the ESMP. The ESMP provided as part of the ESIA should be utilized and adapted
prior to implementation of any on-the-ground implementation of investments. Training and
capacity strengthening will be needed at the onset of project implementation for both the PMU,
the implementing entities (NCARE, RSCN and HFDJB) and the selected communities to ensure
compliance with the safeguard policies and high level of its implementation.
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BACKGROUND
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an upper middle-income country with a population of 6
million and a per-capita Gross National Income (GNI) of US$4,390. Jordan is located about 80
km east of the Mediterranean Sea that lies at a longitude of 33°22' E and a latitude of 29° 11' N,
with an area of approximately 88,878 km². The altitude ranges from -400 m at the surface of the
Dead Sea up to the 1750 m at Jebel Rum. The climate varies from semi-humid Mediterranean
conditions with rainfall over 500 mm annually to arid conditions with less than 100 mm
annually; this is over only a 100 km distance.
The area farther inland from the western highlands forms a considerable part of the country
known as ―Badia‖. Geographically, the area extends east of the western mountain series aligned
to the east of the Jordan Valley, and is located on elevations between 700 and 1,100 meters
above sea level. The Badia receives an annual rainfall of 50 to 200 mm and has general
characteristics of seasonal contrasts in temperature with high variations in rainfall within and
among years. The Jordan Badia comprises 80 percent of the country‘s territory; the southern and
northern Badia represent around 50 percent and 36 percent of the total Badia area respectively,
and they are the source of livelihood for about 240,000 people (Hashemite Fund for the
Development of the Jordan Badia and 2007 Census), including nomadic, semi-nomadic and
settled communities who largely depend on raising livestock for a living. Women represent 37
percent of the Badia population, while youth below 15 years of age compose 41 percent of the
Badia inhabitants (Department of Statistics (DOS)).
Both the northern and southern Badia are regarded as some of the most impoverished areas in
Jordan, containing several "poverty pockets" (11 in the northern Badia and 3 in the southern
Badia), as identified in the 2010 Poverty Report from the DOS. Poverty prevalence averages 45
percent in both the northern and southern Badia, with peaks at 73 percent in Ar Ruwayshed sub-
district (Mafraq governorate in the northern Badia) and 47 percent in Al Husseinieh sub-district
(Ma'an governorate in the southern Badia), respectively. Poverty pockets are defined as sub-
districts where the percentage of individuals below the absolute poverty line exceeds 25 percent
of the total population of the sub-district. The absolute poverty line (food and non-food poverty)
was calculated as JD680 per individual per year in constant prices at the Kingdom level (Poverty
Report, 2008, DOS). Poverty in the Badia can be largely attributed to a relatively large family
size, scattered settlement patterns, high rates of illiteracy, and limited income sources.
Unemployment is highest among young graduates, and particularly among young women. Jordan
also lags behind in female employability in nonagricultural sectors. Although women are at least
as educated as men, their participation in the labor force is among the lowest in the region,
around 15 percent.
The Badia Ecosystem and Livelihoods Project (BELP) is one of five projects under the Middle
East and North Africa Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods Program (MENA-DELP), a new
Global Environment Facility (GEF) and World Bank (WB) partnership. The MENA-DELP was
approved by the GEF in November 2011, and it includes four national country pilot projects
(Algeria, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco), and a regional knowledge sharing project. The MENA-
DELP framework seeks to maintain and improve the flow of desert ecosystem services for
31
sustainable development in a positive feedback loop. The program will focus on piloting
enabling economic opportunities specific to deserts that integrate the health and diversity of the
desert biome with the vast potential for innovative livelihood opportunities that also sustain
valuable repository knowledge linked to adaptive practices. It is intended that such an approach
will ultimately enhance desert livelihood opportunities and increase the resilience and adaptation
responses of desert communities and ecosystems to projected pressures, in particular climate
change impacts. The focus of MENA-DELP is on different production sectors and on improving
the sustainability of investments through an integrated ecosystem management approach.
Emphasis is also placed on participatory approaches, capacity building and on harnessing local
knowledge. The regional umbrella project aims to enhance knowledge and experience sharing on
opportunities for enhancing desert livelihoods among the four participating pilot countries.
Following an analysis of the proposed investments under the BELP, the WB has determined that
its Safeguard Policy on Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01) would be triggered by the project.
Given the largely positive project environmental and social impacts anticipated and expected
minor and temporary environmental impacts, the project has been confirmed as environmental
category B project, necessitating the preparation of an Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment (ESIA), including an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). The
Government of Jordan (GOJ) has therefore contracted the services of an independent third-party
consultant, according to Terms of Reference approved by the WB. The ESIA includes an
assessment of potential impacts of the proposed project, the likely significance of such impacts
and recommended mitigation measures.
Figure 1: Project Intervention Sub-Districts (Source: NCARE)
32
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Objective
The BELP‘s Development Objective (PDO) is to support sustainable livelihoods and enhance
ecosystem services through participatory approaches in selected areas of the Jordan Badia. The
PDO will be measured throughout project implementation using the following key indicators:
(i) Amount of new ecotourism- related income to communities along the Al Azraq/Shaumari-
Burqu‘ corridor; and
(ii) Hectares of rangelands managed by communities in a sustainable biodiversity-friendly
manner in Al Jafr and Al-Husseinieh
A results framework (RF), outlining the expected project outcomes, results, indicators and
methodologies for measurement of progress are available in the Project Appraisal Document
(PAD). The RF will be used as the basis for the development of the project‘s Monitoring &
Evaluation (M&E) system.
Location and Description
The project will focus on three poverty pockets in the southern and northern Badia. In the south,
Al Jafr and Al Husseinieh, sub-districts within the Ma‗an Governorate, will be targeted; while in
the north, ecotourism activities will be implemented along a corridor which will begin in Al
Azraq (south east of Amman, Zarqa Governorate) and will end in the Burqu‗ Protected Area
(PA) in the east (Mafraq Governorate), targeting the Ar Ruwaished communities. The itinerary
along the corridor and exact locations will be determined during the first year of implementation
as part of the design and piloting of the corridor. The BELP will comprise three components as
follows:
Component 1: Community-Centered Ecotourism in the Northern Badia: The project will
expand ecotourism into the northeast Badia by using the Royal Society for the Conservation of
Nature (RSCN)-managed Al Azraq and Shaumari reserves and attached facilities as a starting
point, from which a 250 km ecotourism corridor will be developed ending in the Burqu‘
Protected Area (PA). The corridor will be developed around a concept of ―low volume, high
value‖ community-centered ecotourism and provide income opportunities to the Ar Ruwaished
and nearby communities, who will also receive targeted information and training to foster their
understanding of the project and their engagement in it; the design of the corridor will also
include a revenue sharing mechanism with communities. The component will be executed by
RSCN which will be contracted by NCARE, and will support the following two sub-
components:
Sub-component 1.1: Establishment of an Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor:
This sub-component will begin with the development of an Ecotourism Development Plan
(ETDP) laying out the vision of the corridor, exact siting, intervention points, services and
products to be developed. The ETDP will be submitted by the project to the Steering Committee
33
and the World Bank for endorsement and approval, respectively. Once the ETDP is endorsed an
approved, this sub-component will provide necessary visitor management infrastructure and
human resources in identified locations along the corridor, and enable the proper management of
the increase in the number of visitors in these areas. Investments will begin in itineraries close to
the Al Azraq/Shaumari starting point, gradually extending toward the Burqu‗ end point. This
approach is expected to allow the testing of established sites and the build-up of interest amongst
Jordanian and international visitors. A strong marketing initiative for the corridor will be carried
out applying the business and marketing approaches developed under RSCN‗s Wild Jordan
division, using a variety of vehicles with the aim of reaching local and international markets, by
engaging with the Tourism Board, tourism operators, websites, social media and RSCN‗s
tourism network.
a. Starting point - Al Azraq and Shaumari Reserves: Investments will be made in Al Azraq, the
official starting point of the corridor, in order to enhance its potential to attract new and
diverse domestic and international tourists and to be used as a promotional starting point of
the ecotourism corridor. In Al Azraq the project will finance the rehabilitation of the existing
bike trails around Al Azraq Reserve as well as equipment necessary to promote the biking
experience around the reserve (bicycles, interpretation panels, etc.). Promotional material
will be prepared for distribution in Al Azraq and Shaumari, and local guides and rangers will
be hired and trained in the Academy to guide visitors at their preferred itineraries and ensure
the integrity of the visited sites, respectively. The proposed project will not invest GEF funds
in Shaumari.
b. Attractions along the Corridor: The ETDP will identify potential itineraries along the Al
Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‗ ecotourism corridor, which may include Rajil (which offers a unique
black desert landscape); Begawehyeh (cultural and religious sites, a paved ancient road, bird
watching); Dahak (a limestone desert geopark with white calcareous cliffs and isolated rock
formations); Safawi (Jawa and Dir El Kahf caves, antiquities and geological formations); and
Garma (petroglyphs). The project will finance the following key inputs:
i. Two ―permanent camps‖ (20 visitor capacity) consisting of traditional Bedouin style
lodging facilities and minimum impact equipment such as solar panels for water
heating and electricity and environment-friendly latrines
ii. Two ―wild camps‖ consisting of traditional Bedouin tents and simpler environment-
friendly equipment
iii. Camel trails operated by local camel owners (identification and mapping, basic
equipment)
iv. Hiring and training of local youth as rangers and guides, camel expedition guides, etc.
v. Production of information and marketing materials
c. End point - Burqu‗ Reserve and Protected Area: Investments in Burqu‗ as the ecotourism
corridor‗s final destination will focus on the establishment of an ecolodge in the proximity of
the Burqu‗ Fort and adjacent facilities as well as capacity building for local communities for
provision of services. Alternatively, and depending on the recommendations of the ETDP, a
traditionally-styled permanent Bedouin camp site will be established in Burqu‗ while the
34
ecolodge will be located along the route between Al Azraq and Burqu‗ at a site offering
unique landscape experience. Specifically, investments in Burqu‗ will include:
i. Ecolodge (initial1 10-room capacity), including a visitor center/museum looking at the
eastern Badia unique features (rock inscriptions, fossils, cultural heritage, biodiversity)
and minimum impact equipment such as solar energy panels for water heating and
electricity, environment-friendly latrines and graywater treatment facilities
ii. –OR- Traditionally-styled permanent Bedouin campsite (20 visitors capacity),
following an eco-friendly design and using minimum impact equipment
iii. Reception area
iv. Radio equipment
v. Activity-related equipment for visitors such as nature watching (binoculars and
telescope) and information material
vi. A camel trail operated by local camel owners
vii. Hiring and training of local rangers and guides, and ranger/guide kits and posts
viii. Capacity development and technical training of local people in the areas of food
services, hospitality, management and customer service
ix. Hiring of community liaison officers to ensure continual consultation and
communication between the project and nearby communities
x. Production of information and marketing materials
Appropriate mechanisms for benefit distribution and sharing with the concerned communities
will be determined in the ETDP. A key element of these mechanisms will be the identification of
the target groups, which will be those that are most needy and have the most impact on the
recognized special landscapes and ecosystems within the ecotourism corridor. The identification
of the target groups will require extensive consultations with local communities, to be supported
under sub component 1.2. Once the target groups have been identified, there are several ways in
which benefits could be distributed and shared, including:
Distribution of profits and shares (as in cooperatives); The transfer of ownership of the
newly created tourism facilities and service to the community; Special levies on tourists
for community support; and, Sharing of entrance fees
To determine which mechanisms are most appropriate for a given situation will require further
study and consultation with local people and an understanding of the likely revenue generating
power of the tourism businesses being created. RSCN will draw on its long experience in these
matters to guide the process.
Sub-component 1.2: Community engagement: Sub-component 1.2 will ensure that communities
living in Ar Ruwaished and other smaller villages close to Burqu‘ as well as some along the
corridor are fully engaged in, and directly benefit from, the ecotourism activities. This will
involve consulting with, and engaging these communities early in the planning and development
1 10 rooms is the minimum viable size but the ecolodge could be expanded after project closing if demand is high
35
of the proposed ecotourism activities. Attention will be paid to increasing the awareness of the
population about the fragility of the local environmental resources, the need to support and
finance protective measures, and the benefits (financial and other) that can accrue to the
community from well-formulated and implemented ecotourism activities. The project will
continue through its lifespan to actively engage the communities in the ecotourism activities and
ensure that they directly benefit from them.
Component 2: Adapted Rangeland Management and Alternative Livelihoods Support in
the Southern Badia: This component will pilot more sustainable rangeland management models
for local communities by engaging them directly in the design and implementation of improved
and adapted management of the natural resources on which they depend. In tune with the first
component, investments will be geared at showing the validity of different alternative livelihood
options. This component will be implemented by the project Implementing Agency, the National
Center for Agriculture Research and Extension (NCARE), who will contract the Hashemite
Fund for the Development of the Jordan Badia (HFDJB) to execute the community engagement
and alternative livelihoods aspects. The component will support the following three sub-
components:
Sub-component 2.1: Water harvesting: Two modified hafirs, in terms of their shape and the
geological characteristics of the sites, will be constructed by the project, making water available
for at least 6 months. The hafirs‘ water holding capacity will be between 50,000 and 100,000 m3.
The general interest area for the hafirs will be determined by the beneficiary communities. A
consultation-based area identification process, assisted by NCARE‘s watershed specialists, will
be executed by HFDJB, which specializes in community participation and engagement in
general, and has experience engaging with communities and associations in the target localities
in specific. Aspects of land ownership and use rights will be considered carefully with the
understanding that the hafirs and their related works will be on Government land. Agreements
will be reached with the communities on the management of the hafirs after the project is closed
through the HFDJB-led community engagement process.
Account will be taken of the MOWI-MOA Water Harvesting Study (2009), which identified a
considerable number of suitable sites, including a few in the Ma‘an Governorate area. Due
reference will also be made to hafirs‘ design standards and guidelines of the Jordan Valley
Authority – Dams Administration Department/Water Harvesting Directorate, which is the
specialized arm of MOWI on water harvesting technologies. In all cases, general and specific
Government rules and regulations for public works will be followed. Shape, depth and soil
properties will be determined to reduce evaporation rates, seepage losses and increase overall
water detainment.
Maintenance of the hafirs, including annual sediment removal and check-ups of the structure,
will be the responsibility of NCARE during the life of the project which will be handed over to
MOA upon its closure. Annual checks are required on the diversion structure, the water inlet
point, and the spillway for any damage. Sediment removal from the inside of the hafir should be
performed once every 4 to 5 years or more frequently depending on the soil erosion conditions of
the watershed.
36
Figure 2: Proposed Locations for Hafirs (Source: BELP Socio-Economic Assessment)
Sub-component 2.2: Adapted rangeland management: This sub-component supports the
establishment and operation of two non-fenced rangeland reserves (total area of about 3000 ha)
in Al Jafr and Al Husseinieh (one in each) and the building of communities‘ capacity to assume
responsibility for the adapted management and maintenance of the reserves. The pilot rangeland
reserve areas will be on state-owned land with Government formally granting the pilot
communities increased management authority over the reserve areas. The communities will be
directly involved in the design of this pilot initiative from the outset, including in the
identification of the reserve sites, and in all decisions regarding the choice of plant species to be
replanted, water conservation and harvesting, and in the management and monitoring approaches
to be followed. The aim will be to not only transfer responsibility for site management to the
communities, but also the authority for rehabilitation and maintenance. Central to this effort will
be the acceptance of the communities that reserve areas will be closed initially to livestock
grazing for a two year period to allow for rehabilitation of plant cover. The collaboration
between NCARE and HFDJB is a key element of this approach; HFDJB will have the lead in all
community engagement aspects, and continue to support the communities through the life of the
project on these initiatives. The project will support 6 Community Youth Rangers who will be
recruited from the target communities. The rangers will be employed for a period of about three
years and their work will start at the beginning of the reserve improvement activities.
Rangeland management works will also include carrying out ‗water spreading‘ through contour
bunding type works to increase vegetation cover in selected areas outside the reserves. Areas for
water spreading will be selected with community consultation and agreement, with HFDJB‘s
37
assistance. The management practices of these ‗special areas‘ will be carefully verified,
discussed and agreed to with the communities.
Reserves‘ (inside) contour bunding and water spreading (outside, in the reserves‘ surrounding
areas) works will be preceeded by all required studies (topographic, hydrological and soils
studies) and will be based on NCARE‘s standard design and technologies. Management of the
reserves will be the responsibility of the beneficiary communities during the life of the project; it
is expected that the communities, upon project completion, will be capable of sustainably
managing and utilizing the reserves. Responsibility for monitoring of the reserves‘ biomass after
project completion will rest with MOA.
Sub-component 2.3: Alternative livelihoods: This Sub-component comprises two activities: one
involves deepening the understanding of the socio-economic circumstances and tribal affiliations
of the target communities, which will be important in understanding how best to engage them on
project activities and, particularly, in the alternative livelihoods activities; the second activity
provides a range of support for alternative livelihoods initiatives in the communities, with some
special focus on women and youth.
While the target communities have been extensively consulted during project preparation and
have provided input on project design, more detailed information on the communities will help
refine activities so they respond effectively to local interests and incentives. The activity will
refine information about the loci of poverty in the community, the circumstances of youth and
women, perceptions about land use and management, and interest in, and opportunities for,
alternative livelihoods. Activities will include focus group meetings, a rapid rural appraisal, and
a survey. HFDJB will be responsible for these activities. The findings will usefully inform the
implementation of all Component 2 project activities.
Community engagement, which is central to the success of all Component 2 project initiatives,
will be directly informed by the findings of the socio-economic assessment of the target
communities. The community engagement activities will: inform the target communities of the
proposed alternative livelihoods and small grants programs; clarify the objectives and expected
outcomes of these activities; inform communities of the conditions governing the programs;
identify and obtain as comprehensive a list as possible of cooperatives who will benefit from the
alternative livelihoods activities; and fully involve community members in the program so it has
their full support and buy-in. The Community Engagement activities will also provide an
opportunity to identify possible obstacles or potential opposition to the proposed activities and to
work out ways to address these proactively.
The second activity aims to support communities through established community cooperatives to
initiative new, or significantly improve existing, micro-business income-generating activities.
The objective is to encourage communities to engage in income-generating activities that will
ultimately improve their livelihoods and, over time, help reduce their reliance on natural
resources exploitation.
This activity will be implemented by HFDJB which will work closely with between 10 and 21
established local cooperatives, spread rather evenly across the two target communities. At least
38
one of the cooperatives will be a women‘s only cooperative, and it is required that women‘s
membership in the total number of participating cooperatives be at least 15 percent.
Additionally, one cooperative will focus specifically on providing livelihoods support for youth
(18-25 years of age) relating to the on-the-job training and short- and term employment
opportunities in the pilot reserves.
Funding for the alternative livelihoods activities will come from both GEF and HFDJB. GEF
funding will support capacity building, skills training, technical assistance (including
consultancies) and small equipment purchases for alternative livelihoods activities for a
minimum of 8 and a maximum of 11 local cooperatives. The precise number of cooperatives
included will ultimately be determined by the costs involved in supporting the cooperatives. The
alternatively livelihoods activities are expected to operate through the life of the project as
micro-businesses, with profits probably only beginning to be realized in the second year of their
operation. The cooperatives will likely choose to engage in traditional activities such as cheese
making, herb production, tailoring, traditional biscuit production, etc. GEF funding can, and
should, be used to support consultancies relating to the determination of markets, quality
standards, and packing requirements related to the cooperatives‘ proposed business ventures.
The HFDJB will be responsible for working with the communities and cooperatives on the
design and implementation of the GEF-supported alternative livelihoods activities. HFDJB
resources will be used to support a small grants program in up to 10 local community
cooperatives in the two target communities. The small grants will help the cooperatives enhance
or introduce new micro-business activities. It is possible that some of the cooperatives receiving
GEF support for alternative livelihoods activities will also receive small grants support from the
HFDJB. However, at least 25 percent of the GEF‘s alternative livelihoods support must be used
for cooperatives which are not receiving HFDJB‘s small grants support.
The cooperatives receiving support under the GEF‘s alternative livelihoods activities and/or from
the HFDJB‘s small grants program will be selected based on the following criteria:
a. they will have been in existence for at least one year;
b. they will have shown, through a review undertaken by the HFDJB, the capacity to manage
investments and equipment in a sound and transparent way;
c. they are in full compliance with Jordanian regulations governing the establishment and operation
of cooperatives;
d. they represent only local residents living in the target communities;
e. they have an active membership of 10+ persons;
f. they are not affiliated with a specific political party or religious entity;
g. there is no history of controversy about their activities, practices, or membership within their
communities or more broadly;
h. their proposed alternative livelihoods activities are considered by the HFDJB to have potential to
be economically viable and sustainable, being based on local skill and knowledge capacities and
technologies, readily available resources, and a clearly identified and accessible market.
HFDJB will be responsible for ensuring that all cooperatives receiving support under the GEF‘s
alternative livelihoods support and the HFDJB‘s small grant support meet the 8 criteria listed
above.
39
It is not anticipated that the cooperatives will themselves receive and manage the financial
support for their planned alternative livelihoods activity. They will be advanced 25 percent of the
total financial support amount on signing of an Operational Agreement with the HFDJB, but
thereafter will provide original invoices and statements of expenditures to the HFDJB for
reimbursement. HFDJB will be responsible for procuring and delivering the needed capacity
building, training and, in some cases, small equipment needs, for the cooperatives consistent
with the specific micro-business they are pursuing. The alternative livelihoods activities may
either be new ventures or be initiatives to upgrade and improve the quality and marketability of
ongoing productive activities.
Prior to the cooperatives receiving alternative livelihoods or small grant support, the HFDJB will
ensure that each cooperative signs an Operational Agreement which clearly lays out the
objectives, manner of operation, membership and conditions under which the alternative
livelihoods and/or small grants support is being provided. Cooperatives receiving support under
the project‘s alternative livelihoods activities must ensure their activities do not involve any
activities included on the following Negative List:
a. the purchase or maintenance of live animals or birds;
b. the construction or modification of buildings or infrastructure;
c. the movement or resettlement of persons or families from their existing homes, whether
their settlement is legal or illegal;
d. the removal or moving of cultural artifacts or structures;
e. the purchase of land;
f. the purchase of vehicles;
g. the use of groundwater from unlicensed wells or sources;
h. the introduction of invasive alien species;
i. the production, processing, or movement of illegal substances and items;
j. the killing, trade or trafficking of endangered animal species. The HFDJB will be responsible for ensuring that the participating cooperatives meet and comply
with the Negative List through the life of the project.
Component 3: Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation: A Project Management
Unit (PMU), comprising a project manager, M&E specialist and fiduciary staff, capable of
directing and supporting project implementation, will be established in NCARE. The PMU will
receive guidance from a high level Steering Committee (SC) and will be technically supported
by a Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising of focal points from the implementing
agency and contractors: NCARE, RSCN and HFDJB and from the Ministry of Planning and
International Cooperation (MOPIC). The TWG will also ensure communication and
collaboration between the three entities.
Implementation Arrangements
The project will be implemented by NCARE, a semi-autonomous (1993) leading center for
agricultural research and extension in Jordan under MOA. Project components will be
implemented as follows:
40
Component 1 will be implemented by RSCN, an independent non-profit Non Governmental
Organization (NGO) devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural resources.
Component 2 sub-component 2.1 (Water harvesting) and sub-component 2.2 (Rangeland
rehabilitation) will be implemented by NCARE through its Baqa‘a headquarters and extension
staff. Sub-component 2.3 (Maintaining and enhancing livelihoods in pilot communities) will be
implemented by HFDJB, the institution mandated by Royal Decree (2006) to sustainably
develop the Jordan Badia.
Component 3 will be implemented by a PMU housed in NCARE.
Project institutional arrangements are as follows:
Project Management Unit: The PMU will comprise a full-time project manager, a part-time
M&E specialist, procurement and financial officers. The PMU will manage the activities of all
entities (NCARE, HFDJB, RSCN), prepare annual work plans and budgets, ensure
collaboration between stakeholders and conduct M&E.
Steering Committee: The PMU will be guided by a SC, chaired by the Secretary General of
MOPIC. The SC will provide strategic guidance and oversight for the project (including on
procurement, financial management, disbursement, M&E and reporting matters), advise on
corrective measures, provide conflict resolution, and be responsible for approving annual work
plans and associated budgets submitted by the PMU. The SC will include the general directors-
of NCARE, RSCN and HFDJB and the secretary generals of MOA, Ministry of Environment
(MOE), Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MOWI) and Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
(MOTA). The SC will hold meetings every 3 months, or more frequently as required.
Technical Working Group: The PMU will benefit from a TWG, chaired by the project
manager. Focal points from NCARE, RSCN and HFDJB as well as a representative from
MOPIC will form members of the TWG. The TWG will discuss technical issues, enable
information exchange between project activities, provide technical advice and guidance on
various aspects of project implementation, and may also make recommendations to be
discussed at the SC. It is crucial for project success that the PMU operate in a flexible,
transparent and collaborative manner with all concerned entities. To this end, the TWG will be
a key mechanism. The TWG will meet on a quarterly basis, or more often as required.
Project Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries of the project are communities in Ar Ruwaished (northern Badia), Al Jafr and
Al Husseinieh sub-districts (southern Badia). Individuals, cooperatives and community
organizations will benefit from learning about and implementing a more sustainable management
approach to the natural resources upon which their livelihoods are dependant; a variety of
income-generating activities related to ecotourism and local product development and
processing; and grant resources for micro business development, adapted rangeland
management, and hafirs (traditional name for animal watering reservoirs) for animal watering
and fodder production.
41
PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ESIA
Scope of the ESIA
According to WB policies, it is imperative that any WB-financed project does not have any
detrimental environmental or social impacts on the surrounding environment and populations.
Resulting from the nature of the proposed investments, the project has been confirmed by the
WB under its safeguards policies as Environmental Category B and the safeguard policy on
Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01) has been triggered. To this effect, the Government of
Jordan was requested to prepare an ESIA for the project, complemented by an ESMP. By
reviewing the environmental and social aspects of the project according to both Jordan‘s legal
framework and the WB Safeguard policies, the ESIA and ESMP identify measures to be taken
and describe the procedure to be implemented to ensure that potential minor project risks to the
environment are adequately assessed and managed.
The ESIA is complemented by a socioeconomic assessment and Process Framework which the
project will utilize to ensure that communities are not negatively affected by BELP activities in
line with WB policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12). The World Bank safeguard policies
on Natural Habitats (OP 4.04) and Physical Cultural Resources (OP 4.11) will not be triggered as
a result of project interventions. However, these policies are to be taken into account within the
scope of implementation of the ESMP.
Objectives of the ESIA
The objectives of the ESIA are:
(a) To assess the potential environmental and social impacts of the project as a result of potential
interventions;
(b) To compare the impacts in relation to relevant national and World Bank requirements and
guidelines;
(c) To develop an ESMP (including screening criteria) for the mitigation of any potentially
negative impacts of the proposed interventions and for monitoring compliance with the relevant
laws and policies.
The ESMP aims to:
vi. Ensure that the project complies with national legal requirements and environmental and
social WB procedures;
vii. Specify the criteria for environmental and social analysis of investments financed under
the BELP;
viii. Provide options to prevent, minimize or mitigate the risks and potential negative impacts
during project preparation and implementation or increase the positive impacts of
financed investments;
ix. Provide an assessment of training needs and capacity building for various stakeholders in
the project, including frequency and cost;
42
x. Describe the procedures and responsibilities for monitoring the impacts of the project,
reporting to the World Bank and implementing the ESMP; and
xi. Include chance-finds procedures as relevant.
Methodology and Approach
The assessment of the potential environmental and social impacts of the project activities under
its three components (particularly components 1 and 2) was conducted using the following
approach:
o Field visits were conducted to project sites in the targeted poverty pockets where
potential impacts on natural habitats (physical, biological, and social spheres) of project activities
were identified;
o Identification of all stakeholders and at all levels. The stakeholders included relevant
farmers‘ organizations, government officials, NGOs, target communities and potential
beneficiaries;
o Undertaking consultations with the identified stakeholders and recording of meetings
with stakeholders.;
o Identifying individuals and households whose socioeconomic status might be adversely
affected by project activities, and consulting with them about the expected impact of project
activities and the most appropriate mitigation measures and locations for implementation of on
the ground investments,
The potential adverse impacts identified in the ESIA were used to formulate mitigation strategies
for the production of the ESMP.
43
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
This chapter discusses the policy, legal and institutional arrangement/framework within which
this ESIA was drawn and will be implemented.
World Bank Safeguards Policies
The WB environmental and social policies (referred to as ‗safeguard policies‘) are used to
examine potential environmental risks and benefits associated with WB-funded operations. Ten
safeguard policies are examined for each project:
i. OP/BP 4.01: Environmental Assessment
ii. OP/BP 4.04: Natural Habitats
iii. OP 4.09: Pest Management
iv. OD 4.20: Indigenous People
v. OP/BP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement
vi. OP/BP 4.11: Physical Cultural Resources
vii. OP 4.36: Forests
viii. OP/BP 4.37: Safety of Dams
ix. OP/BP 7.50: Projects on International Waters
x. OP/BP 7.60: Projects in Disputed Areas
The following table summarized the safeguard policies which the BELP triggers:
Table 1: World Bank Safeguard Operational Policies and their Applicability to the Jordan
BELP
Safeguard Policy Policy
triggered
(Yes/No)
Justification
OP 4.01: Environmental
Assessment
Yes The policy is triggered. The project is classified as an
environmental Category B requiring partial assessment.
Activities will largely result in positive environmental
impacts, and the minor, site-specific impacts mainly
from small-scale works can be mitigated with
integration of appropriate measures and implementation
of common sense good practice measures.
OP 4.04: Natural Habitats Yes The policy is triggered. The policy will be covered
within the scope of OP 4.01. As per the project design
in the north Badia, the existing Shaumari reserve and
Azrak reserve and wetland managed by RSCN will
serve as starting point for the ecotourism corridor, and
the corridor will extend to the proposed Burqu reserve
in the east Badia—however, the project will not invest
in these reserves. With regards to citing of ecotourism
related activities along the corridor (e.g. camel and
44
hiking trails, campsites, ecolodge, etc.), an Ecotourism
Development Plan (ETDP) will be developed during
the first year of the project by RSCN that will include a
baseline ecological study that will define areas for
ecotourism interventions taking into account
environmental considerations. The study will determine
the conservation value of the area and the relative
importance of different habitats or parts of the site and
individual species. It will also explore the relative
sensitivity/value of different ecotourism areas in terms
of nature conservation, landscape, archaeology and
cultural interests. Based on the results of the study, in
the event any ‗core conservation or wilderness area‘ is
identified (ecologically valuable areas), the project will
exclude this area and include only those areas suitable
for tourism and as informed by the study. In addition to
the ETDP, RSCN will undertake an EMP specific to
the proposed 10-12 room ecolodge.
Communities living in Ar Ruwaished and other smaller
villages close to Burqu‘ as well as some along the
corridor are consulted with and engaged in the planning
and development of any ecotourism activities.
Attention will be paid to increasing the awareness of
the population about the potential fragility of the local
environmental resources, and the project will continue
through its lifespan to actively engage with the
communities.
OP 4.09: Pest
Management
No The policy is not triggered. The BELP will not involve
the purchase of pesticides.
OP 4.11: Physical
Cultural Resources
Yes The policy is triggered. However, project interventions
will affect any known archaeological sites. For chance-
finds, Jordan‘s national procedures to be followed.
General interest area for the location of the hafirs will
be determined in collaboration with communities and
also taking into account results from a
geological/hydrological/topographic study. Project will
not impact any know physical cultural resources. OP
4.11 will be considered within the scope of the ESMP
implementation. Furthermore if any chance finds are
encountered during implementation, the government‘s
national procedures will be applicable and the national
procedures for archaeological chance finds will be
followed during implementation. OP 4.11 will be
considered during the preparation of the ETDP and
EMP (under component 1).
OP 4.12: Involuntary Yes The policy is triggered. Some potential for social
45
Resettlement discontent over the project‘s activities around Badia
land use may arise. The borrower accordingly prepared
a Process Framework to guide the response to any
potential social or socio-economic impacts.
OP 4.20: Indigenous
People
No The policy is not triggered. No indigenous people are
present in project areas.
OP 4.36: Forestry No The policy is not triggered. No forest areas exist in the
project areas.
OP 4.37: Safety of Dams No The policy is not triggered. The BELP does not involve
construction of dams, and does not depend on any dams
for its activities.
OP 7.50: Projects on
International Waterways
No The policy is not triggered. The sites of Jordan BELP
do not intersect with any international waterways.
OP 7.60: Projects in
Disputed Areas
No The policy is not triggered. The project will not be
implemented in disputed areas.
Jordan’s Legal Framework
National laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of the environment and environmental
impact assessment of projects include:
Law of Environmental Protection, No. 52 of 2006, went into effect Oct. 16, 2006: The
provisions under this Law include the requirement to protect the environment and all of its
elements; the requirement to set policies for the protection of the environment and the
preparation of plans for such policies; the requirement to monitor elements of the environment;
the requirement to set principles for the handling of harmful substances; approval for the
establishment of natural reserves, national parks, and their management and supervision; the
requirement to issue environmental emergency plans; and the monitoring and inspection of
projects and facilities to ensure that they are in compliance with Jordanian standard
specifications.
Article 23 mandates MOE to issue a number of bylaws which include natural reserves and
national parks. To-date, the following by-laws have been issued:
1. Management, transport, storage, manufacture, use and trading in organic fertilizer by-law
of 2003
2. Noise prevention and control by-law of 2003
3. Handling and discharge of used oil by-law of 2003.
4. Management of ozone depleting substances by-law of 2003
5. Management and handling hazardous waste by-law of 2003
6. Natural Reserves and national parks by-law no. 29 of 2005
7. Management, handling and transport of dangerous and hazardous material by-law no. 24
of 2005
8. Soil protection by-law no.25 of 2005
46
9. Environment protection during emergencies by-law no.26 of 2005
10. Solid waste management by-law no.27 of 2005
11. Air quality by-law no.28 of 2005
12. Environmental impact assessment by-law no.37 of 2005
By-law of Environmental Impact Assessment, No. 37 of 2005, went into effect May 5, 2005:
The Regulation sets requirements for conducting EIAs for businesses and projects. The
Regulation requires businesses to submit environmental applications for the establishment of
their projects as specified in Annex 1 of this Regulation. After that, the type of EIA to be
conducted is determined by MOE as follows:
Category 1: comprehensive EIA (Annex 2). These include projects such as: oil refineries, mining
industries (geothermal drilling, well drilling, sea water desalination, non-metal mining, coal
mining, secondary industrial facilities concerning oil, gas and oil shale), power production and
transmission industries, surface storage of natural gas, storage of flammable gases, storage of
fossil fuels, steel factories, chemicals industries, industrial cities projects, mining, port
construction, dredging, etc.
Category 2: initial EIA (Annex 3) and, based on the results, the need for a comprehensive EIA is
assessed. Annex 3 of the Regulation lists Category 2 projects as follows: agricultural projects
(poultry, livestock, fish farms), food industries, textile industries, leather, wood, paper, rubber
industries, infrastructure industries, metal processing, etc.
Category 3: do not require comprehensive or initial EIA. Annex 5 of the Regulation specifies
information to be included in the EIA: Non-technical Summary, Framework Policy Legal and
Administrative, Project Description, Baseline Data, Environmental impacts (land, air, water,
vegetation, animals, noise, light, land use, natural resources, disasters, residents, transportation,
general services, energy, general facilities, public health, aesthetic view, recreation and cultural
resources), Analysis of Alternatives, Mitigation Plan, and Monitoring and Environmental Post
Auditing Plan.
By-law of Protection of Wild Birds and Animals and Their Hunting Regulations, No.113 of
1973, went into effect Jan. 1, 1973: The provisions under the Regulation include the
requirement to obtain a license for the hunting of wild birds and animals, the requirement to hunt
only during specified seasons and locations, and the prohibition of hunting in desert areas east of
the Hijaz railway, excluding Al-Azraq.
By-law of Air Protection, No. 28 of 2005, went into effect Mar. 31, 2005: The provisions under
the Regulation include: the requirement to ensure that air emissions are not in excess of
maximum permissible limits (Article 3); and that the location of facilities is consistent with the
type of activity of project (Article 6); prohibiting the use of consumed metal oils or tyres for
power production in case emissions exceed maximum allowable limits (Article 9 part A);
prohibiting the burning of solid waste or tyres or any other material in the outdoors resulting in
air emissions exceeding maximum allowable limits (Article 9, part C); ensuring that smoke
stacks are designed so that release of emissions does not impact public health or the
environment; and ensures that pollutants do not exceed maximum allowable limits (Article 10);
47
the requirement to ensure proper ventilation (Article 11); the requirement to conduct any study,
implementation of any program, or environmental auditing as requested by the Minister.
By-law of Natural Reserves and Natural Parks, No. 29 of 2005, went into effect Mar. 31, 2005:
Article 6 of the Regulation states that owners of land in natural parks or natural reserves are
entitled to use their land in any fashion that does not conflict with the objectives and managerial
plan of the reserves or parks. Article 9 of the Regulation prohibits any activities within natural
reserves or parks such as exploitation of natural resources prior to obtaining approval from
Natural Park or Natural Reserve management and in accordance with regulations issued by the
Minister.
By-law of Groundwater Monitoring, No. 85 of 2002, and Amendments No. 76 of 2003, No. 68
of 2004, and 12 of 2007: The Regulation sets requirements for the drilling of wells. Article 8
prohibits well drilling and abstraction of groundwater, or change to an existing well prior to
obtaining license; any legal or real person must conduct a pumping experiment prior to well
exploration for the purpose of determining well production capacity and water quality. On that
basis, a water abstraction license is issued indicating permissible water quantities (Article 9); any
party licensed to abstract water is prohibited from contaminating or depleting wells (Article 10);
Article 11 states that the licensed party is prohibited from irrigating land other than that specified
in the abstraction license. Also, the sale of water is prohibited prior to obtaining written consent
from the General Secretary.
Interim Agricultural Law No. (44) of 2002: The provisions under this Regulation include: the
requirement to protect, conserve, and manage wildlife from manmade hazards; and conditions
pertaining to forestry and grazing land protection (Articles 27 to 44). Under the Regulation, it is
prohibited to designate or sell or exchange forests or grazing land to any person or authority
regardless of the reasoning behind it. Two national strategies on biodiversity have been already
prepared in Jordan (1998 and 2002).
Law of Antiquities, No. 21 of 1988 and Amendments No. 23 of 2002, No. 23 of 2004, and No.
55 of 2008: The provisions under this Regulation state that: immovable antiquities are the
ownership of the government; ownership of movable antiquities must be in accordance with the
law; land ownership does not grant individual rights to antiquities; all antiquities in the
possession of individuals must be registered; inflicting of harm or damage to antiquities is
prohibited; the construction of buildings must be within 5 to 25 meters from antiquity sites;
excavation for antiquities is strictly prohibited; chance finds must be reported to the head of
department of antiquities or to the nearest police station within 10 days; and that all antiquities
found through such means are the legal ownership of the government.
Chance find procedures include the following:
(a) Stop the construction activities in the area of the chance find
(b) Delineate the discovered site or area
(c) Secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects.
(d) Notify the Department of Archeology immediately
48
(e) Construction work will resume only after authorization is given by the responsible local
authorities and the Department of Antiquities concerning the safeguard of the heritage.
Land Acquisition Law: The Land Acquisition Law No. (12) of 1987 provides the Government
of Jordan the right to acquire any piece of land or property to develop a project for public
benefit. However, the government has to compensate the owner(s) fairly. In case the owner(s)
are not satisfied with the compensation, they can take it to court. Such matters are considered of
high urgency and will be handled by the court system as quickly as possible. The law outlines all
the related specifics.
Noise: Control and Prevention of Noise of 1997: Noise is considered an environmental
pollutant. Owners of plants and vehicles must take appropriate measures to ensure compliance
with national laws, regulations and standards with regard to noise. In 1995 and pursuant to
Article 27 (a) of the Environment Law No. 12 of 1995, the GOJ issued instructions for the
permissible sound levels and prevention of noise. These instructions define specific sources of
noise and associated permissible upper limits in dB, in addition to setting fines and penalties for
violating these instructions.
International and Regional Environmental Legislation
Jordan is party to many international environment agreements. Most of these agreements require
Jordan to comply with specified parameters for environmental protection. The following list
provides the multilateral agreements relevant to the project:
Convention on the Protection of World Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage, 1972
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1993
Cartagena Protocol, 2004
The United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD), 1996
Convention on Protection of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, 2001
49
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT
A business-as-usual scenario implies maintaining the status quo of impoverished communities of
the Jordan Badia and doing very little about it, maintaining the current poverty and
unemployment situation, and continued degradation of the Badia‘s vulnerable rangeland and
unique agro-biodiversity. This option would wrongfully imply that there is no urgent need for
rangeland reserves or for improving fodder production in the southern Badia region, that there is
no urgent need to expand tourism in the Northern Badia which can provide sustainable
alternative income generation to poor communities with little livelihoods opportunities. Without
the BELP, the following environmental and social impacts would be expected: continued
rangeland deterioration, continued high levels of poverty and unemployment, continued selling
of livestock and migration to urban areas and/or reliance on governmental aide. On the other
hand, this option indicates that all defined potential adverse impact sources during the
construction, implementation and operation phases will not occur. Nevertheless, adverse
potential environmental impacts identified are very limited as compared to the positive impacts
anticipated from BELP. On account of the reasons listed above, a no-project alternative should
not be considered.
50
PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE DATA
Environmental
Topography
The topography of the northern Badia is characterized by low, generally undulating topography.
Low gradient slopes (approximately 1 percent) from north to south dominate the northern and
southern Badia along with wadi systems that follow these slopes and the direction of the major
fault lines. Altitude in the Eastern Badia generally ranges from 400 to 700 meters above sea level
(ASL). The Azraq Oasis forms a depression with an altitude of 520 meters ASL. The southern
Badia forms a flat area intersected by partly deep incised wadis. The topography rises in its
southwestern parts to more than 1500 m ASL (Aqaba Mountains). The most southern part, which
lies to the south of the Ras El Naqab escarpment, is considered a different topographic unit,
although it belongs to the same raised ground. This is because it is separated from the level by
the prominent topographic feature - the escarpment, because it drains to the Dead Sea and
because of its steep topography dictated by a different geology consisting of sandstones and a
granitic basement complex. The elevation of the area is around 900m ASL, with a north-south
width of around 100 km. It is strongly dissected by wadis with very rough topography in the
western part and smooth topography in the eastern part.
Climate
The eastern Badia climate is arid. Seasonal climatic variations are exhibited in the region with
dry, hot summers and damp, cool winters. Rainfall is erratic with annual variation ranging from
50 – 150 mm and very rarely exceeding 200 mm. Over 80 percent of rainfall occurs from the
months of December to March. Rainfall is variable both spatially and temporally. It is highest in
the north due to the orographic effect of the Druze Mountains, and decreases towards the south at
the Saudi borders where rainfall does not exceed 50 mm. Occasional heavy showers cause
surface runoff and soil erosion, decreasing the amount of water stored in the soil. Potential
evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation in the eastern Badia by more than 50 times. Diurnal
temperature fluctuates widely from a mean minimum of 10ºC to a mean maximum of 24.6ºC
with mean daily temperature of 17.6ºC. Occasional absolute minimum and maximum
temperatures are -5°C and 46°C, respectively. In the winter, temperatures may drop below zero
when cold winds arriving from the continental interior reach the Badia. The lowest and highest
recorded temperatures are -12 ºC and 46.4 ºC, respectively.
Water Resources
The Badia contains the principal surface water and groundwater basins in the Kingdom. One of
the important groundwater basins in the area is Al-Azraq basin, which is used to supply water for
agriculture and drinking purposes to surrounding areas. Unfortunately, ongoing overuse of this
basin led to a drop in its water level and declining water quality.
Figure 1 illustrates the distribution of ground wells in the Jordan Badia, showing 3,500
groundwater wells throughout the area. The highest concentrations of wells are found in Al-
51
Azraq basin, followed by the Zarqa and Yarmouk rivers basins. Here, wells are providing major
cities with drinking water, as well as supplying water for irrigating vegetables and fruit trees in
the irrigated areas of the Badia. The Badia also contains the Disi aquifer, which will be used to
supply Jordan‘s capital, Amman, with drinking water after the conclusion of a water conveyance
project.
Figure 3: Geographical Distribution of Groundwater Basins and Wells in the Jordan Badia
(source: ADD)
Regarding surface water, the total watershed area in the Badia is about 67,000 km2. Rainfall
records showed that the total rainfall amounts over the Badia ranges, on average, between 5 to 7
52
billion cubic meters of water annually, while the total surface water that is actually harvested and
utilized is only about 90 million m3 annually. It is worth mentioning that water harvesting has
long been practiced in the Badia – numerous ancient, archaeological pools show how water was
once collected and subsequently harvested. Figure 2 shows the most important locations for
water harvesting in Jordan Badia, including dams, older collection pools, and hafir (small earth
dams that collect rainwater intended for livestock).
Figure 4: Geographical Distribution of Surface Water Basins and Water Harvesting
Locations in the Jordan Badia (Source: ADD)
Soil
Ma‘an governorate lies within the aridic moisture and thermic temperature regimes. The main
soil types include typic calciorthids and camborthids on colluvial and alluvial fans associated
with cambic gypsiorthids. In Mafraq governorate, the dominant soil subgroup is the typic
camborthids with a stony silty clay loam or silty clay texture, yellowish red to red color and a
very strongly developed angular blocky structure. The surface is typically a gravel covered desert
pavement. Typic calciorthids are found on old terraces, fans and on more sloping sites. Lithic
camborthids and torriorthents occur on the slopes to wadi channels and depressions, and to the
east of the Wadi Ruwaishid north of the Azraq-Iraq highway. Cambic gypsiorthids are
recognized in Qa'a' soils while some wadi channels contain typic torrifluvents. The wadi
alluvium is relatively shallow, even in the major Wadi Ruwaishid, seldom exceeding 2 m and
often less than 1 m. It overlies older, weathered soils derived either from Pleistocene alluvium or
53
Tertiary limestone and chalks. The younger upper alluvium has high silt content with aeolian
dust a likely component. The older, weathered, soil material has higher clay content. These
observations and properties are evidences of the high rate of desertification that altered the
characteristics of the area.
Biodiversity
Jordan's flora is rich and highly diverse. Around 2,500 species of vascular plants have been
recorded, belonging to 152 families, representing about 1 percent of the total flora of the world.
One hundred species are endemic, forming about 2.5 percent of the total flora of Jordan, which is
considered high in global standards. Many species are considered rare or endangered, but the
status of many plants remains unknown. The vegetation ranges from semitropical flora in the
Jordan Valley and other regions to shrubs and drought-resistant bushes in the desert. Less than 1
percent of the land is forested. The dominant natural vegetation in the Badia
The Badia‘s biodiversity if of particular global importance in its northern portion, and
specifically in Burqu‘. The value resides in its differentiated ecosystems: Marrab (about 15
percent), runoff-Hammada (about 15 percent) and Harra (about 70 perecent which make it a
model biosphere reserve and a potential highly attractive ecotrourism destination. Botanical
diversity is important (94 species belonging to 25 families). It includes an aquatic habitat, which
attracts migratory bird species such as raptors, waders and other wetland birds. Threatened bird
species include the Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca (vulnerable), Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
(near-threatened), Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (endangered) and Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis
undualta (vulnerable). The Hammada is visited by gazelles, hyenas, wolves and foxes. The most
important threatened and rare mammals recorded are the Sand Cat Felix margarita and Goitered
Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa, which are globally threatened species according to the World
Conservation Union (IUCN).
Socio-economic
Population and demographics
Figures 4 and 5 below show the distribution of population in the governorates of Ma‘an and
Mafraq, where the three selected project sites are located. The figures indicate that the average
family size of these communities is 7.7, which is higher than the national family size of 5.4
persons.
Table 2 includes the distribution of the population by males and females in three communities
targeted by BELP. It is very clear that the average size of the family in the three communities is
higher than that of the Jordan.
54
Source: MOPIC, Empowerment Program for Regions with Poverty Pocket Studies: in Al
Jafr, Ar Ruwaished, and Al Husseinieh, 2010
55
Table 2: Population in the Targeted Areas Distributed by Gender (Source: MOPIC,
Empowerment Program for Regions with Poverty Pocket Studies: in Al Jafr, Ar Ruwaished,
and Al Husseinieh, 2010)
BELP
Implementation
(Province/
jurisdiction)
Governorate
Population
Average family size Males Females Total
Al Husseinieh Ma‘an 5,330 5,955 11,285 6.04 persons
Al Jafr Ma‘an 3,236 3,083 8,180 7.70 persons
Ar Ruwished Mafraq 5,692 7.06 persons
Education
Education services in the three sub-district face a number of challenges, the most important of
which is the high illiteracy rate of the area, reaching about 30 percent of the total population,
which is considered high compared to the Kingdom average of 7.5 percent. The high illiteracy
rate blocks development efforts, particularly, in the areas of education and training for the
development of capacities and skills in different fields, and also the instability of the teaching
cadre. Another problem facing the education sector in these areas is the student with learning
difficulties, who also need special care and support.
Table 3: Education Infrastructure, Students and Teachers in BELP Sites (Source: MOPIC,
Empowerment Program for Regions with Poverty Pocket Studies: in Al Jafr, Ar Ruwaished,
and Al Husseinieh, 2010)
BELP
Implementation
(Province/
jurisdiction)
No. of
Schools
Students
No. of teacher
Males Females Total
Al Husseinieh 11 1802 1600 3402 261
Al Jafr 8 1218 1157 2375 178
Ar Ruwaished 12 1618 148
Health Services
Health services in the three communities are poor and face a number of challenges such as the
shortage of health staff working in the different health areas and the poor geographical cover,
56
given the huge land area of the two governorates, especially in the remote areas of scattered
communities in various parts. Health statistics show that the most common diseases in Al Jafr
are anaemia and malnutrition while most frequent diseases in the Al Husseinieh are
―Thalassemia‖, deposit in the urinary tract and kidney stones, and seasonal diseases.
Table 4: Health Infrastructure and Services in BELP Sites (Source: MOPIC, Empowerment
Program for Regions with Poverty Pocket Studies: in Al Jafr, Ar Ruwaished, and Al
Husseinieh, 2010)
BELP
Implementatio
n (Province/
jurisdiction)
No. of
Health
Canter
s
No. of
Health
Hospit
als
Health staff serving the centres
physicia
ns
Specialize
d doctors
Nurse
s
assistant
pharmacis
ts
Part-
time
dentist
s
Al Husseinieh 3 0 2 2 7 2 2
Al Jafr 2 0 7 - 7 2 2
Ar Ruwaished 2 1 8 16 6 1 1
Skills and labor market
Table 5 below shows the official figure of unemployment at the national level as well as in the
governorates of Ma‘an and Mafraq. The published official national unemployment rate by DOS
in 2010 was estimated at 11.89 percent while unofficial estimates put the overall jobless rate at
30 percent. Even at an official rate of 15 percent, Ma‘an is the leading government in
unemployment. Mafraq‘s rate is close to the national official rate of unemployment. The recently
conducted socioeconomic assessment by MOPIC showed that people searching for jobs in the
two governorates are uneducated people who do not have any kind of qualifications or vocational
training. The study found that the majority of the population relies on governmental jobs, trade,
simple car maintenance and herding sheep. The study states that the unemployment rate in Ar-
Ruwaished was 25 percent compared to 11.8 percent at the Kingdom‘s level and 11.9 percent at
the governorate level. The study concluded that the reluctance of national labor to hold certain
jobs is due to several reasons, the most important of which is the culture of shame, lack of
training and qualifications, and the fact that these job are limited to persons who came from other
parts of the Kingdom.
57
Table 5: Jordanian Population Age 15+ Years by Activity Status, Urban-Rural,
Governorate & Gender (Percentage Distribution) (Source: DOS, Statistical year book 2010)
Total Employed Unemployed
JORDAN - Total 35920 100 39 34.4 4.6 61 39 11.8
Male 18141 100 63.2 56.9 6.3 36.8 63.2 10
Female 17779 100 14.3 11.4 2.9 85.7 14.3 20.1
Mafraq
Total 1595 100 36.4 32.3 4.1 63.6 36.4 11.4
Male 802 100 60.8 54.6 6.2 39.2 60.8 10.2
Female 793 100 11.7 9.7 2 88.3 11.7 17.2
Maan
Total 662 100 43.7 36.9 6.8 56.3 43.7 15.6
Male 343 100 67.3 58 9.3 32.7 67.3 13.9
Female 319 100 18.2 14.1 4.1 81.8 18.2 22.4
Total Percent
Economically Active
Grand Total
Not
Economically
activite rate
Refined
Economic
activity rate
Unemployment
rate
Economic activities (Non-agricultural)
Economic development at the macro or the micro level is highly correlated with the level of
services provided by the government institutions and other associated organizations to its
residents and businesses. These provided economic development services should be aiming at
creating prosperity through increasing business activities, employment, attracting investments
and connecting the local communities with others through a responsible planning vision. An
important part of these services is also considered a Human Asset.
The three targeted communities, as poverty pockets, lack much of economic development
services aiming at providing the enabling environment to attract businesses and investments. The
most recent socioeconomic surveys conducted in the three communities showed that all
economic activities are centered on employment provided by the government and military
institutions. This fact affected the economic vision of these communities and made them believe
that jobs provided by civil and military institutions are the only guaranteed and successful
investment in their areas and there is no point in engaging in any other activity. Much of the
limited economic development services are provided by the municipalities in terms of licensing
grocery stores, machine shops, restaurants, telecommunications services, barber shops, bakeries,
ironsmith and computer centers. The modest trade activities of these communities usually rely on
trade with their governorates centers in Ma‘an and Mafraq.
Agricultural economic activities
There is a Directorate of Agriculture in Ar Ruwaished under the name of the Development
Directorate of Northern-Eastern Badia. The directorate provides many services to agricultural
operators in the region that includes: providing veterinary services to livestock owners, operating
and maintaining the ten artesian wells used mainly to water sheep and goats herders for free,
58
monitoring the earth dams and hafir in the region and maintaining the different rangeland
reserves through monitoring and seeding. In the southern Badia, there is a liaison office under Al
Sharah agricultural region. There are two active NCARE offices in Al Husseinieh and in Al Jafr.
The offices offer agricultural advice, irrigation (chemical spraying) services for farmers and
animal care. There is also a special center to distribute feeds and there is also a veterinary clinic
attended by Dr. Veterinarian twice a week.
Livestock activities
The three communities, especially Ar Ruwaished, rely on their livelihood on livestock
production as the main economic activity. As indicated in table 6 the governorate of Mafraq
holds 25 percent and 10 percent of the total number of sheep and goat, respectively. The
governorate of Ma‘an holds 11 percent and 7 percent of the total sheep and goat number in
Jordan, respectively. These numbers justify the intension of the project in protecting the
rangelands and constructing water harvesting facilities to improve the livelihood of the targeted
communities.
Table 6: Number of Sheep, Goats and Cattle by Governorates as of 1/11/2010
(Source: DOS, Statistical year book, 2011)
Governorate Number on 1/11/2010
Sheep
percent Goats
percent Cattle
percent Total 2,175,680 100
percent 751,730 100
percent 65,390 100
percent Amman 400,590 18
percent
103,600 14
percent
6,730 10
percent Balqa 148,370 7
percent 82,310 11
percent 3,040 5
percent Zarqa 129,770 6
percent 41,790 6
percent 25,180 39
percent Madaba 145,120 7
percent 53,440 7
percent 630 1
percent Irbid 192,480 9
percent 48,940 7
percent 15,080 23
percent Mafraq 543,260 25
percent 80,240 11
percent 11,810 18
percent Jarash 5,360 0
percent 20,650 3
percent 1,650 3
percent Ajloun 20,440 1
percent 49,820 7
percent 660 1
percent Karak 333,830 15
percent
116,840 16
percent
360 1
percent Tafilah 91,060 4
percent
36,210 5
percent
180 0
percent Ma'an 152,540 7
percent 77,550 10
percent 60 0
percent Aqaba 12,870 1
percent 40,340 5
percent 10 0
percent
Plant Production activities
All productive assets do not belong to the targeted communities. Recent figures obtained from
MOA annual statistical book indicate the following:
59
Al Husseinieh:
935 dunum of irrigated olive trees produced a sum of 198 tons of olive fruits. The fruits
produced a sum of 26 tons of olive oil.
12,477 dunum cultivated in cereal grain of which 3,370 under irrigation and the
remaining 9,107 under rainfed conditions. Production from the cultivated area resulted in
3,488 tons
50 dunum of table grapes, mainly under irrigation, produced a sum of 15 tons of fresh
grapes
400 dunum of irrigated vegetables (cultivated all in tomatoes) produced a sum of 125
tons
No plastic houses in the province
Al Jafr:
The most recent data obtained from Ma‘an directorate of agriculture shows that the total
cultivated area for the year 2008 was 50,650 dunum distributed as follows:
1740 dunum of irrigated winter cereals
5725 dunum of irrigated clover
23630 dunum of irrigated summer vegetable crops
12879 dunum of irrigated winter vegetable crops
2450 dunum of irrigated olive trees
542 dunum of irrigated grape trees
3684 dunum of irrigated different types of trees
Rangelands activities
The directorate of forestry and rangelands at the MOA established several rangelands reserves as
part of the national plan to protect, rehabilitate and establish new rangelands reserves in Jordan.
Tables 7 and 8 show the existing rangelands reserves in Ma‘an governorate and in Ar Ruwaished
district in Mafraq. The shaded rows in table 8 show the closest reserves to the targeted
communities.
Table 7: Area and Year of Establishment of Rangeland Reserves in Ma’an Governorate
(Source: ADD)
Reserve's name Year of establishment Total Area (dunum)
Al-Fjaj 8591 81111
Al-Manshiah 8591 0111
Al-Aeshyia 8518 81111
Raas Al Naqab 8519 82111
Al - Mudawara 8552 21111
Al Huessienieh 2110 89111
Al-Hashmieh 2110 89111
Total (dunum) 85,000
60
Table 8 shows that the total area of reserves in Ar Ruwaished is 300 thousand dunum distributed
over 5 reserves. The largest is Al-Ruggban reserve. The local community relies on these reserves
and on the subsidized animal feed provided by the government.
Table 8: Area and Year of Establishment of Rangeland Reserves in Ar Ruwaished (Source:
ADD)
Reserve's name Year of establishment Total Area (dunum)
Al-Bustaneh 8559 89111
Al-Kassab 8559 89111
Al-Ruggban 8551 211111
Manshiat Al-Gayath 8555 91111
Hadallat 2111 21111
Total 033333
61
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND
MITIGATION MEASURES
The project will be highly positive from an environmental standpoint if implemented as planned,
as the project is designed to provide economic, social, and environmental benefits to
communities in the three selected poverty pockets of the Jordan Badia.
Specifically, the project will be implemented in two geographic areas of the Jordan Badia, the
north and the south, with two distinct sets of activities: (i) the promotion of community-centered
ecotourism in the northern Badia through the establishment of the Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‗
ecotourism corridor; and (ii) piloting of a bottom-up sustainable rangeland management and
support to livelihoods in the southern Badia including through the establishment of water
collection structures and rangeland reserves and alternative livelihoods support activities which
also target women and youth. Project design also includes the training of communities in
ecotourism services as well as the establishment or reinforcement of community cooperatives
and organizations to become engaged in rangeland management and complementary income
generating activities. Project interventions engage communities directly in the design and
implementation of a more sustainable management of the natural resources they depend upon.
Specifically, project activities would increase the contribution of biodiversity to community
incomes and strengthen the flow of ecosystem services in the Badia to production sectors.
By its nature, the BELP is expected to result in positive impacts on the environment and living
conditions of targeted beneficiaries, in general. It is also expected that any potential negative
environmental impacts will be minor, temporary, and site-specific in nature and can be mitigated
by implementation of the ESMP. An Environmental Management Plan specific to the ecotourism
interventions of Component 1 should be undertaken before implementation of investments.
Potential negative impacts resulting from project activities and corresponding mitigation
measures as identified by the ESIA are presented in table 9 below.
62
Table 9: Potential Project Impact and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures
Impacts on air quality and noise from the construction
of the ecolodge and of the hafirs: mainly from
excavation, drilling, site clearance, vehicle loading and
unloading, and other construction-related activities.
(i) Covering waste disposal trucks with tarpaulins during
transportation and limiting travel speed; (ii) Ensuring that
vehicles and machinery comply with Jordanian emission
standards; (iii) Maintaining construction activity noise levels
below Jordanian standard; (iv) Respecting Ambient Air Quality
limits; (iii) Providing personnel and workers operating on site
with hearing and breathing protection gear.
Impacts on air quality and noise from the operation of
the ecolodge: mainly from the burning of fossil fuels
for heating and cooking, and the operation of vehicles,
such as trucks for water supply, solid waste collection,
and sewage water collection.
(i) Utilizing solar water heating and photovoltaics for lighting
(as appropriate); (ii) Using animals for transportation to reducing
dependency on vehicles for service; (iii) Finding alternative
water sources or recycling options to reduce dependency on
water supply trucks; (iv) Adopting composting and recycling
practices to reduce the reduced the need for waste collection
vehicles.
Occupational Health and Safety risks from the
construction of the ecolodge and hafirs: mainly eye and
respiratory risks, physical injuries, and overexposure of
workers to sunlight, dust and noise.
(i) Complying with Jordanian Rules and Regulations on
Occupational Health and Safety; (ii) Providing protective gear
for workers including helmets, boots, gloves, masks, and
earplugs; (iii) Providing first aid kits at work sites and necessary
information and training on rescue and emergency response
procedures; (iv) Prohibiting admission of children, guests, or
dependents of legal employees or underage workers to
construction site.
Occupational Health and Safety risks from the
operation of the ecolodge
(i) Providing fire extinguishers and first-aid kits in the ecolodge
and camp sites, as well as access plan to emergency services; (ii)
Developing an operational manual for facilities management.
Impacts on soils from the construction of the ecolodge:
mainly the production of loose soil and sand as a result
of excavation and site clearance, which could be
increase erosion.
(i) Using excavated soil as back filling or removing it from site
immediately after excavation; (ii) Ensuring proper location and
covering by tarpaulin of excavated soil remaining temporarily on
site; (iii) Avoiding construction during periods of anticipated
rainfall to prevent any soil erosion.
63
Impacts on soils from the operation of the ecolodge:
mainly soil compaction (and reduced vegetation) from
vehicles (water trucks, sewage water collection trucks,
and solid waste collection trucks).
Using existing paths for transportation and avoiding the creation
of new routes that would disrupt vegetation, wildlife and
compact soils.
Production and disposal of solid wastes generated by
construction of ecolodge and hafirs.
(i) Designating a suitable location for the safe storage of
construction waste onsite (void of vegetation and natural habitats
and outside depressions and surface water drainage); (ii)
Covering onsite wastes with tarpaulin; (iii) Carting wastes away
by the contractor from the onsite storage location to an outside
location identified by for filling purposes; (iv) preparing and
implementing a solid waste management disposal plan for the
site.
Production and disposal of solid wastes generated by
operation of the ecolodge and the campsites.
(i) Identifying, sorting and storing wastes, including designated
spaces for paper, glass, aluminum, steel and plastics and other
recyclables; (ii) Adopting a garbage prevention strategy,
including use of biodegradable products and composting
methods; (iii) Preparing and implementing a solid waste
management disposal plan.
Production and disposal of sewage wastes generated by
construction and operation of the ecolodge and the
campsites.
(i) Using of composting toilets not flush toilets or best relevant
option; (ii) Using biological treatment technologies for sewage
waste and wastewater that does not involve land disposal; (iii)
Using pit latrines during the construction stage of the ecolodge
and for the mobile camp sites (located away from runoff areas,
depressions, or water sources); (iv) Using eco-friendly portable
WCs in the permanent campsites as per RSCN‘s experience.
RSCN will use good practice measures building from its
experience.
The transport of tourists along the corridor and in the
Burqu‘ nature reserve.
Designated trails within the reserves (for biking, hiking and
camel riding) will be indicated, with monitoring by guides and
rangers. In terms of vehicle entrance into Burqu‘, only RSCN
vehicles would move tourists in/out and around the reserve,
along designated trails. This will be made clear in the ETDP.
The hydrological functioning of watersheds for the A hydrological and geological survey will identify different
64
construction of the hafirs: mainly impacts on impact
watershed drainage patterns, as well sedimentation of
the hafir itself.
parameters like peak flow, possible quantity and quality of raw
water, soil analysis to identify the type of soil of the proposed
hafir site, and types and locations of other locally available
construction materials, etc.
The risk of further overgrazing and degradation of
vegetation cover and of the rangeland in general.
Rangeland reserves will include contour bunding for water
conservation, and will be replanted with palatable and nutritious
indigenous drought-resistant species (e.g., atriplex sp. and g.
Saxola) over 25 percent of the reserve‘s area. The reserves will
be set-aside for a period of two years to allow regeneration and
growing.
Impact on Physical Cultural Resources (OP 4.11) and
chance finds during the construction of ecolodge,
establishment of trails, campsite, and construction of
hafirs
(i) General interest area for the location of the hafirs will be
determined in collaboration with communities and also taking
into account results from a geological/hydrological/topographic
study, (ii) If any chance finds are encountered during
implementation, the government‘s national procedures will be
applicable and the national procedures for archaeological chance
finds will be followed during implementation, and (iii) OP 4.11
will be considered during the preparation of the ETDP and EMP
(under component 1)
Impact on Natural Habitats (OP 4.04) as a result of
project activities: camel and hiking trails, campsites,
and ecolodge (Component 1)
(i) OP 4.04 on Natural Habitats will be covered under the scope
of OP 4.01 on Environmental Assessment, (ii) With regards to
citing of ecotourism related activities along the corridor (e.g.
camel and hiking trails, campsites, ecolodge, etc.), an
Ecotourism Development Plan (ETDP) will be developed during
the first year of the project by RSCN that will include a baseline
ecological study that will define areas for ecotourism
interventions taking into account environmental considerations.
The study will determine the conservation value of the area and
the relative importance of different habitats or parts of the site
and individual species. It will also explore the relative
sensitivity/value of different ecotourism areas in terms of nature
conservation, landscape, archaeology and cultural interests.
Based on the results of the study, in the event any ‗core
65
conservation or wilderness area‘ is identified (ecologically
valuable areas), the project will exclude this area and include
only those areas suitable for tourism and as informed by the
study, (iii) RSCN to undertake an EMP specific to the proposed
10-12 room ecolodge, (iv) Communities living in Ar Ruwaished
and other smaller villages close to Burqu‘ as well as some along
the corridor will be consulted with and engaged in the planning
and development of any ecotourism activities. Attention will be
paid to increasing the awareness of the population about the
potential fragility of the local environmental resources, and the
project will continue through its lifespan to actively engage with
the communities.
66
GENDER ISSUES
Background
Gender equality is a necessary condition for human development. It is also a fundamental
objective in the fight against poverty. Women and men play different roles and have different
responsibilities in their families, communities and societies. Understanding these differences is
vital when developing policies, programs and projects meant to improve peoples‘ livelihoods.
For many years, national and international projects and efforts have been implemented in Jordan
aiming to reduce the gap between women and men, and provide women with efficient training
and information.
Jordan is transitioning into a modern state; gender imbalances and an uneven socioeconomic
development are common feature of societies in transition. Nonetheless, the Jordanian society
has made important advances in education with the highest literacy rates for women in MENA
countries (85.9 percent) (Hendessi, 2007). Jordan enjoys gender parity in education enrolment
due to human resource investment as part of an extensive reform initiative by the state in the last
three decades. At the same time, the gender gap in tertiary completion rate in education is still a
cause for concern; the female rate is a third of that of the male – the lowest in MENA countries.
In addition, private enterprise in Jordan is male-dominated and women‘s entrepreneurship is
markedly underdeveloped, marginalized and under-valued, as it mainly operates along traditional
gender roles; 90 percent of all businesses in Jordan are owned by men and women only account
for 4 percent of all entrepreneurs in the formal sector– one of the lowest in the MENA region.
Three-quarters of women‘s businesses are home-based and represent a narrow range of
traditionally female skills, such as sewing, embroidery, production of other handicrafts,
provision of beauty services and commercial trade in groceries or clothing.
Gender Analysis
DOS‘s surveys indicate that in the Mafraq governorate in 2010 the unemployment rate for
female youth (age 15-24) was 55 percent while the rate for all females aged 15 and above was 23
percent. Of the employed females, 8 percent worked in industry, 2 percent worked in agriculture
and 71 percent worked in services. Only 17.3 percent of land and 19.1 percent of flats were
owned by women. Although the illiteracy rate was low for both men and women 15 years and
older, it was higher for females.
Table 10: Education Status in Mafraq in 2010 (Source: Ministry of Education, 2010)
Education (%)
Indicator Gender Gap Gender
Male Female
Illiteracy Rate (Population Age15+)** -10.7 8.1 18.8
Children in Kindergarten 2.8 51.4 48.6
Students in Basic Education 4.6 52.3 47.7
Students in Secondary Education -1.8 49.1 50.9
Students in Vocational (Industrial) Education 100 100 0
Students in Vocational (Agricultural) Education 12.6 56.3 43.7
67
**Employment and Unemployment Survey, DOS 2010
In Ma‘an governorate in 2010, the unemployment rate for female youth was 56 percent and the
rate for all females age 15 and above was 26 percent. Of the employed females, 3 percent 14.2
percent of land and 15.3 percent of flats were owned by women. Although the illiteracy rate was
low for both men and women 15 years and older, it was higher for females.
Table 11. Education Status in Ma’an in 2010 (Source: Ministry of Education, 2010)
Education (%)
Indicator Gender Gap Gender
Male Female
Illiteracy Rate (Population Age15+)** -11.7 7.5 19.2
Children in Kindergarten -1.6 49.2 50.8
Students in Basic Education 3.6 51.8 48.2
Students in Secondary Education -6.2 46.9 53.1
Students in Vocational (Industrial) Education 100 100 0
Students in Vocational (Agricultural) Education 100 100 0
**Employment and Unemployment Survey, DOS 2010
Gender at the Household Level
The Jordanian rural household is a complex and dynamic social entity which may change its
composition and goals over time as family members and dependents of varying age groups and
genders engage in various activities to meet the specific responsibilities assigned to each.
However, while it is useful to draw attention to the fact that the distribution of labor along gender
lines is a social and economic dimension, such division is not clearly adapted in equal terms.
Typically, females in Jordan are responsible for most tasks related to the household while males
share little to none of the responsibilities due to their perceived superiority.
Opportunities for Women Empowerment
The rapidly changing climate, increased variability in rainfall, water shortage, and the poor
management of natural resources have affected farming practices and put a threat on community
livelihoods in the Badia. Women can play an important role in the preservation of historic agro-
biodiversity and water management knowledge that may help reduce their level of poverty by
better managing natural resources.
Despite the somewhat good participation of women in local councils acknowledgement of
women‘s needs and interests should be integrated in any activity or project; national agricultural
and environmental strategies should encourage women‘s‘ participation and involvement The
following are some suggestions in that line:
1. Conduct additional gender-sensitizing programs for policy makers and project implementers;
2. Collect gender-disaggregated data on rural and agricultural activities;
3. Encourage a more participatory approach, particularly involving more rural women;
4. Ensure equitable access to productive resources and extension services;
68
5. Design situation-specific implementation strategies, taking into account the unique socio-
cultural and ecological variations of each area.
Training Programs for Women
Capacity building and training is a field that is not well adapted to women. The following
suggestions are made for improving and redesigning training programs for farming women:
1. Adapt programs to women‘s needs and skills;
2. Allow sufficient time to enable women to acquire new skills and adjust schedules to fit
women‘s existing workloads;
3. Provide training in agricultural and other productive activities, not only home and family
welfare topics;
4. Emphasize activities for which there is an actual income-generation potential;
6. Ensure the involvement and full participation of women from poorer and less educated
backgrounds;
7. Use trainers who are not only technically competent and up-to-date, but who empathize with
the needs and aspirations of rural women;
8. Provide practical field experience in the use of innovations;
9. Shift more resources to village-based training rather than residential training.
Rural women in developing countries possess skills and techniques which are assets to the
development process. Where groups already exist, capacity building of existing groups can be
more successful than forming a new group to which members are less likely to be committed.
For example, instead of forming entirely new groups for women, local informal group or
committees could be strengthened through short training exercises on farm bookkeeping and
record-keeping, leadership, participation and democratic procedures. Similarly, rural people are
less likely to resist adoption of an innovation when the new technique is based upon a concept or
procedure they are already familiar with or are currently using. During the initiation and
development of projects it is important to get acquainted with the organizations and knowledge
systems available at the local level to determine how they can be improved.
69
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The ESMP was produced based on the findings of the ESIA. The ESMP includes potential
environmental and social impacts and recommends mitigation measures for all project
components. The ESMP aims to:
vi. Ensure that the project complies with national legal requirements and environmental and
social World Bank procedures;
vii. Specify the criteria for environmental and social analysis of investments financed under
the BELP;
viii. Provide options to prevent, minimize or mitigate the risks and potential negative impacts
during project preparation and implementation or increase the positive impacts of
financed investments;
ix. Provide an assessment of training needs and capacity building for various stakeholders in
the project, including frequency and cost;
x. Describe the procedures and responsibilities for monitoring the impacts of the project,
reporting to the World Bank and implementing the ESMP; and
xi. Include chance-finds procedures as relevant.
NCARE, the BELP Implementing Agency, has strong technical capacity and previous
experience with implementing Bank/GEF projects, and it is expected that the PMU will be able
to ensure compliance with safeguard policies. Additional training and capacity strengthening will
need to be undertaken as necessary by the project at both the PMU level (M&E specialist on
Bank safeguard policies and on the requirements for monitoring and reporting), and by the
implementing agency and contractors (NCARE, RSCN and HFDJB) and community level
(specifically in the areas of ecotourism development and rangeland management, chance-finds
procedures, etc.).
The implementation of the environmental and social measures of the ESMP should be monitored
by the PMU since all environmental and social actions are linked to project components and to
their performance indicators. The M&E specialist within the PMU, who will be responsible for
monitoring overall progress and evaluating project performance, will also be in charge of
monitoring and evaluating safeguard compliance with the ESMP. The PMU will include a
section on safeguards compliance in each progress report which will be submitted to the SC and
the WB, with input from RSCN, NCARE and HFDJB. In addition, relevant consultants will be
hired by the PMU for ensuring compliance with safeguards, and for reporting on compliance, if
necessary.
As mitigation measures must be taken into account in the project design and costs, the ESMP
does not need a separate budget allocation. However, it is imperative that activities‘ costs reflect
the incremental effort necessary to fully implement the ESMP.
The following tables outline the project ESMP:
70
Table 12. Environmental Management Plan
Mitigation
Aspects
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Monitoring
Methods
Responsibility for
Implementation
of Mitigation
Responsibility
for
Monitoring
Monitoring
Frequency
Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor – Ecolodge
Preservation of
chance finds Construction Phase:
In the event of chance finds, national legislations pertaining to
chance find procedures will be followed
Discovery of chance finds
during construction activities
Field
observations
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
RSCN Ongoing
Conservation of
archaeological
and cultural
resources
Construction Phase:
OP 4.11 will be considered during the preparation of the ETDP and
EMP
Framework of ETDP
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
and tourists
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Preservation of
natural habitats Construction Phase:
An Ecotourism Development Plan (ETDP) will be developed during
the first year of the project by RSCN for ecotourism related activities
along the corridor that will include a baseline ecological study that
will define areas for ecotourism interventions taking into account
environmental considerations. Study to determine the conservation
value of the area and the relative importance of different habitats or
parts of the site and individual species. It will also explore the
relative sensitivity/value of different ecotourism areas in terms of
nature conservation, landscape, archaeology and cultural interests.
Based on the results of the study, in the event any ‗core conservation
or wilderness area‘ is identified (ecologically valuable areas), the
project to exclude this area and include only those areas suitable for
tourism and as informed by the study.
Operational Phase:
Set guidelines and regulations for the preservation of natural habitats
Framework of ETDP
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
and tourists
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Reduce
emissions, dust,
and suppression
of noise
Construction Phase:
Covering waste disposal trucks with tarpaulins
Ensuring that vehicles and machinery should comply with emission
standards.
Construction activity noise levels will be maintained below limits.
Personnel and workers operating on site will be equipped with
hearing and breathing protection gear.
Operation Phase:
Dependency on non-renewable energy sources will be reduced by
adopting solar water heating and photovoltaics for lighting, as
relevant.
Dependency on vehicles for service will be reduced by possibly
depending on animals for transportation of waste, and also by finding
readily available water source instead of truck supply.
Adopting composting practices to reduce the amount of solid waste
Complaints from local
community and occupants
Dust clouds within
construction site and
road/path leading to it.
Dust deposition on vegetation
and rocks
Loud noise can be heard from
a distance
Ground vibration due to
machinery and vehicles
Change in natural habitats
within ecolodge surroundings
Monitoring
devices to ensure
compliance of
noise and
emissions
Field
observations
Interaction with
local community:
use indigenous
knowledge to
understand
impact on
wildlife
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
PMU during
operation phase
RSCN Ongoing
71
produced and reduce the need for waste collection vehicles.
Occupational
Health and
Safety
Construction Phase:
Compliance with General rules and regulations on Occupational
Health and Safety.
Provision of protective gear for workers including helmets, boots,
gloves, masks, and earplugs.
Provision of first aid kit at work sites and necessary information on
rescue during emergency.
Prohibiting admission of children, guests, or dependents of legal
employees or underage workers to construction site.
Provision of appropriate training and emergency response
procedures.
Operation Phase:
Provision of fire extinguishers and first-aid kits in the ecolodge and
camp sites.
An operational manual will also be developed for the building
facilities management.
Complaints from laborers,
occupants, and local
community
Number of incidents/accidents
Adoption level of OHS
Construction site
inspection
Review of
incidents records
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
PMU during
operation phase
RSCN Ongoing
Solid Waste
Management Construction Phase:
Construction waste will be stored and disposed of in an
environmentally safe manner.
A suitable location will be designated for the safe storage of
construction waste onsite. The designated location should be void of
vegetation, natural habitats, and distant from depressions or surface
drainage.
Onsite waste shall be covered with tarpaulin to prevent dust clouds
from forming.
Waste will be carted away from the onsite storage location to a
location identified by for filling purposes.
Solid waste from the labor camp will be stored in bins and collected
as part of the local community‘s solid waste management disposal
plan.
Operation Phase:
Wastes produced should be properly identified and adequate sorting
and storage space should be provided.
Spaces should be designated for on-site separation for paper, glass,
aluminum, steel and plastics.
Processes of waste collection and transportation offsite should be
well designed.
Adopting a garbage prevention strategy: everything brought into the
facility should be recycled for reuse or recycled back into the
environment through biodegradation.
Final disposal of waste through landfills (as relevant) should be
conducted in an environmentally safe manner. Landfill should be
Complaints from local
community and occupants
Construction site
inspection
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
PMU during
operation phase
RSCN Weekly
during
construction
phase
72
remote from population and properly designed in accordance with
global and national specifications.
Organic waste should be composted as part of the recycling strategy,
as relevant.
Sewage Waste
Management Operation Phase: (RSCN to adopt best practice from prior
experience)
Adopting composting strategy of solid sewage waste and use
compost for greenery
Use of composting toilets not flush toilets.
Recommended use of biological treatment technologies of sewage
waste that does not involve land disposal.
Recommended use of biological systems to purify wastewater.
Recommended use of pit latrines during the construction stage of the
ecolodge and in the remote camping areas. Pit latrines should not be
located in runoff areas, in depression, or near water resources.
Construction specifications
and infrastructure design
Review of tender
and contractor bid
documents
Ecolodge site
inspection
PMU RSCN Annually
Soil protection
and prevention
of compaction
Construction Phase:
Soil removed through excavation should be used as back filling or
immediately removed from the project.
Any excavated soil remaining temporarily on site should be placed in
proper location (void of vegetation, habitats, and distant from
waterways) and covered using tarpaulin.
Construction should be avoided during periods of anticipated rainfall
to prevent any soil erosion.
Occupational health measures should be taken and personnel should
be equipped with breathing masks and other protective measures.
Operation Phase:
Use of existing paths for transportation and avoiding the creation of
new routes that would disrupt vegetation, wildlife and compact soils.
Limit the use of vehicles in the region to reduce soil compaction and
ecosystem disruption.
Set limits to where vehicles may reach.
Reduce dependency on vehicles for services
Indication of rill or inter-rill
erosion
Soil compaction during
construction or operation
Disruption of vegetation and
wildlife
Field
observations
Complaints from
local community
Contractor during
ecolodge
construction
PMU during
operation phase
PMU Weekly
during
construction
phase and
periodically
during project
operation
Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor – Campsites/trails
Preservation of
chance finds In the event of chance finds, national legislations pertaining to
chance find procedures will be followed
Discovery of chance finds
during ecotourism activities
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Conservation of
archaeological
and cultural
resources
OP 4.11 will be considered during the preparation of the ETDP and
EMP
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
and tourists
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Preservation of
natural habitats Construction Phase:
An Ecotourism Development Plan (ETDP) will be developed during
the first year of the project by RSCN for ecotourism related activities
Framework of ETDP
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
73
along the corridor that will include a baseline ecological study that
will define areas for ecotourism interventions taking into account
environmental considerations. Study to determine the conservation
value of the area and the relative importance of different habitats or
parts of the site and individual species. It will also explore the
relative sensitivity/value of different ecotourism areas in terms of
nature conservation, landscape, archaeology and cultural interests.
Based on the results of the study, in the event any ‗core conservation
or wilderness area‘ is identified (ecologically valuable areas), the
project to exclude this area and include only those areas suitable for
tourism and as informed by the study.
Operational Phase:
Set guidelines and regulations for the preservation of natural habitats
and tourists
Sanitary
facilities
management
Dry toilet pits emptied as required or filled with inert local material
when full and allowed to decompose
Periodic inspections made for leakages.
Complaints from tourists
Field inspection
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Waste
management
Collection of solid waste onsite
Constant removal of waste from campsite
Complaints from tourists
Field inspection
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing as
required
Reduce local
water
consumption
Use of water conservation devices
Promote water conservation among tourists
Develop management ethos to conserve water
Complaints from local
community
Inspections
Monitoring of
water
consumption
PMU RSCN Ongoing as
required
Reduce impact
of bike/camel
trails
Bike, camel, foot, or vehicle traffic will be carefully controlled with
user limits defined and enforced for each category and route
Complaints from local
community and tourists
Field
observations
PMU RSCN Ongoing
Water harvesting structures – Hafirs
Preservation of
chance finds Construction Phase:
In the event of chance finds, national legislations pertaining to
chance find procedures will be followed
Discovery of chance finds
during construction of hafirs
Field
observations
Contractor during
hafir construction
PMU Ongoing
Conservation of
archaeological
and cultural
resources
General interest area for the location of the hafirs will be determined
in collaboration with communities and also taking into account
results from a geological/hydrological/topographic study.
Field observations Field
observations
NCARE and
HFDJB
PMU Ongoing
Preservation of
natural habitats Construction Phase:
General interest area for the location of the hafirs will be determined
in collaboration with communities and also taking into account
results from a geological/hydrological/topographic study
Operational Phase:
Set guidelines and regulations for the preservation of natural habitats
Routine inspections
Feedback from local residents
and tourists
Field
observations
NCARE and
HFDJB
PMU Ongoing
Control
sedimentation
Periodical excavation Reduction in storage capacity Field
observations
NCARE PMU Annually or
as required
74
Reduce
consumption of
water
Promote awareness among local community on water conservation Reduction in storage capacity Field
observations
NCARE PMU Annually
Evaporation Implement water conservation measures
Promote awareness among local community on water conservation
Reduction in storage capacity Field
observations
NCARE PMU Annually
Reduce animal
disease incidents Monitoring of disease incidents in the area
Periodic inspection of livestock
Complaints from local
community
Documenting of
disease
incidences
NCARE PMU Annually
Intermittent
damages are not
repaired or
rehabilitated on
time, weakening
the structural
system
Implementation of maintenance and repair measures
Allocate budget for maintenance and repair (MOA)
Periodic inspections and checkups on hafirs
Reduction in storage capacity
Complaints from local
community
Field inspection
Feedback from
local community
NCARE/MOA PMU Annually or
as required
Preventing
pollution of
water structures
Identifying pollution sources
Implementation of pollution prevention measures
Promote awareness among local community on pollution prevention
Complaints from local
community
Field inspection
Feedback from
local community
Contractor during
hafir construction PMU Annually
Groundwater
contamination Proper gravel pack and head work construction. Avoid siting sanitary
facilities close to hafirs Change of water quality
Observation of
groundwater
Contractor during
hafir construction PMU
Annually or
as required
Maintaining
water quality Eliminate sources impacting water quality Change of water quality
Observation of
groundwater
Contractor during
hafir construction PMU
Annually
Reducing
impact from
livestock routes Identify and limit routes used by livestock for access to hafir Change in flora and fauna
Field
observations NCARE PMU
Monthly
Accidents Place caution signs to prevent accidents
Promote awareness among local community
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations PMU PMU
Monthly
Soil erosion
Avoid slope areas exposed for erosion.
Drilling and other works should not be executed under aggressive
weather conditions (rains, strong winds)
Change of water quality
Field
observations Contractors NCARE Monthly
Crop-livestock
conflict Establish livestock routes to and from water points/haffir
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations Contractors NCARE Monthly
Rangeland Reserves
Unauthorized
access during
regeneration
period
Promote awareness among local community on importance of
rangeland preservation
Continuous inspections and visits to ensure no trespassing
Reduction in rangeland
vegetation
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations
HFDJB and
NCARE PMU Ongoing
75
Overgrazing Promote awareness among local community on importance of
rangeland preservation
Continuous monitoring and inspection of rangeland reserves
Reduction in rangeland
vegetation
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations
HFDJB and
NCARE PMU Ongoing
Prolonged
droughts Prohibit access to rangeland reserves to promote vegetation
Promote awareness among local community
Reduction in rangeland
vegetation
Complaints from local
community
Field
observations
HFDJB, NCARE
and community PMU Annually
Table 13. Social Management Plan
Mitigation
Aspects
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Monitoring
Methods
Responsibility for
Implementation
of Mitigation
Responsibility
for
Monitoring
Monitoring
Frequency
Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor – CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Obtaining
community
approval over
ecolodge
location and
encouraging
community
participation
Increase awareness among community about the benefits of the
ecolodge
Discussions with the community about the importance of
contribution to activities of project
Take into consideration community opinion on their proposed
location of ecolodge
Complaints from local
community concerning site
location
Meetings with
community
members and local
organizations
RSCN PMU Design phase
Water harvesting structures - CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Community
discontent over
hafir location
Hold discussions with local community members and local
organizations
Take into consideration community opinion on their proposed
location of hafirs
Complaints from local
community concerning site
location
Meetings with
community
members and local
organizations
HFDJB and
NCARE
PMU Design phase
Rangeland Reserves - CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Community
discontent over
rangeland
locations
Hold discussions with local community members and local
organizations
Take into consideration community opinion on their proposed
location of hafirs
Complaints from local
community concerning site
location
Meetings with
community
members and local
organizations
HFDJB and
NCARE
PMU Design phase
Al Azraq/Shaumari-Burqu‘ ecotourism corridor – OPERATION PHASE
Involve
community
members in
project activities
of ecolodge,
campsites,trails
Hold discussions with local community members and local
organizations explaining the benefits of participation
Obtain feedback and listen to suggestions offered
Poor community
involvement
Meetings with
community
members and local
organizations
RSCN PMU Monthly or as
relevant
Water harvesting structures – OPERATION PHASE
76
Conflict
resolution over
water
allocation/hafir
Involve local organizations and tribal leaders in decision making
concerning water allocation and usage
Complaints from
community members
Conflicts within community
Meetings with tribal
leaders, community
members and local
organizations
HFDJB PMU Annually
Community
involvement in
maintenance and
operation
Hold discussions with local community members and local
organizations explaining the benefits of participation
Obtain feedback and listen to suggestions offered
Absence of community
contribution
Deterioration of structures
Field observations NCARE PMU Annually
Rangeland Reserves - OPERATION PHASE
Stopping
unauthorized
access during
regeneration
period
Involve local organizations and tribal leaders in decision making
Holding meetings with community members on the importance of
preserving rangeland vegetation
Deterioration of rangeland
reserves
Inspection of
vegetation at
rangeland reserve
NCARE PMU Ongoing
Prevent
overgrazing Involve local organizations and tribal leaders in decision making
Holding meetings with community members on the importance of
preserving rangeland vegetation
Deterioration of rangeland
reserves
Inspection of
vegetation at
rangeland reserve
HFDJB,
NCARE and
community
PMU Ongoing
Conflict
resolution over
rangeland usage
Involve local organizations and tribal leaders in decision making
Deterioration of rangeland
reserves
Inspection of
vegetation at
rangeland reserve
HFDJB PMU Ongoing or as
required
Maintaining and enhancing livelihoods in pilot communities
Community
involvement
Increase awareness among community about the benefits of
participation
Discussions with the community about the importance of
contribution to activities of project
Presenting successful cases to the local community
Absence of community
involvement
Absence of
community
involvement
HFDJB PMU Ongoing
77
CONSULTATION REPORT
Objectives
This chapter describes the outcomes of the public consultation sessions held with the different
stakeholder groups that may be impacted by the project. OP 4.01 requires that for all Category A
and B projects the recipient country consults project-affected groups and local NGOs about the
project‘s environmental aspects, and takes their views into account. The objectives of this
process were to:
Share information with stakeholders on the proposed project and the expected impact on
the physical, biological and socioeconomic environment
Understand stakeholders‘ concerns regarding various aspects of the project and the likely
impact.
Consultations
Consultation meetings were held with:
Representatives of HFDJB, NCARE, MOPIC and RSCN (including Wild Jordan)
Local community members in Mafraq and Ma‘an governorates
The first meeting was held on March 26, 2012 in Manshieh Al-Ghayath, near Ar-Ruwaished.
The meeting was attended by local community members, including the head of a local
community organization, members from RSCN, and Janna Company team members. Since the
proposed ecotourism corridor will extend through state-owned land, which is widely treated as
open use land, consultations with the community were essential to explain the concept and
objectives of the project. The attitude towards the ecotourism corridor was positive and the local
community members had high hopes for job creation in their poverty struck region.
Many of the young men in the area were unemployed and most had abandoned their traditional
craft of livestock herding. The men met indicated that they had been in drought for years now
and this had left little rangeland for their sheep. Additionally, the prices of feed had soared and
they could no longer maintain their livestock. Many had to sell their possession of sheep leaving
them with little work they could do. They expressed their acceptance for efforts being made to
enhance job employment and revenue generation for the local community. On the other hand,
they had their own reservations on many of the projects that were previously implemented in the
area, from which they have seen little benefit. For example, they had received feed as part of a
compensation program, which they did benefit from, but since it was short-lived they could not
sustain their livestock for long. They expressed their longing for projects that would sustain their
livelihoods, and that would offer them long-term job opportunities.
A second meeting was held in Al Husseinieh at the office of the Administrative Governor on
March 28, 2012. The meeting was attended by several people from the local community,
including the Administrative Governor, an agricultural engineer representative from the Ministry
of Agriculture/Ma‘an branch, two heads of local community organizations, and local community
members. A discussion about the proposed project, importance of water harvesting and the
potential locations was held. Most of the attendees in the meeting were aware of the proposed
project from a previous meeting with the socioeconomic assessment consultant. The local
78
community members pointed out that several hafirs had already been constructed in Al
Husseinieh. They also mentioned that these hafirs were constructed for different purposes. For
instance, one hafir was established for groundwater recharge. Also, they had concerns about the
location of a couple of the existing hafirs in the region because these hafirs did not collect as
much water as anticipated. Therefore, they were very keen to be consulted about the location of
the new hafirs before they are established. This emphasizes the need for a participatory approach
when water harvesting projects are implemented. All the local people consulted along with the
agricultural engineer agreed that the new water harvesting hafir should be established near the
wadi of Tal Burma hill. The main reasons (according to the local community members) for this
selection were two folds: 1) the amount of collected water is expected to be large because many
wadis drain through this place; 2) the place is easier to construct because it is surrounded by
rocks.
In the meeting, the head of a local community organization gave a short brief about Tal Burma
Project (within the Al Husseinieh) where 100 ha of alfalfa have been irrigated with groundwater
resulting in significant waste of groundwater. The main cause of water loss is the use of surface
irrigation to irrigate the alfalfa. The person knew the importance of using more modern irrigation
systems to save water but could not afford doing it without financial help. The project and the
waste of fresh groundwater have been going on for a number of years now. The consultant
visited the Tal Burma Project at the same day. The visit was accompanied by several people
from the local community, the agricultural engineer from the Ministry of Agriculture/Ma‘an
branch and the head of the local community organization mentioned above. During the visit the
loss of fresh water due to the use of surface irrigation and the poor uniformity of water
application was visible. Using a proper irrigation system will enhance water productivity by
saving water and increasing yields. The project-funded hafir held some water but no pumping
was observed nor water transport because it was done only for groundwater recharge. The local
community members were disapproving of this hafir because they said it was made in the wrong
place and it did not collect much water because of its flat design. A suggestion was made to use
the new hafirs for livestock and irrigation of new farms and/or the Tal Burma alfalfa farm, thus
complementing the Tal Burma hafir. Collecting large quantities of water will be beneficial
because it could support different activities at the same time. A technical study should be done
on this suggested site before it is decided on whether to use it.
People Met
Table 14: People Met in Ma’an Governorate
No. Name Affiliation Position
1. Ussain Al-Dmour
Al Husseinieh Sub-District
Administrative Governor
2. Mohammad Al-
Zyabat
Head of a local organization
3. Ibrahim Head of a local organization
4. Ibrahim Al Nawasra Ministry of
Agriculture/Ma‘an
governorate
Agricultural Engineer
Table 15: People Met in Mafraq Governorate
No. Name Affiliation Position
79
1. Mohammed Dweilan Ar Ruweished District Head of a local organization
2. Community members
and relatives of
Mohammed Dweilan
Community members
Table 16: Stakeholders Met
No. Name Affiliation
1. Muhand Kaladeh HFDJB
2. Lubna Al Qaruti HFDJB
3. Adel Al Shubki NCARE
4. Yasser Mohawesh NCARE
5. Nashat Tahboob RSCN
6. Hasan Hawatmeh RSCN
7. AbdAllah Kloob RSCN
8. Chris Johnson Wild Jordan
Summary of Main Findings
There was a clear consensus among the people met that the proposed BELP activities will
not have any negative impacts on the environment, individuals or the household in their
communities. They believe the BELP components will positively affect the whole
community. The members of the groups recommended to form a consultative committee
from the participants representing the local community (who are also members in the
different CBOs) to work with the BELP entities on issues related to selection of the hafir
site in their community, rangeland reserve and the grants to be awarded through the
HFDJB;
The group recommended using the harvested water in the hafir for a number of uses in
addition to watering livestock. They proposed a location for a new hafir in Ma‘an;
The technology of constructing the water harvesting facilities is very important to keep
collected waters for longer periods of time. They added that NCARE should learn from
previous unsuccessful large-scale hafirs in their regions such as the Tal Burma hafir;
All proposed grants should be awarded after consultations with the local community. The
group insisted on having a transparent process. They claimed that the majority of the
grants previously awarded by other sources of funding‖ were not useful and didn‘t serve
the community needs;
The majority of the focus group participants said that they are somewhat reluctant to
work with the HFDJB on this project because of their unsatisfied past experience in
working with the Fund on other projects;
The group asked to be represented in the BELP‘s PMU or in the steering committee;
Their past experience in working with local CBOs proved to be ineffective. They asked
to work directly with NCARE in a simple and direct ways. They believe that NGOs &
CBOs waste their funds in unnecessary administrative procedures. Another alternative
they suggested is to work with women committees at other NGO centers directly.
In conclusion, the project is expected to attain significant important environmental and social
benefits that overweigh any limited adverse environmental and social impacts, which could be
mitigated through the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan.