INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATASHEET APPRAISAL STAGE Date prepared/updated: July 29, 2015 I. Basic Information 1. Basic Project Data Report No: 89172 Country: Kingdome of Cambodia Project ID: P146085 Additional Project ID (if any): Project Name: Early Childhood Care and Development for Floating Villages Project Task Team Leader: Tsuyoshi Fukao Appraisal Date: June 30, 2014 Estimated Board Date: N/A Managing Unit: GEDDR Lending Instrument: Investment Project Financing Sector: Pre-primary (100%) Theme: Education for All (100%) IBRD Amount (US$m.): IDA Amount (US$m.): GEF Amount (US$m.): PCF Amount (US$m.): Other financing amounts by source: US$3.14 M Japan Social Development Fund US$3.14 M Environmental Category: B - Partial Assessment Is this a transferred project Yes [x ] No [] Simplified Processing Simple [x] Repeater [] Is this project processed under OP 8.00 (Rapid Response to Crises Yes [ ] No [x] and Emergencies) 2. Project Objectives: The Project Development Objective is to improve access to quality Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) services through community and home-based programs for 0 to 5-year- olds, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in the targeted areas. The higher level objectives of the Project are inclusive growth and the reduction of inequality. This will contribute to the Government’s efforts to achieve the MDGs for basic education, health, and poverty reduction goals by making ECCD services available to the disadvantaged. 3. Project Description: This project aims to complement activities related to the implementation of the ECCD program in particularly challenging social and geographical conditions. It also aims at extending it to provinces not covered by Second Education Sector Support Project (SESSP) (which will contain substantial provisions to support ECCD), or programs funded by other development partners. 1 The floating ECCD model utilizes innovative strategies, is the first of its kind and will be implemented by the international NGO Save the Children International (SC). SC will be the grant recipient, and implement the project in close collaboration with the relevant local and national stakeholders. The target groups are living in 137 villages along the Tonle Sap River and Tonle Sap Lake in Kampong Chhnang and Pursat provinces, where there are high incidences of poor quality of education services, high malnutrition rates, low access to and poor quality of health services, water and sanitation. Furthermore, the target areas in these two provinces are among those with the lowest net enrolment rates, and the highest drop-out and repetition rates in the first year of primary school. Parents’ literacy levels as well as nutrition knowledge levels are very low. Prevalence of stunted and wasted children under six years of age is high and only limited interventions exist for these children, which are the most vulnerable age groups. The project consists of the following components: (i) Component 1 “Promoting access to ECCD services” focuses on providing low-cost community and home-based (HB) ECCD programs for children and parents living in the target villages, including construction of 20 ECCD centers equipped with low cost environmental friendly sanitation technology, establishment of HB ECCD programs and creation of a network for village ECCD facilitators and core mothers; (ii) Component 2 “Providing quality child-friendly ECCD programs” focuses on creating an enabling, child friendly environment ECCD services, including introducing a quality CB ECCD program, initiating an inclusive HB ECCD program, and improving maternal literacy to ensure quality CB/HB ECCD related activities; (iii) Component 3 “Strengthening capacity of government and community structures” contributes to effective implementation of ECCD policies by means of strengthening local structures and capacity of government, communities and NGOs to support ECCD program implementation, and strengthening ECCD networking and coordination among all stakeholders; and (iv) Component 4 “Project management and M&E” facilitates project management including advocacy-related activities and undertakes results-based monitoring and evaluation of the programs. The results indicators will include both service delivery and outcome indicators and are being proposed to be in line with the revision to the Education Sector Plan that is currently being finalized. The proposed PDO-level indicators are:  Number of children enrolled in Community-based ECCD program financed by the project; and  Number of children enrolled in Home-based ECCD program financed by the project. The proposed project is rated as category B mainly because it finances construction of twenty (20) floating community ECCD centers. The project will carry out community-based activities conducted in a participatory and sensitive manner. The project will closely work with local institutes including Provincial and District Offices for Education (POE, DOE), Provincial Health Department (PHD), Commune Council for Women and Children (CCWC) and NGOs that are familiar with local people in implementing its activities. 2 4. Project Location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard analysis: Project locations include floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake in Kampong Chhnang Province (81 villages targeted) and Pursat province (56 villages targeted). Tonle Sap Lake lies in the central floodplain of Cambodia territory, surrounded by six provinces. The water regime is characterized by high water fluctuation between dry and wet season, which varies from 1 to 9 meters. Similarly, the lake surface also changes from 2,500 km2 to about 13,000 km2. The lake is the main source of water for households, who boil and filter water for drinking. Some schools and households collect rain water during the rainy season. Some communities make a point of going far away from their villages into the lake to collect water where it is cleaner. All community members defecate, urinate, and dispose of waste directly into the lake, either from inside a private latrine cubicle with two simple horizontal planks existent in a few of the households and most schools, or by going directly into the bush. Toilets with just two floor boards to balance over are very dangerous for small children who can fall through. Some also had a hole in the floor or went from the edge of the house boat. Waste water treatment systems are practically non-existent in the floating community. The project will promote simple cost- effective wastewater treatment system for floating communities using the microbial activity on aquatic plant roots within floating “Pods” (patented by Wetland Works!, Ltd in Cambodia) installed under the toilet of the future ECCD; consequently, the project will seek to improve ambient water quality (in terms of reducing microorganisms of fecal origin) and demonstrate improved gastro-intestinal health among the child population of the targeted villages. Recognizing the ecological, economical, and socio-cultural value of the Lake, the Government of Cambodia decided to designate the whole Tonle Sap Lake as Biosphere Reserve under Biosphere Program of UNESCO in 1997. The Lake is divided into three zones, namely three core areas, a buffer zone, and a transition zone. The proposed ECCD centers in this project are located in communities that have been established many decades ago especially in the existing primary school compounds within transition and buffer zones. The core areas that are demarcated for long term protection are located very far from the project sites. Hence, these proposed sites will pose insignificant impacts to this unique ecosystem conservation. 5. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists on the Team: Mr. Satoshi Ishihara (Sr. Social Safeguards Specialist) Mr. Makathy Tep (Environmental Specialist, Consultant) 3 6. SAFEGUARD POLICIES THAT MIGHT APPLY Safeguard Policies Triggered Explanation (Optional) Environmental Assessment OP/BP Yes The project will finance civil works, 4.01 specifically the construction of twenty ECCD centers, ten of which will be on the lake (in the buffer zone) and the remaining on the shore, within existing community areas. Each center will be newly constructed and equipped with two classrooms and a specifically designed wastewater treatment based on low cost environmental friendly technology using microbial activity and plants to reduce pollution from toilet use. There are envisaged temporary typical minor environmental impacts relevant to small scale construction (e.g., noise, construction waste, water pollution, etc.) that might occur. However, these potential impacts are deemed to be minor, site- specific, and reversible in nature, and for which mitigation measures can be readily designed and implemented. Given the nature of the proposed civil works under the project, the project’s environmental category is “B”. In line with the applicable national laws and given the small scale of constructions, a full environmental assessment report is not required. The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Environmental Codes of Practice (ECoP) that were developed and applied for the Second Education Sector Support Program (SESSP) remain valid for this project; hence, these documents have been updated and their revised content included in the EMP separately prepared for this project. During operation of facilities, possible impacts could result from the use of flushing toilets in the ECCD centers. To mitigate the potential negative effects from waste water from flushing toilets, an innovative portable technology that treat 4 human waste by using aquatic plants will be integrated in project design. The updated safeguards tools (EMP developed based on SESSP’s ESMF and ECoP) will be included in the requisite bidding documents. The EMP will be revised further with site specific elements once the ECCD design is available. SESSP has been effective since May 2014. The Technical Advisor (TA) for safeguard related issues will be recruited to provide technical supports on implementation of the safeguard tools. The TA will also support the further revision of this project’s EMP. Many of the project beneficiaries are vulnerable social groups who may feel reluctant to or discriminated against participating in the project. Beneficiary assessment was conducted to identify vulnerable groups and develop measures in a participatory manner to facilitate their participation in and benefiting from the project. The result of the beneficiary assessment is disclosed as part of the Safeguard Assessment Report and the measures developed to facilitate their project participation will be implemented under the project. Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 No After surveying the proposed construction sites, the task team has confirmed that there will be no impact on natural habitats as a result of project activities. All construction sites are located outside core zones, but within transition and buffer zones. Forests OP/BP 4.36 No The project will not degrade critical forest areas as defined under the safeguard policy. Pest Management OP 4.09 No The project will not involve any procurement of pesticides nor cause any increased use of pesticides. 5 Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP No The project will not adversely affect sites 4.11 with archeological, paleontological, historical, religious, or unique natural values. Indigenous Peoples OP/BP 4.10 No Ethnic screening conducted in the project area did not identify Indigenous Peoples who meet the eligibility criteria under OP 4.10. Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP No The project will finance the new 4.12 construction for twenty ECCD centers. Ten centers will be constructed on the lake, and another ten centers will be constructed on the shore (during rainy season, these “on-shore centers” become floating centers). For all proposed construction, there will be no land acquisition, as all construction will take place on state-owned land or lakes, and there are no legacy issues. After surveying the sample of sites, the task team has confirmed that no physical relocation will be necessary for this project. Safety of Dams OP/BP 4.37 No The project does not involve any dams. Projects on International No The project does not involve international Waterways OP/BP 7.50 waterways. Projects in Disputed Areas OP/BP No The project will not be located in any 7.60 known disputed areas as defined in the policy. II. Key Safeguard Policy Issues and Their Management A. Summary of Key Safeguards Issues 1. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the project. Identify and describe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts: The proposed project is rated as category B because it includes construction of twenty floating community ECCD centers. Temporary small-scale impacts are expected during construction of the centers and relevant sanitation system such as dust, noise, water pollution and construction waste. 2. Describe any potential indirect and/or long term impacts due to anticipated future activities in the project area: There are few potential small-scale long-term adverse impacts triggered by this project, such as possible malfunction of the Pod due to natural disaster or over-use. In such cases, the Pod’s plants can be replaced by locally available plants. NGO tests that the water quality 6 within the aerobic Pod is already at a high level of secondary treatment. Mitigation against any negative impacts that might occur in the project can be managed at the implementation stage. 3. Describe any project alternatives (if relevant) considered to help avoid or minimize adverse impacts. Three options have been identified for the treatment of the wastewater for the centers: (i) Pod treatment system; (ii) Live and Learn’s floating EcoSan toilet system; and (iii) a floating bio-digester design system. This project would utilize the first (Pod treatment) option as it has the following comparative advantages: (i) simpler fabrication; (ii) easier installation; (iii) less operational maintenance; (iv) better for environment (no chemicals required); and (v) the least associated costs beyond locally available materials. In addition, SC implements the system for existing floating primary schools. The latter two options have been identified as alternatives. 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. Environment: In line with the national law and given the small scale of constructions, a full environmental assessment report was not required. The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Environmental Codes of Practice (ECoP) that were developed and applied for the Second Education Sector Support Program (SESSP) remain valid for this project; hence, these documents have been updated and their revised content included in the EMP separately prepared for this project. During operation of facilities, possible impacts could result from the use of flushing toilets in the ECCD centers. To mitigate the potential negative effects from waste water from flushing toilets, an innovative portable technology that treat human waste by using aquatic plants will be integrated into the project design. The updated safeguards tool will be included in the requisite bidding documents. The EMP have been publicly disclosed on the in Khmer language on MoEYS public board in Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang and Pursat on June 9, 2014, as well as in the InfoShop in Washington, D.C on June 16, 2014. Social: A Beneficiary Assessment (BA) screened the ethnic groups in the potential project sites and to evaluate the project’s positive and adverse effects on potential subproject sites. The assessment was conducted with multiple methods including: (i) desk review of statistical data; (ii) key informant interviews with various stakeholders; (iii) focus group discussions; and (iv) informal conversations with community members. The assessment identified vulnerable groups and developed measures in a participatory manner to facilitate their participation in and benefiting from the project. The measures developed to facilitate their project participation will be implemented under the project. Institutional Capacity: To date, SC has implemented two JSDF-funded projects in the field of education in rural areas in Cambodia and both project’s were rated “highly satisfactory” in terms of 7 achievement of main objectives. The first project was conducted over 24 months in Siem Reap, supporting Basic Education in reconciliation areas (Cambodia Basic Education, TF26779-KH, US$1.58 million), while the second project was implemented over a 27- month period in Preah Vihear province, supporting public education for disadvantaged children (Cambodia Public Education, TF052059-KH, US$1.83 million). The latter project was cited as “best practice” in the 10-year JSDF retrospective. Save the Chidlren has good team of Environment and Social safeguards specialists to support their program implementation. Many of team members are familiar with bank policies and requirements through projects’ implementation including safeguards. 5. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and disclosure on safeguard policies, with an emphasis on potentially affected people. The principal stakeholders are the government, civil society organizations, parents, and teachers. Government ownership and commitment for the ECCD activities under the Education Sector Support Scale Up Actin Program (ESSSUAP) were strong, and the ECCD expansion is high priority for MoEYS. Stakeholder consultations on project scope and design have been held regularly with targeted communities by the recipient since 2011. Number of suggestions such as strong request of both CB and HB ECCD programs, and high demands of parenting education including literacy program and health activities, are incorporated into the current project design. B. Disclosure Requirements Environmental Assessment/Audit/Management Plan/Other: Was the document disclosed prior to Yes appraisal? Date of receipt by the Bank May 30, 2014 Date of “in-country” disclosure June 9, 2014 Date of submission to Info Shop June 16, 2014 For category A projects, date of distributing the Executive Summary of the EA to the Executive Directors Resettlement Action Plan /Framework/Policy Process: Was the document disclosed prior to N/A appraisal? Date of receipt by the Bank Date of “in-country” disclosure Date of submission to Info Shop *If the project triggers the Pest Management and/or Physical Cultural Resources policies, the respective issues are to be addressed and disclosed as part of the 8 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) review and approve the EA report? Yes Are the cost and the accountabilities for the EMP incorporated in the credit/loan? Yes. Yes OP/BP 4.10 – Indigenous Peoples Has a separate Indigenous Peoples Plan/Planning Framework (as appropriate) No been prepared in consultation with affected ethnic minority people? If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Sector Manager n/a review the plan? If the whole project is designed to benefit ethnic minority people, has the design n/a been reviewed and approved by the Regional Social Development Unit or Sector Manager? III. APPROVALS Task Team Leader: Name: Tsuyoshi Fukao Approved By: Practice Manager: Name: Harry Anthony Patrinos Date: July 30, 2015 9