Attachment J.1- IEE ME 22-25_WBG Active Citizenry (civil society).pdf

ME 22-25

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ME IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.3(5.21)

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

ACTIVITY DATA

Activity Name: Active Citizenry (civil society) Geographic Location(s) (Country or Region): West Bank and Gaza Amendment (Yes/No), if Yes indicate # (1, 2...): No Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y): September 1, 2022 - September 30, 2027 If Amended, specify New End Date: No Solicitation or Award Number(s): TBD Award Type: Acquisition Implementing Partner(s): TBD Bureau Tracking ID: ME 22-25 Tracking ID of Related RCE/IEE (if any):

Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses:

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit: USAID West Bank and Gaza Other Affected Operating Unit(s): NA Lead BEO Bureau: Middle East Original Funding Amount: $30,000,000 If Amended, specify funding amount: NA If Amended, specify new funding total: NA Date Prepared: 1/13/2022

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

Analysis Type: ☑Environmental Examination ☐Deferral Environmental Determination(s): ☑Categorical Exclusion(s)

☑Negative (with conditions) ☐Positive ☐Deferred (per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(7)(iv)

IEE Expiration Date (if applicable):

Additional Analyses/Reporting Required:

Climate Risks Identified (#): Low ___3___ Moderate ______ High ______ Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low ___3___ Moderate ______ High ______

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1.0 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE

The purpose of this document, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216), is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the USAID intervention described herein and recommend determinations and, as appropriate, conditions, for further supplemental analyses as the activity is developed.

Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, and specified conditions become mandatory obligations of implementation.

This document provides an initial analysis for known activities and instructions for implementation. As applicable, requirements are specified for supplemental analyses and screening when context and activity specific information become available.

This IEE is a critical element of USAID’s mandatory environmental review and compliance process meant to achieve environmentally sound design and implementation.

It also documents the results of the Climate Risk Management process in accordance with USAID policy (specifically, ADS 201mal).

1.2 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

The Active Citizenry activity will build on current USAID support to civil society and will continue supporting Palestinian citizens and civil society actors towards creating a more active citizenry that holds the public institutions accountable and contributes to improving the living conditions and prosperity of the citizens to advance. Increasing civic participation in decision - making and outcomes coupled with targeting marginalized sectors and groups will help improve the lives of the Palestinian people and the conditions for a two-state solution through a viable and democratic Palestinian State. The activity will focus on implementing initiatives focusing on increased civic participation and dialogue, increased accountability and transparency of the public and private sectors; supporting democratic and prosperous living conditions, and supporting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) efforts to improve service provision in response to citizen needs.

This activity will focus on: (1) enhancing governance and institutional capacity of CSOs to better position these CSOs to become more influential advocates and representatives for their constituents in general and marginalized vulnerable groups in particular, and (2) supporting participatory community development and engagement by enhancing civic participation through promoting a culture of responsible citizenry, raising the awareness of citizens on their obligations and responsibilities while addressing their needs on the community level. The new activity will also address other objectives that focus on (3) promoting transparency, accountability and advocacy efforts, and (4) responding to emerging needs that are identified and fit under the main objective of the program.

https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/201mal

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1.3 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Palestinian civil society in the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza builds upon a robust and complex history within an operating environment that has dramatically evolved in the past half century. Today, Palestinian CSOs continue to occupy an important space, with continued leadership on human rights, health, education, gender equality, and agricultural and rural development initiatives, but face a complex operating environment which has become increasingly difficult to navigate. Summarized here are some of the most salient themes about factors impacting the civil society landscape, with particular attention to developments in this landscape over the past five years.

USAID/West Bank and Gaza (WBG) has provided assistance to Palestinian civil society organizations for nearly two decades. From 2008 to 2015, using a Grants under Cooperative Agreement mechanism, USAID/WBG provided over 100 grants to Palestinian civil society organizations which focused on civic participation, women’s empowerment, humanitarian responses and other related areas. In addition, between 2015 and 2017, USAID/WBG awarded six direct grants to Palestinian civil society organizations working on child protection, gender based violence, governance and accountability and transparency issues. USAID/WBG has also provided a number of grants to CSOs under its rule of law reform and local governance programs.

In 2021, USAID/WBG awarded a two- year civil society support activity that focuses on enhancing governance and institutional capacity of civil society organizations, and increasing participatory community development and civic participation.

Given the dynamic nature of the sector, the political developments and the various changes that may be happening, each objective will include some flexibility to enable USAID and the IP to respond to any unplanned needs that may arise during the life of the project. USAID/WBG expects to allow for flexibility to respond to any unforeseen opportunities and demands that may arise and serves the objectives of this activity and the interventions under each component.

This will allow USAID/WBG to respond quickly to unanticipated program needs such as engagement with new stakeholders, support to nascent advocacy topics, rapid research, etc.

Flexibility may also require an iterative management approach that regularly reassesses and re-evaluates the operating environment(s), and adjusts as necessary. This may entail providing capacity building activities as well as grants and any other assistance needed and may arise.

Currently, USAID is interested in advancing its support the civil society sector with an emphasis on the following objectives:

Objective 1: Enhanced governance and institutional capacity of CSOs

For years Palestinian CSOs have been the recipients of a large variety of training and capacity building activities. However, these activities have not always been effective. In order to support CSO development, a shift in the approach is needed, from training actions targeting individuals to "institutional capacity development" processes, including long-term assistance and support to involved organizations. This objective will increase institutional and financial sustainability of

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targeted civil society actors, and improve adaptive capabilities of civil society partners to rapidly respond to shifts in civic space.

This objective will entail providing tailored capacity building support for targeted CSOs to enable them to carry out their duties more efficiently. This will entail training, meetings, workshops, and potentially provision of some office equipment to CSOs pending their needs. Some of the potential illustrative activities may include strengthening CSO networks, coalitions, and social networks as part of CSOs sustainability when applicable; assisting to develop and implement financial sustainability plans; enhancing skills and knowledge of CSO staff in thematic programmatic aspects, through the provision of tailored and specialized training and coaching, and support collaboration between CSOs and private institutions to enable CSOs to actively engage in advocating for and addressing their constituents’ rights and needs.

Objective 2: Increased participatory community development and civic participation.

Addressing citizens’ needs and engaging them in implementing activities will increase their buy in and sense of ownership of the initiative and encourage collaboration and positive relationships between CSOs and Palestinian communities. This objective will focus on enhancing civic participation through promoting a culture of responsible citizenry, raising the awareness of citizens on their obligations and responsibilities while addressing their needs on the community level. This component will take into account inclusion in its broad definition so assistance targets various variable groups including women; youth; People with Disabilities (PWD); ethnic and religious minorities and other vulnerable groups while ensuring a diversity of voices from all walks of civic life, recognizing that exclusion under certain circumstances is a form of violence that leads to suffering and instability.

This objective will entail providing grants to CSOs to implement initiatives that are required, identified and needed for a targeted community. Some of the illustrative activities may focus on providing grants to CSOs to promote and institutionalize civic participation, support CSO engagement with their constituents and involvement in community planning; carrying out activities that aim to increase the participation and presence of marginalized groups within their communities.; supporting the formation of inclusive community support groups engaging community institutions, community leaders and activists and enabling them to assess their community needs, set their plans, and mobilize resources for the implementation of community development projects, and strengthening partnerships between civil society and related stakeholders.

Objective 3: Promoted transparency, accountability and advocacy efforts

Openness and public participation are important elements towards ensuring active civic participation that leads to increased transparency and more responsive decisions leading to an improved prosperity and living conditions of citizens. Enabling citizens to actively engage in advocating for and claiming their rights and monitoring the public and private institutions performance is central to improved civic engagement and accountability.

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This objective will focus on strengthening policy dialogue between civil society, government and related public institutions, and enabling CSOs to engage more effectively in advocating for policy reforms that are crucial for promoting good governance and addressing priorities for vulnerable groups. This objective will also include activities directed towards enabling CSOs and citizens to actively engage in advocating for and claiming their rights, and monitoring the public and concerned public institutions’ performance, which is a central element to improved civic engagement and social accountability. This objective may entail grants to CSOs and capacity building support and may entail activities such as supporting CSOs in the production and dissemination of evidence-based policy analysis around priority social development issues across key priority sectors; supporting CSOs to analyze laws and regulations to protect and promote civil society, including media organizations; supporting the establishment of policy dialogue forums; organization of awareness raising campaigns targeting Palestinians about their role in monitoring public performance in relation to delivering services for vulnerable groups; supporting independent/ local media CSOs and outlets to build their organizational capacity and investigative reporting capabilities.

Activity guiding principles/ parameters

The implementation of this activity will be based on four primary pillars that shape its approach and guarantee its success: partnership, flexibility, sustainability, and innovation. Implementation of this activity will require work in full cooperation and coordination with other USAID implementing partners and donors in the West Bank and Gaza, ensuring complementarity with other activities and avoiding duplication of efforts. There are also significant contextual requirements that demand knowledge and expertise in the areas of civic engagement and civil society support.

Additionally, the implementation of inter-lined interventions to achieve the desired objectives outlined above will require innovation, inclusion, and triangulation of information in the oversight of implementation and monitoring efforts. USAID will work with the IP to determine how best to carry out activities in the context of the ongoing pandemic, including whether any activities under the objectives should be developed to respond more directly to challenges arising out of the pandemic and its recovery

USAID pays high attention to Gender Equality and Gender Based Violence (GBV) and plans to work on addressing GBV across all its interventions. One of the illustrative interventions under this activity will include tailored assistance packages to private shelters which are an integral part of the National Referral System (NRS) for GBV survivors. This activity will ensure that private GBV shelters meet international and national system quality and professional requirements through tailored capacity building for staff, strengthening interagency coordination, and following proper procedures to ensure that the NRS is being implemented properly. This activity will also support women socio-economic empowerment initiatives through the provision of better economic and social opportunities, educational and rehabilitation services, vocational training, ongoing rights-based education and legal literacy for women GBV survivors, to support their reintegration within the society.

The activity will also take into consideration COVID challenges and planning for a post-COVID future. USAID will work with the IP to clarify how it will carry out activities during the pandemic;

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how can this program support sector in the post Covid-19 response; what technical areas of support could this program focus on in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak to assist in the recovery process and protection of civic engagement. Illustrative activities may include creation of short term employment and training opportunities; provision of support to GBV victims; support to people impacted by the pandemic; financial and psychological support; tailored assistance to other marginalized groups, and awareness raising campaigns, etc.

These activities will be developed to address one or more of the main interventions listed above.

These activities will all be directed to fall under the main goal of the program and feed into one of its objectives while taking into account the current and potential impact of the pandemic. The IP will be required to carry out an assessment of the current status and further explore main priorities / themes needed or emerged from the pandemic to further strengthen the capacities of CSOs;

enhance civic engagement and citizen’s participation, and increase communities’ resilience.

below are main areas/ sectors of interventions where USAID will significantly focus on:

● Advancing accountability and transparency.

● Providing services to marginalized groups such as youth, elderly, children and people with disability and other marginalized groups.

● Combating gender based violence.

● Supporting economic empowerment for women, youth and other marginalized groups.

● Providing targeted educational – employment opportunities.

● Carrying out Human rights and rule of law initiatives.

● Carrying out energy, water and wastewater related initiatives.

TABLE 2: DEFINED OR ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES AND SUB-ACTIVITIES

Objective 1: Enhance governance and institutional capacity of CSOs. This may include training, workshops, meetings, procurement of some needed IT equipment Objective 2: Increase participatory community development and civic participation. This will include providing grants to CSOs to carry out initiatives identified and prioritized by the community. This will also include supporting CSO engagement with their constituents and involvement in community planning; carrying out activities that aim to increase the participation and presence of marginalized groups within their communities.

Objective 3: Promote transparency, accountability and advocacy efforts. This will include grants, capacity building, and media outreach efforts

Will this Activity involve construction1 as defined by ADS 201 and 303? Yes ☐ No X

1 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 Activity. Refer to ADS 201maw for required Construction Risk Management procedures.

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

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2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL INFORMATION

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND SOCIAL-ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXT

(ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED

SPECIES)

Geography: The West Bank and Gaza Strip are two separate geographical areas located between the Mediterranean to the east, Jordan to the east, west of Jordan, and Lebanon to the north, and separated by the state of Israel. Five distinctive regions based upon topography and climate are found in the West Bank and Gaza: the Jordan Valley; Eastern Slopes; Central Highlands; Semi-coastal; and Coastal. The West Bank is the larger area at approximately 5,700 km2, and is located on the central highlands, just north of the Jordan Valley, alongside much of Jordan's western border. The Gaza Strip is much smaller, approximately 365 km2, and runs along the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean, just north of Egypt's Sinaia Peninsula. In the West Bank, most of the population lives in the central highlands, though the area also contains semi-arid rocky slopes, plains in the north and west, and a hot, dry rift valley. The highest elevation of the West Bank is the Tall Asur at 1,022 meters above sea level (masl), while the lowest point is the Dead Sea at 410 meters below sea level. Soils found in the West Bank include brown lithosol and loessial arid brown soils in the eastern slopes and grasslands, and fertile solids in the plains. Across the West Bank, approximately 12 percent of the land area is desert, eroded, or saline, and elsewhere soil cover is generally thin with rainfall sporadic. Gaza, by contrast, is marked by a set of low-lying sand dunes along the Mediterranean coast. This foreshore plain slopes gently up to an elevation of 90m.

Climate: The West Bank and Gaza have a temperate climate, with temperatures and precipitation levels that vary with altitude. Mean summer temperatures range from 30°C in Jericho (eastern West Bank) to 25°C in Gaza and 22°C in Hebron (southern West Bank). Mean winter temperatures range from 13°C in Jericho and Gaza to 7°C in Hebron. The West Bank includes as many as six climate zones, ranging from extremely arid to humid. Annual rainfall in the West Bank ranges from 650 millimeters (mm) in the west to less than 100mm in the east.

The long-term historical average annual rainfall in the West Bank and Gaza are approximately 454mm and 372mm, respectively. The West Bank terrain is mostly rugged, with some vegetation in the west and predominantly barren areas in the east. Gaza has flat and rolling terrain, and a sand- and dune-covered coastal plain.

Biodiversity: At the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, the West Bank and Gaza are host to rich biodiversity, with approximately 51,000 total species. As of the 2015 Convention of Biological Diversity report, this includes 373 bird species, 297 fish, 92 mammals, 81 reptiles, and 5 amphibians, as well as more than 2,000 plant species, of which 54 are endemic. Large mammals found include Striped Hyena, Syrina Wolf, three species of Gaelle, and wild cats. The only endemic mammal in the Gaza Strip is the Buxton's Jird, found in the sand dunes of the southern coastal plains. Nearly all of the higher mammals are on the Red List as threatened, extinct, or rare, and there are seven species of mammals that have been extirpated, including the Cheetah, Syrian Brown Bear, and Roe Deer. There are 277 bird species that migrate through the region, including a high percentage of global Levant Sparrowhawk, as well as Lesser Spotted Eagles, Honey Buzzards, and Steppe Buzzards. Of the 81 reptile species, only 6 are aquatic with the rest terrestrial. The Nile crocodile is locally extinct. Sea turtles found in

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Gaza include the Loggerhead and Green turtles. Overall, there are 3 threatened mammals, 10 threatened bird species, and 4 threatened reptiles.

Demographic & Economic Information: The current population of West Bank and Gaza is approximately 5.0 million people (divided 2.0 million in Gaza and 3.0 million in the West Bank), and its population is expected to reach over 9 million by 2050. In the West Bank, the population growth rate is 2.1%, while in Gaza it is 3.3%. The urbanization rate in the West Bank and Gaza is 3%, with approximately 77% of the total population currently living in urban areas.

Among various socio-economic and environmental challenges, key issues include water scarcity, limited land and natural resources, rapid population growth, urbanization, land degradation, and high levels of poverty. Water scarcity is of particular concern for the West Bank and Gaza. The annual water share for inhabitants is less than 200 cubic meters (m3) per capita, which is well below the World Health Organization (WHO) water scarcity limit of 500m3.

Challenges related to water scarcity, agricultural productivity, coastal areas, and human health will likely be exacerbated by climate change. The significant economic, environmental, and political challenges faced by the region have greatly compromised the West Bank and Gaza’s capacity to adapt to climate change impacts.

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL

STANDARDS (E.G. WHO), ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL LAWS, POLICIES, AND

REGULATIONS

● Environmental Law Number 7 (1999); The main governing law for the Environment Quality Authority (EQA) Based upon Article 33 of the Constitution (Basic Law). The Environmental Law Number 7 gives a wide mandate to the EQA, including lead responsibility in 10 technical fields (solid waste, water quality, wastewater, agricultural chemicals, marine environment, air and noise pollution, nature resource extraction, nature protection, biodiversity and desertification) and a supporting role in the areas of land use, radiation and environmental emergencies. This law also gives the EQA lead responsibility for environmental awareness, monitoring and inspection, and environmental approvals and establishes the Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.

● Environmental Impact Assessment Policy (2000) describes the conditions under which private or public development activities must be conducted with regards to environmental protection and management. It aims to protect environmental sustainability and to prevent irreversible impacts and mitigate any reversible damage from development activities. It defines those activities for which an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) are required..

● Water Law of 2014. Aims to better manage and develop water resources of the West Bank and Gaza through establishment of a new phase for water and wastewater sector governance and management. Designates the Water Authority as under the responsibility of the Cabinet to separate policy and regulatory functions, which previously fell under the responsibility of the Palestinian Water Authority.

● Regulation on the Re-Use of Treated Wastewater in Agriculture (2012): This regulation governs the use of treated water for agricultural purposes. Article 3 establishes the conditions for treated water reuse in crop irrigation. Article 6 prohibits the use of treated wastewater as a water source for livestock and poultry. Article 7 defines the conditions http://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC040426 https://www.ecolex.org/details/legislation/decree-law-no14-of-2014-relating-to-the-water-law-lex-faoc147322/?q=&type=legislation&xcountry=Palestinian+Authority&xdate_min=&xdate_max= https://www.ecolex.org/details/legislation/instructions-no-3-of-2012-on-the-re-use-of-treated-wastewater-in-agriculture-lex-faoc126411/?q=&type=legislation&xcountry=Palestinian+Authority&xdate_min=&xdate_max=

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for the transfer of treated wastewater. Article 8 states the preventive measures within the farm when dealing with treated wastewater.

● Local Authorities Law No. 1 (1997). Seeks to organize the system of local Government and unify its legal framework. The Law lists twenty-seven activity areas under municipal responsibility, and grants local Councils the option to issue rulings in these activity areas. Tasks of the Ministry of Local Government include: establishing the general policy of the local Councils; supervising operation of these Councils and the organization of public works projects; monitoring administrative, financial and

● Public Health Law (2004): Establishes the Ministry of Health as the institution responsible for licensing waste facilitie sunder Article 2. Under Article 39, characterizes MoH -- in coordination with relevant competent bodies -- shall determine those health hazards that negatively affect public and/or environmental health. Additionally, establishes that the MoH, in coordination with relevant bodies, shall specify instructions for the transport, storage, treatment, and/or disposal of hazardous materials and waste.

Applicable National Strategic Plans include:

● Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Programme of Action for the Palestinian Authority

● National Strategy for Solid Waste Management (2017-2022) The NSSWM was adopted in August 2017, following the first National Strategy for SWM 2010-2014. The NSSWM functions as the overarching framework of all solid waste management “decisions, programs, activities and medium-term investment plans, aiming at developing the SW sector. The National Strategy also seeks to align Palestinian SWM policies with SDG 3 (Health and Well-being) and 11 (Sustainable cities and human settlements). The NSSWM includes 8 strategic objectives such as enhancing the legislative and organizational framework for SWM; strengthening institutions; environmentally safe management; financial sustainability; treatment and inventory of hazardous, medical, and other special wastes; increased private sector participation; enhanced public participation and awareness; and more effective information and monitoring systems.

● The National Development Plan 2021-2023: The National Development plan (NDP) is meant to be a tri-annual plan presenting the Palestinian Authority’s strategy in Economic Development and Employment; Good Governance and Institutions Building; Social Protection and Development and Infrastructure. The NDP 2021-2023 aims to promote industrial, agricultural, and tourism production, reduce unemployment, fight poverty, and enhance the role of women and youth, increase interest in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), uphold public rights, bolster transparency, strengthen and construct industrial parks, create development-oriented entrepreneurial ventures, promote investment in clean energy, pay attention to water sources, and lay the ground for national collective action to strengthen the resilience of citizens by improving health, education, economy, social protection, and other basic services that are critical to people’s lives.

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY Regulatory CAPACITY ANALYSIS

Environmental governance is complicated by multiple factors in the West Bank and Gaza.

Different sets of laws, and law enforcement capabilities, are being applied by different Israeli and Palestinian institutions. The overall ability of the Palestinian authorities to manage the environment is further impacted by limited financial resources and political instability.

https://www.ecolex.org/details/legislation/palestinian-local-authorities-law-no1-of-1997-lex-faoc150034/?type=legislation&xcountry=Palestinian+Authority&page=3 https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/30777/1/PA-UNDP_climate_change.pdf https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/30777/1/PA-UNDP_climate_change.pdf https://andp.unescwa.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/National%20Development%20Plan%202021-2023_English.pdf

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Additionally, environmental management and governance faces challenges presented by divides within the Palestinian territories, which can undermine the Palestinian Authority's ability to function in Gaza. On top of all of this, the EQA is a relatively small entity with a mandate larger than its capacity, and typically forced in practice to attend to urgent needs rather than strategic priorities and objectives.

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISK

ACTIVITY 1: ENHANCED GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF CSOS

This activity will entail providing tailored capacity building support for targeted CSOs to enable them carry out their duties more efficiently. This will entail training, meetings, workshops, and potentially provision of some office equipment to CSOs pending their needs. Some of the potential illustrative activities may include strengthening CSO networks, coalitions, and social networks as part of CSOs sustainability when applicable; assisting to develop and implement financial sustainability plans; enhancing skills and knowledge of CSO staff in thematic programmatic aspects, through the provision of tailored and specialized training and coaching, and support collaboration between CSOs and private institutions to enable CSOs to actively engage in advocating for and addressing their constituents’ rights and needs, and any other assistance needed towards enhancing the capacities of partnering CSOs.

TABLE 3A. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 1

Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts

Activity 1:

Enhanced governance and institutional capacity of CSOs

Interventions related to education, technical assistance, training, analysis, studies, workshops and meetings are not anticipated to cause any effect on the natural or physical environment and qualify for Categorical Exclusion (provided that the capacity building and technical assistance interventions do not include development planning or design of facilities that could lead to or affect future decisions related to construction).

Interventions related to provision of equipment may have potential negative impacts if not properly selected/installed/used/maintained. Depending on the type of equipment, equipment could emit exhaust or leaks of chemical or gas contaminants, the use of the commodity could contribute to air, water, and soil pollution. Unwanted waste (from packaging materials, for example) could further contribute to pollution if it does not reach proper disposal (recycling should be considered as the first option). Improper installation, or inadequate or improper electricity supply, may cause failure of the equipment.

ACTIVITY 2: INCREASED PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CIVIC

PARTICIPATION.

This objective will focus on enhancing civic participation through promoting a culture of responsible citizenry, raising the awareness of citizens on their obligations and responsibilities while addressing their needs on the community level. This activity will entail providing grants to

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CSOs to implement initiatives that are required, identified and needed for a targeted community.

Some of the illustrative activities may focus on providing grants to CSOs to promote and institutionalize civic participation, support CSO engagement with their constituents and involvement in community planning; carrying out activities that aim to increase the participation and presence of marginalized groups within their communities; supporting the formation of inclusive community support groups engaging community institutions, community leaders and activists and enabling them to assess their community needs, set their plans, and mobilize resources for the implementation of community development projects, and strengthening partnerships between civil society and related stakeholders, in addition to any other interventions that help achieving the objective and support the sector and its stakeholders.

TABLE 3B. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 2

Activity Potential environmental and social impacts

Activity 2:

Increased participatory community development and civic participation

Interventions related to education, technical assistance, training, analysis, studies, workshops and meetings are not anticipated to cause any effect on the natural or physical environment and qualify for Categorical Exclusion (provided that the capacity building and technical assistance interventions do not include development planning or design of facilities (or siting of facilities) that could lead to or affect future decisions related to construction).

Grants to CSO may include activities that have the potential for negative impacts.

At this stage, it is hard to determine the social-environmental impacts of the grants. The implementing partner shall perform screening to determine the social-environmental impacts and develop the appropriate mitigation and monitoring plans once the proposals are received from the CSO.

ACTIVITY 3: PROMOTED TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADVOCACY

EFFORTS

This objective will also include activities directed towards enabling CSOs and citizens to actively engage in advocating for and claiming their rights, and monitoring the public and concerned public institutions’ performance, which is a central element to improved civic engagement and social accountability. Illustrative interventions under this activity will focus on strengthening policy dialogue between civil society, government and related public institutions, and enabling CSOs to engage more effectively in advocating for policy reforms that are crucial for promoting good governance and addressing priorities for vulnerable groups. This will also include activities directed towards enabling CSOs and citizens to actively engage in advocating for and claiming their rights, and monitoring the public and concerned public institutions’ performance, which is a central element to improved civic engagement and social accountability. This activity may also entail grants to CSOs and capacity building support and may entail activities such as supporting CSOs in the production and dissemination of evidence-based policy analysis around priority social development issues across key priority sectors; supporting CSOs to analyze laws and regulations to protect and promote civil society, including media organizations; supporting the establishment

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of policy dialogue forums; organization of awareness raising campaigns targeting Palestinians about their role in monitoring public performance in relation to delivering services for vulnerable groups; supporting independent/ local media CSOs and outlets to build their organizational capacity and investigative reporting capabilities, and any other assistance needed to achieve the objective and respond to the sector and stakeholders needs.

TABLE 3C. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 3

Activity Potential environmental and social impacts

Activity 3 :

Promoted transparency, accountability and advocacy efforts

Interventions related to education, technical assistance, training, analysis, studies, workshops and meetings are not anticipated to cause any effect on the natural or physical environment and qualify for Categorical Exclusion (provided that the capacity building and technical assistance interventions do not include development planning or design of facilities (or siting of facilities) that could lead to or affect future decisions related to construction).

Grants to CSO may include activities that have the potential for negative impacts.

At this stage, it is hard to determine the social-environmental impacts of the grants. The implementing partner will perform screening to determine the social-environmental impacts and develop the appropriate mitigation and monitoring plans once the proposals are received from the CSO.

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 4: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Activity 1 (Objective 1): Enhanced governance and institutional capacity of CSOs

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

22 CFR

216.3(a)(2)(iii)

Activity 2 (Objective 2): Increased participatory community development and civic participation

22 CFR

216.3(a)(2)(iii) Activity 3 (Objective 3): Promoted transparency, accountability and advocacy efforts

22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(xiv)

22 CFR

216.3(a)(2)(iii)

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

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This section summarizes the methodology used and findings of the CRM Screening, in accordance with ADS 201mal. The project design team, in consultation with the CIL, considered the potential effect 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 activity design team, in consultation with the Climate Integration Lead (CIL), considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the activity in addition to the impact of sub-activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.). The results of the climate risk screening demonstrated that the planned activity does not have any implications on the climate and low risk that climate will significantly affect implementation of this activity. However, some of climate elements that may result in minor impact to the activity are:

● Extreme weather conditions, including increase in temperatures, increase in the frequency of heatwaves, decreases in precipitation leading to greater water scarcity, and increases in the occurrence of flash floods. Such an event may impact the level of participation in planned activity.

● Extreme weather conditions may result in power outages, which could affect progress on and the usage of any electrical or IT systems utilized under the activity.

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 GENERAL 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 A/CO, will ensure solicitations include the appropriate environmental compliance requirements and evaluation criteria. A/CO will ensure technical and cost proposal requirements include approach, staffing, and budget sufficient for complying with the terms of this IEE.

5.1.1.3 Awards: The A/COR, in coordination with the A/CO, will ensure all awards and sub-awards, include the appropriate environmental compliance requirements;

including budget sufficient to ensure environmental mitigation and monitoring implementation and oversight.

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/201mal

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5.1.2 During Post-Award:

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

5.1.2.2 Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan(s): When required as a condition of the approved IEE, the A/COR will ensure the IP develops, obtains USAID approval for, and implements Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan(s) (EMMP) that appropriately respond the environmental and social impacts and risks identified in the IEE or subsequent environmental screenings of sub-activities.

5.1.2.3 Work Plans and Budgeting: The A/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 A/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 A/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 A/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 (as specified in 22 CFR 216 and ADS 204), the more stringent shall govern. Specific variances may be approved in writing by the BEO with appropriate justification.

5.1.2.7 Work Plan Review: The A/COR will ensure the IP verifies, at least annually or when activities are added or modified, that all activities remain with the scope of the IEE. Activities outside of the scope of the IEE cannot be implemented until the IEE is amended or other specific direction is given by the A/CO or BEO.

5.1.2.8 IEE Amendment: If new activities are introduced or other changes to the scope of this IEE occur, an IEE Amendment maybe required. The A/COR will consult with the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO).

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

5.1.2.10 Environmental Compliance Reporting: The A/COR will ensure the IP includes environmental compliance updates in regular Activity reports, using indicators as appropriate; develops and submits periodic Environmental Mitigation and

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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. If required by the BEO or Mission, the A/COR must ensure that the IP prepares a closeout plan consistent with contract documentation for A/COR review and approval that outlines responsibilities for end-of-project operation, the transition of other operational responsibilities, and final EMMR with lessons learned.

5.1.2.11 Corrective Action: When noncompliance with IEE or EMMP or unforeseen environmental or social impacts are identified, IPs must notify the A/COR, place a hold on activities, take corrective action as determined necessary by the A/COR and MEO, and report on the effectiveness of corrective actions. The A/COR initiates the corrective action process and ensures the IP completes and documents their activities. Where required by the BEO or Missions, ensure Record of Compliance is completed.

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS

5.2.1 Sub-award Screening: The A/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. The A/COR and MEO will review and approve the environmental screening and associated EMMPs, which will be copied to the Regional Environmental Advisor (REA) and BEO.

5.2.2 Programmatic IEEs (PIEE): PIEEs stipulate requirements for additional environmental examination of new or country specific projects/activities. The A/COR of any 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 Activity being planned which fall 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 A/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 A/COR will ensure that the appropriate 22CFR216 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 A/COR will ensure a Scoping Statement, and if required an

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Environmental Assessment (EA), is completed and approved by the BEO before the subject activities are implemented.

5.2.7 Compliance with human subject research requirements: The AM, A/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.

5.3 ACTIVITY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

5.3.1 The IP will ensure compliance with all host government and USAID requirements for disease prevention and ensure its staff and volunteers receive appropriate and timely guidance and training on the latest mitigation measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. This includes, but is not limited to proper hygiene, use of masks and gloves, cleaning/disinfecting, and social distancing, as appropriate.

5.4 MITIGATION MEASURES

The mitigation measures presented in this section constitute the minimum required based on available information at the time of this IEE and the environmental analysis in Section 4. These measures shall provide general direction for completing the Activity Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and/or the EA and PERSUAP, if required.

TABLE 5A. SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES

Activity Mitigation Measure(s) Activity 1 (Objective 1) for equipment and commodities provision

1. The implementing partner shall follow and adopt Best- Practices for the selection/installation/use (operation and maintenance) of commodity and equipment following practices generally consistent with the applicable USAID guidance found at: https://www.usaid.gov/environmental-procedures/sectoral-environmental-social-best-practices/sector-environmental-guidelines-resources

2. Training on the O&M of any equipment must be provided to beneficiaries.

3. O&M manuals to be provided to beneficiaries

4. Appropriate warranties to be provided.

5. Proper disposal of packaging material and old equipment

(preferred method is recycling)

6. Installation of electrical equipment shall be performed by qualified personnel

7. The implementer should factor climate change risks in the planning and design of the activity.

8. The Implementing Partner must prepare EMMP to address all risks (including climate change risks), the EMMP must be https://usaidgems.org/sectorguidelines.htm https://usaidgems.org/sectorguidelines.htm https://usaidgems.org/sectorguidelines.htm

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approved by the COR and MEO prior to the start of implementation.

Activity 2 and 3 (Objective 2 and 3) The following mitigation measures shall be applied for all interventions related to Grants:

1. The implementer shall develop a plan to create appropriate environmental screening criteria, tools, and procedures for screening the grants (to categorize the grants according to the types and seriousness of environmental impacts). This plan to be approved by the AOR and MEO and be submitted with the implementer work plan.

2. Based on findings from the environmental screening, the implementer…