ISDS

THE WORLD BANK GROUP AWorld Frce of Poverty a

fInfoShop 24226Revised

Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet (Updated)

Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 02/19/2003

Section I - Basic Information

A. Basic Project DataCountry: JORDAN Project ID: P069847Project: Conservation of Medicinal and Herbal Plants Task Team Leader: Nicole GlineurProjectAuthorized to Appraise Date: February 13, 2003 IBRD Amount ($m):Bank Approval: May 29, 2003 IDA Amount ($m):Managing Unit: MNSRE Sector: General agriculture; fishing and forestryLending Instrument: Specific Investment Loan (SIL) sector (100%)Status: Lending Theme: Biodiversity (P); Other environment and

natural resources management (S); Gender (S)

I.A.2. Project Objectives:

The Development Objective of the proposed project is to improve the livelihood and health of ruralcommunities through the conservation, management, and sustainable use of medicinal and herbal (M/H)plants for human and livestock needs in specific areas of JordXbhe Central Upper Slopes of the RiftValley and the Mujib Nature Reserve) while ensuring effectiven-situ protection of threatened habitatsand ecosystems in these areas.

I A.3. Project Description:

Component 1. Institutional Strengthening (US$ 2.54 millid'djs component focuses onstrengthening the institutional and technical capacity of key players. Six sub-components are includedunder Component I as follows: (1) developing and providing an organizational mechanism for projectimplementation, (2) developing crucial inter-sector links (ministries, private sector, consumers,producers) and regulatory instruments, (3) developing intellectual property rights (IPR) policy andguidelines for indigenous knowledge and use of M/H plants for medical and other purposes by humansand livestock, (4) establishing health and safety standards for M/H plants and products. Internationalcertification of organically grown M/H plants will be adopted and legally endorsed and nationalcertification procedures will be based on these practices, (5) establishing a national M/H plantsdatabase/GIS and plant gene bank, and (6) designing and implementing a Training Programme.

Component 2. Pilot-Sites Conservation (US$ 6.92 million)

2.1 In-situ conservation and sustainable use of Mi/H plaiite two pilot areas f*Fsitu

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conservation are Mujib Nature Reserve adjacent to the Dead Sea, and the Central Upper Slopes of theRift Valley covering the Madaba area. Other areas can be incorporated into M/H plants conservation inlater periods, based on the experiences gained from these pilot initiatives

Site community management plans will be developed and implemented to enhance the sustainable use ofM/H plants in the 2 pi)ksitu areas. These plans include grazing agreements with the localcommunity, water-catchment and harvesting measures, enrichment planting, contour planting with shrubsto reduce erosion and planting at right angles to the prevailing wind with M/H shrubs and trees (includingnitrogen fixing perennials) to improve the micro-climate, soil fertility and provide nutritious feed for theanimals, and preparing guidelines for sustainable harvesting. In addition, income-generating activitieswill be promoted based on local resources, and mitigation measures to relieve population pressures in theproject sites will be pursued.

2.2 Ex-situ cultivation trials. Trials in thein-situ areas will be used forex-situ production of M/Hplants to relievein-situ pressure. Two types of trials will be tested under this sub-component: (2.2.1)ex-situ farming demonstrations, and (2.2.2) pilot-prototype fann demonstrations.

2.2 1 Ex-situ farming demonstrations Villagers/farmers will be identified for on-farm pilotpropagation and cultivation trials of M/H plants to remove pressure on wild populations. The objective isto demonstrate cost-effective and profitable cultivation methods for various high-demand M/H speciesthat can be reproduced by farmers at minimal cost and, at the same time, give added-income, provideincreased crop diversification and make better use of available moisture.

2.2 2 Pilot-Prototype Farm Demonstrations at ECOHERB Farms of Jordan (EFTIte project willsupport demonstrations in this pilot-prototype farm in implementing the following strategy to develop theex-situ cultivation trials in Jordan: (1) development of a screening process for the M/H plants to becultivated in thex-situ farms, (2) promotion of the adoption of sound environmental practices,Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic farming and nitrogen fixing plants, (3) identification ofpotential ex-situ farms for organic practices and certified as organic farms, (3) development of a label fororganic quality products for Jordan, (4) development of a prototype contract-farming model tostandardize the relationship between the growers and EFJ, (5) training of stakeholders in the M/H plantssector on the ground in environmentally friendly techniques and procedures, and (6) establishment of amonitoring and evaluation system.

Component 3. Public Awareness and Education (US$ 1.25 million)

The 2 sub-components are : (1) Environmental Education and (2) Public Awareness. A detailed trainingprogram and public awareness initiatives will be outlined by the start of the project.

Component 4. Income Generation Activities: M/H Quality Enhancement, Product Development(US$ 3.5 million)

Three sub-components will be included as follows: (1) standardization of M/H plants raw materials andprocessing, (2) income generation through product promotion, and (3) facilitating Access toMicro-Credit.

I.A.4. Project Location: (Geographic location, information about the key environmental and socialcharacteristics of the area and population likely to be affected, and proximity to any protected areas, or sitesor critical natural habitats, or any other culturally or socially sensitive areas.)

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The two pilot areas forin-situ conservation are the Mujib Nature Reserve adjacent to the Dead Sea; andthe Central Upper Slopes Rift Valley/Madaba.

* The Mujib Nature Reserveis a 215 sq km reserve, adjacent to the Dead Sea, in the central-westregion of Jordan. A vegetation survey, including M/H plants, was undertaken by the RSCN.Communities inside and outside the reserve graze sheep and goats. Grazing areas and grazingpatterns within the reserve were agreed upon by the shepherds and RSCN, and have been followedexcept during drought. This working relationship will serve as a basis for the identification andconservation of M/H plants and to gather information from shepherds and their families as to thetraditional uses of these plants. Such information will be used to formulate management plans forthe sustainable use of these resources. Because of the high water stress levels and the incidence ofsevere erosion, the management plans will incorporate water conservation measures such asmicro-catchment and erosion control initiatives, including the planting of local M/H shrubs and trees.

* The Central Upper Slopes Rift Valley/MadabaThe National Center for Agricultural Research andTechnical Transfer (NCARTT) started preliminary work in the field of M/H plants in 1998 in theMadaba area. Field trials for thyme, cumin, chamomile and other high-demand medicinal, herbs,spice and essential oil species have been planted with the objective of identifying sustainablecultivation practices under rainfed condition. Information from these trials will be used as part of theex-situ sub component. Within this rift valley area, somein-situ "Hotspot" sites for the conservationand management of M/H plants have been identified and others will be investigated. Demonstrationplots will be established to show improved management techniques to local farmers and communitiesin similar agro-ecological zones.

B. Chleck Environmental Classification: B (Partial Assessment)

Comments-

The project is rated category B and is expected to have positive impacts on the environment. AnEnvironmental Assessment (EA) of the project activities has been conducted and an EnvironmentalManagement Plan (EMP) was chosen as the appropriate instrument to address potential environmentalimpacts of the project and to propose mitigation and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) measures Theproject will lead to the sustainable use and preservation of an important gene pool of M/H plants. Thisinitiative will act as a model for the conservation of M/H plants throughout Jordan. The project willpromote the conservation and sustainable use of naturally occurring areas of M/H plants, and through theex-situ sub-component coupled with the strengthening of the gene pool of M/H plants, encourage thepropagation of these plants in suitable habitats. It could be considered as a model for other countries in theregion and provide a platform for an exchange of experiences and best practices.

C. Safeguard Policies TriggeredPolicy Applicability

Environmental Assessment (OP/BP/GP 4.01) * Yes C NoNatural Habitats (OP/BP/GP 4.04) C Yes * NoForestry (OP/GP 4.36) C, Yes * NoPest Management (OP 4.09) C Yes * NoCultural Property (OPN 11.03) 0 Yes * NoIndigenous Peoples (OD 4.20) ^ Yes * NoInvoluntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) Yes 0 No

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Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) Il Yes * NoProjects in International Waterways (OP/BP/GP 7.50) Yes * NoProjects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP/GP 7.60)* ^ Yes * No*By supporting the proposed project, the Bank does not intend to prejudice thefinal determination of the parties' claimson the disputed areas

Section II - Key Safeguard Issues and Their ManagementD. Summary of Key Safeguard Issues. Please fill in all relevant questions If information is not available,describe steps to be taken to obtain necessary data.

II.D.la. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed project. Identify anddescribe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts.

The project's objectives are to achieve good conservation and management practices of M/H plantsThere are no large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts. The main features of the EMP are todemonstrate best practices for in-situ conservation and ex-siltu cultivation of M/H plants in pilot areas

* Large areas of the rangelands are deteriorating because of drought conditions exacerbated, amongothers, by overgrazing and over-harvesting of M/H plants. This has contributed to reducingbiodiversity on these lands and there is an incipient loss of minerals from the soils, including carbondue to decreased vegetation cover. This is compounded by an increase in wind and water erosion, asa result of non-sustainable practices, leading to a spiral of decline in the carrying capacity of the land.Some arable land is in poor condition due to repeated failure of grain crops and the invasion ofnoxious weeds. Alternative M/H crops have been tried by NCARTT on a limited experimental basis.These hold some promise as they mature earlier and require less water.

* Some flora (and fauna) is under threat as a result of these deteriorating conditions (as is thelivelihood of farming communities). If little or nothing is done to halt this decline then manyrangeland areas and marginal arable areas will slowly degrade and become non-viable even aspastoral land. This will directly affect the livelihood of rural communities, as M/H plants are a majorsource of accessible and affordable health care for human and livestock.

* Some of these lands will eventually reach desert status with adverse national, regional and evenglobal consequences for biodiversity, carbon storage and the quality and quantity of water flow. Theproposal to identify and utilize cultivation practices for threatened high-demand M/H plants does notpose an environmental risk.

OP 4.01 (Environmental Assessment) OP 4.01, the environmental assessment process, has beentriggered since the implementation of the Conservation of M/H Plants Project could have potentiallyadverse environmental impacts, e.g. overgrazing of rangelands, over-exploitation of M/H plants, potentialuse of pesticides. The EA, however, has determined that there are no potential large scale, significant orirreversible environmental impacts. Those potential impacts that were identified can be effectivelymitigated and are addressed in the EMP. The EMP identifies the major potential environmental issuesthat could arise as a result of project interventions and propose measures to be taken to prevent and/ormitigate these effects, including training and monitoring measures.

OP 4 04 (Natural Habitats): OP 4.04 is not triggered since the project will not support activities that leadto significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats. No agricultural encroachment will bepermitted, nor will the use of agro-chemicals be allowed in these areas. There might eventually be an

5ISDS

increase in grazing and collecting of M/H plants due to the project's potential success in reversingrangeland degradation. Thus, there is a slight possibility that there will be a tendency to overgraze suchareas by reducing bought-in feed and/or increasing animal numbers, and hence endanger M/H plantsTherefore, the project will demonstrate sustainable environmental friendly pastoral practices, providetraining on rangeland management and grazing management, agree with the community on a grazingstrategy. Grazing areas and grazing patterns within the Mujib Nature Reserve were agreed upon byshepherds and RSCN, and have been followed except during drought. This working relationship willserve as a basis for the identification and conservation of M/H plants and to gather information fromshepherds and their families as to the traditional uses of these plants.

OP 4.09 (Pest Management): OP 4.09 is not triggered since the project will not support the procurementof pesticides or pesticide application equipment, nor will the project affect pest management in a waythat could cause harm. As the promotion of organic farming is one of the aims of the project, integratedpest management (IPM) will be part of the demonstration, training and awareness activities as will be theappropriate use of organic fertilizers, mulch and green manure. The project will closely monitoractivities regarding the production of M/H plants.

OP 4.12 (Involuntary Resettlement) OP4.12 is not triggered since conservation will take place withoutrestriction of access to grazing land in the Mujib Nature Reser\Fx situ activities will take place onfarms that are interested in this with the consent of the owners.

II.D. I b. Describe any potential cumulative impacts due to application of more than one safeguard policy ordue to multiple project component.Not applicable

II.D.lc Describe any potential long term impacts due to anticipated future activities in the project areaNot applicable

Il.D.2. In light of 1, describe the proposed treatment of alternatives (if required)Not applicable

II.D.3. Describe arrangement for the borrower to address safeguard issues

The PMU/EEP will have the overall responsibility for implementation of the Conservation of M/H PlantsProject and will ensure that the recommendations made in the EMP are fully integrated intoimplementation of the project It is anticipated that there will be no need for any specific EnvironmentalAssessment for sub-projects. The PMU/EPP will perform regular monitoring and evaluation of projectactivities. Monitoring and evaluation will run continuously for the life of the project. Public awarenessand training programs will take place throughout the life of the project, on the basis of identified needs.The program includes training on IPM, organic farming, sustainable harvesting methods, grazingmanagement, etc.

Il.D.4. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and disclosure onsafeguard policies, with an emphasis on potentially affected people.

From the start of the project identification there has been close consultation with the local administrationand farmers in selected project areas and local population within the vicinity. Also, as part of the PDF-Bsurveys, potential beneficiaries were consulted and their opinions sought. Ministries, NGOs (e g. RSCN,Badia Research and Development Program, Queen Noor Al Hussein Foundation), private sectormanufacturers of pharmaceutical drugs, professors of pharmacy and plant ecology, herbalists, healers

6ISDS

and farmers were consulted during project preparation to determine the geographic distributions of M/Hplants, the extent of M/H plants use, the most important problems faced concerning conservation,cultivation and marketing. A National Stakeholder Workshop was held in Amman April 24-25, 2002 todiscuss the overall outline of the project, institutional responsibilities and the involvement of thedifferent stakeholders Consultation will be an ongoing project activity and the implementation of theEMP will be reviewed constantly.

E. Safeguards Classification. Category is determined by the highest impact in any policy. Or on basis ofcumulative impacts from multiple safeguards. Whenever an individual safeguard policy is triggered theprovisions of that policy apply.

[ ] SI. - Significant, cumulative and/or irreversible impacts; or significant technical and institutional risksin management of one or more safeguard areas

[X] S2. - One or more safeguard policies are triggered, but effects are limited in their impact and aretechnically and institutionally manageable

[ ] S3. -No safeguard issues[ ] SF. - Financial intermediary projects, social development funds, community driven development or

similar projects which require a safeguard framework or programmatic approach to addresssafeguard issues.

F. Disclosure Requirements

Environmental Assessment/Analysis/Management Plan Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank 9/10/2002 9/22/2002Date of "in-country" disclosure 9/10/2002 9/22/2002Date of submission to InfoShop 5/15/2002 2/12/2003Date of distributing the Exec. Summary of the EA to the ED(For category A projects)

Resettlement Action Plan/Framework: Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank Not AvailableDate of "in-country" disclosure Not AvailableDate of submission to InfoShop Not Available

Indigenous Peoples Development Plan/Framework: Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank Not AvailableDate of "in-country" disclosure Not AvailableDate of submission to InfoShop Not Available

Pest Management Plan. Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank Not AvailableDate of "in-country" disclosure Not AvailableDate of submission to InfoShop Not Available

Dam Safety Management Plan Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank Not AvailableDate of "in-country" disclosure Not AvailableDate of submission to InfoShop Not Available

If in-country disclosure of any of the above documents is not expected, please explain why.

Signed and submitted by Name Date

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Task Team Leader: Nicole Glineur 2/13/2003Project Safeguards Specialists 1: Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough 2/13/2003Project Safeguards Specialists 2: Concepcion Esperanza Del Castillo 2/13/2003Project Safeguards Specialists 3:

Approved by: Name DateRegional Safeguards Coordinator: Sherif Kamel F. Arif 2/13/2003Sector Manager/Director: M Salah Darghouth 2/13/2003

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@BE 4E_ Al

ISDS

THE WORLD BANK GROUP AWorld Frfea f Poverty

_IhfoShopIntegrated Safeguards Data Sheet (Updated)

Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 02/19/2003

Section I - Basic Information

A. Basic Project DataCountry: JORDAN Project ID: P069847Project: Conservation of Medicinal and Herbal Plants Task Team Leader Nicole GlineurProjectAuthorized to Appraise Date: February 13, 2003 IBRD Amount ($m):Bank Approval: May 29, 2003 IDA Amount ($m):Managing Unit: MNSRE Sector: General agriculture; fishing and forestryLending Instrument: Specific Investment Loan (SIL) sector (100%)Status: Lending Theme: Biodiversity (P); Other environment and

natural resources management (S), Gender (S)

I.A.2. Project Objectives:

The Development Objective of the proposed project is to improve the livelihood and health of ruralcommunities through the conservation, management, and sustainable use of medicinal and herbal (M/H)plants for human and livestock needs in specific areas of Jord4ihe Central Upper Slopes of the RiftValley and the Mujib Nature Reserve) while ensuring effectivei-situ protection of threatened habitatsand ecosystems in these areas.

I.A.3. Project Description:

Component 1. Institutional Strengthening (US$ 2.54 milliWTis component focuses onstrengthening the institutional and technical capacity of key players. Six sub-components are includedunder Component I as follows: (1) developing and providing an organizational mechanism for projectimplementation, (2) developing crucial inter-sector links (ministries, private sector, consumers,producers) and regulatory instruments, (3) developing intellectual property rights (IPR) policy andguidelines for indigenous knowledge and use of M/H plants for medical and other purposes by humansand livestock, (4) establishing health and safety standards for M/H plants and products. Internationalcertification of organically grown M/H plants will be adopted and legally endorsed and nationalcertification procedures will be based on these practices, (5) establishing a national M/H plantsdatabase/GIS and plant gene bank, and (6) designing and implementing a Training Programme.

Component 2. Pilot-Sites Conservation (US$ 6.92 million)

2.1 In-situ conservation and sustainable use of M/H plaiihe two pilot areas feFsitu

2ISDS

conservation are Mujib Nature Reserve adjacent to the Dead Sea, and the Central Upper Slopes of theRift Valley covering the Madaba area. Other areas can be incorporated into M/H plants conservation inlater periods, based on the experiences gained from these pilot initiatives.

Site community management plans will be developed and implemented to enhance the sustainable use ofM/H plants in the 2 pilmyitu areas These plans include grazing agreements with the localcommunity, water-catchment and harvesting measures, enrichment planting, contour planting with shrubsto reduce erosion and planting at right angles to the prevailing wind with M/H shrubs and trees (includingnitrogen fixing perennials) to improve the micro-climate, soil fertility and provide nutritious feed for theanimals, and preparing guidelines for sustainable harvesting. In addition, income-generating activitieswill be promoted based on local resources, and mitigation measures to relieve population pressures in theproject sites will be pursued.

2.2 Ex-situ cultivation trials. Trials in thein-situ areas will be used forex-situ production of M/Hlplants to relievein-situ pressure. Two types of trials will be tested under this sub-component: (2 2.1)ex-situ farming demonstrations, and (2.2.2) pilot-prototype farm demonstrations.

2 2 1 Ex-situ farming demonstrations Villagers/farmers will be identified for on-farm pilotpropagation and cultivation trials of M/H plants to remove pressure on wild populations. The objective isto demonstrate cost-effective and profitable cultivation methods for various high-demand M/H speciesthat can be reproduced by farmers at minimal cost and, at the same time, give added-income, provideincreased crop diversification and make better use of available moisture.

2.2.2 Pilot-Prototype Farm Demonstrations at ECOHERB Farms of Jordan (Elhe project willsupport demonstrations in this pilot-prototype farm in implementing the following strategy to develop theex-situ cultivation trials in Jordan: (I) development of a screening process for the M/H plants to becultivated in thex-situ farms, (2) promotion of the adoption of sound environmental practices,Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic farming and nitrogen fixing plants, (3) identification ofpotential ex-sztu farms for organic practices and certified as organic farms, (3) development of a label fororganic quality products for Jordan, (4) development of a prototype contract-farming model tostandardize the relationship between the growers and EFJ, (5) training of stakeholders in the M/H plantssector on the ground in environmentally friendly techniques and procedures, and (6) establishment of amonitoring and evaluation system.

Component 3. Public Awareness and Education (US$ 1.25 million)

The 2 sub-components are : (1) Environmental Education and (2) Public Awareness. A detailed trainingprogram and public awareness initiatives will be outlined by the start of the project.

Component 4. Income Generation Activities: M/H Quality Enhancement, Product Development(US$ 3.5 million)

Three sub-components will be included as follows: (I) standardization of M/H plants raw materials andprocessing, (2) income generation through product promotion, and (3) facilitating Access toMicro-Credit

I.A.4. Project Location: (Geographic location, information about the key environmental and socialcharacteristics of the area and population likely to be affected, and proximity to any protected areas, or sitesor critical natural habitats, or any other culturally or socially sensitive areas.)

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The two pilot areas forin-situ conservation are the Mujib Nature Reserve adjacent to the Dead Sea, andthe Central Upper Slopes Rift Valley/Madaba.

* The Mujib Nature Reserveis a 215 sq. km reserve, adjacent to the Dead Sea, in the central-westregion of Jordan. A vegetation survey, including M/H plants, was undertaken by the RSCNCommunities inside and outside the reserve graze sheep and goats. Grazing areas and grazingpatterns within the reserve were agreed upon by the shepherds and RSCN, and have been followedexcept during drought. This working relationship will serve as a basis for the identification andconservation of M/H plants and to gather information from shepherds and their families as to thetraditional uses of these plants. Such information will be used to formulate management plans forthe sustainable use of these resources. Because of the high water stress levels and the incidence ofsevere erosion, the management plans will incorporate water conservation measures such asmicro-catchment and erosion control initiatives, including the planting of local MWH shrubs and trees.

* The Central Upper Slopes Rift Valley/MadabaThe National Center for Agricultural Research andTechnical Transfer (NCARTT) started preliminary work in the field of M/H plants in 1998 in theMadaba area. Field trials for thyme, cumin, chamomile and other high-demand medicinal, herbs,spice and essential oil species have been planted with the objective of identifying sustainablecultivation practices under rainfed condition. Information from these trials will be used as part of theex-situ sub component. Within this rift valley area, somein-situ "Hotspot" sites for the conservationand management of M/H plants have been identified and others will be investigated. Demonstrationplots will be established to show improved management techniques to local farmers and communitiesin similar agro-ecological zones.

B. Clheck Environmental Classification: B (Partial Assessment)

Comments.

The project is rated category B and is expected to have positive impacts on the environment. AnEnvironmental Assessment (EA) of the project activities has been conducted and an EnvironmentalManagement Plan (EMP) was chosen as the appropriate instrument to address potential environmentalimpacts of the project and to propose mitigation and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) measures Theproject will lead to the sustainable use and preservation of an important gene pool of M/H plants. Thisinitiative will act as a model for the conservation of M/H plants throughout Jordan. The project willpromote the conservation and sustainable use of naturally occurring areas of M/H plants, and through theex-situ sub-component coupled with the strengthening of the gene pool of M/H plants, encourage thepropagation of these plants in suitable habitats. It could be considered as a model for other countries in theregion and provide a platform for an exchange of experiences and best practices.

C. Safeguard Policies TriggeredPolicy Applicability

Environmental Assessment (OP/BP/GP 4.01) * Yes C NoNatural Habitats (OP/BP/GP 4.04) J Yes * NoForestry (OP/GP 4.36) OYes * NoPest Management (OP 4.09) 0 Yes * NoCultural Property (OPN 11.03) 0 Yes 0 NoIndigenous Peoples (OD 4.20) Yes 0 NoInvoluntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) 0 Yes 0 No

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Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) Yes 0 NoProjects in International Waterways (OP/BP/GP 7.50) Yes * NoProjects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP/GP 7.60)* C Yes * No*By supporting the proposed project, the Bank does not intend to prejudice the final determination of the parties' claimson the disputed areas

Section II - Key Safeguard Issues and Their ManagementD. Summary of Key Safeguard Issues Please fill in all relevant questions. If information is not available,describe steps to be taken to obtain necessary data.

II.D.la. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed project. Identify anddescribe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts.

The project's objectives are to achieve good conservation and management practices of M/H plants.There are no large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts. The main features of the EMP are todemonstrate best practices for in-situ conservation and ex-situ cultivation of M/H plants in pilot areas.

* Large areas of the rangelands are deteriorating because of drought conditions exacerbated, amongothers, by overgrazing and over-harvesting of M/H plants. This has contributed to reducingbiodiversity on these lands and there is an incipient loss of minerals from the soils, including carbondue to decreased vegetation cover This is compounded by an increase in wind and water erosion, asa result of non-sustainable practices, leading to a spiral of decline in the carrying capacity of the land.Some arable land is in poor condition due to repeated failure of grain crops and the invasion ofnoxious weeds. Alternative M/H crops have been tried by NCARTT on a limited experimental basisThese hold some promise as they mature earlier and require less water.

* Some flora (and fauna) is under threat as a result of these deteriorating conditions (as is thelivelihood of farming communities). If little or nothing is done to halt this decline then manyrangeland areas and marginal arable areas will slowly degrade and become non-viable even aspastoral land. This will directly affect the livelihood of rural communities, as M/H plants are a majorsource of accessible and affordable health care for human and livestock.

* Some of these lands will eventually reach desert status with adverse national, regional and evenglobal consequences for biodiversity, carbon storage and the quality and quantity of water flow. Theproposal to identify and utilize cultivation practices for threatened high-demand M/H plants does notpose an environmental risk.

OP 4.01 (Environmental Assessment) OP 4.01, the environmental assessment process, has beentriggered since the implementation of the Conservation of M1H Plants Project could have potentiallyadverse environmental impacts, e.g. overgrazing of rangelands, over-exploitation of M/H plants, potentialuse of pesticides. The EA, however, has determined that there are no potential large scale, significant orirreversible environmental impacts. Those potential impacts that were identified can be effectivelymitigated and are addressed in the EMP. The EMP identifies the major potential environmental issuesthat could arise as a result of project interventions and propose measures to be taken to prevent and/ormitigate these effects, including training and monitoring measures.

OP 4.04 (Natural Habitats): OP 4.04 is not triggered since the project will not support activities that leadto significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats. No agricultural encroachment will bepermitted, nor will the use of agro-chemicals be allowed in these areas. There might eventually be an

5ISDS

increase in grazing and collecting of M/H plants due to the project's potential success in reversingrangeland degradation. Thus, there is a slight possibility that there will be a tendency to overgraze suchareas by reducing bought-in feed and/or increasing animal numbers, and hence endanger M/H plants.Therefore, the project will demonstrate sustainable environmental friendly pastoral practices, providetraining on rangeland management and grazing management, agree with the community on a grazingstrategy. Grazing areas and grazing pattems within the Mujib Nature Reserve were agreed upon byshepherds and RSCN, and have been followed except during drought. This working relationship willserve as a basis for the identification and conservation of M/H plants and to gather information fromshepherds and their families as to the traditional uses of these plants.

OP 4 09 (Pest Management): OP 4.09 is not triggered since the project will not support the procurementof pesticides or pesticide application equipment, nor will the project affect pest management in a waythat could cause harm. As the promotion of organic farming is one of the aims of the project, integratedpest management (IPM) will be part of the demonstration, training and awareness activities as will be theappropriate use of organic fertilizers, mulch and green manure. The project will closely monitoractivities regarding the production of M/H plants.

OP 4.12 (Involuntary Resettlement) OP4.12 is not triggered since conservation will take place withoutrestriction of access to grazing land in the Mujib Nature ReserxEx situ activities will take place onfarms that are interested in this with the consent of the owners.

Il.D. l b. Describe any potential cumulative impacts due to application of more than one safeguard policy ordue to multiple project component.Not applicable

Il.D.1c Describe any potential long term impacts due to anticipated future activities in the project areaNot applicable

II.D.2. In light of 1, describe the proposed treatment of alternatives (if required)Not applicable

II.D.3. Describe arrangement for the borrower to address safeguard issues

The PMU/EEP will have the overall responsibility for implementation of the Conservation of M/H PlantsProject and will ensure that the recommendations made in the EMP are fully integrated intoimplementation of the project. It is anticipated that there will be no need for any specific EnvironmentalAssessment for sub-projects. The PMU/EPP will perform regular monitoring and evaluation of projectactivities. Monitoring and evaluation will run continuously for the life of the project. Public awarenessand training programs will take place throughout the life of the project, on the basis of identified needs.The program includes training on IPM, organic farming, sustainable harvesting methods, grazingmanagement, etc.

II.D.4. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and disclosure onsafeguard policies, with an emphasis on potentially affected people.

From the start of the project identification there has been close consultation with the local administrationand farmers in selected project areas and local population within the vicinity. Also, as part of the PDF-Bsurveys, potential beneficiaries were consulted and their opinions sought. Ministries, NGOs (e.g. RSCN,Badia Research and Development Program, Queen Noor Al Hussein Foundation), private sectormanufacturers of pharmaceutical drugs, professors of pharmacy and plant ecology, herbalists, healers

6ISDS

and farmers were consulted during project preparation to determine the geographic distributions of M/Hplants, the extent of M/H plants use, the most important problems faced concerning conservation,cultivation and marketing. A National Stakeholder Workshop was held in Amman April 24-25, 2002 todiscuss the overall outline of the project, institutional responsibilities and the involvement of thedifferent stakeholders. Consultation will be an ongoing project activity and the implementation of theEMP will be reviewed constantly

E. Safeguards Classification Category is determined by the highest impact in any policy. Or on basis ofcumulative impacts from multiple safeguards. Whenever an individual safeguard policy is triggered theprovisions of that policy apply.

[ ] S1. - Significant, cumulative and/or irreversible impacts; or significant technical and institutional risksin management of one or more safeguard areas

[X] S2. - One or more safeguard policies are triggered, but effects are limited in their impact and aretechnically and institutionally manageable

[ ] S3. -No safeguard issues[ ] SF. - Financial intermediary projects, social development funds, community driven development or

similar projects which require a safeguard framework or programmatic approach to addresssafeguard issues.

F. Disclosure Requirements

Environmental Assessment/Analysis/Management Plan. Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank 9/10/2002 9/22/2002Date of "in-country" disclosure 9/10/2002 9/22/2002Date of submission to InfoShop 5/15/2002 2/12/2003Date of distributing the Exec. Summary of the EA to the ED(For category A projects)

Resettlement Action Plan/Framework: Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank Not AvailableDate of "in-country" disclosure Not AvailableDate of submission to InfoShop Not Available

Indigenous Peoples Development Plan/Framework: Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank Not AvailableDate of "in-country" disclosure Not AvailableDate of submission to InfoShop Not Available

Pest Management Plan Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank Not AvailableDate of "in-country" disclosure Not AvailableDate of submission to InfoShop Not Available

Dam Safety Management Plan: Expected ActualDate of receipt by the Bank Not AvailableDate of "in-country" disclosure Not AvailableDate of submission to InfoShop Not Available

If in-country disclosure of any of the above documents is not expected, please explain why.

Signed and submitted by Name Date

7ISDS

Task Team Leader: Nicole Glineur 2/13/2003Project Safeguards Specialists 1: ldah Pswarayi-Riddihough 2/13/2003Project Safeguards Specialists 2: Concepcion Esperanza Del Castillo 2/13/2003Project Safeguards Specialists 3:

Approved by: Name DateRegional Safeguards Coordinator: Sherif Kamel F. Arif 2/13/2003Sector Manager/Director: M. Salah Darghouth 2/13/2003

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