Environmental, Social and Economic Review Note (ESERN)
I. Project Overview
Identification | 9539 |
Project Title | Enhancing sustainability of Protected Area systems in Malawi, and stabilizing agro-production in adjoining areas through improved IAS management |
Managing Division | Ecosystems Division |
Type/Location | Region |
Region | Africa |
List Countries | Malawi |
Project Description | To prevent new invasions and reduce the current impacts of IAS in protected areas and adjoining agro-ecosystems in Malawi. The project will seek to (1) establish national framework and capacity to enhance IAS prevention and management in protected areas and associated agro-ecosystems (2) strengthen on-the-ground IAS management in existing protected areas through invasive species control and habitat restoration, as well as in adjoining agro-ecosystems through sustainable farming for improved welfare, and to (3) improve knowledge management and broader adoption of developed strategies in Malawi protected areas. |
Estimated duration of project: | 2018 - 2022 |
Estimated cost of the project : | GEF Grant: 1,502,511 USD Co-finance: 4,950,000 USD |
| Funding Source: |
II. Environmental Social and Economic Screening Determination
Summary of the Safeguard Risks Triggered
Safeguard Standard Triggered by the Project | Impact of Risk (1-5) | Probability of Risk (1-5) | Significance of Risk (L, M, H)* |
SS 1: Biodiversity, natural habitat and Sustainable Management of Living Resources | 1 | 1 | L |
SS 2: Resource Efficiency, Pollution Prevention and Management of Chemicals and Wastes | 3 | 1 | L |
SS 3: Safety of Dams | 1 | 1 | L |
SS 4: Involuntary resettlement | 1 | 1 | L |
SS 5: Indigenous peoples | 2 | 2 | L |
SS 6: Labor and working conditions | 1 | 1 | L |
SS 7: Cultural Heritage | 1 | 1 | L |
SS 8: Gender equity | 1 | 1 | L |
SS 9: Economic Sustainability | 3 | 2 | M |
Additional Safeguard questions for projects seeking GCF-funding (Section IV) | NA | NA | NA |
*Refer to the UNEP ESES Framework (Chapter 2) and the UNEP’s ESES Guidelines
ESE Screening Decision
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Development of ESE Review Note and Screening Decision
| ESERN Prepared by: | Name: Arne Witt | Date: 30 September 2017 |
| Conforms to ESES Framework | Name: Yunae Yi | Date: 21 November 2017 |
| Accepted by Project Manager: | Name: Mphatso Kalemba | Date: |
Recommended further action from the Safeguard Advisor
The project team identified economic sustainability a moderate risk. This makes the overall risk of the project in the moderate risk category. It also deals with sensitive biodiversity dynamics. Precautionary, science-based approach using the latest understanding and local traditional knowledge would avoid/minimize the potential risks. SS1: The project mentioned that there is potential risk associated with environmental damage from IAS management. The project works in the PA buffer zones while the overall capacity of identifying and handing of IAS is limited in the country. Therefore, while the intension is to improve the biodiversity through elimination of IAS, there is potential risk of adversely affecting it.
SS5: Indigenous people will be present near the project sites. Indigenous people and the concerned communities should be involved from the beginning. Implementation approach should respect their tradition, knowledge and concerns. They should be represented in the stakeholder consultation. |
SS 9: There is potential conflict of interest by those who get benefits from IAS. IAS are often and continuously introduced by some who consider them profitable. There is lack of information on impact of IAS on biodiversity and the economies of Malawi. As it may be for profits for some while majority of community may suffer, economic dynamics, justice and equity should be factored in the project approach for the long-term sustainability of the project outcomes.