Public Disclosure Authorized

INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATASHEET

APPRAISAL STAGE

I. Basic Information
Date prepared/updated: 12/20/2007 Report No.: AC3164
1. Basic Project Data
Country: Congo, Democratic Republic of Project ID: P101745
Project Name: CONGO DRC - Pro-Routes Project
Public Disclosure Authorized

Task Team Leader: Alain L. Labeau

Estimated Appraisal Date: October 22, Estimated Board Date: March 18, 2008
2007
Managing Unit: AFTTR Lending Instrument: Sector Investment
and Maintenance Loan
Sector: Roads and highways (100%)
Theme: Small and medium enterprise support (P)
IBRD Amount (US$m.): 0.00
IDA Amount (US$m.): 50.00
GEF Amount (US$m.): 0.00
PCF Amount (US$m.): 0.00
Other financing amounts by source:
Public Disclosure Authorized

BORROWER/RECIPIENT 0.00
UK: British Department for International Development (DFID) 72.62
72.62
Environmental Category: A - Full Assessment
Simplified Processing Simple [] Repeater []
Is this project processed under OP 8.50 (Emergency Recovery)
Yes [ ] No [X]
or OP 8.00 (Rapid Response to Crises and Emergencies)

2. Project Objectives
The proposed project’s development objective is to re-establish lasting access between
provincial capitals and districts and territories in three provinces in a way that is
sustainable for people and the natural environment in the area of influence of the
operation.
Public Disclosure Authorized

The specific objectives are to: (i) re-open about 1,800km of the high priority road
network and maintain them thereafter; (ii) strengthen the capacity of the ministry and
agencies involved in the road sector including in strategy and policy formulation; and (iii)
help the country combine post-conflict infrastructure recovery with the protection of
environment and indigenous communities such as the pygmies.

3. Project Description
Pro-routes project comprises of four components:
Component 1 will help reestablish land connection between the provinces of Sud-Kivu
and Katanga, and within the Province Orientale. This component will focus on 1,800 km
of high priority national roads serving highly populated regions, namely Kisangani–Buta-
Bondo-Bunduki (RN6) which is 620 km long, within the ProvinceOrientale and
connecting to Province de l’Equateur, and Uvira – Kasomeno, whichis 1180 km long and
crosses the provinces of Sud Kivu and Katanga..

Component 2 includes all activities related to capacity building, institutional

strengthening, and project implementation. This component covers the updating of the
road sector strategy, the provision of technical assistance to enhance capacity of the CI,
the OdR and the Road Fund, the fees and operating costs of the CI and the support
program to develop the construction industry in the road sector.

Component 3 covers environmental and social protection activities. This component

will support public institutions such as ICCN (Congolese Institute of Nature
Conservation) and the MECNT in protecting natural habitats, biodiversity and forests and
enforcing the pertaining laws. MECNT and ICCN with support of the international NGO
will carry out two main programs that correspond to their regular mandates:
a forest protection program and a commercial poaching control program – MECNT
b protected areas program – ICCN
In implementing these programs, the component will support partnerships with national
and international NGOs to assist with a package of support including technical assistance,
third-party monitoring, piloting participatory approaches with local communities, and
public information and awareness raising. In particular, an experienced and specialized
international NGO will be recruited to provide MECNT, ICCN and other stakeholders
with:
- technical assistance, training and equipment for field offices of MECNT and
ICCN to help them protect forests, biodiversity and natural habitats and enforce
pertaining laws;
- third-party monitoring in support of law enforcement, especially with regard to
illegal logging, commercial poaching, encroachment on protected areas and public
information on findings of mission controls and on penalties;
- partnerships with local NGOs and associations to lead information campaigns and
local consultations, develop participatory land use planning, and pilot alternative income-
generating activities; a participatory community based natural resources management
subcomponent will bring all stakeholders together and reach agreements on land use
zoning, management and control mechanisms of natural resources in 5 pilot areas
containing sensitive ecologically resources and carrying out pilots to intensify agriculture
and, to limit the usual shifting cultivation practices with the objective to reduce impacts
on forests;
- information, outreach, and awareness raising with concerned stakeholders
including local communities and authorities, professional associations, and civil society
organizations

Component 4 covers monitoring and evaluation including the development of a road

data collection system and the environmental and social program.
4. Project Location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard
analysis
The road segment Kisangani–Buta-Bunduki (RN6) is located in the province Orientale
and is 620 km long. This zone is mostly a rainforest area. This road segment is located in
an ecologically very sensitive area and passes through or is located in the zone of
influence of the rainforest belt of DRC. Over large stretches the forest is still in a decent
state and ecological degradation is still minimal. It still contains a vast area still free of
human activities and low population density. The Rubi-Tele Hunting Reserve (between
Banalia and Buta in province Orientale) is the only protected area of great importance to
biodiversity directly traversed by the road. It is currently being invaded by diamond-
diggers and poachers. The Bili Uere Reserve is located in the influence zone of the road,
180 miles northeast of Buta. The rehabilitation of the road will considerably increase the
pressure on these areas, which are badly, if not at all, managed from ill-equipped outposts
of ICCN (Congolese Institute of Nature Conservation). In Rubi-Tele, hunting takes place
in the heart of the reserve, to the detriment of the most sensitive species such as elephant,
okapi, chimpanzees and other primates.

The road segment Uvira - Kasomeno crosses the Provinces Sud-Kivu, Maniema, and
Katanga, over a length of 1180 km. This zone is mostly a savanna area and cuts across a
number of protected areas, namely the Mount Katobo Reserve (the road passes some
kilometers to the west of the reserve) and the proposed Mount Itombwe Reserves (the
road passes through this reserve) in Sud-Kivu, South and North Luama Hunting Reserves
in the provinces of Maniema and Katanga are located in the zone of influence of the road,
and the Kundelungu National Park (road passes 7 km of park boundary) and Moliro
Hunting Reserve (in the process of creation; road passes through this reserve) in the
province of Katanga. The total area of these is almost 3 million ha. The management
capacity for these protected areas is particularly weak. Hunting for bushmeat is intense.
Hunting and fishing are practiced everywhere without rules, without mercy and without a
thought to the species’reproductive capacity. In the savanna areas, wildlife has all but
disappeared. Available knowledge about flora and fauna and the conservation status in
these protected areas is poor to non-existent within the protected areas, non-existent
outside them. A large part of this road segment is located in the Albertine Rift Valley,
which is known for its very high biodiversity.

5. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists

Mr Mohamed Arbi Ben-Achour (AFTCS)
Mr Robert A. Robelus (AFTEG)
6. Safeguard Policies Triggered Yes No
Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01) X
Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04) X
Forests (OP/BP 4.36) X
Pest Management (OP 4.09) X
Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11) X
Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10) X
Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) X
Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) X
Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50) X
Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60) X

II. Key Safeguard Policy Issues and Their Management

A. Summary of Key Safeguard Issues
1. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed project.
Identify and describe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts:
The reopening Kisangani-Buta-Bunduki segment will open greater economic
opportunities and attract all kinds of individuals striving for quick and substantial profits
as well as economically disadvantaged people in need of better ways to sustain a living.
The number of legal and illegal logging activities, charcoal production and poaching,
encroachment on protected areas by agriculturalists, miners (mostly gold and diamonds)
and others will increase, endangering the protected areas and animal species which have
been protected because of inaccessibility. The existing protected areas, such as the Rubi
Tele Hunting Reserve in the province Orientale, will be crossed by the road, while the
Bili Uere Reserve remains in the area of influence. The reopening of the road could lead
to the development of agricultural, livestock and mining (diamonds, gold) activities on
the one hand, with poaching, legal and illegal logging on the other hand.

The reopening of the Uvira–Kasomeno road will increase access to a number of

protected areas crossed by the road or located in the periphery of the road. This improved
access will expose the protected areas to increased poaching pressure and charcoal
producers. This improved access will also facilitate the influx of new-comers such as
miners and agriculturalists.

The environmental and nature conservation services are not represented in the field. The
laws and regulations that apply to natural resource management in DRC (agriculture,
forestry, hunting and fishing) are not adequately enforced. Commercial forestry, as
practiced along the road in the province Orientale, destroys the protected species with
impunity and gives little or nothing in return to local communities or local authorities
(equipment, employment or tax revenues).

If the road rehabilitation program financed under the Pro Routes project is not supported
by adequate, well monitored and enforced mitigation measures, the expected positive
impacts of the road will more likely be offset by the negative impacts described above.
The impacts on the rainforests, on biodiversity and on protected areas would be
irreversible.

There is a possibility that the indigenous people (Pygmies) along the axis Uvira -
Kalemie could be displaced with other negative consequences such as loss of their
traditional territories and resources. If unmitigated, this could potentially lead to further
impoverishment and incremental loss of their cultural identity and ways.

2. Describe any potential indirect and/or long term impacts due to anticipated future
activities in the project area:
Potential long term indirect and cumulative impacts of road reopening would be the slow
disappearance of the rainforests in the area of influence of the Kisangani-Buta-Bunduki
segment, decimation of biodiversity through commercial poaching and irreversible
impacts on the protected areas in the vicinity of two road segments (Kisangani-Buta-
Bunduki and Uvira-Kasomeno) through commercial poaching and encroachment by
artisanal miners and agriculturalists.

Other significant negative impacts include (i) increased rate of accidents due to
increased motorized traffic; and (ii) increased respiratory health hazard for the population
living along the roads due to dust in the air generated by fast moving vehicles during the
dry season.

3. Describe any project alternatives (if relevant) considered to help avoid or minimize
adverse impacts.
The only project alternative available, except for minor modifications in the alignment of
the roads, would be not to reopen the roads. This alternative has been rejected because
these roads are the only land communication that can lift highly populated areas out of
isolation and provide them with opportunities for improved living condition. It is
expected that if the environmental and social program component is adequately
implemented, the impacts of the project will be approximately neutral from an
environmental point of view. It is also expected that strengthening of law enforcement
would have positive impacts on protected areas, biodiversity and forests

4. Describe measures taken by the borrower to address safeguard policy issues. Provide
an assessment of borrower capacity to plan and implement the measures described.
Measures to address safeguard policy issues

The loss of rainforests areas, biodiversity and protected areas would be irreversible. To
avoid such consequences to take place, an environmental and social component has been
developed as part of project . The borrower prepared an initial ESMF (Environmental
and Social Management Framework), which was approved and disclosed 120 days before
the planned Board date on September 21, 2007. For each road segment a separate
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will be prepared and disclosed at
least 3 months before any physical works start in order to address specific environmental
and social issues related to the road segment. At present an ESIA for the Kisangani–
Bunduki segment has been prepared andwill be disclosed before negotiations. These
road specific EAs will contain EMPs, which will be included in contracts to ensure
adequate implementation.

In order to mitigate the non-construction related environmental impacts and to

strengthen the enforcement of the pertaining laws, an environmental and social
component has been developed for the project. The main subcomponents of the
environmental and social component (component 3) are: i) a comprehensive
environmental capacity building subcomponent for the responsible institutions (ICCN,
MECNEF, OdR); ii) a participatory natural resources management which will bring all
stakeholders together and reach agreements on land use zoning, management and control
mechanisms of natural resources in 5 pilot areas containing sensitive ecologically
resources and carrying out pilots to intensify agriculture and, to limit the usual shifting
cultivation practices; and iii) a rigorous environmental monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
plan. The environmental M&E subcomponent will be undertaken by the responsible
institutions in close collaboration with an independent international NGO (third party),
which will publish independent monitoring reports.

A Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) was prepared and disclosed on September 21,
2007 for the project. An RPF was prepared as technical studies have not yet been
completed, accessibility of the roads is very difficult and security was not consistently
assured. However, provisions have been made to complete a socio-economic study with
a detailed census for each axis. These studies will be used for the preparation of
Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) if and where needed. The two RAPs will be approved,
disclosed and implemented at least 3 months before the launching of any
construction/rehabilitation works

For the axis Uvira-Kasomeno, preliminary studies indicate that there are several
Pygmies camps established between Uvira and Kalemie and up to Moba. At this stage of
preparation, detailed information cannot be obtained to prepare an Indigenous Peoples
Development Plan (IPDP). Instead, an Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF)
was prepared, approved and disclosed on September 21, 2007. During the first year of
project implementation, when accessibility and security are restored to an acceptable
level, a detailed Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (IPDP) will be prepared and
disclosed at least 3 months before the start of any physical works.

Along the axis Kisangani-Buta-Bunduki and in its area of influence, it has been
determined with the participation of several stakeholders, including NGOs, that there are
no Pygmies camps. This finding is consigned in a project document titled “Etude
d’Impact Socio-Environnemental du Projet Pro-Routes – Cadre stratégique
(ESMF), Juillet 2007. Hence no mitigation measures for indigenous people are needed
for this axis. During project implementation, should we discover that pygmy groups are
present in the area of influence of this road segment, an Indigenous Peoples Development
Plan (IPDP) will be prepared, including comprehensive consultation, and disclosed.
 If ESIAs (Environmental and Social Impact Assessments) recommend the development
of new protected areas, or limit access to existing protected areas as environmental
mitigation measures, a Process Framework (PF) will be developed for those protected
areas.

The ESMF, RPF and the IPPF were disclosed on September 21, 2007 in Kinshasa, Buta,
Bukavu, Pweto, Kalemie, and Lubumbashi and in the World Bank Infoshop.

Assessment of borrower capacity

Since borrower capacity to adequately implement the safeguard measures is still weak
the environmental component will comprehensively support capacity building for the
public institutions such as ICCN and the MECNEF in order to protect natural habitats,
biodiversity and forests and enforcing the pertaining laws. It will also foster partnerships
with national and international NGOs to assist with a package of support. An
independent internationally recognized NGO in close collaboration with concerned
Ministries and local NGOs will have the overall responsibility for the implementation of
the EMPs, RAPs, IPDPs and Component 3. The environmental monitoring and
evaluation will be undertaken by the responsible institutions (MECNEF, ICCN, and CI)
in collaboration with the specialized NGO. This NGO will publish independent
monitoring reports. This NGO will be recruited three months after project effectiveness.

Monitoring and evaluation will also be executed by the Cellule Infrastructure (CI) in
charge of overall project implementation. Within the CI, an Environmental/ Social
Specialist will be recruited to lead the implementation and the monitoring of the EMPs,
RAPs, IPDPs. He/she will be trained in the areas of participatory development and social
assessment and environmental assessment. During the project life span, he/she will be
assisted by an internationally recruited environmental / social expert who will also
provide training as needed to the staff of the Ministries and local NGOs involved in the
implementation of the mitigation measures. These environmental / social specialists will
be recruited before the start of any physical works. A budget has been allocated for
safeguard training.

Additionally, an experienced independent international NGO will assist the World Bank
in supervising the execution of the Environmental and Social Program (Component 3,
EMPs, RAPs and IPDPs). This international independent NGO will act as an independent
environmental auditor. The reports of this independent NGO will be public documents.
The biodiversity specialist retained for project preparation and the international
independent NGO for project implementation will constitute the Environmental and
Social Advisory Panel (ESAP) required for environmentally sensitive category A
projects, as described in the World Bank Safeguard Policy on Environmental Assessment
(OP 4.01). The Panel will carry out bi-annual surveys and convene specifics experts
when and as required.
5. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and
disclosure on safeguard policies, with an emphasis on potentially affected people.
Key stakeholders include, the concerned communities, including the Pygmies, specialized
NGOs, the district authorities, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Works and
Reconstruction (MIPWR), the Cellule Infrastructures (CI), the Office des Routes (OdR),
MECNT (Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism), ICCN
(Congolese Institute of Nature Conservation), and the Provincial Authorities. The CI,
acting as the project implementation unit, will be responsible for managing the
interactions with the OdR, MECNEF, ICCN and NGO partners.

Consultation with the communities and key stakeholders such as the local authorities
and the NGOs is considered as a process that has already started during project
preparation and will continue throughout implementation. Extensive public consultation
has taken place during the preparation of the ESMF (Environmental and Social
Management Framework) and the ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment)
for the Kisangani-Buta-Bunduki segment. Consultation will also play an important role
in the process of monitoring of project impact. Priority will be given to focus groups,
village meetings and periodic, but regular data collection through open-ended
questionnaires. Information sharing workshops will be organized several times during
the life span of the project, to collect view points and share information.

B. Disclosure Requirements Date

Environmental Assessment/Audit/Management Plan/Other:
Was the document disclosed prior to appraisal? Yes
Date of receipt by the Bank 09/20/2007
Date of "in-country" disclosure 09/21/2007
Date of submission to InfoShop 09/21/2007
For category A projects, date of distributing the Executive
12/20/2007
Summary of the EA to the Executive Directors
Resettlement Action Plan/Framework/Policy Process:
Was the document disclosed prior to appraisal? Yes
Date of receipt by the Bank 09/21/2007
Date of "in-country" disclosure 09/21/2007
Date of submission to InfoShop 09/21/2007
Indigenous Peoples Plan/Planning Framework:
Was the document disclosed prior to appraisal? Yes
Date of receipt by the Bank 09/21/2007
Date of "in-country" disclosure 09/21/2007
Date of submission to InfoShop 09/21/2007
* If the project triggers the Pest Management and/or Physical Cultural Resources,
the respective issues are to be addressed and disclosed as part of the Environmental
Assessment/Audit/or EMP.
If in-country disclosure of any of the above documents is not expected, please
explain why:

C. Compliance Monitoring Indicators at the Corporate Level (to be filled in when the
ISDS is finalized by the project decision meeting)

OP/BP/GP 4.01 - Environment Assessment

Does the project require a stand-alone EA (including EMP) report? Yes
If yes, then did the Regional Environment Unit or Sector Manager (SM) Yes
review and approve the EA report?
Are the cost and the accountabilities for the EMP incorporated in the Yes
credit/loan?
OP/BP 4.04 - Natural Habitats
Would the project result in any significant conversion or degradation of No
critical natural habitats?
If the project would result in significant conversion or degradation of other N/A
(non-critical) natural habitats, does the project include mitigation measures
acceptable to the Bank?
OP/BP 4.11 - Physical Cultural Resources
Does the EA include adequate measures related to cultural property? Yes
Does the credit/loan incorporate mechanisms to mitigate the potential Yes
adverse impacts on cultural property?
OP/BP 4.10 - Indigenous Peoples
Has a separate Indigenous Peoples Plan/Planning Framework (as Yes
appropriate) been prepared in consultation with affected Indigenous Peoples?
If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Sector Yes
Manager review the plan?
If the whole project is designed to benefit IP, has the design been reviewed N/A
and approved by the Regional Social Development Unit or Sector Manager?
OP/BP 4.12 - Involuntary Resettlement
Has a resettlement plan/abbreviated plan/policy framework/process Yes
framework (as appropriate) been prepared?
If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Sector Yes
Manager review the plan?
OP/BP 4.36 - Forests
Has the sector-wide analysis of policy and institutional issues and constraints Yes
been carried out?
Does the project design include satisfactory measures to overcome these Yes
constraints?
Does the project finance commercial harvesting, and if so, does it include No
provisions for certification system?
The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information
Have relevant safeguard policies documents been sent to the World Bank’s Yes
Infoshop?
 Have relevant documents been disclosed in-country in a public place in a Yes
form and language that are understandable and accessible to project-affected
groups and local NGOs?
All Safeguard Policies
Have satisfactory calendar, budget and clear institutional responsibilities Yes
been prepared for the implementation of measures related to safeguard
policies?
Have costs related to safeguard policy measures been included in the project Yes
cost?
Does the Monitoring and Evaluation system of the project include the Yes
monitoring of safeguard impacts and measures related to safeguard policies?
Have satisfactory implementation arrangements been agreed with the Yes
borrower and the same been adequately reflected in the project legal
documents?

D. Approvals

Signed and submitted by: Name Date

Task Team Leader: Mr Alain L. Labeau 12/19/2007
Environmental Specialist: Mr Robert A. Robelus 12/19/2007
Social Development Specialist Mr Mohamed Arbi Ben-Achour 12/19/2007
Additional Environmental and/or
Social Development Specialist(s):

Approved by:
Regional Safeguards Coordinator: Mr Warren Waters 12/19/2007
Comments:
Sector Manager: Mr C. Sanjivi Rajasingham 12/19/2007
Comments: