Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA | Tunisia | Environment & Natural Resources Global Practice | Global Environment Project | Investment Project Financing | FY 2014 | Seq No: 9 | ARCHIVED on 22-May-2018 | ISR32166 | Implementing Agencies: Government of Tunisia, General Directorate for the Environment and Quality of Life Key Dates Key Project Dates Bank Approval Date:11-Jun-2014 Effectiveness Date:04-Aug-2014 Planned Mid Term Review Date:15-Jun-2017 Actual Mid-Term Review Date:28-Jun-2017 Original Closing Date:30-Nov-2019 Revised Closing Date:30-Nov-2019 Global Development Objectives Global Environmental Objective (from Project Appraisal Document) The Project Development Objective/Global Environmental Objective is to improve sustainable natural resources management andpromotelivelihoods diversification in the selected oases. Has the Global Environmental Objective been changed since Board Approval of the Project Objective? No Components Name Strengthening Capacities for Sustainable Management of Oasis Ecosystems:(Cost $1.31 M) Supporting the Implementation of the PDPOs:(Cost $4.67 M) Project Coordination and Management:(Cost $0.36 M) Overall Ratings Name Previous Rating Current Rating Progress towards achievement of PDO  Satisfactory  Highly Satisfactory Overall Implementation Progress (IP)  Satisfactory  Highly Satisfactory Overall Risk Rating  Substantial  Substantial Implementation Status and Key Decisions 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 1 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) The project results underline the excellent performance of the project and the high commitment of key partners at all levels: Execution rates of PDO indicators are positive. The project continues its dynamic through: (i) strong communication initiatives that have strengthened trust and collaboration among all actors (ii) the successful completion of a significant number of micro-projects; and (iii) the very satisfactory achievement of indicators. To date, the project has supported 89 micro-projects that have had a remarkable and visible socio-economic impact on the ground through the income generated for the beneficiaries, the restoration of the oases by making them more productive and increasing their biodiversity. The gender aspect was one of the criteria for the selection of project beneficiaries, almost all of whom are young people. Activities of Component 1 (Strengthening Capacities for Sustainable Management of Oasis Ecosystems) are almost completed: Different communication initiatives have been undertaken since the last supervision mission, namely: (i) development of various documentary films on biodiversity in oases; (ii) publication of the film "Tamerza" on the official GEF website; (iii) and presentation of the Project during various events (e.g., COP13, China, September 13, 2017). In terms of stakeholder capacity building, specific support was provided to the organization of the International Festival of Dates in Kebili (November 2017) and the 2nd National Meeting on Environment and Development (Jemna - Kebili) under the theme: "Saharan Oases and Issues of the Green Economy" (17-18 March 2018). Currently underway are activities concerning local variety rehabilitation. It should also be noted that the web site (www.oasys.tn), launched in March 2017, and the project M&E system is fully operational. Activities of Component 2 (Supporting the Implementation of the Oasis Participatory Development Plans/ (PDPOs). As of 10 March 2018, the Project has implemented a total of 90 community micro-projects, including 50 micro-projects in the field of Sustainable Land, Water and Biodiversity Management (GDTE); and 40 micro-projects in the area of Livelihood Diversification (DMS). The current distribution across the six oases covered by the Project is as follows: • Chbika: a total of 9 micro-projects, of which 4 in GDTE and 5 DMS • El Guettar: a total of 17 micro-projects, of which 10 in GDTE and 7 in DMS • Midès: a total of 14 micro-projects, of which 9 in GDTE and 5 in DMS • Noueil: a total of 12 micro-projects, of which 6 in GDTE and 6 in DMS • Zarat: a total of 15 micro-projects, including 8 GDTE and 7 in DMS • Tamerza: a total of 23 micro-projects, of which 13 in GDTE and 10 in DMS. This situation shows a strong growth in the number of micro-projects implemented from 23 in 2015, to 50 in 2016 and 68 in 2017, to currently reach 90. The highest growth has been achieved in Tamerza and El Guettar. This dynamic will have to continue throughout 2018, thanks to the signature of 21 new financing agreements for community micro-projects, including 13 GDTE micro-projects and 9 DMS micro-projects, totaling 1756,700 DT, or about 732,000 USD. In the area of GDTE, the current situation shows that most of the micro-projects (36 out of a total of 50 micro-projects) relate to improving the productivity and services of the oasis ecosystem by amplifying good practices. In the area of DMS, most of the micro-projects concern the valorization of oasis products and by-products and the development of income-generating activities (12 out of 37 micro-projects) and the organization of socio-cultural activities in oases (11 micro-projects out of 37). Activities of Component 3 (Project coordination and management). To ensure appropriate follow-up of this relatively large number of micro-projects, the PMU organized a total of 13 missions between July 2017 and March 2018, the main objectives of which were: (i) organization of training and capacity building; (ii) consultation and planning of proposed micro-projects for 2018; (iii) technical, administrative and financial monitoring of the micro-projects under implementation; and (iv) participation of the Project in activities and initiatives of other stakeholders at the local level. With regard to human capacity building at the local level, which was the subject of one of the most important recommendations of the last implementation support mission, the PMU recruited two coordination officers at the Zarat sites. and Noueil, on the one hand, and Tamerza, Chbika and Midès, on the other, respectively in the field of local development and monitoring and control of business creation initiatives for young people. In addition, the contracts of four local staff members were renewed (two financial officers and two local development facilitators). Finally, a financial manager has also been recruited in Noueil and procedures are underway for the recruitment of another financial manager in Zarat. Lastly, in relation to the Steering Committee (COPIL), the fourth meeting was held on 23 -24 January 2018, with 45 participants representing the various stakeholders (Ministries involved, Gabès and Tozeur governorates and research centers) and specialized agencies, as well as GDAs and CSOs from the six oases.) The COPIL examined the progress of 68 micro-projects implemented until January 2018, as well as the validation of the proposed business plan, integrating 60 community projects in the 6 pilot sites, including 34 DMS micro-projects, and 26 GDTE micro-projects. Risks Systematic Operations Risk-rating Tool 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 2 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) Risk Category Rating at Approval Previous Rating Current Rating Political and Governance  --  Moderate  Moderate Macroeconomic  --  Moderate  Moderate Sector Strategies and Policies  --  Moderate  Moderate Technical Design of Project or Program  --  Moderate  Moderate Institutional Capacity for Implementation and Sustainability  --  Moderate  Moderate Fiduciary  --  Substantial  Substantial Environment and Social  --  Moderate  Moderate Stakeholders  --  Substantial  Substantial Other  --  Low  Low Overall  --  Substantial  Substantial Results Global Environmental Objective Indicators PHINDGEOTBL  Direct project beneficiaries(Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 10,751.00 13,708.00 18,000.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments Thanks to the project adopted strategy, to the commitment of key partners, the project reached 13,708 direct beneficiaries. The continued commitment at all level will make it possible to reach target value at the end of the project (18,000). The project adopted strategy which include specific criteria for gender dimension, is appropriate and allowed to have 33% women as direct beneficiaries of the Project. This rate will reach the target value at the end of the project 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 3 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) PHINDGEOTBL  Female beneficiaries(Percentage, Custom Supplement) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 33.00 33.00 51.00 PHINDGEOTBL  Land area under sustainable landscape management practices(Hectare(Ha), Corporate) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 853.00 893.00 700.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments The areas of oases subject of SLM practices are estimated at 893 ha. This this value, achieved thanks to the ownership of beneficiaries of project approach and proposed practices, exceeds the target of 700 ha by the end of the project. Major practices adopted by farmers are the following: protection against the ravages of wild boars; cleaning activities of oases: fruit tree, palm and vegetable and fodder planting, as part of the improvement of biodiversity; improved irrigation systems; and integrated pest management interventions. PHINDGEOTBL  Land users adopting sustainable land mgt. practices as a result of the project(Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 3,179.00 5,065.00 3,000.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments It is important to underline that the number of farmers adopting SLM practices and techniques promoted by the Project is estimated at 5065, well above the target of the end of the Project, i.e., 3000 farmers. This is a direct result of the project approach and high level of beneficiaries’ ownership and conviction to adopt project proposed practices. 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 4 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) PHINDGEOTBL  Number of local species that have been reintroduced in selected oasis(Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 25.00 32.00 20.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments The number of local species introduced in the targeted oases reaches 32 species, testifying to the considerable effort that has been made to rehabilitate the pilot oases, either within the framework of community projects, or by the rehabilitation actions carried out by the research institutes (IRA and CRRAO). Introduced local species include: date palms; fruit trees; forage crops and vegetables. Reintroduced species are now 2 years old and the survival rate is about 60% PHINDGEOTBL  Households adopting diversified activities as a result of the project(Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 20.00 24.00 30.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jul-2019 Comments The percentage of households with diversified activities is estimated at 24% (987 households out of 4100 households in the six pilot oases). It corresponds in particular to craftsmen and craftswomen who have benefited from diversified activities as part of projects to promote crafts and exhibitors who took advantage of the various socio-cultural events promoted by the project for the marketing of their products. Overall Comments The achievement of ODP indicators is highly satisfactory. All intended yearly targets have been achieved and some values already exceed target of the project. Intermediate Results Indicators 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 5 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) PHINDIRITBL  Validation of the national strategy for sustainable development of Tunisian Oases by the Project Steering Committee (Yes/No, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value N Y Y Y Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments The strategy and the plan of action for sustainable development of Tunisian oases have been finalized and validated since October 13, 2015. The strategy has been used by the GoT through JICA support to develop the south integrated development program. The program has been finalized and the GoT is requesting Bank support for its implementation. PHINDIRITBL  Participants in consultation activities during project implementation (number) (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 4,054.00 4,299.00 3,000.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments The number of participants exceeds the end project target value. The consultation strategy as undertaken by the project concern any activity, it helped to build important trust among stakeholders which consult each other, not only for the selection of an activity, but also during all steps of its implementation. Gender dimension as considered in the project strategy is also satisfactory and exceed expected end project targets. PHINDIRITBL  Participants in consultation activities during project implementation - female (Number, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 26.00 27.80 20.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 6 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) PHINDIRITBL  Tunisian Oases with monographic profiles prepared (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments The monographs have been completed for 126 traditional oases defined in the identification phase of traditional oases (i.e., 7 oases in the Gafsa region, 49 oases in the Gabès region and 29 oases in the Tozeur region and 41 oases in the region of Kebili). These monographs have been also used to develop the first Tunisian Atlas which has been finalized and widely disseminated. PHINDIRITBL  Technologies demonstrated in the project areas (number) (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 20.00 23.00 20.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments This indicator also exceeds expected end project target. Several technologies have been introduced, demonstrated and owned by project beneficiaries' including the following : 1-Mechanized weeding; 2-Electrification of wells; 3-Mechanical climbing of palms; 4-Biological control of the date moth by trichogrammes; 5-Biological control against Virachola livia (grenadier) by useful insect; 6-Control of the fruit fly by the technique of attract and kill of ceratitis; 7-Fight against Virachola livia (grenadiers) by bio insecticide; 8-Physical control of the date moth via mosquito nets; 9-Biological control of the date moth with mass trapping technology; 10-Mechanized cleaning; 11-Mechanized pollination; 12-Size of fruit trees; 13-Technique of mass trapping against black fly fig tree. PHINDIRITBL  Farmers adopting improved agricultural technology (Number, Corporate) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 584.00 377.00 200.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments This number largely exceeds the expected end project target. The last mission value was wrongly calculated. The current value is 377 farmers who improved the following agricultural technologies: Integrated pest management, agricultural products conservation units and irrigation water saving systems. 35.5% of these farmers are women. 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 7 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) PHINDIRITBL  Clients who adopted an improved agr. technology promoted by project – female (Number, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 24.00 35.50 100.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 PHINDIRITBL  Biodiversity tracking tool completed (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 6.00 12.00 12.00 18.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments Good Progress achieved under this indicator through : (a) production of biodiversity gains in oasis production systems through the reintroduction of several local species and verities; (b) replicating of approaches applying positive incentive measures and instruments. PHINDIRITBL  Land degradation tracking tool completed (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 6.00 12.00 12.00 18.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments Good progress achived to date through the implementing/up-scaling of GDTE (Sustainable land and water management) practices and interventions to combat land degradation, specifically desertification. 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 8 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) PHINDIRITBL  Cultivars that are produced, multiplied and distributed (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 68.00 151.00 70.00 Date 30-Sep-2014 09-Nov-2017 25-Apr-2018 28-Jun-2019 Comments This excellent result reflects both the successful implementation of community micro-projects and the rehabilitation actions carried out by the research institutes (IRA and CRRAO) aimed at improving biodiversity, and the specific and genetic wealth of agricultural biodiversity in the pilot sites of the Project. Overall Comments Data on Financial Performance Disbursements (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Currency Original Revised Cancelled Disbursed Undisbursed Disbursed P132157 TF-17362 Effective USD 5.76 5.76 0.00 4.31 1.45 75% Key Dates (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Approval Date Signing Date Effectiveness Date Orig. Closing Date Rev. Closing Date P132157 TF-17362 Effective 04-Aug-2014 04-Aug-2014 04-Aug-2014 30-Nov-2019 30-Nov-2019 Cumulative Disbursements 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 9 of 10 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report TN-Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods Project (P132157) Restructuring History There has been no restructuring to date. Related Project(s) There are no related projects. 5/22/2018 Public Disclosure Copy Page 10 of 10