Amendment No. 1_ATTACHMENT J.8 – INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE) LAC-IEE-22-96 ETD.pdf

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

PROJECT DATA

Project Name: Democratic Governance to Meet Citizens’

Needs Enhanced to Reduce Irregular Migration-DO2

Geographic Location(s) (Country/Region): Honduras

Amendment (Yes/No), if Yes indicate # (1) No

Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y):

March 31, 2022 - September 30, 2029

If Amended, specify New End Date: N/A

Solicitation/Contract/Award Number(s): N/A

Implementing Partner(s): N/A

Bureau Tracking ID: LAC-IEE-22-96

Tracking ID of Related RCE/IEE (if any): LAC-IEE-20-49; LAC-IEE-21-94

Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses: None

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit(s):

(e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

USAID Honduras

Other Affected Operating Unit(s): None

Lead BEO Bureau: LAC- Bethzaida Colon

Funding Account(s) (if available): N/A

Original Funding Amount: $136,340,000

If Amended, specify funding amount: N/A

If Amended, specify new funding total:

N/A

Prepared by: Sofia Mendez

Date Prepared: 21 March 2022

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

Analysis Type: ☒Environmental

Examination ☐Deferral

Environmental Determination(s): ☒Categorical Exclusion(s) ☒Negative ☐Positive ☐Deferred (per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(7)(iv)

IEE Expiration Date (if applicable): September 30th, 2029

Additional Analyses/Reporting Required:

N/A

Climate Risks Identified (#): Low: 7 Moderate: 2 High: 0

Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low 7 Moderate: 2 High: 0

THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

PROJECT SUMMARY

The USAID/Honduras Development Objective 2 (DO2) “Democratic Governance to Meet Citizens’ Needs Enhanced to Reduce Irregular Migration” is further referred to as “the Project” or DO2. The Project seeks to improve governance in Honduras, enabling public actions to meet citizens’ needs and thereby motivating people to see their future in Honduras. USAID will partner with civil society organizations (formal and non-formal), private sector, other donors and Government of Honduras (GOH) institutions to i) support public institutions in adopting accountable public resources management, ii) include democratic checks and balances to strengthen participation, and iii) reduce corruption. The Activities described herein will focus on supporting actions to improve the quality of public information, increase citizens’ rights to public archives, support public service ethics, develop a more transparent and merit-based civil service, reduce corruption and impunity, promote more efficient and effective public financial management by supporting citizen budget empowerment, strengthen capacity for free and fair elections, and support a more efficient justice system.

The purpose of this Initial Environmental Examination Document (IEE) is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the USAID interventions described herein. The document also recommends determinations and, as appropriate, conditions, for these activities and their actions, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216. This IEE replaces LAC-IEE-20-49 and LAC-IEE-21-94 entirely.

New COVID-19 related activities, and specific actions not included in the LAC-IEE-20-37 Programmatic Initial Environmental Examination Document (PIEE) shall be included in a USAID/Honduras Mission Supplemental Initial Environment Examination Document (SIIE) document.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations

(22 CFR 216).

TABLE I: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negativ e Determi nation

Positive Determinatio n1

Deferral

Action Type 1: Provide specialized technical assistance to enhance organizational capacity of GOH, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to fulfill their functions in a transparent, efficient manner and deter corruption.

Activities: ELECCT, CNA, LOAC, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0, PD&L, A&O

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2)(i) ☐ ☐ ☐

Action Type 2: Facilitate and strengthen multi-stakeholder coalitions to increase their planning and implementation capacity to fulfill their mandate in a transparent and accountable manner. Specific actions include forums, graduate programs, mentoring support in strategic planning.

Activities: ELECCT, CNA, LOAC, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0, PD&L, A&O

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2) (i) and (iii)

1 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.

2 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

(if applicable)

Negativ e Determi nation

Positive Determinatio n1

Deferral

Action Type 3: Provide training and other capacity building actions to GOH and non-governmental actors to increase transparency and deter corruption.

Activities: CNA, LOAC, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0, PD&L

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2)(i) ☐ ☐ ☐

Action Type 4: Support studies, analyses and other academic research workshops and meetings aimed at generating information to monitor anti-corruption practices.

Activities: CNA, LOAC, SDG, MESCLA, PD&L

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2) (iii) ☐ ☐ ☐

Action Type 5: Small-scale (less than 1,000 m2) refurbishing and maintenance of existing structures.

Activities: CNA, LOAC, CO, A&O

Action Type 6: Buy, use and dispose of equipment (IT and non- IT) to support institutional strengthening efforts.

Activities: CNA, LOAC, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0, A&O

Action Type 7.a.: Sub-awards would support training, technical assistance, planning, and studies.

Activities: ELECCT, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2)(i) and (iii)

Action Type 7.b.: Sub-awards may be used for small-scale (less

(if applicable)

Negativ e Determi nation

Positive Determinatio n1

Deferral than 1,000 m2) refurbishing of existing structures.

Activities: ELECCT, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0

Action Type 7.c: Sub-awards may provide basic equipment such as computers, printers etc.

Activities: ELECCT, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0

CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

In accordance with Executive Order 13677 on Climate-Resilient International Development, as of September, 2016, all USAID projects and activities require being managed for climate risks. The Climate Risk Management (CRM) process was done based on the activity descriptions in section 1.3 and the CRM analysis done at the CDCS level. The results at the CDCS level show a low risk for Intermediate Result (IR) 2.2 and IR 2.3; despite this, the Climate Integration Lead (CIL) decided to include all IRs in the project level analysis as it is also important to identify opportunities for climate management at all planning levels.

The project level analysis determined that the climate risk is low for those activities within DO2 as described, except for the small-scale refurbishing actions for which the risk is considered moderate. The low climate risk indicates climate change is unlikely to materially impact achievement or sustainability of project or activity outcomes. The moderate climate indicates that the activity will need to incorporate actions to mitigate risk. The “Climate Risk Screening and Management Tool for Project ” is included as Annex 1.

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

Conditions for approval are listed in Section 5 of this document. In addition:

● Safety measures shall be taken to prevent transmission of COVID-19 during project implementation. Specifically, the implementing partner (IP) will ensure that the following requirements are met:

o Ensure compliance with applicable partner country requirements and technical guidelines to prevent COVID-19 transmission over the course of the activities.

This includes ensuring staff safety, safety of community members, and adequate management of waste. As appropriate, train staff and beneficiaries on social distancing, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and disinfection. IP may follow WHO and/or CDC guidance as appropriate.

IMPLEMENTATION

In accordance with 22 CFR 216 and Agency policy, the conditions and requirements of this document become mandatory upon approval. This includes the relevant limitations, conditions and requirements in this document as stated in Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the IEE and any BEO Specified Conditions of Approval.

USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

PROJECT NAME: Democratic Governance to Meet Citizens Needs Enhanced to Reduce Irregular Migration-DO2

Bureau Tracking ID: LAC-IEE-22-96

Approval: Approved by e-mail April 3, 2022

Janina Jaruzelski,Mission Director Date

Clearance: Cleared 29/Mar/22

Shannon Schissler, DG Office Chief Date

Clearance: Cleared 21/Mar/2022

Peter Hearne, Mission Environmental Officer Date

Clearance: Cleared March 20, 2022

Sofia Mendez, Climate Integration Lead Date

Clearance: Cleared by email March 22, 2022

Michelle Dworkin, Program Officer Date

Clearance: Cleared by email 3/31/2022

Kenneth MacLean, Deputy Mission Director Date

Clearance: I clear JNN 3/25/2022

Jeanette Normand, Regional Environmental Advisor- CAM Date

Concurrence: Electronically signed 4/5/2022

Bethzaida Colon, Bureau Environmental Officer Date

DISTRIBUTION: Mission Project Staff as appropriate

Table of Content

THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 2

PROJECT SUMMARY 2

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 3

TABLE I: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 3

CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 5

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 5

IMPLEMENTATION 6

USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION 7

1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 11

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE 11

1.2 PROJECT OVERVIEW 11

1.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 12

TABLE II: DO2 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 13

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION 18

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (Environment, Physical, Climate, Social, Threatened and Endangered Species) 18

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL LAWS, POLICIES, AND

REGULATIONS 19

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK 20

TABLE III: DO2 Activity Potential Risks and Mitigation Measures 20

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 24

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 24

TABLE IV: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 24

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 26

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 27

5.1 CONDITIONS 27

5.1.1 During Pre-Award: 27

5.1.2 During Post-Award: 27

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS 29

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION 29

7.0 REVISIONS 30

ATTACHMENTS: 31

Annex 1: Climate Risk Management Summary Table for DO2 31

Annex 2: EMMP Templates: English and Spanish 31

Annex 3: Environmental Compliance Language for Awards 31

1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE

The purpose of this Initial Environmental Examination Document (IEE) for DO2 activities is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the USAID interventions described herein. The document also recommends determinations and, as appropriate, conditions, for these activities and their actions, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216). This IEE also documents the results of the Climate Risk Management (CRM) process in accordance with USAID policy (specifically, ADS 201mal). Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, and specified conditions become mandatory obligations of implementation.

This IEE is a critical element of USAID’s mandatory environmental review and compliance process meant to achieve environmentally sound design, efficient implementation, and foster sustainability in USAID’s activities. Potential environmental impacts should be addressed through formal environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs), and/or if needed, Environmental Assessments (EAs).

The Mission is in the process of transitioning activities to respond to the new Country Development Cooperation Strategy 2020-2025 (CDCS). This requires a revision and update of the on-going activities determination and the addition of new activities as described in section

1.3 below. This new IEE will absorb activities covered by LAC-IEE-20-49 such as the National Anti-Corruption Council (CNA) support and the Enhanced Leadership in Citizen Confidence and Trust activity (ELECCT), as well as their threshold decisions. Although the actions in these activities are included in LAC-IEE-20-49, the Mission Environment Officers (MEOs) decided to create a new IEE under the advice of the Regional Environment Advisor (REA). Upon approval, this IEE replaces LAC-IEE-20-49 entirely.

USAID/Honduras acknowledges there are some activities which will receive funding from DO2 and are not covered under this IEE, namely: Transforming Market Systems (TMS), Justice, Human Rights and Security Strengthening Activity (Unidos por la Justicia) and Honduras Local Governance (HLG), among others. For these activities, MEOs hereby confirm the complete environmental analysis (considering all actions and estimated cost) was done under the DO1 IEE for TMS and HLG and DO3 IEE for Unidos por la Justicia, as these activities will receive the majority of their funding under those DOs.

1.2 PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Project seeks to improve governance in Honduras’s systems to meet citizens’ needs and thereby enable people to see their future in the country. The Total Estimated Cost (TEC) for the DO2 Project covered under this IEE is $136,340,000. To achieve this, the Project will: i) support public institutions in adopting accountable public resources management, ii) include democratic checks and balances to strengthen participation and iii) reduce corruption. This DO also has a https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/201mal shared Intermediate Result (IR) with DO3. Under this shared IR, DO2 seeks to improve governance to reduce impunity.

In summary, the Project will focus on strengthening national and local-level institutions and accountability efforts to address corruption and impunity – with envisioned support to both government institutions (supply side) as well as civil society organizations (CSOs) and private sector (demand side). DO2 will focus on supporting actions to improve the quality of public information, support transparent elections, increase citizens’ rights to public archives, support public service ethics, develop a more transparent and merit-based civil service, reduce corruption and impunity, promote more efficient and effective public financial management by supporting citizen budget empowerment, and support a more efficient justice system.

1.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The lack of effective citizen participation and governmental and non-governmental oversight mechanisms contributes to poor allocation and management of public funds and increased opportunities for officials to use their positions for private gain. This hampers the ability of the GOH to effectively implement long-term poverty and violence reduction strategies.

DO2 aims at working with civil society, private sector and the government under the hypothesis that if GOH public institutions adopt modern and accountable public resources and strengthen their institutional capacity, and democratic checks and balances, and corruption is reduced and justice and security entities improve equitable application of the law; then governance will be more responsive to citizens’ needs and thus will build Hondurans’s confidence in their future in Honduras.

DO2 aims at achieving four IRs, namely:

➢ IR 2.1: Public sector effectiveness improved

➢ IR 2.2: Democratic checks and balances strengthened

➢ IR 2.3: Corruption reduced in targeted sectors

➢ IR 2.4/3.1: Governance to reduce impunity improved (shared with DO3)

The USAID/Honduras Mission plans to attain the DO2 objective through several activities or awards. Each activity contributes to one or more IR(s). To facilitate environmental analysis, this document has identified primary action types. The action type is not an individual undertaking.

Every action type includes elements which may cause similar environmental effects, and therefore need similar monitoring and mitigation measures. The action types identified for DO2 include:

Action Type 1: Provide specialized technical assistance to enhance organizational capacity of GOH, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to fulfill their functions in a transparent, efficient manner and deter corruption.

Action Type 2: Facilitate and strengthen multi-stakeholder coalitions to increase their planning and implementation capacity to fulfill their mandate in a transparent and accountable manner.

Specific actions include forums, graduate programs, mentoring support in strategic planning.

Action Type 3: Provide training and other capacity building actions to GOH and non-governmental actors to increase transparency and deter corruption.

Action Type 4: Support studies, analyses and other academic research workshops and meetings aimed at generating information to monitor anti-corruption practices.

Action Type 5: Small-scale (less than 1,000 m2) refurbishing and maintenance of existing structures.

Action Type 6: Buy, use and dispose of equipment (IT and non-IT) to support institutional strengthening efforts.

Action Type 7: Specific actions for sub-awards are not yet known, but would likely fall under one of the following sub-action types:

Action Type 7.a.: Sub-awards would support training, technical assistance, planning, and studies.

Action Type 7.b.: Sub-awards may be used for small-scale (less than 1,000 m2) refurbishing of existing structures.

Action Type 7.c.: Sub-awards may provide basic equipment such as computers, printers etc.

TABLE II: DO2 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Activity Name

(TEC, LOP)

Description Special Considerations

Enhanced Leadership in Elections for Citizen Confidence and Trust Activity (ELECCT)

September 30, 2020 - September 30, 2023

TEC: $4.7 million

This activity, implemented by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS).

The activity responds to the goal of supporting a free, fair, inclusive, and transparent presidential election in Honduras. ELECCT aims to strengthen Honduras’ electoral bodies, foster citizen engagement in the pre-and post-electoral period, enhance voter confidence in the quality of elections, and promote strategic communications to increase public awareness and understanding of the electoral process. Furthermore, the Activity is working to reinforce campaign financing regulations to prevent corruption; promoting more inclusive participation of marginalized populations

-Subawards -Purchase of Information Technology (IT) equipment and disposition

Description Special Considerations

(women, youth, LGBTQI+ population, people with disabilities); and preventing electoral violence.

Support to the National Anti-Corruption Council

(CNA)

June 2017- June 2024

TEC: $7 million

The objective of this activity is to strengthen the National Anti-corruption Council’s (CNA) technical and organizational capacity and its ability to work with state institutions to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute corruption cases. The Council supports transparency by helping with the investigation of key corruption cases and publicly monitoring their progress within the judicial processes. In seven years, this activity will support the CNA to complete at least 100 corruption investigations.

- Purchase of IT equipment and disposition

- Refurbishment

Support to Local Organization Anti- Corruption Oversight

(LOAC)

October 1, 2022 - October 1, 2027

TEC: $4 million

USAID intends to issue a grant to a local organization to implement a five-year anti-corruption support activity that responds to the objectives and results of improved organizational capacity, improved evidence-based data to advocate for inclusive and citizen-driven public policy, and enhanced collaboration with relevant stakeholders for citizen participation. The purpose of this Activity is to support local efforts in the fight against corruption, by strengthening the CSO’s ability to influence public policy, provide oversight, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve transparency and accountability across the public and private sectors.

-Purchase of IT equipment and

-Refurbishing

Description Special Considerations

Strengthening Democratic Governance (SDG)

October 30, 2022 - May 1, 2029

TEC: $90 million

This activity will promote civic engagement among Hondurans and increase government responsiveness to citizen needs and aspirations. The Activity will strengthen the capacity of targeted GOH institutions to reduce loss of public resources that should contribute to improving the economy and social services, further decreasing motivation to migrate.

The Activity will promote Honduran-led efforts to strengthen citizens’ ability to ensure accountability from their government representatives, demand their rights and work with GOH officials to identify and carry out reforms to better respond to citizen demands and aspirations. USAID will engage with formal and non-formal civil society, GOH, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive roadmap to democratic reform.

USAID will continue to build the capacity of national and subnational government and non-government stakeholders to improve understanding of public financial management, including budgeting and expenditure processes. The Activity will strengthen state management systems, strategic planning, resource mobilization and investment. Enhanced use of digital technologies to improve service delivery will align with USAID’s Digital Strategy.

- Sub-awards

- Purchase of IT

Communications Outreach Program (CO)

June 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025

TEC: $550,000

To respond to a rapidly evolving digital environment, the Development, Outreach, and Communications (DOC) team will invest in setting-up an in-house studio--and will purchase related equipment, software, and studio infrastructure--to produce videos, and record remarks and interviews.

USAID will expand communications materials produced internally and engage media professionals to help the team achieve the Mission’s communications objectives.

The Mission will create innovative and high quality content to raise awareness about the results and impacts of USAID-funded projects, and engage with beneficiaries, relevant stakeholders and the public.

Additionally, the DOC team will outsource production of branded institutional videos and a wide variety of

-Purchase equipment

Description Special Considerations audiovisual products that support USAID strategies and objectives, such as a mass media campaign highlighting the Mission’s success over the past 60 years in Honduras. The DOC team will also continue using social media tools to expand reach by advertising to a targeted audience. By purchasing social media ads, USAID is now able to customize and target the messages based on georeferenced data.

Monitoring and Evaluation Support for Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting

(MESCLA) 2.0

October 29, 2022 - October 29, 2027

TEC: $24,900,000

This Activity, combined with the Program Design and Learning (PD&L) implementing mechanism, will improve the Mission’s program design and learning capacity by supporting activities that increase knowledge in critical areas and strengthen the design and evaluation activities conducted by the U.S. Government. This is a demand-driven, flexible Monitoring, Evaluation (ME) and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Activity.

This Activity will provide USAID/Honduras with project and activity evaluation, performance monitoring, knowledge management, communications, and performance management support services aligned with the USAID Automated Directives System 201 and USAID’s Evaluation Policy. The new mechanism will strengthen USAID’s ability to design and implement programs that reduce irregular migration while fostering Mission learning around new and ongoing investments.

Through this Activity, USAID will design and implement large and small-scale learning activities, including quantitative and qualitative evaluations and assessments, as well as expert analyses, to improve the quality and impact of programming in Honduras. The Activity will also help foster CLA to support USAID/Honduras in becoming more responsive to new learning so it can adjust programming as needed to better address migration.

At the same time, this Activity will also increase the ME and CLA capacity of new implementing partners, USAID staff, and local organizations, such as academic institutions. This knowledge sharing and capacity building effort will support the Activity’s sustainability by

- Sub-awards

- IT purchases dispositions.

Description Special Considerations training local organizations and staff to conduct high quality learning activities.

Program Design and Learning (PD&L) Resource Support

October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022

TEC: $290,000

This Activity combined with the New Monitoring and Evaluation Support for Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (MESCLA) 2.0 will improve the Mission’s program design and learning capacity by supporting activities that increase knowledge in critical areas and strengthen the design and evaluation activities conducted by the U.S. Government. Investments will support the achievement of Administration priorities, USAID strategies and policies, Mission goals and development objectives, and will inform Agency learning on strategies for reducing irregular migration.

Activities may include support for implementing mechanism and project designs, baseline studies, assessments, special evaluations, strategy development, tools for measuring migration, and Geographic Information System analysis. This Activity will also support the critical collection and analysis of migration data from various sources, including surveys, the Government of Honduras, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

With these investments, USAID will become a better steward of its funds by ensuring that investments are responsive to Administration priorities and effective in achieving U.S. government goals.

None

Administration and Oversight Resources (A&O)

October 1, 2020 - September 30, 2023

TEC: $4,911,913

USAID will use these resources to fund the staff who manage, administer, and support U.S. government foreign assistance programs. These costs include the program-funded share of salary and benefits, housing, travel, education allowances, rent, IT services, utilities, training, supplies, International Cooperative Administrative Support Services, vehicle fuel and maintenance, maintenance contracts, custodial services, and web page development and maintenance. They also

None

Description Special Considerations include outreach activities and technical assistance to ensure Agency compliance with regulations. USAID also invests in IT security programs and physical building infrastructure to ensure that USAID personnel are safe from crime, civil disorder, and natural disasters.

Will this project/activity involve construction3 as defined by ADS 201 and 303? Yes X No

Description of construction: Refurbishing and maintenance of areas smaller than 1,000 m2.

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT,

PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES)

DO2 is being implemented in prioritized municipalities in Honduras. The exact number and locations of municipalities will be determined by the areas of influence for DO1 and DO3. In addition, DO2 will be implemented at a policy level on a national scale. Thus the respective environmental baseline information for these areas shall be described in each of the activities’ initial EMMPs.

The Project will support civil society organizations, government institutions, private sector and join other donors in adopting accountable public resources management, including democratic checks and balances to strengthen participation, and reducing corruption. In this regard, most of the actions would most likely be implemented in urban and semi-urban areas settings like Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Santa Rosa de Copan, La Ceiba, and Tela. These DO2 prioritized geographies have high vulnerability to natural disasters such as drought, floods, and landslides. Rapid deforestation, weak environmental legislation, illicit activities and corruption threaten not only the forests, but have negative implications for freshwater sources for these cities.

3 Construction, as defined by ADS 201 and 303, includes: construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment. The term includes, without limitation, roads, power plants, buildings, bridges, water treatment facilities, and vertical structures. In the box below, describe any construction planned for this project/activity. Refer to ADS 201maw for required Construction Risk Management procedures.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/201maw.pdf

The Mission’s Biodiversity and Tropical Forest Assessments have identified the following actions as key to improving governance in natural resources management. These actions are being incorporated into DO2 activities to support biodiversity conservation. They are:

1. Build capacity for effective enforcement and prosecution through provision of financial or technical assistance to improve the capacity of government agencies to enforce wildlife laws and prosecute wildlife criminals.

2. Include actions that strengthen justice sector awareness and investigation capacity for prosecution of illegal activities that threaten biodiversity.

3. Identify opportunities to engage on human rights issues related to water quality, land allocation and compensation or other topics with high public interest.

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL LAWS, POLICIES, AND

REGULATIONS

The DO2 Project will follow Honduran environmental laws and regulations and USAID’s environmental requirements, as per 22 CFR 216 and ADS 204. In addition to USAID Reg. 216 requirements, the project shall obtain all required permits from the appropriate GOH officials The environmental regulatory framework for this Project is guided by the following regulations:

Honduras’s National Environmental Law (Ley General del Ambiente) applies to all activities of the DO2 Project. The General Environmental Law (Decree 104-93 of May 27th, 1993) created the National Environmental Impact Assessment System (SINEA in Spanish). SINEA coordinates the environmental management and licensing process for all activities (public or private) with a foreseeable potential to affect the environment. The SINEA is coordinated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's (MiAmbiente) Directorate of Environmental Evaluation and Control (DECA in Spanish). SINEA's structure and procedures for environmental licensing are normed in their updated Regulation (Decree 189-2009, dated December 31, 2009).

https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK

TABLE III: DO2 Activity Potential Risks and Mitigation Measures

Action Type Activity Potential Environmental Risk Mitigation Measures

Action Type 1: Provide specialized technical assistance to enhance organizational capacity of GOH, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to fulfill their functions in a transparent, efficient manner and deter corruption.

ELECCT,

CNA, LOAC,

SDG, CO,

MESCLA 2.0,

PD&L, A&O

No negative impact on the environment is expected.

N/A

Categorical Exclusion4 under

22. 216.2(c)(2) (i)

Action Type 2:

Facilitate and strengthen multi-stakeholder coalitions to increase their planning and implementation capacity to fulfill their mandate in a transparent and accountable manner.

Specific actions include forums, graduate programs, mentoring support in strategic planning.

ELECCT,

CNA, LOAC,

SDG, CO,

MESCLA 2.0,

PD&L, A&O

No negative impact on the environment is expected.

N/A

Categorical Exclusion under 22.

216.2(c)(2) (i) and (iii)

Action Type 3: Provide training and other capacity building actions to GOH and non-governmental actors to increase transparency and deter corruption.

CNA, LOAC,

SDG, CO,

MESCLA 2.0,

PD&L

216.2(c)(2) (i)

4 Condition for all Categorical Exclusion: USAID will ensure that IP notifies any change in the action or the Activity’s existing environmental conditions which may result in potential negative effect to the environment.

Action Type Activity Potential Environmental Risk Mitigation Measures

Action Type 4: Support studies, analyses and other academic research workshops and meetings aimed at generating information to monitor anti-corruption practices.

CNA,LOAC,

SDG,

MESCLA 2.0,

PD&L

216.2(c)(2) (iii)

Action Type 5: Small-scale (less than 1,000 m2) refurbishing and maintenance of existing structures.

CNA, LOAC,

CO, A&O

Small-scale refurbishing activities may generate several environmental and social effects, most common examples include:

i) Emissions and degradation to air quality within the community (noise and air particles);

ii) Effluent discharges or runoff leading to degradation of water quality and impact on the aquatic environment;

iii) Reduction in water and other ecosystem services availability through overuse, leading to conflict between end users.

iv) Poor management of labor and working conditions (for example: lack of security measures, inappropriate

USAID must ensure IP includes mitigation measures for every foreseen risk. Please refer to USAID’s Construction Sector Environmental Guidelines (SEG)5. For example:

i) Covering materials to avoid loss during transport; fence stockpiles to prevent wind whipping, and ensure all vehicles carrying loose material to or from the site are fully sheeted.

ii) Identify waste handling facilities close to the project to accept/treat waste (e.g., approved by local government)

iii) Undertake preliminary hydrogeological studies, or at least define the natural drainage characteristics of the area and hydrologically link to the site

iv) The contract should mandate compliance with relevant host country occupational health and safety requirements for

5 https://www.usaid.gov/environmental-procedures/sectoral-environmental-social-best-practices/sector-environmental-guidelines-resources#co https://usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm https://usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm handling of materials) resulting in risk to occupational health and safety of workers

v) Habitat removal/compaction resulting in loss and damage to sensitive or valuable ecosystems and use of natural resources.

vi) Land acquisition and resettlement (economic and physical displacement) leading to impacts on communities, such as loss of livelihoods, cultural resources, customary uses of land.

vii) Lack of inclusion of indigenous peoples, minorities, and ethnicities, leading to impacts to cultural characteristics; and lack of gender inclusion.

viii) Poor integration into the built environment, exacerbating effects (e.g., poor construction siting, choice of building materials, building orientation, lack of understanding of the electric system causing systems overload).

construction. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as dust masks to workers on-site. Hire local labor whenever possible.

v) Design into the landscaping plan the protection of existing trees on site serving as a source of shade, windbreak, or providing other benefits

vi) Avoid the need for displacement by developing agreements in local land use and property ownership.

vii) Collaborate with indigenous peoples in all aspects of project design, and consider design alternatives that minimize adverse impacts

viii) Consult with relevant stakeholders to understand local context and key risk areas

Action Type 6: Buy, use and dispose of equipment (IT and non- IT) to support institutional strengthening efforts.

CNA, LOAC,

SDG, CO,

MESCLA 2.0,

A&O

Potential environmental impact includes: waste generated from equipment disposition.

USAID must ensure IP includes mitigation measures as part of their disposition plans. Please refer to USAID’s Solid Waste Sector Environmental Guidelines (SEG)6. For example:

i) recycle electronic waste

(RAEE)

Action Type 7.a: Sub-awards would support training, technical assistance, planning, and studies.

ELECCT,

SDG, CO,

MESCLA 2.0

No negative impact on the environment is expected.

N/A

Categorical Exclusion7 under

22. 216.2(c)(2) (i) and (iii)

Action Type 7.b: Sub-awards may be used for small-scale (less than 1,000 m2) refurbishing of existing structures.

ELECCT,

SDG, CO,

MESCLA 2.0

Small-scale refurbishing activities may generate several environmental and social effects. Please refer to environmental risks under Action Type 5 (above).

Please refer to illustrative mitigation measures and resources under Action Type 5 (above).

6Solid Waste Guideline 7 USAID (CORs, AORs, GATRs or designee) will ensure that the IPs verifies that small grants meet this Cat Exclusion. If not, this IEE will be amended, and subsequently the IP will prepare an Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP).

https://usaidgems.org/Documents/SectorGuidelines/USAID%20SolidWaste%20SEG%20REVISED_12-10-2018_FINAL.pdf

Action Type 7.c: Sub-awards may provide basic equipment such as computers, printers etc.

ELECCT,

SDG, CO,

MESCLA 2.0

Potential environmental impact includes: waste generated from equipment disposition.

Please refer to environmental risks under Action Type 6 (above)

Please refer to illustrative mitigation measures and resources under Action Type 6 (above).

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

The following table summarizes the recommended determinations based on the environmental analysis conducted. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, per 22 CFR 216.

Specified conditions, detailed in Section 5, become mandatory obligations of implementation, per ADS 204.

TABLE IV: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negativ e Determi nation

Positive Determinatio n8

Deferral

Action Type 1: Provide specialized technical assistance to enhance organizational capacity of GOH, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to fulfill their functions in a transparent, efficient manner and deter corruption.

Activities: ELECCT, CNA, LOAC, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0, PD&L, A&O

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2)(i) ☐ ☐ ☐

8 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.

9 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

(if applicable)

Negativ e Determi nation

Positive Determinatio n8

Deferral

Action Type 2: Facilitate and strengthen multi-stakeholder coalitions to increase their planning and implementation capacity to fulfill their mandate in a transparent and accountable manner. Specific actions include forums, graduate programs, mentoring support in strategic planning.

Activities: ELECCT, CNA, LOAC, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0, PD&L, A&O

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2) (i) and (iii)

Action Type 3: Provide training and other capacity building actions to GOH and non-governmental actors to increase transparency and deter corruption.

Activities: CNA, LOAC, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0, PD&L

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2)(i) ☐ ☐ ☐

Action Type 4: Support studies, analyses and other academic research workshops and meetings aimed at generating information to monitor anti-corruption practices.

Activities: CNA, LOAC, SDG, MESCLA 2.0, PD&L

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2) (iii) ☐ ☐ ☐

Action Type 5: Small-scale (less than 1,000 m2) refurbishing and maintenance of existing structures.

Activities: CNA, LOAC, CO, A&O

Action Type 6: Buy, use and dispose of equipment (IT and non-

(if applicable)

Negativ e Determi nation

Positive Determinatio n8

Deferral

IT) to support institutional strengthening efforts.

Activities: CNA, LOAC, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0, A&O

Action Type 7.a.: Sub-awards would support training, technical assistance, planning, and studies.

Activities: ELECCT, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0

22 CFR 216.2 (c)(2)(i) and (iii)

Action Type 7.b.: Sub-awards may be used for small-scale (less than 1,000 m2) refurbishing of existing structures.

Activities: ELECCT, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0

Action Type 7.c: Sub-awards may provide basic equipment such as computers, printers etc.

Activities: ELECCT, SDG, CO, MESCLA 2.0

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

This section summarizes the methodology used and findings of the CRM Screening, in accordance with ADS 201mal. The CIL and MEO, considered the potential effects of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the Project (changing precipitation patterns, rising temperature, floods, droughts, fires, landslides, etc.) in addition to the impact of Project activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.).

The analysis was done based on the activity descriptions herein and the CRM Analysis done at the CDCS level. The results at the CDCS level show a low risk for IRs 2.2 & 2.3; despite this, the CIL decided to include all IRs in the Project level analysis as it is also important to identify opportunities for climate management at all planning levels. See Annex 1 for the complete CRM table.

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 CONDITIONS

The environmental determinations in this IEE are contingent upon full implementation of the following general implementation and monitoring requirements, as well as ADS 204 and other relevant requirements.

5.1.1 During Pre-Award:

5.1.1.1 Pre-Award Briefings: As feasible, the design team and/or the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO) will provide a pre-award briefing for potential offerors on environmental compliance expectations/responsibilities at bidders’ conferences.

5.1.1.2 Solicitations: The design team, in coordination with the Agreement Officer/Contracting Officer (AO/CO), will ensure solicitations include environmental compliance requirements and evaluation criteria. The AO/CO will ensure technical and cost proposal requirements include approach, staffing, and budget sufficient for complying with the terms of this IEE. See suggested language in Annex 3.

5.1.1.3 Awards: The Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR), in coordination with the AO/CO, will ensure all awards and sub-awards include environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2 During Post-Award:

5.1.2.1 Post-Award Briefings: The AOR/COR and/or the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, Deputy MEO) will provide post-award briefings for the implementing partner (IP) on environmental compliance responsibilities.

5.1.2.3 Work Plans and Budgeting: The AOR/COR will ensure the IP integrates environmental compliance requirements in work plans and budgets to comply with requirements, including EMMP implementation and monitoring.

5.1.2.4 Staffing: The AOR/COR, in coordination with the IP, will ensure all awards have staffing capacity to implement environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2.5 Records Management: The AOR/COR will maintain environmental compliance documents in the official Activity file and upload records to the designated USAID environmental compliance database system.

5.1.2.6 Host Country Environmental Compliance: The AOR/COR will ensure the IP complies with applicable and appropriate host country environmental requirements unless otherwise directed in writing by USAID. However, in the case of a conflict between the host country and USAID requirements, the more stringent shall govern.

5.1.2.7 Work Plan Review: The AOR/COR will ensure the IP verifies, at least annually or when activities are added or modified, that activities remain within the scope of the IEE. Actions outside of the scope of the IEE cannot be implemented until the IEE is amended.

5.1.2.8 IEE Amendment: If new activities are introduced or other changes to the scope of this IEE occur, an IEE Amendment will be required.

5.1.2.14 USAID Monitoring Oversight: The AOR/COR or designee, with the support of the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, Deputy MEO, REA), will ensure monitoring of compliance with established requirements (e.g., by desktop reviews, site visits, etc.).

5.1.2.16 Environmental Compliance Mitigation and Monitoring Plan: The AOR/COR will ensure the IP develops, obtains approval for, and implements EMMPs that are responsive to the stipulated environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2.17 Environmental Compliance Reporting: The AOR/COR will ensure the IP includes environmental compliance in regular project/activity reports, using indicators as appropriate; develops and submits the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Reports (EMMRs); and completes and submits a Record of Compliance (RoC) describing their implementation of EMMP requirements in conjunction with the final EMMR or at the close of sub-activities (as applicable).

And where required by Bureaus or Missions, ensure the IP prepares a closeout plan consistent with contract documentation for AOR/COR review and approval that outlines responsibilities for end-of-project operation, the transition of other operational responsibilities, and final EMMR with lessons learned.

5.1.2.18 Corrective Action: When noncompliance or unforeseen impacts are identified, IPs notify the AOR/COR, place a hold on activities, take corrective action, and report on the effectiveness of corrective actions. The AOR/COR initiates the corrective action process and ensures the IP completes and documents their activities. Where required by Bureaus or Missions, ensure RoC is completed.

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS

5.2.1 Sub-award Screening: The AOR/COR will ensure the IP uses an adequate environmental screening tool to screen any sub-award applications and to aid in the development of EMMPs.

5.2.2 Programmatic IEEs (PIEE): PIEEs stipulate requirements for additional environmental examination of new or country specific projects/activities. The AOR/COR of any project/activity being implemented under a PIEE will ensure appropriate reviews are conducted, typically through a Supplemental IEE, and approved by the cognizant BEO.

5.2.3 Supplemental IEEs (SIEEs): An SIEE will be prepared for any new project/activity being planned which falls under a PIEE. The SIEE will provide more thorough analysis of the planned activities, additional geographic context and baseline conditions as well as specific mitigation and monitoring requirements.

5.2.4 Other Supplemental Analyses: The AOR/COR will ensure

supplemental environmental analyses that are called for in the IEE are completed and documented.

5.2.5 Resolution of Deferrals: If a deferral of the environmental threshold determination was issued, the AOR/COR will ensure that the appropriate 22 CFR 216 environmental analysis and documentation is completed and approved by the BEO before the subject activities are implemented.

5.2.6 Positive Determination: If a Positive Determination threshold determination was made, the AOR/COR will ensure a Scoping Statement, and if required an Environmental Assessment, is completed and approved by the BEO before the subject activities are implemented.

5.2.7 Compliance with human subject research requirements: The Activity Manager and AOR/COR shall assure that the IP and sub-awardees, -grantees, and -contractors demonstrate completion of all requirements for ethics review and adequate medical monitoring of human subjects who participate in research trials carried out through this IEE and ensure appropriate records are maintained.

All documentation demonstrating completion of required review and approval of human subject trials must be in place prior to initiating any trials and cover the period of performance of the trial as described in the research protocol.

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

EXAMINATION

The determinations recommended in this document apply only to activities and actions described herein. Other activities that may arise must be documented in either a separate IEE, an IEE Amendment if the actions are within the same activity, or other type of environmental compliance document and shall be subject to an environmental analysis within the appropriate documents listed above.

Other than activities determined to have a Positive Threshold Determination, it is confirmed that the activities described herein do not involve actions normally having a significant effect on the environment, including those described in 22 CFR 216.2(d).

In addition, other than activities determined to have a Positive Threshold Determination and/or a pesticide management plan (PERSUAP), it is confirmed that the projects/activities described herein do not involve any actions listed below. Any of the following actions would require additional environmental analyses and environmental determinations:

● Support project preparation, project feasibility studies, or engineering design for activities listed in §216.2(d)(1);

● Affect endangered and threatened species or their critical habitats per §216.5, FAA 118, FAA 119;

● Provide support to extractive industries (e.g., mining and quarrying) per FAA 117;

● Promote timber harvesting per FAA 117 and 118;

● Lead to new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or renovation work per

§216.2(b)(1);

● Support agro-processing or industrial enterprises per §216.1(b)(4);

● Provide support for regulatory permitting per §216.1(b)(2);

● Lead to privatization of industrial facilities or infrastructure with heavily polluted property per §216.1(b)(4);

● Research, testing, or use of genetically engineered organisms per §216.1(b)(1), ADS

211;

● Assist the procurement (including payment, in kind, donations, guarantees of credit) or use (including handling, transport, fuel for transport, storage, mixing, loading, application, clean-up of spray equipment, and disposal) of pesticides or activities involving procurement, transport, use, storage, or disposal of toxic materials. Pesticides cover all insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc. covered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act per §216.2(e) and §216.3(b).

7.0 REVISIONS

Per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(9), when ongoing programs are revised to incorporate a change in scope or nature, a determination will be made as to whether such change may have an environmental impact not previously assessed. If so, this IEE will be amended to cover the changes.