Attachment J.10 Initial Environmental Examination LAC-IEE-22-90 ETD.pdf

LAC/COLOMBIA/PRODUCTIVE ECOSYSTEMS ACTIVITY

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

EXAMINATION

PROJECT/ACTIVITY DATA

Project/Activity Name: Productive Ecosystems Geographic Location(s) (Country/Region): USAID/Colombia/LAC Amendment (Yes/No), if Yes indicate # (1, 2...): No Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y): FY 2022 – FY2027 If Amended, specify New End Date: N/A Solicitation/Contract/Award Number(s): TBD Implementing Partner(s): TBD Bureau Tracking ID: LAC-IEE-22-90 Tracking ID of related Programmatic IEE: N/A Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses: N/A

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit(s):

(e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

COLOMBIA/Environment Office

Other Affected Operating Unit(s): N/A Lead BEO Bureau: LAC Funding Account(s) (if available): E.G. 10.2 FY21-FY25 E.G 11.3 FY21-FY25 E.G

13.2 FY21

Original Funding Amount: $47,5000,000 (CLIN 2 is 20% of the TEC and is subject to availability of funds) If Amended, specify funding amount: N/A If Amended, specify new funding total: N/A Prepared by: Ximena Garcia Date Prepared: 1/13/2022

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): N/A Additional Analyses/Reporting Required: ☒EMMP/EMMR Climate Risks Identified (#): Low ___6___ Moderate __0___ High _28__ Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low __ 6___ Moderate __0___ High _28___ about:blank about:blank

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THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems, while simultaneously improving biodiversity and human well-being.1 Healthy and productive ecosystems and ecosystem services, like water filtration, food production and the use of natural areas for recreation, are essential to human well-being. Without healthy ecosystems and the services that they provide, humans do not have access to clean air and water, secure and adequate livelihoods, or security from natural and human-made disasters.

NbS can also be used to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The adoption of NbS aligns with the U.S. Government’s (USG) Climate Change Strategy2. As stated by Presidential Climate Envoy, John Kerry, “We cannot reach our climate goals without harnessing the power of nature.”3 Based on USAID’s Biodiversity Policy, NbS adequately respond to the agency’s vision, goals and objectives for biodiversity conservation4.

USAID/Colombia’s experience has demonstrated the benefits of NbS, and the private sector’s capacity and willingness to contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation and mitigation. For example, the Natural Wealth Activity (2017-2022) achieved important and sustainable private sector engagement through market-based partnerships with companies like Nestle, LATAM, Colanta, Nutresa, Crepes and Waffles, and more. To date, Natural Wealth has leveraged over USD $5 million from the private sector, improved natural resource management of more than 130,000 hectares (Ha) of land, and generated USD $44 thousand in sales from natural resource management and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Jaime Arteaga and Associates’ Private Social Investment Index5 also demonstrates the private sector’s interest to invest, showing that the 138 companies surveyed on this index have been increasing their investments in forest protection and biodiversity conservation over the past several years. Based on this information, the private sector is willing and able to support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services preservation, improved human well-being, as a sustainability strategy of their own business models.

The activity will engage public, private, and community stakeholders in the implementation of NbS to improve biodiversity conservation and protect ecosystem services. To accomplish its Objectives and Intermediate Results (IRs), the activity will establish partnerships with the private sector, and improve local stakeholders’ ability to identify, implement, and manage specific NbS.

The activity will also engage the Government of Colombia (GOC) as an observer and supervisor of NbS investments. GOC participation in this activity will enable government actors to learn more about, and scale-up, successful NbS work in other regions of the country, as well as develop incentives to promote the private sector’s environmental investment.

This Activity contributes to the 2020-2025 USAID Colombia Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). Specifically, this Activity contributes to DO3, “Promote equitable and environmentally sustainable economic growth” responding directly to IR 3.1 “Expanded licit livelihood opportunities” and IR 3.2 “More competitive licit economies. ”Additionally, the activity will support sustainability by promoting local ownership, leveraging local resources and

1 https://www.iucn.org/theme/nature-based-solutions 2 https://www.state.gov/remarks-on-the-urgency-of-global-climate-action/ 3 https://twitter.com/climateenvoy/status/1409889453649321985?lang=en 4 http://www.usaid.gov/biodiversity/policy 5 https://iisp.com.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/INFORME-RESULTADOS-IISP-2021-.pdf

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expertise, and contributing to several key issues such as youth, gender and women’s empowerment, local actors, and private sector engagement.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations (22 CFR 216). As a result of this analysis, a categorical exclusion and negative determination with conditions has been granted to this activity.

TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determination

Deferral

ACTIVITY: Productive Ecosystems

Objective 1: Policies and mechanisms enable private sector funding for nature based solution implementation.

IR 1.1 Regulations are developed and/or improved to foster private sector adoption of nature-based solutions.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

IR 1.2: Mechanisms are developed to facilitate the private sector’s implementation of nature-based solutions.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

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

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

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§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

Objective 2: Public, private, and community actors implement nature-based solutions.

IR 2.1: Stakeholders have the tools and knowledge needed to develop sustainable nature-based solutions, such as ecosystem restoration, ecosystem based adaptation, area-based conservation approaches, wetland restoration and protection, land use planning, and small-scale agricultural production.

assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

X ☐ ☐

IR 2.2: Nature-based solution agreements are established between communities and the private sector.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

Objective 3: Nature-based solutions are cost-effective and market-driven.

I.R 3.1: Private Sector actors demand the inclusion of nature-based solutions in existing business models.

assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

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§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

I.R 3.2: Nature-based solutions are made profitable through cost reduction and market differentiation strategies (e.g., ecosystem restoration, ecosystem adaptation, land use planning, small-scale agricultural production).

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v)

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CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

This section summarizes the methodology used and findings of the CRM Screening, in accordance with ADS 201mal. The activity design team, in consultation with the CIL, considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the Activity (changing precipitation patterns, rising temperature, floods, droughts, fires, landslides, etc.) in addition to the impact of activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.). See Annex 1 for the complete CRM table.

The activity supports Colombia’s green growth strategy and biodiversity conservation targets through the implementation of NbS. It does this by promoting best agricultural and natural resource management practices, and through the development of sustainable economic opportunities. The program addresses barriers to private sector involvement and prioritizes interventions with the largest return on investment in terms of biologically significant land protection. The Activity will work at the municipal and departmental levels to effectively operationalize national-level land use and sustainable development and conservation policies.

The activity strengthens local authorities’ environmental governance capacities and improves access to information about biodiversity conservation and habitat loss in order to establish conservation priorities, improve ecosystem service provision, and assure climate change resilience in local communities.

The sub-activities to be developed under the activity are identified mainly as low and high risks in terms of climate risk management. Sub-activities that were identified as high risk are related to ecosystem restoration, including the establishment of plant nurseries, small-scale agricultural production as well as reforestation.

The Productive Ecosystems Activity is not expected to generate any significant greenhouse gas emissions. Ongoing monitoring will ensure that implementation of project activities does not increase greenhouse emissions. Please find in Annex 1 the Climate Risk Management for the activity.

Please find the Climate Risk Management in Section 4.2 the project and the illustrative mitigation measures that will address the main climate risks identified. The mitigation measures presented in this section constitute the minimum required based on available information at the time of the IEE. These measures shall provide general direction for completing the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and/or the EA and PERSUAP, if required.

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

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

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.

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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.

This activity will be implemented by a contractor, possibly comprising a consortium of actors, and will be awarded through a full and open competition procurement process. The activity will be implemented through a contract and USAID/Colombia will designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

LAC/USAID COLOMBIA

USAID 216 RCE TEMPLATE VERSION 2, APRIL 2018

USAID APPROVAL OF IEE

For the following activities and Bureau Tracking ID:

1. LAC-IEE-22-90 Productive Ecosystems activity (IEE).

2. LAC-IEE-22-112 Simplified Amendment #1 for the Citizen Security Dialogues activity (RCE).

Approval:

Christopher Saenger, Acting Mission Director Date

Clearance:

Robert Rhodes, Acting Deputy Mission Director Date

Christopher Saenger Digitally signed by Christopher Saenger Date: 2022.06.02 17:23:59 -05'00'

Robert Rhodes Digitally signed by Robert Rhodes Date: 2022.06.02 14:10:58 -05'00'

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USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

ACTIVITY NAME: Productive Ecosystems

Bureau Tracking ID: LAC-IEE-22-90

Approval:

Larry J. Sacks, Mission Director Date

Clearance:

Jeremiah Carew, Deputy Mission Director Date

Clearance:

Jessica Rosen, Environment Office Director Date

Clearance:

Maria Elena Santana, Mission Environmental Officer [MEO/CIL] Date

Clearance:

Diana Shannon, Regional Environmental Advisor [REA] Date

Concurrence:

Bethzaida Colon, Bureau Environmental Officer [BEO] Date

DISTRIBUTION: Mission Project Staff

Thomas Black Digitally signed by Thomas Black Date: 2022.05.16 14:06:41 -05'00'

Maria Santana Digitally signed by Maria Santana Date: 2022.04.27 08:17:17 -05'00'

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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

EXAMINATION

CONTENTS

1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 10

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE 10

1.2 PROJECT/ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 10

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION 13

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT,

PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED ENDANGERED SPECIES) 14

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS

APPROPRIATE) 15

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK 15

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 16

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 16

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 18

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 18

5.1 CONDITIONS 19

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS 20

5.3 MITIGATION MEASURES 21

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION 25

7.0 REVISIONS 26

ATTACHMENTS: 26

Activity Climate Risk Management Summary Table 27

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1.0 PROJECT/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 these activities. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, and specified conditions become mandatory obligations of implementation.

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

Potential environmental impacts should be addressed through formal environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs) and/or other measures as described in Section 5.

1.2 PROJECT/ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Productive Ecosystems Activity is to improve human well-being and biodiversity conservation by engaging key stakeholders, particularly the private sector, in the implementation of nature-based solutions that preserve ecosystems and secure ecosystem services provision thus positively impacting local communities' resilience to climate change.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems, while simultaneously improving biodiversity and human well-being.8 Healthy and productive ecosystems and ecosystem services, like water filtration, food production and the use of natural areas for recreation, are essential to human well-being. Without healthy ecosystems and the services that they provide, humans do not have access to clean air and water, secure and adequate livelihoods, or security from natural and human-made disasters.

Nature based solutions are a win-win strategy for all stakeholders. NbS allow for a continuous provision of necessary goods and services for communities to strive, government’s to secure healthy and secure livelihoods, and private sector to maintain its operations.

The activity seeks to positively influence private sector participation in NbS implementation through the design of on demand, cost-effective and market driven NbS. Concomitantly, the capacity of local communities is built under the program to independently design, manage and maintain NbS negotiated for private sector support while the Government of Colombia is strengthened and provided with necessary tools to foster these ventures and benefits from the program’s results for regulation improvement, reporting and replication.

The activity will advance Development Objective 3, promote equitable and environmentally sustainable economic growth, under USAID/Colombia’s 2020-2025 CDCS. It will do this by engaging public, private, and community stakeholders in the development and implementation of NbS projects with economic, social, and environmental benefits. The activity will also contribute to CDCS IR 3.1, expanded licit livelihood opportunities, and CDCS IR 3.2, more

8 https://www.iucn.org/theme/nature-based-solutions https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/201mal

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competitive licit economies. It will also to IR 3.1 by developing new and improved licit economic opportunities aligned with the logic of NbS, and contribute to IR 3.2 by creating NbS portfolios that respond to community needs and private sector demands. Sustainability of the activity will be achieved by engaging community and private stakeholders in the development of NbS so that they have the capacity to implement NbS in the future, and experience the benefits of NbS firsthand. Lastly, this activity aligns with USAID/Colombia’s 2022 Private Sector Engagement Plan, and it will contribute significantly to the GOC’s targets for biodiversity conservation by 2030.

1.3 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

The Productive Ecosystems activity will engage public, private, and community stakeholders in the implementation of NbS to improve biodiversity conservation and protect ecosystem services.

To accomplish its Objectives and Intermediate Results (IRs), the activity will establish partnerships with the private sector, and improve local stakeholders’ ability to identify, implement, manage and negotiate with the private sector specific NbS. It will also engage the Government of Colombia (GOC) as an observer and supervisor of NbS investments, as well as a receptor of NbS results for the country's environmental targets. GOC participation in this activity will enable government actors to learn more about, and scale-up, successful NbS work in other regions of the country, as well as develop incentives to promote the private sector’s environmental investment.

Efforts to engage the private sector will need the activity to act as a catalyzing agent as well as facilitator of networks between different stakeholders related to private sector operations. These stakeholders include but are not limited to companies, private guilds, private sector associations, chambers of commerce (including regional ones), superintendents, national agencies per economic sector.

This activity will prioritize the engagement of marginalized groups including youth, women, indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations. It will also engage GOC entities, financial institutions, environmental defenders, private sector actors, and civil society organizations. All of these actors will be involved in decision-making, and will be engaged throughout the life of the activity. Other actors will be engaged in the activity through consultations, information sharing, and monitoring efforts include: academia; investment funds; international donors; and other USAID activities.

Productive Ecosystem’s theory of change assumes that if private sector actors are incentivized to invest in NbS, stakeholders’ have the capacity to implement NbS, and NbS are cost-effective and market-driven, then more actors in Colombia will use NbS to protect key ecosystems and their services, consequently improving human well-being as well as environmental protection.

The activity supports Colombia’s green growth strategy. It does this by promoting agricultural management best practices, and through the development of sustainable economic opportunities. The activity addresses barriers to private sector involvement and prioritizes interventions with the largest return on investment in terms of biologically significant land

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protection. Additionally, it will work at the municipal and departmental levels to effectively operationalize national-level land use and sustainable development and conservation policies.

Objective 1 of the activity will increase the private sector’s understanding of, and engagement in, conservation and natural resource management through improved implementation of regulation, financial mechanisms, and other incentives. Intermediate result 1.1 will review current and proposed environment regulations and will define actions to trigger fast and efficient use of private sector funds in NbS. Intermediate result 1.2 will create financial, technical, and partnership mechanisms that incentivize and enable private sector investment in biodiversity conservation through NbS.

Objective 2 will improve local stakeholders’, including communities, government actors and the private sector, understanding of the social, economic, and environmental benefits of NbS.

Intermediate result 2.1 will work with local stakeholders, including community members, civil society actors and government actors, to understand and identify viable NbS in their communities through an analysis of local land use practices, socioeconomic conditions, and land use and conservation regulation; the analysis will help guarantee that NbS selected respond to opportunities, regional needs, from the perspective of biophysical conditions and local communities’ sociocultural and economic considerations, and private sector interests.

Intermediate result 2.2 will promote collaboration between public, private, and community actors to ensure that NbS interventions are sustainable, inclusive and demand-driven; this intermediate result seeks to support the negotiations between private sector and local stakeholders for NbS agreements.

Objective 3 will encourage private sector actors to invest in, and adopt, NbS as a way to strengthen their businesses and, at the same time, channel social and environmental investments. Intermediate result 3.1 will work with the private sector to demonstrate the social, economic, and environmental benefits of NbS, and identify NbS business models that respond to corporate needs and support the long-term sustainability of this activity. Intermediate result

3.2 will enhance the profitability of NbS through a variety of strategies. The activity will minimize the number of intermediaries along the value chain and will help NbS stakeholders employ tools and knowledge that increase ecosystem resilience, therefore sustaining NbS’ productivity in the long-term.

TABLE 2: DEFINED OR ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES AND SUB-ACTIVITIES

Objective 1 — Policies and mechanisms enable private sector funding for nature based solution implementation.

Intermediate Results 1.1 Regulations are developed and/or improved to foster private sector adoption of nature-based solutions.

Intermediate Results 1.2 Mechanisms are developed to facilitate the private sector’s implementation of nature-based solutions.

Objective 2 —Public, private, and community actors implement nature-based solutions.

Intermediate Results 2.1 Stakeholders have the tools and knowledge needed to develop sustainable nature-based solutions, such as ecosystem restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, area-based conservation approaches, wetland restoration and protection, land use planning, and small-scale

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agricultural production.

Intermediate Results 2.2 Nature-based solution agreements are established between communities and the private sector.

Objective 3 —Nature-based solutions are cost-effective and market-driven.

Intermediate Results 3.1 Private Sector actors demand the inclusion of nature-based solutions in existing business models.

Intermediate Results 3.2 Nature-based solutions are made profitable through cost reduction and market differentiation strategies (e.g., ecosystem restoration, ecosystem adaptation, land use planning, and small-scale agricultural production).

Will this activity involve construction9 as defined by ADS 201 and 303? Yes ☐No☒

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

The Productive Ecosystems Activity will foster on-the-ground actions to develop nature-based solutions in three different regions: Orinoquia, Andes and Caribbean. Specific municipalities and departments are yet to be defined depending on the winning proposal. The activity will be implemented in rural areas of Colombia, including PDET municipalities aligned with the Mission’s CDCS 2020-2025.

The Activity focuses the intervention making the following considerations:

a) Protect ecologically sensitive ecosystems, such as wetlands, tropical forest, freshwater and other ecosystems of the intervened region. This includes enhancing or improving ecosystem service provision.

b) Conserve and protect existing forests.

c) Ensure that sites are in safe (or less vulnerable) areas to landslides, floods, fires, frosts, etc.

d) Respect land uses, as well as river management plans, defined by local authorities.

e) Local communities, entities and sectors will be consulted and will have an active participation.

f) Obtain all legal permits/licenses required by appropriate authorities.

g) Avoid burning.

h) Avoid and/or control modifying or affecting the hydrological network.

i) Avoid felling trees and/or extracting fauna.

j) Avoid deforestation or opening new sites to implement activities and instead focus work when needed in previously-disturbed areas, with low vegetation.

k) Consultation: Develop and execute a community consultation and engagement plan (as part of the social safeguard implementation plan) for the activity and any potential environmental and social impacts, including consultation in accordance with USAID’s Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Pro-IP Policy), when Indigenous Peoples are likely to be affected. Consider how the implementing partner will:

9 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/indigenous-peoples/usaid-policy-on-indigenous-peoples https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/201maw.pdf

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1. Present the project and project impacts to the community and other authorities and relevant actors.

2. Consider community perspectives and concerns.

3. Promote continued community engagement and empowerment such as through local development committees.

4. Ensure that the appropriate community members, including representatives of vulnerable groups, are represented.

5. Monitor and continue community consultation and engagement for the proper execution of the project to ensure community satisfaction.

l) Land and resource use claims: Consistent with international best practices and in consultation with the project affected community, (a) assess the environmental and social impacts of the proposed project (consider IAIA social impact assessment guidance, https://www.iaia.org/uploads/pdf/SIA_Guidance_Document_IAIA.pdf) and the USAID Optional Social Impact Assessment Framework, (b) avoid, mitigate or address negative impacts as appropriate, and (c) monitor the impacts of its proposal, particularly potential project impacts on land or resource rights claimed by affected local communities;

m) Training and Monitoring of Park Rangers: Train and monitor any eco-guards, park rangers, and other protected area law enforcement personnel regarding the professional and ethical execution of their duties, including upholding human rights, and document compliance with this requirement, as appropriate; reinforce principles of human rights during regular meetings. USAID will also ensure that Leahy Vetting will be completed when appropriate. as.

n) Establish a Grievance and Redress Mechanism: Establish, communicate, and maintain a Grievance and Redress Mechanism, allowing members of the affected community to share environmental and social grievances (including potential human rights violations) with the offeror, and how such grievances will be reported to the USAID COR within 72 hours.

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT,

PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED ENDANGERED SPECIES)

Target areas will include rural areas where the ecosystems prioritized for conservation in the activity are prevalent, unsustainable land use practices are driving ecosystem degradation or fragmentation, and opportunities to implement nature-based solutions with private sector commitment are present. These areas include private owned lands, state own lands, as well as parks and/or protected areas. Target areas will also be selected in accordance with the USAID Biodiversity Conservation Policy.

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL

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

REGULATIONS

The activities will follow national regulations defined by ICA, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and USAID’s environmental regulations (22CFR216),environmental procedures (ADS 204), USAID's Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Pro-IP Policy) and the new Climate Change Strategy.

https://www.iaia.org/uploads/pdf/SIA_Guidance_Document_IAIA.pdf)%20and%20the https://www.iaia.org/uploads/pdf/SIA_Guidance_Document_IAIA.pdf)%20and%20the https://www.iaia.org/uploads/pdf/SIA_Guidance_Document_IAIA.pdf)%20and%20the https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/USAID-Social-Impact-Assessment-508.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/USAID-Social-Impact-Assessment-508.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/204

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2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS

APPROPRIATE)

The implementation of the activity requires coordination with the departmental and municipal governments where it will be implemented, as well as with regional environment authorities, and where necessary because of overlap with national protected areas with the Colombian National Natural Park institution.

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK

PROJECT/ACTIVITY: PRODUCTIVE ECOSYSTEMS

TABLE 3A. POTENTIAL IMPACTS –

Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts Objective 1 — Policies and mechanisms enable private sector funding for nature based solution implementation.

Intermediate Results 1.1:

Regulations are developed and/or improved to foster private sector adoption of nature-based solutions.

N/A

Intermediate Results 1.2:

Mechanisms are developed to facilitate the private sector’s implementation of nature-based solutions.

N/A

Objective 2 —Public, private, and community actors implement nature-based solutions.

Intermediate Results 2.1 Stakeholders have the tools and knowledge needed to develop sustainable nature-based solutions, such as ecosystem restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, area-based conservation approaches, wetland restoration and protection, land use planning, and small-scale agricultural production.

● Air Pollution

● Habitat loss

● Pesticides use

● Public/Worker Health & Safety

● Socioeconomic Impacts

● Soil & Water Impacts

● Solid Waste Management & Disposal

Intermediate Results 2.2. Nature-based solution agreements are established between communities and the private sector.

N/A

Objective 3 — Nature-based solutions are cost-effective and market-driven.

Intermediate Results 3.1 Private Sector actors demand the inclusion of nature-based solutions in existing business models.

N/A

Intermediate Results 3.2 Nature-based solutions are made profitable through cost reduction and market differentiation strategies (e.g., ecosystem restoration, ecosystem adaptation, land use planning)

● Air Pollution

● Habitat loss

● Pesticides use

● Public/Worker Health & Safety

● Socioeconomic Impacts

● Soil & Water Impacts

● Solid Waste Management & Disposal

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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

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determination

Deferral

Objective 1: Policies and mechanisms enable private sector funding for nature based solution implementation.

IR 1.1: Regulations are developed and/or improved to foster private sector adoption of nature-based solutions.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

IR 1.2: Mechanisms are developed to facilitate the private sector’s implementation of nature-based solutions.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, 10 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.

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

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

Objective 2: Public, private, and community actors implement nature-based solutions.

IR 2.1: Stakeholders have the tools and knowledge needed to develop sustainable nature-based solutions, such as ecosystem restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, area-based conservation approaches, wetland restoration and protection, land use planning and small-scale agricultural production

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) solution agreements are established between communities and the private sector.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

Objective 3 Nature-based solutions are cost-effective and market-driven.

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

IR 3.1 Private Sector actors demand the inclusion of nature-based solutions in existing business models.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

IR 3.2 Nature-based solutions are made profitable through cost reduction and market differentiation strategies (e.g, ecosystem restoration, ecosystem adaptation, land use planning, and small-scale agricultural production).

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

§216.2(c)(2)(v)

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

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.). See Annex 1 for the complete CRM table (annex 1).

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

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

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

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 A/CO, will ensure solicitations include 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 environmental compliance requirements.

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.

5.1.2.3 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 project/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, the more stringent shall govern.

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 activities remain within the scope of the IEE. Activities outside of the scope of the IEE cannot be implemented until the IEE is amended.

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

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.

5.1.2.9 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 Mitigation and Monitoring Plan: The A/COR will ensure the IP develops, obtains approval for, and implements Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (EMMPs) that are responsive to the stipulated environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2.11 Environmental Compliance Reporting: The A/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 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.

5.1.2.12 Corrective Action: When noncompliance or unforeseen impacts are identified, IPs notify the A/COR, place a hold on activities, take corrective action, 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 Bureaus 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.

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 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) will be prepared pursuant to the terms of the presiding PIEE for any new project/activity being planned. 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. The A/COR will also ensure that Leahy Vetting has occurred, if appropriate.

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

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 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 MITIGATION MEASURES

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

TABLE 5A. SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES

Activity Mitigation Measure(s) Objective 1: Policies and mechanisms enable private sector funding for nature based solution implementation.

Intermediate Result 1.1:

Regulations are developed and/or improved to foster private sector adoption of nature-based solutions.

N/A

Intermediate Result 1.2:

Mechanisms are developed to facilitate the private sector’s implementation of nature-based solutions.

Objective 2: Public, private, and community actors implement nature-based solutions.

Intermediate Results 2.1 Stakeholders have the tools and knowledge needed to develop sustainable nature-based solutions, such as ecosystem restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, area-based conservation approaches, wetland restoration and protection, land use planning, and small-scale agricultural production).

● Adopt safety protocols.

● Adopt the necessary actions to prevent or manage the occurrence of fires.

● Analyze the associated cumulative and indirect impacts.

● Avoid and/or control modifying or affecting the hydrological network.

● Avoid burning.

● Avoid felling trees and/or extracting fauna.

● Avoid impacts on cultural heritage.

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

● Carry out activities using only the methods and equipment authorized by the appropriate authorities.

● Carry out maintenance periodically.

● Carry out monitoring periodically to examine the impacts to land and use resources.

● Comply with biosafety protocols established by the local or national authority.

● Conduct prior consultation to ensure the level of free, prior and informed consent, for cases when Indigenous Peoples may be affected [reference to the USAID's Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Pro-IP Policy)]

● Conform to industrial safety and occupational health regulations.

● Conserve and protect existing forests.

● Conserve or reforest the water source protection zones, according to the regulations.

● Consider the needs of upstream and downstream users.

● Design and implement a grievance and redress mechanism, when appropriate.

● Develop farm or implementation plans to protect natural resources and improve productivity.

● Ensure that sites are in safe (or less vulnerable) areas to landslides, floods, fires, frosts, etc.

● Gather seeds in the surrounding forest areas to plant them in target areas for soil rehabilitation or ecosystemic restoration.

● Have up-to-date first aid kits, placed in a marked location with easy access.

● Install backup power sources.

● Involve local communities to ensure ownership and adequate intervention.

● Maintain extraction techniques according to permits and licenses.

● Manage water during extreme rainfall to avoid overloads in the system (landslides, floods, erosion).

● Obtain all legal permits/licenses required by appropriate authorities.

● Park rangers or eco-guides or similar performing their duties with a human rights focus.

● Promote connectivity corridors between existing forests and productive systems.

● Promote local labor.

● Promote the revegetation of steep areas and/or degraded soils, prioritizing native species.

● Protect ecologically sensitive ecosystems, such as mangroves, wetlands, strategic high mountain areas, coral or rocky reefs, seagrass, and others.

● Protect fauna and flora species classified as vulnerable, fragile, endemic, rare or threatened.

● Protect investments to avoid possible losses.

● Provide and use personal protective equipment (PPE), according to the regulations.

● Rehabilitate degraded soils.

● Replace felled trees by planting new individuals that meet the technical characteristics of the site, prioritizing local species.

● Respect land uses, as well as marine and/or river management plans, defined by local authorities.

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

● Respect the banned areas, seasons, and species.

● Restrict access for people in areas other than routes, trails, facilities or designated areas.

● Save and efficiently use water.

● Site the activities in previously disturbed areas, with low vegetation, instead of opening or deforesting new ones.

● Strengthen water use agreements.

● Take into consideration records of historical information and recent trends to ensure that the interventions can withstand climate variability.

● Use locally sourced materials to minimize transport distances and gas emissions.

● Use materials, species and/or varieties from sites that are legal and/or certified by the appropriate authorities or a qualified technician.

● Implement the Integrated Pest Management according to the current PERSUAP, prioritizing biological control and organic pesticides.

● Adopt control methods for diseases and pests according to regulations and/or the guidelines of…