Tearfund
Disaster Management Team Good Practice Guidelines
Environmental Sensitivity
Written by Brendan Bromwich, Shona Macpherson, David Bainbridge and Sarah
Andrews
“Relief workers are rarely able to step back from their immediate
and intense operational efforts to view the broader aspects of a
disaster and its impacts”. (Quote from Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre web page:
http://www.benfieldhrc.org/rea_index.htm)
The ‘DMT Good Practice Guidelines’ provide practical guidance on how to
implement, what Tearfund Disaster Management Team consider to be, good practice
on a range of cross cutting and sectoral topics. The guidelines are internally
designed for Tearfund DMT field staff but may also be a useful reference for
Tearfund UK staff. They do not give in-depth information on the issue, but are
intended to be simple and user friendly guides that provide practical information for
practitioners in the field. They are freely available for use or adaptation by Tearfund
partners and other organisations committed to good practice in disaster
management.
For Tearfund staff this document can be found in:
Briefing & Ref Docs\04 Good Practices (GP)\04.3 GP Cross Cutting Issues\04.3.2 Beneficiary Accountability
For external downloads go to:
http://tilz.tearfund.org/Topics/Disaster+Management/Cross+cutting+issues+good+practice.htm
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1
Contents
Section 1
1.1 Introduction: Setting the scene - disasters, environment and poverty
1.2 Definitions
1.3 A Biblical perspective on environment
Section 2
2.1 Sphere and environmental sensitivity
Section 3
3.1 Practical steps to becoming environmentally sensitive
Section 4 Case studies illustrating environmental sensitivity in DMT projects
4.1 Darfur Environment
4.2 Cultivation practices in Liberia
4.3 Tree Planting in DRC
Section 5 References and Appendices
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Section
1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction: Setting the scene - disasters, environment and poverty
Disasters can have a significant impact on the environment for the following reasons:
•
During a disaster the demands on the environment may be high as populations are displaced,
concentrated, and traditional environmental management is broken down - for example the
establishment of a refugee camp often
results in disforestation, pressure on
water sources and the damage to a
large area of land.
•
Environmental resources may be crucial
to traditional coping strategies and to
developing future recovery strategies.
In many cases environmental resources
are crucial to livelihoods for example
the collection of fire wood, the grazing
of life stock and the farming of land.
Allowing the environment to be
degraded during a crisis will undermine
the recovery and make the recurrence
of disaster more likely.
•
There are also important linkages between environment and health, particularly where areas
are crowded, pollution is high and resources are few. For example in a crowded IDP camp a
lack of sanitation facilities may lead to the contamination of local rivers or ground water.
The environment is therefore an important cross cutting theme in the humanitarian context. If it is
ignored until a ‘future recovery stage’ environmental degradation may undermine the humanitarian
programme and have a negative impact on recovery programming.
In many cases it will be the poor who suffer most from both disasters and from environmental
degradation because:
•
They may be dependant on subsistence livelihoods that depend on environmental resources,
•
They may live in more vulnerable locations such as steep slopes, low land liable to flooding
or polluted areas.
•
They may be less able to adapt to change due to a lack of resources and skills.
Therefore the combination of disasters and environmental degradation is a very significant hazard for
the poor, which is another reason why environmental mitigation must feature in relief programming.
Examples of the way that environmental degradation can affect the poor are:
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Section
1 Introduction
•
In Darfur massive deforestation around the towns means women have to travel further to
collect firewood putting them
at increased risk from attack.
In some cases families miss
meals due to a lack of
firewood.
•
The over-abstraction of water
at some IDP camps in Darfur
raises vulnerability to failing
water supplies in dry weather.
•
Years of conflict in Liberia
leading to loss of wild
animals.
This increased risk to vulnerable
communities can undermine the
provisions of effective assistance
programmes.
A challenge for field workers is the tension between meeting short term emergency needs and long
term environmental issues. For example the need for poles for constructing temporary shelter versus
long term deforestation.
1.2 Definitions
This list of definitions will help to explain the main concepts used to support environmental
sensitivity in disaster programming.
Environmental impact. ‘The direct and indirect effects of a project on: human beings (including
social impact), fauna and flora, soil, water, air, climate and the landscape, the interaction of these
factors, and on material assets and the cultural heritage’1.
Environmental impact assessment. ‘The identification, description and assessment
environmental impacts, assessment of project alternatives, and design of mitigation measures’.
of
Environmental mitigation. To mitigate means “to make something less harmful, unpleasant or bad”
(Cambridge dictionary). Environmental mitigation is avoiding doing certain things, changing the way
in which you do them or adding measures to a project to reduce the negative environmental impacts.
Environmental management plan and action plans. Project specific activities, built in to the
project, to ensure the implementation of environmental mitigation (and enhancement) measures. It
would contain baseline data, analysis of the impacts, residual impacts etc.
Sustainable resource management. Managing resources in a manner that ensures that the future
availability of the resources are not compromised; or ensuring that what is used is within the amount
that is being replaced over the same period. This is achieved by managing both demand and renewal.
Resources in this context could include: water, trees, soil, minerals, plants, livestock.
1
European Commission Directive 85/337/EEC
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Section
1 Introduction
1.3 A Biblical perspective on environment
Creation
Man and women were made as part of a perfect creation and were given a specific responsibility to
care for it. Many of us/many societies have lost our perspective of being part of creation as a result
of industrialisation. Communities living in subsistence economies are more aware of dependence on
and association with the natural environment. This awareness forms the basis of the call for good
stewardship of the natural environment.
The Bible also makes the point about God’s ongoing activity in creation. Psalm 104 describes his
activity in providing for all creatures on an ongoing basis. Jesus reiterates this close involvement of
God in nature by saying that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without God being aware. So
stewardship is done in partnership with God, not in place of God.
God’s covenants and relationship with Israel – an image of life in a flawed world.
The story of God’s people living in a land that He gave them is an image for how we all live in a
world that belongs to God and yet has been given to us by God. When God gave the land to Israel he
also gave them privileges and responsibilities. Environmental resources need to be used in a context
of peace: justice for all, opportunity, freedom and care for the poor and outcast. We need to put
boundaries on how resources are managed in order to sustain these resources for our own and for
future generations.
The commands to love God and our neighbour – a summary of the law
Israel’s response to God’s gift of the land was, or should have been, to love Him and to love their
neighbour. They were encouraged to put a particular emphasis on care for vulnerable groups like the
poor and foreigners. Jesus endorses this as a summary of the whole law. Loving our neighbour is a
crucial component of environmental ethics – as our neighbour depends on the environment. Our
neighbour includes people close to us and far away, people at the current time and people who will
feel the impacts of our projects in the future. Love for our neighbour is a central theme to
environment in relief because environment is crucial to livelihoods and the recovery process,
especially for vulnerable groups.
In loving these neighbours we love God. If we love God we should also care for the environment as
part of our relationship with him. This includes caring for creatures, and landscapes that may not
appear to be of any direct use to us.
The Role of the church
The New Testament explains that Christians should be a community that lives with the values of a
restored earth already. The church should outlive heaven on earth in terms of its internal
relationships and its concerns for social justice and the wider world. On this basis the church today
should be outworking responsible stewardship, as described in Genesis, a reality in anticipation of
the recreated perfect world described in Isaiah and Revelation.
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Section
2 Principles of good practice
2.1 Sphere and environmental sensitivity
The Sphere handbook has several sections which highlight the importance of minimising an adverse
impact on the environment.
Sphere Cross Cutting Themes (Page 13)
Environment: The environment is understood as the physical, chemical and biological surroundings in
which disaster-affected and local communities live and develop their livelihoods. It provides the
natural resources that sustain individuals, and determines the quality of the surroundings in which
they live. It needs protection if these essential functions are to be maintained. The Minimum
Standards address the need to prevent over-exploitation and degradation of environmental
conditions. Their proposed minimal preventative actions aim to secure the life-supporting functions
of the environment, and seek to introduce mechanisms that foster the adaptability of natural
systems for self-recovery.
Shelter and settlement Standard 6: Environmental impact (page 227)
The adverse impact on the environment is minimised by the settling of the disaster-affected households, the
material sourcing and construction techniques used.
Key indicators (to be read in conjunction with the guidance notes)
•
•
•
•
•
The temporary or permanent settling of the affected population considers the extent of the natural
resources available (see guidance notes 1-2).
Natural resources are managed to meet the ongoing needs of the displaced and host populations
(see guidance notes 1-2).
The production and supply of construction material and the building process minimises the long-term
depletion of natural resources (see guidance notes 2-3).
Trees and other vegetation are retained where possible to increase water retention, minimise soil
erosion and to provide shade (see guidance note 4).
The locations of mass shelters or temporary planned camps are returned to their original condition,
unless agreed otherwise, once they are no longer needed for emergency shelter use (see guidance
note 5).
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Section
2 Principles of good practice
Non-food items Standard 4: Stoves, fuel and lighting (page 234-235)
Key Indicator
Environmentally and economically sustainable sources of fuel are identified and prioritised over fuel
provided from external sources (see Guidance note 3)
Guidance note 3
Sustainable sources of fuel: sources of fuel should be managed, and measures taken to replenish and
regenerate resources to ensure sustainability of supply.
Food Security Standard 1 - Guidance Note 6 (page 123)
Environmental impact: as far as possible, the natural resource base for production and livelihoods of
the affected populations – should be preserved. Impact on the surrounding environment should be
considered during assessment and the planning of any response. For example, people living in camps
require cooking fuel, which may lead rapidly to local deforestation. The distribution of foodstuffs which
have long cooking times, such as certain beans, will require more fuel, thus also potentially affecting the
environment. Where possible, responses should aim to preserve the environment from further
degradation. For example, destocking programmes reduce the pressure of animal grazing on pasture
during a drought, making more feed available for surviving livestock.
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Section
3
Practical steps
3.1 Practical steps to becoming environmentally sensitive
Step 6
Contribute to long term
environmental security and
sustainable development
Step 5
Step 4
Monitor & manage
environmental impacts in
project implementation
Modify and mitigate
environmental impact in
project design
Step 3
Assess the likely impacts of your
programme on the environment
before you begin
Step 2
Step 1
Understanding the context by
talking to local experts and
secondary reading
Understand the context by talking to
the local community
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Section
3
Practical steps
Step 1
Understand
community
the
context
by
talking
to
the
•
Speak to the communities – the leaders, the women’s groups, farmers and those people with
livelihoods that depend on resources. Find out about their traditional environmental
management customs.
•
Understand the social implications of environmental degradation. Which groups in the
community will be affected? For example women collecting firewood, slum dwellers living on
the water course downstream or groups fighting over access to a new water supply.
•
Understand the underlying environmental dynamics. Is there a long term process of change
in land use, climate, deforestry, soil erosion, reduction in yields or rangeland carrying
capacity, pollution etc.?
Step 2
Understand the context by talking to local experts
and secondary reading
•
Ask the right people locally - Universities, Civil society, NGOs – local environmental groups
are best placed to advise on local environmental issues – they understand the problems, have
good ideas for appropriate mitigation and they will be around the longest to follow through
appropriate responses. By working with them it is possible to build their capacity and
increase the long term benefits of the project.
•
Get the right support – there are many people and organisations with the right skills in the
UK who would be able to provide appropriate advice – Tearfund has real potential to mobilise
these people to provide an input in relief. Hire consultants with technical expertise in order
to look beyond Tearfund’s projects.
•
Data collection. Read appropriate literature, browse the web and seek advice. Have there
been large scale development projects in the area that would have useful background data?
Are there local or national laws/regulations regarding the environment? Data collection and
literature surveys are likely to be useful to the wider relief community. Tearfund may be
well placed to undertake this work.
Step 3
Assess the likely impacts of your programme on the
environment before you begin
List the different aspects of your projects and then analyse the impacts that these will have on the
environment. A rough draft of this can be done to assess the main areas of impact and then a more
detailed list can be made.
A checklist approach can be adopted using the Environmental Analysis tool in Annex 1.
Look at how the impacts of the work affect the vulnerable groups including the disaster affected
communities, different groups in a conflict, livelihood strategies, traditional disaster coping
strategies, long term dynamics of environment, and potential recovery.
Identify how significant each risk is by identifying the likelihood of occurrence and the impact. If the
environment has particular vulnerability the impact will be greater.
Weigh up priority of meeting emergency needs with the long term impact that meeting these needs
will cause that could make the community more vulnerable over time.
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Section
3
Practical steps
Step 4
Decrease environmental damage and increase
positive environmental outcomes through modifying project
design
Are the impacts identified acceptable? Is mitigation required? Should the project even go ahead at
all?
Having identified the impacts your projects could have on the environment, you should now look at
ways in which the project can be modified in order to reduce these impacts. Alternative options
should be identified and assessed. If the impact can’t be removed by modifying the project then
mitigation measures should be designed to reduce the impacts.
•
You will need access to the right technical understanding to identify the design issues.
Don’t be daunted by this, but realise that community action needs technical input – if the
community can respond without support then the project isn’t needed.
Modifications to the projects could include:
•
Introduce new technologies e.g. alternative construction technologies such as stabilised soil
blocks.
•
Change the design – e.g. dome slabs that do not need timber supports to reduce quantities of
timber used.
•
Change the materials and energy sources used – e.g. solar power.
Mitigation measures could include:
•
In nutrition projects consider if you will issue rations in plastic bags or could you use
cardboard box or paper bag if available?
•
Consider alternative energy sources e.g. you can buy water pumps and lighting that are solar
powered.
•
Incorporate messages on construction of fuel efficient stoves, sustainable resource
management, into health promotion topics.
•
Reduce the amount of waste you have to dispose of.
•
Include resource management in the design of the project – include funds for groundwater
monitoring, and household water use surveys.
•
At programme level you could consider ways to keep an office cool during construction design
(i.e. appropriate roofing materials etc) so you use less power for ceiling fans etc.
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Section
3
Practical steps
Increase positive environmental outcomes:
This could include things such as:
•
Planting trees even if your project is not using any e.g. incentivised
•
Drainage projects to prevent pollution of inhabited areas and water
sources.
•
Solid waste management projects.
•
Health promotion club topic on “caring for your environment”
All of these activities need to be done in consultation with communities –
do they understand the value of the work? (See case study 2)
Step 5
Monitor and manage environmental impacts in
project implementation
•
•
•
•
•
•
Set up project goals and indicators which refer to the environment.
Keep and refer to a record of project environmental assessments and mitigation measures
taken during project implementation.
Set up an environment file for each project where this information is recorded.
Work should be undertaken intermittently to review the effectiveness of the environmental
mitigation measures. For example, find out if it takes longer for women to find firewood
than it did 6 months previously. Where necessary new mitigation measures may need to be
introduced. The problem of environmental degradation needs ongoing management.
Community environmental management plans would be appropriate at this stage of the work.
Consider where it is helpful to have one person on the project team who is allocated
responsibility for ensuring implementation of environmental mitigation measures as part of
the ongoing project implementation. This person should be someone with a natural interest
in the environment.
Step 6
Contribute to long term environmental security
and sustainable developmental
Whilst relief programmes focus on emergency needs they should be designed so that long term
benefits are built into the programme. Environmental benefits can be attained in the following
ways:
• Ensure the project is replicable for the long term with out negative impact e.g. latrines –
what materials are the community expected to use?
2
•
Empower national environmental groups. During assessment consult with groups who are
already promoting environmental good practice within the community. Delegate to them
during implementation. Provide training and capacity building. (See step
•
Introduce appropriate technologies such as stabilised soil block construction2, fuel efficient
stoves, rainwater harvesting, small sand dams etc. However balance the benefits of the new
technology realistically with the time it takes to fully consult the community and to
introduce the technology.
•
Build government capacity rather than undermining it. Help government organisations to
realise the importance of environmental sustainability and support them in any programmes
they may be running.
This is an alternative building material as conventional bricks consume a lot of wood for firing.
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Section
3
•
Practical steps
Programmes should have country level advocacy and awareness raising because this
complements direct implementation. Find out what policy and advocacy work is being done
(i.e. Disaster Risk Reduction, climate change) and see if different parts of Tearfund’s work
can cooperate together in your project.
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Section
4 Case studies illustrating environmentally sensitivity
in DMT projects
4.1 DMT Case study 1: Darfur Environment
Assessment of context (Step 1)
We identified the particular vulnerability of the natural environment and how this linked with the
conflict and the long term environmental degradation in Darfur. This showed us that a new approach
to the environment in relief was needed.
We discovered that the geology put constrains on the water supply and this was putting secure water
supplies in IDP camps at risk.
We contacted British and Dutch engineering consultancy companies who had worked in Darfur over
preceding decades. They gave us details of their studies and experience in Darfur’s water resource
management. We then shared this data with the relief community. It was remarkable that this had
not already been done.
We also found that deforestation was a crucial problem. Darfur is located on the edge of a desert and
has a problem with deforestification due to population growth and climate change.
Engage people with the appropriate environmental know-how (Step 2)
We hired and consulted with people with experience beyond humanitarian assistance. We consulted
with Darfurian universities and civil society and we appointed appropriate technical international
consultants and we recruited Tearfund staff with appropriate technical qualifications and
experience.
Assess the impacts of your programme on the environment (Step 3)
The issues of deforestation and groundwater depletion were identified as two key areas where the
relief effort could have an impact. The social implications of these two areas were assessed. These
included the affects that deforestation and reduction of ground water would have on conflict risks,
protection and livelihoods. We then identified appropriate mitigation measures.
Modify and mitigate environmental impact in project design (Step 4)
Introduction of alternative construction technologies
Tearfund are currently trialling Rammed Earth Technology to limit the use of bricks. The intention is
to establish some best practise and lead discussions with other NGOs. If this and similar approaches
can be taken up on a large scale they will mitigate some of the huge deforestation that will occur
when the villages are rebuilt.
Compensation forestry
In order to mitigate forestry loss, Tearfund included forestry programmes in areas where it was the
lead agency. The massive loss of forestry as a result of the crisis and the consequent undermining of
livelihoods means that this issue can’t be left to other organisations to pick up.
Monitor & manage environmental impacts in project implementation (Step 5)
Groundwater monitoring
Groundwater monitoring is undertaken as standard in conventional large scale water supply projects,
but remarkably not in relief despite the rapid changes in abstraction rates that occur. A prolonged
advocacy campaign was required to introduce appropriate practice on this issue. Following the main
environmental assessment a detailed assessment was undertaken by three hydrogeologists over a six
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Section
4 Case studies illustrating environmentally sensitivity
in DMT projects
week period to ensure that the best possible identification of groundwater risks was made at Darfur’s
major camps.
Contribute to long term environmental security and sustainable developmental
(Step 6)
A key outcome of our work was to promote the voice of Darfurian universities within the relief
community in Darfur. As other NGOs and UN agencies engaged with these organisations the whole
relief programme became better informed by Darfur’s long term environmental problems.
Similarly by ensuring that groundwater monitoring was undertaken at major camps the culture of
sustainable resource management was promoted within the relief community.
Darfurian environmental practice in the recovery and development programmes will be better
informed of these approaches if they are appropriately integrated into the relief programme by UN
and INGOs.
4.2 DMT Case study 2: Cultivation practices in Liberia
Political stability in Liberia has resulted in the return of IDPs and refugees and the reduction in food aid
provision. Tearfund DMT along with many other INGOs are supporting returnees with food security
inputs such as seeds and tools.
For centuries Liberians have farmed using the practice of shifting cultivation. This involves cutting down
an area of rainforest and cultivating the land there until the land is not longer fertile. Thereafter they
move to another area and the cycle continues.
With the doubling of the population in Liberia over the last 20 years this method of farming is not
sustainable and the depletion of the rain forests has a negative environmental impact. By giving out
seeds and tools NGOs may be contributing to the negative environmental impacts.
Recognising this Tearfund DMT started to encourage subsistence farmers to consider transitioning from
shifting cultivation to swamp rice production. Swamp rice production is a more sustainable form of
agriculture because the same land can be used with no need for shifting. Farming the same size of
land, swamp rice cultivation will produce double the yield that shifting cultivation will produce. Tearfund
have taken this approach since 2005 and over this period they have obsevered the uptake of the
practice varies a lot in different areas. For example:
•
In Nimba County the technology was new and therefore it took people a long time to grasp
the idea and to trust that it could work for them.
•
In Sino County people already had knowledge and experience of rice production so they
were quick to carry out rice cultivation.
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Section
4 Case studies illustrating environmentally sensitivity
in DMT projects
4.3 DMT Case study 3:
Tree planting in DRC
DMT were engaged in shelter projects in DRC and used a lot of timber which resulted in deforestation.
The project donor, ECHO, challenged DMT DRC management to think more about the impacts that the
project was having on the environment in this project.
The team are about to start a tree planting scheme to replace the trees that they have cut down. This is
an example of environmental mitigation (step 4).
One of the big challenges with this project is sustainability. DMT will not always be working in DRC so
the community need to own, value and care for the trees. This must be thought of at the design stage of
the project.
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Section
5
References and Appendices
5.1 Key documents on relief and the environment:
5.1.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) methodology can be found at
http://www.benfieldhrc.org/rea_index.htm both full and quick versions of the guide are available
from this site.
Principles of EIA are available at:
http://www.iaia.org/Members/Publications/Guidelines_Principles/Principles%20of%20IA.PDF
A useful guide on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) developed by IUCN for their work in on
water in Somalia is available at:
http://www.iucn.org/places/earo/pubs/drylands/somaliawater.pdf
An authoritative text on this subject is ‘Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment’ published by
IEMA
in
2004.
It
can
be
purchased
from:
(http://www.iema.net/shop/product_info.php?products_id=6962) for £45
It relates to the UK but as Europe are world leaders in environmental impact it is a useful reference.
5.1.2 Guidelines
UNHCR’s environmental guidelines are available at:
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/protect/opendoc.pdf?tbl=PROTECTION&id=3b03b2a04
(Also see Briefing and Ref Docs, Folder 4.3.8)
UNHCR: Refugee operations and environmental management: Key principles for decision making.
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/protect/opendoc.pdf?tbl=PROTECTION&id=3b03b24d4
Sphere project on environmental impact of settlements:
http://www.sphereproject.org/content/view/106/84/lang,English/
(Also see Briefing and Ref Docs, Folder 4.3.1.3)
Millennium development goals: See nr 7.
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/#
5.1.3 Tearfund Policy
•
•
•
•
•
Tearfund Environmental Policy 2007 (See Briefing and Ref Docs, Folder 4.3.8)
Taking less, having more (2002) Public Policy paper, Bryan Evans
What future for the poor and the planet: A Tearfund guide to sustainable development (2003)
Poverty and the environment (2000) Public Policy paper, Joanne Green
Tearfund framework policy on climate change (2005)
Case studies:
• Footsteps 41 Looking after our land
• Footsteps 47 Biodiversity
• Footsteps 59 Pollution
• Darfur:
relief
in
a
vulnerable
environment
Brendan
Bromwich
et
al.
http://www.tearfund.org/webdocs/website/Campaigning/Policy%20and%20research/Relief%
20in%20a%20vulnerable%20envirionment%20final.pdf
• Darfur: Water supply in a vulnerable environment Geoff Wright et al. DMT report.
• Rapid Environmental Assessment of Kalma and Otash and Bajoum camps:
• http://www.benfieldhrc.org/disaster_studies/rea/Darfur_REA_final.pdf
• Water aid’s lessons learnt document on water in the context of resource based conflict in
Tanzania:
• http://www.wateraid.org.uk/documents/plugin_documents/socconflict.pdf
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5
•
References and Appendices
This is a useful and accessible discussion of the linkages between relief environment and
resource based conflict.
5.1.4 The Bible and environment
•
•
•
The great commissions – Ranauld Macauley - Cambridge papers: http://www.jubileecentre.org/cambridge_papers/?page=3
From Sustainability to fruitfulness - Nick Spencer – Jubilee Centre http://www.jubileecentre.org/Resources/resourcecatalogue.php?cat=18
Pollution and the death of man – Francis Schaeffer
5.1.5 Resource people within Tearfund
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sarah La Trobe, Policy officer, Environment and disasters (sarah.latrobe@tearfund.org)
Frank Greaves – water resource management (frank.greaves@tearfund.org)
Matthew Fletcher – groundwater monitoring
Sarah Andrews, Wat San Engineer based in El Geneina, Darfur – environment, solid waste
management (DMT-DarfurWatsan@tearfund.org)
Rachel Blackman, Creative Sub Editor (Rachel.Blackman@tearfund.org)
Rachel Roach, Policy Officer focusing on climate change (Rachel.roach@tearfund.org)
Brendan Bromwich, formerly worked on Darfur Environmental Study with Tearfund. Currently
working with UNEP. Contact: brendanbromwich@gmail.com
A Rocha is an international conservation organisation working to care for God’s world
www.arocha.org
The John Ray Initiative works to develop and communicate a Christian understanding of the
environment. www.jri.org.uk
Christian Ecology Link is a multi-denominational UK Christian organisation for people
concerned about the environment. www.christian-ecology.org.uk/
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5
References and Appendices
Appendix 1 Environmental Analysis; Environmental Assessment and Environmental
Analysis Matrix (all tools in this section have been adapted from Canadian Food Grains Bank)
Environmental Analysis
Environmental analysis is a relatively quick and simple step to describe the expected positive and
negative environmental impacts of planned project interventions, and identify mitigation strategies
to reduce potential negative impacts.
Environmental analysis should be carried out in every project proposal. If a project involves physical
work (e.g. roads, river diversions, earth work, etc.) an environmental assessment should also be
carried out before the start of any project.
The following questions for environmental analysis come from Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB).
Use the following set of questions for the analysis:
1. How have environmental objectives been integrated with other project objectives?
2. What is the environmental setting for the project: its main features, the use of surrounding
land, and especially components of the environment that are particularly sensitive or valued
(e.g. water courses, steep slopes, forests)?
3.
a. Which elements of the project could have adverse impacts on the environment, and
what are those impacts?
b. What adverse effects could the environment have on the project?
4.
a. What strategies and specific measures will be taken to avoid or minimize possible
adverse impacts?
b. What follow-up will ensure that these measures are implemented?
5. How will this project result in environmental benefits for the local population?
6. Does the project/program involve any of the following activities:
•
•
•
•
"Physical work" relating to building of roads, latrines, sanitary system, wells, dams,
irrigation systems, fish ponds, etc.? (See definition of "physical work" below).
Constructing a building covering more than 100 m2 and or over 5 m high?
Constructing a building within 30 m of a body of water?
Constructing a building or other activities that could release polluting substances into
a body of water?
Example of worked environmental analysis from Liberia project proposal (Nimba Nov
2005)
1. How have environmental objectives been integrated with other project objectives?
Food security objectives include promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and stewardship of
the land. Food for work activities seek to improve access through simple improvements to rural dirt
roads (clearing and brushing) and low cost, low technology improvements to river crossings (culverts,
wooden or steel beams). Water activities utilise the ground water supply to provide potable water as
an alternative to reliance on contaminated surface water and sanitation activities ensure that the
ground water remains uncontaminated.
2. What is the environmental setting for the project?
A rural setting, where abandoned communities and farming land during the civil conflict has reverted
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to bush. Forested areas, with wood used for fuel and construction materials. Relatively flat land,
with surface water in plentiful supply through rivers and creeks, and a shallow water table.
3. a) Which elements of the project could have adverse impacts on the environment, and what
are those impacts?
i) The increased food security resulting from increased agricultural production could have a negative
impact on the land if farming land was over cultivated, depleting the soil of its nutrient content.
ii) The location of latrines, if not sited properly, could contaminate the water table
iii) The construction of hand dugs wells could have a negative impact on the water table, if the
quantity of ground water was limited
3. b) What adverse affects could the environment have on the project?
Drought or flooding could have an adverse effect on agricultural activities
4. a) What strategies and specific measures will be taken to avoid or minimise possible adverse
impacts?
i) The total land area under cultivation will be monitored. Part of the training on sustainable
agricultural practices will include the importance of rotation and fallow periods.
ii) Care must be taken in siting the latrines, ensuring that they are dug no deeper than two metres
above the ground water table level. Where this is not possible the latrines will be located downhill
from the water sources and latrines are lined to prevent collapse. In line with Sphere standards the
latrines are located at least 30 metres from the water sources.
iii) Ground water is plentiful and the provision of hand dug wells is not anticipated to have an impact
on the water table.
4. b) What follow up will ensure that these measures are implemented?
A full environmental assessment will be undertaken before activities commence. The project staff
will monitor to ensure compliance with any measures recommended.
5. How will this project result in environmental benefits for the local population?
The population will be able to build their level of food security whilst ensuring that agricultural
production is sustainable. The population will be able to utilise and protect their ground water
supply.
6. Does the project/program, involve any of the following activities:
Physical work relating to building of roads, latrines, sanitary systems, wells, dams, irrigation
systems, fish ponds etc?
The project includes the construction of small community grain stores and drying floors, latrines,
hand dug wells, and improvement to dirt roads and river crossings.
•
• Construction of building covering more than 100m2 and or over 5m high?
No
• Construction a building within 30 m of a body of water
No
Constructing a building or other activities that could release polluting substances into a body
of water?
Latrines as described above.
•
If the project involves any of the activities listed in Question 6, an environmental assessment
is important. (An example of a full environmental assessment carried out in Liberia can
be found in Appendix 6).
Environmental Assessment
Projects undertaking a physical work (any physical structure, such as homes, clinics, dams, irrigation
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systems, roads, wells, and latrines) must carry out an environmental assessment prior to the start of
the physical work. This environmental assessment should include the following information:
1. Project Description
• the type of project
• project activities and planned implementation time frame
• the project's size, scope, and location
• the alternatives considered and the rationale for selecting an option
2. Local Laws
• local legal requirements (including relevant national laws) with respect to the
environment which have an effect on the project (such as required permits,
applicable standards, environmental assessment requirements)
• methods planned to meet these requirements
3. Description of the Environment - This section should provide an overview of the features of
the environment, specifying the extent to which the environment has already been disturbed
or is particularly fragile. The following areas should be covered, where relevant to the
project:
• biophysical environment
• type of environment
• main features of the landscape/topography
• air quality
• natural resources
• flora and fauna
• climate
• features that are fragile, sensitive, or important from an ecological or human
point of view
• human environment
• human settlements
• agricultural, industrial, and other land use and planning
• socio-economic activities
• quality of life
• population density
• sanitary conditions
• social structure
• cultural values, customs, and ways of life
• sites of spiritual, heritage, historical, cultural, or archaeological importance
4. Methods
• sources of information (such as government agencies, universities, knowledge of the
local population)
• information gathering methods (such as field visits, surveys, review of literature,
technical analyses, local public participation, groups consulted)
• methods of assessing effects
5. Analysis of Effects
• positive and adverse effects on the biophysical and human environment
• the environment's effect on the project
• cumulative effects
• effects of potential accidents or malfunctions
6. Public Concerns
• public concerns and expectations with respect to the project
• controversial points that have been raised
• answers to concerns
7. Mitigation Measures - This section should describe the mitigation measures which will be
implemented to avoid or reduce adverse environmental effects and increase the positive
effects of the project:
• mitigation measures
• residual effects, their significance, and uncertainties
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8. Follow-up - If a follow-up program is required, this section should describe:
• items to be monitored
• follow-up methods
• responsibilities
9. Conclusion - The environmental assessment report must determine whether or not the
project will have significant adverse environmental effects, in view of the mitigation
measures that will be taken.
Environmental Analysis Matrix
Canadian Foodgrains Bank has adapted an environmental analysis matrix for use in food and
nutrition projects. Using the table below:
Use an “X” to check a box only one place in each column to identify the type and
significance of expected change in an environmental resource affected by your
project/program or how such environmental resources might affect the project/program.
• Use “N/A” box if you believe a category does not apply to your project/program.
Your best judgment may be used to complete this analysis, while referring to partner and available
sectoral best practices/checklists as needed.
•
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Appendix 2 Water resources
Water supply projects must take account of the sustainability of the resource. Water projects that rely
on ground water taking too much water out of the ground will jeopardise the ability to provide adequate
water over the coming few years. It is important to identify this risk before it happens in order to make
the appropriate mitigation.
Groundwater monitoring is crucial – monthly records of the depth of the water table at important
boreholes will show whether it is going down from one year to the next, and therefore whether it can be
relied on. Dip meters cost around $500 and can be used on numerous boreholes .
If the groundwater is becoming depleted then one of the first steps needed is to contain the rising
supply and reduce it if possible. Sphere states that the minimum total basic water need is 7 ½ litres per
person per day. The often quoted figure of 15 lpd is an average figure that may be more appropriate in
less arid areas. Supplies should be kept within the renewable resources to allow the supply to be
ongoing. The sustainable level of supply will depend on the population and on the given hydrogeological conditions for each location in a given year.
In addition to ground water monitoring and recording, water use surveys are also needed.
Monitoring of discharge (flow rate, e.g. cubic metres per second) is the usual indicator for flowing
surface water. The most straight-forward way of doing this is by inserting a weir or a flume. Simple
formulae, based on the water level upstream of the weir or flume (measured by a graduated rod or
rule), is used to obtain a discharge result. (See Appendix 9, Pp. 640-643, “Engineering in
nd
Emergencies” (2 Edition, 2002), by Jan Davis and Robert Lambert, ITDG Publications)
It is important to monitor for faecal contamination. If the water table is too high or latrines are too close
faecal contamination could be a problem. Therefore testing for faecal contamination should be standard
practice.
The DMT team in Darfur observed that brick-works were using chlorinated water throughout the dry
season. This indicated that in many camps, though pumps are running dry, something above the
minimum humanitarian demand was being supplied.
Significant funding needs to go to developing water resources, besides drilling. Rain water catchments,
dams and rainwater harvesting should also be considered.
You should understand people’s need for water – is it a livelihood rather than a survival need? If it is a
livelihood need then assist with a sustainable livelihood programme by funding an activity that builds
the resource such as building rain water catchments. Assisting alternative livelihoods is an appropriate
part of a programme to improve water resource sustainability. Contact UNICEF, or UNEP for advice on
water resource management.
A checklist for water resources
Groundwater monitoring and depletion:
• Is groundwater monitoring needed at this location? (yes if population greater than 5,000 people,
or one for every five mechanical boreholes if you have a number together).
• What budget and staffing is required for setting up appropriate monitoring of the groundwater
resources?
• Is there a history of groundwater sources showing signs of depletion?
• Is the area in basement rock (Granites and other igneous rocks that have very poor aquifers)?
If groundwater depletion is a risk:
• Is there a seasonal river that would be suitable for a subsurface dam?
• Is there sloping ground that would be suitable for a rain water catchment?
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•
•
•
•
References and Appendices
Is there a hilly area that would be good for rainwater harvesting or a dam?
Can roofs of large institutional structures (e.g. schools) be used for rainwater harvesting? Or
can new buildings be designed so rainwater harvesting is built into the design?
Are there feasibility studies already done for dams in this area, with projects designed but
awaiting implementation? (The implications for the downstream community and wider resource
development would be addressed at feasibility stage).
What will happen if the sustainability of the resources is not improved?
Social and environmental links:
• Can the livelihood needs of the beneficiaries be met through this work?
• What are the social impacts of providing water here? (Who will it be used by? Are there
nomads who need to water cattle? Will this cause stress on pasture land?)
• How will this affect real and perceived land tenure?
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Appendix 3 Wood use/forestry
Deforestation and desertification
By clearing forests, woodlands and shrub lands for timber and fuel-wood, the soil becomes exposed
and organic matter breaks down; it loses its nutrients and it can’t retain water; it may become
windblown dust. This process is common on the edges of camps and effects large areas. This reduces
the prospect of restoring agriculture and food security for decades to come.
Do no harm
=
If you cut a tree, plant a tree
= Sustainable Resource Management
In the context of wood products the forests and trees must be replaced as they are used, and funding
of the replacement should be included at project level. This will provide the incentive to use fewer
trees. Partnerships can be set up so that funds are passed to another organisation to grow the saplings.
But the fact remains that a big increase in the production of trees is needed to address the rate at which
they are currently being lost. This needs to be addressed at programme level as well as project level.
You should understand the need that people have for wood. If
people’s needs for wood are livelihood rather than a survival needs
then they will benefit from a sustainable livelihood programme.
Assisting alternative livelihoods is an appropriate part of a
programme to fight desertification. Fuel wood collection needs
particularly careful management. Contact FAO or UNEP for advice
on forestry, trees and shrubland.
Sometimes encouraging the planting of fruit trees is more popular
than regular trees because of the economic benefits that will
follow. Sometimes in drier areas, planting seedlings by the soakaway from a hand pump is a simple way to encourage tree planting
by using waste water.
A checklist for forestry
Project impact and mitigation:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Estimate how many trees will be cut for this project. (30-40 are typically needed for a new hut
and compound.)
Can this number be reduced?
How big an area will risk desertification because of this?
Where will replacement trees be funded in this project? (contact FAO for appropriate species
and costs).
Will this mitigation be extended to impacts already made in previous years of the project?
Which organisation should be funded to provide these trees? (Contact FAO for advice,
including appropriate species type)
Can the livelihood needs (for employment as well as timber, fuel wood and other forest
products) of the beneficiaries be met through this work?
What was the land use in the area before the project/camp existed?
What needs to be done to enable this land to be restored to its former state assuming the
project were to close in 1 year’s time?
What are the social implications of this deforestation?
How will this affect real and perceived land tenure?
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Appendix 4 Camp management
The information in this appendix is taken from UNHCR Environmental Guidelines and it identifies
projects and project components, specifically related to sound environmental management of
refugee assistance operations.
These environmental projects and components are grouped into two broad groups: those having
environmental objectives common to all sectors and those which can be associated with particular
sectors.
Common Environmental Activities
• Inclusion of an environmental specialist in the emergency team
• Fielding and staffing of environmental coordinators during the care-and-maintenance phase.
• Preparation of environmental master plans/action plans and implementation of other fieldoriented environmental studies and analysis
• Establishment and maintenance of an environmental data base including geographical
information systems
• Environmental monitoring, including development of appropriate indicators, gathering
relevant statistics and collection of related environmental documents
• Training in sound environmental management practices
• Research on environmental policies, programmes and technologies
• Promotion of environmentally friendly technologies including field testing and demonstration
• Meetings/symposia/workshops on environment-related subjects
• Public information activities on the environment
Sectoral Activities
A Supplies and logistics
Environmentally friendly (“Green”) procurement
B Physical planning
Promotion of shelter materials which are either environmentally benign or which have been gathered
in a sustainable manner
C Water
Protection of water supply areas
D Sanitation
Disposal of human excreta
Waste water and drainage
Proper management of garbage
Dust control
Insect and rodent control
E Food
Provision of appropriate foods which require less fuel for their preparation
Promotion of energy efficient food preparation methods
F Domestic energy
Promotion of efficient energy use
Supply of alternative fuels
Sustainable provision of fuel wood
G Forestry
Establishment of protection zones and other means of the forest access control around refugee sites
Controlled harvesting
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Natural forest management to promote regeneration
Reforestation and afforestation projects
H Agriculture
Minimisation of the use of agricultural chemicals and promotion of organic production methods
I Livestock
Provision of food and income support
J Community services/Education
Promotion of environmental education, awareness and participation
K Income generation
Promotion of environment-related income generation activities
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Appendix 5 Pollution (including disposal of solid waste, oil from car changes, batteries etc.)
Waste disposal
Proper disposal of waste is important in controlling vectors that transmit disease, particularly rats
and flies. It may not be possible to tackle all the sources of refuse initially so it would be important
to concentrate on waste produced by Tearfund’s activities (the Do No Harm policy) and other wastes
that are in themselves harmful to humans, animals or the environment e.g. medical waste, animal
by-products etc. Packaging from relief items are sometimes a particular problem as the local
infrastructure is not designed to cope with such large quantities of waste.
For activities you have influence over, the hierarchy rule is: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle
Firstly reduce the amount of waste that is being produced. Procure things well so that there is no
wastage. When packaging things for transport use the minimum required to get the goods to their
destination safely.
After reducing, if you still have waste, reuse waste products where possible. So consider materials
that are durable and can be reused. Good quality plastic bags are a typical example. Think
creatively, sometimes a waste product from one sector can usefully be used by other sectors, for
example fuel barrels.
The last stage would be to recycle. An easy example of this is to set up a composting scheme.
Animal faeces (vegetarians), food waste (non-meat and not cooked) and by-products of farming etc.
make a great soil conditioner if left to decompose with regular turning for aeration.
Uncontrolled Dumping
Uncontrolled dumping has potential to cause diseases directly to children who may play near it,
through rats and flies spreading disease and entering drinking water systems though pollution of
surface and ground waters. Many wastes can also have a direct impact on flora and fauna and the
atmosphere.
Sphere standards require that “People have the means to dispose of their domestic waste
conveniently and effectively”. Uncontrolled dumping, whilst being convenient is not considered
effective.
Managed Waste Disposal
For more information about implementing waste disposal systems and landfills see: Solid Waste
Landfills in Middle- and Lower-Income Countries - A Technical Guide to Planning, Design and
Operation, Author Rushbrook, Philip and Michael Pugh, Date 2001, Publisher The World Bank,
Washington DC, Series World Bank Technical Paper No. 426, Pages 248, ISBN 0-8213-4457-9.
The World Bank Paper (referenced above) will go into much more detail but when selecting the site
for waste disposal consider the following:
• You need an adequate hole or valley to fill. Estimate quantities to ensure a life span of at
least 2 years.
• It must be above the groundwater table to prevent groundwater pollution.
• The ground should be impermeable or consider lining it with impermeable materials such as
clay or other cohesive soils (anything suitable for making bricks should work).
• It should be far enough away from population areas where children play but close enough to
still be useful.
• Daily cover of soil or sand (at least 100mm) should be deployed to limit rat, flies and
scavenging animals.
• It will require fencing and full-time staff to manage and protect the site.
Medical Waste
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Dealing with medical waste should be considered a priority in terms of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS
prevention. Ideally waste should be incinerated before being disposed of in a managed way.
Disposing of ‘sharps’ in latrines is not acceptable. The incinerator should be properly designed (see
Engineering in Emergencies by Jan Davis and Robert Lambert for an example) to achieve the high
temperatures required to kill pathogens.
The general practise of burning waste at low temperatures can do more harm than good. Incomplete
combustion of certain wastes can release cancer causing dioxins.
An alternative to incineration is disposal in a dedicated area. Either deep within a landfill or within a
buried oil drum for example. It is important that scavenging people or animals cannot access
medical waste.
Pollution of Surface Water
Areas liable to flooding are particularly susceptible to surface water pollution, which can affect
aquatic life (plants and fish) as well as people who use streams and rivers for drinking, washing,
swimming etc.
•
•
•
•
Ensure waste is disposed of properly and not left in an area that will pollute a watercourse
when it rains.
Drainage trenches and sand bags can be used to control flood waters and so limit the
potential for pollution.
Consider constructing soak ways (with grease traps if appropriate) to limit dirty water
entering streams.
Construct laundry facilities so people do not wash their clothes in streams.
Pollution of Groundwater
A great number of activities can pollute groundwater, which particularly in arid climates may be our
only source of drinking water.
Latrines must be constructed to a depth higher than the water table. The same is true for waste
disposal pits, whether they are lined or not.
Fuel should be stored in a bonded tank (this can be simply constructed from concrete) to protect the
ground from spillages and leaks. Also generators and pumps that are liable to leaking should be
similarly protected from the ground.
Air Pollution
Our largest air polluting activity will be travel, by air or by road. Tearfund is introducing a policy to
offset carbon emissions from air travel but it is better to keep this to the minimum necessary to
operate your programme.
We can do much more to reduce our car exhaust pollution (particularly heavy fuel consuming Land
Cruisers). Consider your source of fuel to find one with lower sulphur content (preferable 5ppm) and
unleaded if possible. Use vehicles sparingly and considerately. Good driving improves fuel
efficiency, brings acceptance with the local community and reduces air pollution. If you only need to
travel for a short distance consider walking rather than driving - if security allows.
Reduce your electricity consumption. Think about trialling wind or solar electricity sources. Small
pumps and sun light are particularly suitable for alternative energy sources.
Disposal of Batteries, Oil Changes etc.
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A policy for the disposal of lithium batteries is still under consideration. Batteries from VHFs and
computers should be returned to Teddington to be dealt with.
Other dangerous and polluting items should be sealed in a container and disposed of responsibly.
This can be in your landfill but bear in mind that you are merely passing responsibility for dealing
with these things to future generations. Better to not have produced the waste in the first place.
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Appendix 6 Example Environmental Assessment Report from Liberia
Environmental Report
Country:
Project Title:
Project Date:
Implementing
organisation:
Liberia
Liberia Food Security Proposal
1st December 2005 – 31st November 2006
Tearfund, Disaster Management Team
1. Project Description
The overall purpose of this project is to ensure the food security of resettling communities in Nimba
which have been devastated following fourteen years of civil conflict, through increased agricultural
production, improved nutritional status and decreased incidence of diseases which contribute to
malnutrition.
Tearfund is assisting communities in the areas of food security, food aid and nutrition (health
education, water and sanitation and community development).
Project Location
Nimba County is located in the Northeast of Liberia and shares a border with the Republic of Côte
d’Ivoire to the east and the Republic of Guinea to the northwest. Nimba was one of the counties
worst affected by the war, its population was severely decimated and its infrastructure devastated.
The process of return has begun and people are beginning to inhabit towns and villages and rebuild
their communities.
The district capital is Tappitta town where Tearfund is based. Tearfund is operating in 3 areas
outside of the town; south, south west and east.
South Tappita
Gbee/ Doru is an isolated area south of Tappita city. It is located in the forest between River Cess,
River Gee and Tappita city. Gbee/ Doru has elevation of 200 m – 300 m. The annual rainfall is 2500
to 3000 mm or 100 to 120 inches which falls between may 15 to October 15 with its peak between
August and September. Gbee/Doru has 25 towns and villages with minimal distance of 3 kilometres
between town and an average distance between towns of 10 kilometres. Of the 25 towns and
villages, Tearfund is intervening in 17 towns/villages. The district seat is Glahn which is 47
kilometres from Tappita city.
South West Tappita
South west Tappita lies in the forest region which has been more exploited by loggers and peasant
farmers than that of Gbee/Doru. Tearfund will work in 5 towns/villages in this area. It is of a lower
elevation about 100 to 200 meters. The rainfall is the same as Gbee/Doru.
Tappita East
This area is few kilometres from Tappita city and one of the more densely populated areas in Tappita
District. The elevation is about 200 to 300 meter. Though the area falls within a forest region but it
had been more exploited by peasant farmers and loggers. The rainfall is 2500 to 3000 mm per annum
starting April to October with it peak in August and September.
Objectives
1. The project will provide increased access to food for 2,700 households in 2006. The project
will provide a 1 month seed protection ration of food rice during the time of planting In
addition, FFW food rations will be available to households over the course of the project.
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2. The project will support the re-establishment of sustainable local food production among
1,800 farming families by December 2006 leading to better access to food in the longer term.
3. The project will improve the nutritional status of children under 5 and pregnant/lactating
women within 3,000 households by December 2006.
The project time frame is from 1st of December 2005 to 30th of November 2006.
Activities in 2006
• Cultivate 1,800 hectares of permanent upland production facilities,
• Assist 600 women to establish vegetable production programmes and plant 12 hectares for
vegetable production
• Provide technical training for at least 90 farmers and 60 community development committee
members
• Encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable rice production through lowland swamp
development
• Rehabilitate 30 log bridges and side brush and resurface more than 90km of roadside
• Install 20 wells with hand pumps and construct 375 latrines
All intervention programs will include technical assistance and training to be delivered by Tearfund
to participating communities. Before all these processes, Tearfund will develop a monitoring system
to assess environmental impact in the project areas and correct any negative impact and as well
encourage positive impact. This system will operate for the life of the project and beyond.
2. Local Laws
Because of prolong civil strife, the Government of Liberia was not able to participate in 1992 UN
conference on environment and development and could not be part of AGENDA 21. Today, unlike
most other Africa Countries, which have operational National Environmental Action Plans (NEAP),
Liberia has only established guidelines
Of primary environmental concern in Liberia is the management of its forests. The Liberian Forestry
Development Authority (FDA) has developed a ten year plan for environmental management. There
are 3 major strategies covered in the FDA plan which are as follows;
1. Forestry and Land use: This section includes; reviews of the draft wildlife and national parks
regulations, study for the protection of Liberia’s watersheds; conservation and management
of Liberia’s mangroves; rehabilitation of degraded lands around urban settlements; expansion
of national forestation project and sustainable management of existing plantation; redemarcation and re-opening boundary lines of national forests and development of
environmental impact assessment capacity.
2. Forest Product Utilization: This outlines plans to establish a community forest management
scheme through communities living by the forest who will be given management rights for a
certain time to sustainably harvest both timber and non timber products for the development
of their community.
3. Strengthening of Forest Administration and Related Institutions
The Government of Liberia, with the help of UNMIL and USAID, has put in place an Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that Liberia’s environment is not endangered. Already a bill has
been put forward for an enactment by the legislation to empower the organization as a constitutional
agency.
Local government offices have not been established in all counties and thus it was not possible to
meet with the local forestry authorities or sanitation departments to interview them with regard to
local environmental laws or concerns.
3. Description of the Environment
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Biophysical environment
Liberia lies within the equatorial tropical rainforest belt of Africa and experiences 6 – 7 months of
rainfall from April to October. The rural areas are covered with dense forest on moderate to very
steep slopes. Most of the primary rainforest has been destroyed and there are few remaining areas of
virgin forest. Most of the wetland/ swamps in Liberia are inland valley swamps or hydromorphic
ecologies that naturally get flooded only for part of the rainy season. These swamps are also natural
breeding habitats for mosquitoes and other water borne diseases.
Shifting cultivation ranks as the most important environmental component to land degradation, with
logging and road construction also degrading the forest significantly. It is estimated that 1.2 million
hectares of forest is destroyed through ‘slash and burn’ farming each year for the production of food
and cash crops. This highlights the FDA environmental thrust to prevent forest degradation by
encouraging the use of lowland for farming.
There is a diversity of wild animals living in the forest habitat such as monkeys, chimpanzees, bush
hogs, bush cows, duiker, elephant, hippos and wild cats. However due to the high cost of meat from
domestic animals, these wild animals are hunted extensively to be sold as ‘bush’ meat. The scale of
the problem has not been quantified but the practice is widespread and all communities reported a
rapid decrease in wild animals. Some of these animals may not be present in the forests of Liberia
any more.
Northwest Tappita - Granpea
Communities in Granpea partake in the following farming methods; upland rice farming, slash and
burn farming, lowland paddies where they do both paddy farming and the traditional farming
methods of slash and burn and broadcasting. Other crops that they farm are cassava, potatoes,
eddoes (coco yams) and vegetables such as pepper and bitter balls. In addition they have cash crops
of coffee, coco, rubber and plantain.
Granpea community had many trees of economic value in the forest; Iroko, Dahoma, Abora, Seepo,
Flakee, Yankon, Lovah, Tiamah and Airkee. Most of these trees are now extinct due to massive
logging by timber companies. The main logging companies that used to operate in the area were MIM
Timber, MIM FAT and Timber Management corporation (TMC). Traditional upland farming has also
facilitated the eradication of these trees.
In the past in the forest a vast number of animals could be found in abundance in the forest and
included species such as monkeys, chimpanzees, bush hogs, bush cows, duiker, elephant, hippos,
lions and leopards. There is secondary bush that occurred as regrowth after logging ceased and in
these areas ground hogs, deer, monkeys, possums, snakes and rats can be found.
Granpea has a hydromorphic ecology consisting of marshy land and swamps as well as highlands. The
forest is used for living by cultivating the land for farming, collection of non timber forest produce
for food, medicine and construction materials. Permanent cultivation of tree crops is ongoing and
includes coffee, cocao and rubber planting. Furthermore the forest is used for cultural practices
such as secret society meetings and ritualistic activity.
South Tappita - Torbeor
The communities in Torbeor farm upland rice, practice slash and burning and occasionally farm in
lowland paddies, and other crops are farmed on a smaller scale. Farmers take advantage of available
forest land to grow coffee, peanuts, eddoes, bitter balls, pepper, oil palms and oranges.
Huge vegetation of tropical forest as well as virgin forest exists in these areas as OTC, a logging
company, did not carry out extensive log felling in the area. Plenty of trees of economic value can
be found and include: - Framira & Niangnon in abundance, Burnbax, Airkey, Ceepoe and Frankee in
reasonable quantities, also Sipo, Kosipo, Abura, Iroko and Sapelli although these varieties are scarce.
The original ecosystem has experienced some destruction due to increased human activity, (OTC &
Towns/Villages). Sapelli trees are scarce but not depleted.
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Monkeys, black deer, red deer and ground hogs are animals that are found in abundance in the forest
while bush cow, bush hog, porcupine and ground squirrel are also in the vicinity however not
abundant. Hunting is a traditional form of survival in the entire forest area, and in addition to
hunting some people engage in trapping animals for a living.
Torbeor has both upland and lowland ecologies and the farmers practice shifting cultivation, the
primary human activity in the forest is rice farming. Towns and village dwellers utilise the forest by
engaging in mixed cropping of rice with bitter balls, pepper, beans and other edible crops. They
engage in cultivating home and forest gardens.
Southwest Tappita - Douyelay
Farmers in Douyelay town grow plantain in abundance. Rubber trees line the main route leading
from Tappita through Douyelay heartland. Eddoes, bitterballs and oil palm are plentiful but not
abundant. All these are in addition to upland rice farming, slash and burn land preparation, lowland
paddies and some other crops.
Tropical forests occupy a large portion of the Douyelay tribal homeland. Trees of economic value
still available include Framira, Wawa and Flarkee in abundance, Iroko, Ceepoe and Tiama in
reasonable quantities, also Lartee and Nlangonon although they are scarce. Increased human activity
has not affected the tropical and virgin forests. The only company operating in the area before the
timber sanctions was Simpoe Logging Co. who felled logs but never collected them.
Monkeys, hedgehogs, ground hogs, gazelles, possums and bush cows are found in the forest in
abundance. The primary human activity in Douyelay forest is rice farming. The most prevalent
farming system is upland and lowland farming shifting cultivation between both lowland and upland
ecologies.
Towns and villages utilise the forest by engaging in mixed farming. They depend on furniture
obtained from forest products. Raffia is used in tying buildings. Hunting remains a traditional form
of survival in the entire forest region.
Human environment
The major tribes in the Tappita region are Gio, Gbee and Bassa. The people of Tappita district are
primarily subsistence farmers who rely on shifting cultivation. Hunting is also an important activity
and ‘bush’ meat provides an essential part of the diet of the local people. Meat provides income as it
is sold in the larger towns and cities.
Northwest Tappita - Granpea
Granpea is bounded on the north by Guah town, south by Glougea, west by Zlah and in the east by
Sahnpa, and has different crop farms scattered all over the land. Over and above farming the
community hunts and sets traps. The women fish in the creeks and everyone can participate in the
collection of non timber forest products such as snails, herbs, raffia palm fronds, rattan rope and
rafters for construction. Wild palm is harvested for red palm oil.
Land in Grempea was inherited from forefathers. The land is owned by all members of the families
that live in this town. The town is divided into three quarters; these quarters are owned by groups
of family associates. All members of the quarter farm and construct on that land allotted for those
needs in their quarter with the consent of family heads, quarter chiefs and with the approval of the
town chief.
There have been no problems with people following the proper procedure in the acquisition of land
as everybody knows the procedure to follow. If one farms constructs on another families land
without consent then they will be stopped. If a person request for farm land you will be required to
pay rent on the use of land for one year, the rent is usually one 100 lbs weight bag of husk rice. Land
crises are not experienced in the town although occasionally there are problems with the
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neighbouring town if they encroach on land. This problem is always harmonised by the elders of the
two towns or the land commissioner of the district through consultation, arbitration or court action.
Wells are located in the lower elevation of the town. Latrines are constructed on the outskirts of the
town. Houses near the bush often construct latrines behind their homes. The two wells in the town
are more than 25 to 30 yards (30 meters) away from one another and they are over 200-500 meters
away from the graves and latrines. There is pollution in the streams because streams are used for
bathing, washing and toileting. Fishing takes place and rope stick is soaked in the stream to extract
fibre to make twine for making fishing nets or string for other purposes.
To acquire crushed rock for construction of wells gravel is gathered from in the towns or on the roads
near our towns. Sand is collected from the streams near the town. The effect that sand mining has
on the community is that it increases erosion in the stream and if it is dug near a bridge it will make
the bridge collapse within a short time.
South Tappita - Torbeor
Land boundaries exist throughout the towns and villages in the entire Tappita forest areas. Charles
Gbarm village occupies an ancestral land area of about 12 acres. Torbeor/Gbar and the cluster
villages occupy a vast forest land area about 32 acres.
The different types of crop farms are not concentrated, they are scattered in different locations
throughout both tropical and virgin forest. Cocoa and rubber farms are nearby towns and villages
and oil palm farms are a 15 to 30 minute walk away.
In addition to the different crop farms cultivated, towns and village dwellers engage in cattle
rearing. Others practice poultry farming on a small scale. Cash crops such as pepper receive priority
attention from towns and villages. Pepper is easily preserved and can be transported with ease to
the market because it is not heavy.
The traditional system of land ownership throughout the forest area is one of collective ownership
including forest extensions. Towns and village people own land by virtue of their settlement in a
locality. Land is distributed by elders to individual families. For farming on another’s farming land,
payment of nominal fees is in kind e.g. sharing of crops. For construction purposes it is slightly
different, the elders select areas for projects for the entire town.
In an event where the correct procedures in land acquisition are not followed such activity is ceased
until consultation with the elders and town chief occurs. Compensation is occasionally paid to
rightful owners. Sometimes when towns and villages experience land crises it involves families as
well as individuals. Boundary encroachments are on occasion responsible for such land crises. When
nearby villages and towns attempt to depopulate others land, crises occur and this is dealt with by
the leadership structure in the towns and villages meeting for the peaceful resolution of land crises.
They employ closed door methods, negotiations and arbitration is quietly done ensuring exposure and
scandal is minimised. Household heads, family elders and Zoe (herbalists/midwife) play a major role
in such land crises.
There are no modern wells in the area, streams and rivers are used for water. Latrines generally are
not available although sometimes individual pit latrines are built. Open latrines are scattered
throughout forested areas. Creeks and streams are not too far from scattered open forest latrines
which are sometimes very close to the town and as close as 2 or 4 minutes walk apart, in many
instances they are in hearing distance. Persons using an open forest latrine can be seen from the
nearby creek or streams where drinking and cooking water is obtained. As a result of the preceding
toilet practices the streams, rivers and creeks are polluted by human faeces and urine that is
disposed of in such sources of water.
Crushed rock for the construction of wells is acquired from rock quarries that are scattered
throughout the forest areas and occasionally in concentrated areas. The entire Gbi-Doru area has
scattered rock quarries, some far and some near to the villages. In some areas the rock quarries are
about half an hour drive from towns and villages. Towns and village dwellers do manual crushing of
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rocks. There are no quarrying companies operating in the entire area. Towns and village dwellers
engage in sand mining, they obtain sand from nearby creeks, rivers and streams. It was observed
that sand mining has little effect or no harm to towns and villages as the sand is naturally replaced in
river beds. The other advantage is that the areas are largely mountainous and there are extensive
upland forest areas.
Southwest Tappita - Douyelay
Douyelay town has a land boundary with Tappita as well as Gblordialah Town; the last town in Nimba
on the boundary with Grand Gedeh county. Douyelay begins at Bitterballs camp not too far from
Tappita and ends at Plantain village. It has a vast tribal land space. On entering Douyelay from
Tappita a long stretch of Rubber farms lie on both sides of the main road. Gowontortuo, a village
under Douyelay Town has plenty of cocoa and coffee. Oil palm farms grow alongside upland farms
throughout Douyelay Town. Separate pepper farms are grown in Gowontortuo.
Cattle rearing has recently begun in Douyelay Town, although the cows are few in number. In the
pre-war period people reared goats and sheep but this has not re-started. Ducks are reared for
commercial and survival purposes on a small scale.
The natural reserve (land) of the entire forest area is owned collectively by the community. The
community/townspeople still consider ancestral land as a gift from God that cannot be sold. It is
handed down from generation to generation through town chiefs and elders.
Land is distributed to families by the elders, town chiefs, quarter chiefs and clan chiefs. For projects
beneficial to the entire community a portion of land is selected for such purposes. In a situation
where the right procedures are not adhered to those doing projects or farming are ordered to stop
until the matter is properly looked into. Concessions are sometimes made.
On one occasion a land crisis was experienced with neighbouring Wrohlay town although it has not reoccurred since. Wrohlay town’s men crossed over to Douyelay farmland which was more fertile to
engage in farming activities. A traditional Wrohlay flag was hoisted to show ownership of said farm
land. The traditional leadership structure in place throughout the forest area intervened to resolve
the crisis. A natural boundary, a creek, was then selected as the new boundary which still exists
today.
There are no modern wells in the towns and villages. One hand dug well serves the entire
community, although many people still use the nearby stream. Two pit latrines are believed to still
be in use. The old well is just 10 minutes walk from the latrine.
Four people (adults and children) were reported to have died as a result of diarrhoea. The villagers
believed this was from contaminated stream water.
There is a rock quarry before Plantain village on the boundary side. Rock quarries are in abundance
in Gharwantuo village. Towns and village dwellers do manual crushing of rocks. There are no
quarrying companies operating in the entire area. They get sand beyond Dennis Zuo village a part of
Douyelay Town. The river that supplies the sand is Nehn River. Sand mining has no effect on the
community as the town’s people get their sand from Dennis Zuo Village which is about thirty minutes
from Douyelay town.
4. Methods
Study Area
Three study areas were chosen for the environment assessment as these areas are representative of
the wider biophysical and socio-economic environment.
Methodologies
The assessment team was composed of members of the Community Development team and the Food
Security team with input being provided from the Water and Sanitation team. After the data was
collected by the teams it was reviewed and analysed and recommendations were drawn from it.
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Field visits were made to each of the selected study areas and focus groups discussions were held
with a cross-section of the community to discuss environmental issues. Participatory Rural Appraisal
techniques, such as resource mapping and seasonal calendars, were used to illicit much of the
information. The focus groups comprised of Community Development Committee members and of
elders people, men, women and youths. The participants were all community residents that have
lived in the area for more than three years and were extremely knowledgeable on the local flora and
fauna. The sessions in total lasted about three hours.
A brief literature review of environmental reports in Liberia was conducted to provide a background
understanding, to identify key issues of concern and to familiarise the team with Liberian
environmental laws. Recent government legislation pertinent to the environment was also examined.
This was conducted by the Food Security manager.
Key informant interviews were to be scheduled with local representatives of the Ministry of Forestry
and Agriculture and the Ministry of Water and Environmental Sanitation but unfortunately these
ministries have not yet established local offices.
5. Analysis of Effects
After nearly 14 years of war and instability, most agriculture production facilities and basic
infrastructure have been destroyed. The traditional farming system of shifting cultivation (slash and
burn) has a poor chance of helping the people to recover and attain food security without drastic
modification. The traditional shifting cultivation system leads to continuous loss of forest to farming.
Deforestation exposes the fragile soil to erosion and fertility lost and in general devastates the
environment. The tropical upland soils of Liberia are noted for inherent low fertility, high leaching
rate and high weed infestation of crop. Crop yields decline considerably after the first year of
harvesting.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
Land cultivation
In the first year, Tearfund will assist 1,800 farmers to cultivate and plant 1,800 hectares (average
area of cultivation is 1 hectare) of both lowland and upland and more than 12 hectares of permanent
vegetable production sites for women and youths. Last year, 74% of farmers planted mixed rice on
upland farms, 5% planted pure rice on upland farms, 18% planted traditional swamp rice farms and
only 3% developed paddy farms. This clearing of forest will have a detrimental effect on the
environment but this must be weighed against the immediate need for food security. It must also be
noted that most farmers would have cleared 0.5 hectares even without the input of Tearfund. Over
the life span the project, Tearfund will provide technical assistance and training to communities to
enable them to develop more sustainable lowland and upland production facilities. This will minimize
forest degradation and promote improved sustainable production practices.
The development of lowland for cultivation will be minimal. Currently only 21% of farmers cultivate
lowland swamps. Most of the wetland/swamps in Liberia are inland valley swamps or hydromorphic
ecologies that are naturally flooded for only for part of the rainy season. These swamps are also
natural breeding habitats for mosquitoes and other water-borne diseases. Development of these
inland valley swamps or hydromorphic areas will remove stagnant ponds (health hazards), improve
the water movement in developed areas and prevent flooding. The establishment of main/central
drainages and peripheral irrigation canals will increase utilization of land that would not have been
used previously due to it being water-logged. By cultivating more swamp land this will alleviate the
need to destroy up to three times the area of upland forest to produce the same quantity of crop.
The possibility of producing two crops of rice per year on swamp land clearly outweighs that of
upland. With availability and good management of water, developed lowland sites can be intensively
farmed for several years; with improvement in the soil texture and nutrient status and consequently
higher productivity.
Cropping system with new crops introduction and crop diversity which utilize swamp fringes will
introduce permanency to production facilities and encourage the development of cultural and
production practices that promote soil and water management more efficiently. Proper crop
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sequence, crop rotation cycles and soil fertility maintenance and improved practices to be
introduced under cropping system are activities that will improve the environment. Comparatively,
the cropping system approach is more environmentally friendly, replacing the traditional ‘slash and
burn’ techniques.
Potential environmental impact will include;
• Disruption of existing land conditions and removal of forest cover
• Increased land availability for production
• Reduced strain on upland farming through promotion of lowland cultivation
• Improved drainage system and eliminate stagnant ponds and breeding places of
mosquitoes
Diverse planting materials multiplication
This activity will ensure the availability of planting material that are high yielding, well researched
and are acceptable by the Liberian farmers. This activity will introduce new crops into the ecosystem
as well as modify farming practices to ensure maximum productivity. Potential environmental
impacts will include introduction of new crop space and possible imbalance in ecological diversity.
Vegetable production
Tearfund will assist women’s groups within the communities with tools and vegetable seeds and
technical assistance to carry out accelerated vegetable production programmes. This activity will
enable these groups to contribute to the improvement of the community nutritional status as well as
generating income through the sale of surplus produce. Due to the limited scale of this activity there
will be minimal environmental impact. Inorganic herbicides and pesticides will not be used.
Extension services and training
Technical training in extension and production will be provided by Tearfund’s Food Security staff for
30 Community Development Committees and 90 lead farmers in Tappita District. Farmers will receive
technical training through workshops, farmers participatory sessions and farm visits to enable them
adopt and modify their production practice. This will have a positive environmental impact and lead
to technology adoption at the rural community level. Basic training for farmers will also include an
environmental awareness session.
Installation of new water points
Tearfund will provide 50 new water points in target communities. These water points will provide
water of improved quantity and quality to all the community and thus reduce water-borne and
water-washed diseases. The water points are designed in accordance with SPHERE standards and
regular monitoring of water points is conducted to ensure the water table is not over-extracted and
that pure water is provided. The materials (sand and gravel) used are locally available and should
not have a significant environmental impact. The location of the water points is discussed with
communities to ensure they are not located in an area prone to contamination (near a latrine or
cemetery).
Latrines
Household latrines are being provided to all communities. A total of 875 latrines are planned over the
two year period. The use of latrines will improve the environmental sanitation of communities,
reduce the presence of faeces and as a result reduce diarrhoeal diseases. The location where latrines
are sited is carefully discussed with the communities to ensure that they do not contaminate any
water sources.
6. Public Concerns
It has not been possible to meet with the local forestry authorities or sanitation departments to
interview them with regard to government concerns.
The communities in which focus group discussions were held did not express any concerns regarding
the project. This is probably due more to the fact that they have a limited understanding with
regards environmental impact. Whilst they acknowledge that the environment has changed and that
there are fewer and different varieties of animals about there does not seem to be any effort being
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applied to mitigate against this. Again, Tearfund will conduct environmental awareness raising and
help communities develop a sustainable environmental strategy.
For a long time now the region have been neglected in terms of projects by NGOs. Subsequently, if
any concerns exist they may be reluctant to voice them out of fear that organisations would not
provide the much needed social and humanitarian services. In the near future, when a mutual
relationship of trust is built, it is anticipated that the communities will be more open to voicing
legitimate concerns about Tearfund projects as well as environmental concerns.
7. Mitigation Measures
Tearfund will mainstream environmental issues throughout the implementation of this project and
raise awareness among other NGOs, government and beneficiaries of these issues. Key indicators of
environmental impact of project activities have been developed and will be monitored throughout
the course of the project. See indicators in Section 8.
Tearfund does not intend to use inorganic fertiliser or pesticide in this project. In Liberia,
agricultural pesticides are expensive, not readily available in large quantities and weakly regulated
and therefore not sustainable. Ecological agriculture and the use of organic fertilizer (compost) will
be encouraged at the community level at all time. .
Table 1
Mitigation strategies for potential environmental impacts.
Project Activity
Potential negative impact
1. Upland permanent development
Land clearing
Destroy forest
Mitigation
•
•
2. Land development
Land distribution and
other social issues
Weed control
Increase erosion
•
Inequitable allocation of plots
•
Land tenure disputes
Reduction in rice yield and
quality, intensification of pest
and disease problem, reduction
in efficiency of certain cultural
practice and irrigation
•
•
3. Environmental health
Encourage work in Increase general health risks
lowland
Increase exposure to hazardous
materials
•
•
Increase exposure to remaining
mosquitoes
•
Increase
exposure
schistosomiasis
•
to
Encourage planting of permanent cash
crops
including
plantains
for
protection
of
soil
after
rice
cultivation.
Enable farmers to shift from upland
crop production to more sustainable
lowland production
Plant annual crops to cover the land.
This will reduce erosion by about 80
to 90% at the height of the rain.
Give community responsibilities for
allocation of plots, require signing of
MOU
Require signing of MOU
Ensure proper and thorough land
preparation, plant weed free seeds,
use early and high tillage varieties
,maintain plots water level
Program
health
training
and
sensitization; conduct health survey
Avoid developing in waste dumps,
identify and manage the dumps
properly
Stock fish in paddies, promote deweeding and brushing of perimeter
vegetations
Encourage latrine construction and
encourage use according to accepted
norms,
discourage
defecation/
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Increase exposure to nuisances
(leaches, ants etc.)
•
urination in crop areas
Encourage use of protective clothing
(jeans,
boots,
plastic
sheets),
remove, submerged debris and dirt
dykes from paddy areas
4. Water and Sanitation
Abstraction of water might
decrease the static water level.
Construction of wells
•
•
Well could be contaminated from
activities above the ground and
will affect the quality of ground
water.
•
•
•
Collection of local materials
(sand, gravel, crushed rock) might
affect the stability of ground
surrounding.
•
•
Digging latrines
Poor quality of water from the
water sources
•
•
•
Open or repair access to
the villages (FFW)
Deforestation
•
Local materials (gravel, stones)
collection
•
Abstraction rate should not be
higher than the recharge rate
by managing the time of
pumping in a day
Distance between wells should
be >30 m
Well should be lined and the
platform should be sealed at
least 1.5 m from the outer
ring
Manhole should be completely
sealed with cement
Well should be fenced to
protect animal contamination
The location of local materials
collection should be identified
from the settlement and other
land use
Identify more than
one
location of local materials
collection
Depth of latrine at least 1.5
meters higher from the static
water level
Latrine located at least 50m
from the clean water sources
Latrines located downhill from
the clean water source
Identify the location of
obtaining big logs for bridges
on
the
official
places
identified by the authority
Identify the location of
obtaining local materials by
the authority
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
INDICATOR
General
Number and type of grievances
• Land tenure disputes
• Poor water management
THRESHOLD LEVEL
THRESHOLD ACTION
Community members regret
involvement
significant
Improved
sensitization plans
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References and Appendices
Community participation
decrease
in
participants
Canal dries
number
Land Development: new or rehabilitated sites
Seed varieties being used
No uptake of improved
varieties
of
Convert to vegetable crops
during
dry
season,
with
irrigation water from hand dug
wells
seed
Improve
promotion
and
dissemination of improved seed
varieties where useful
Improve farmers understanding
on advantages of lowland
farming
Improve
understanding
on
environmental degradation from
slash and burn.
% of farmers cultivating lowland
and upland farms
Increase in upland cultivation
rather than reduction
Crop yield
Yield less than ton per hectare
Change variety selection.
Improve cultural practices
Environmental Health
Site proximity to any pollution
source
Sewage/debris found on the site
Relocate and manage site and
or dump.
Encourage use of protective
clothing
Encourage use of protective
clothing
where
contact
transmitted diseases/nuisances
are prevalent
Increased health training if
correlated
with
project
activities, encourage irrigation
measures
% farming using protective
clothing (e.g jean boots etc.)
No protection measures
% of malaria and schistosomiasis
cases
Increased incidence of malaria
and schistosomiasis
Water and Sanitation
Presence of faecal coliforms in
water source
>10 faecal coliforms per 100 ml
Change in water colour or taste
Presence of mineral or chemical
contamination
Poor/ decrease in water yield
No
decrease
contamination
in
faecal
Less than 15 litre per person
per day available
Presence of open faeces in the
community
Water
point
contamination
conducted
closed
and
investigation
Examine water yield
Provision of an additional water
point in a suitable location
Investigation as to root cause of
problem
Increase in health education
Latrines not in use
9. Conclusion.
This project will have minimal environmental impact above and beyond what would have occurred
had Tearfund not implemented its project. Change in attitudes and practices towards the
environment by communities are a difficult issue to deal with and will take time. If the
environmental impact mitigation strategy is adhered to Tearfund believes that this project should
have a positive impact on the environment. The monitoring and evaluation strategy will enable
impact to be measured and ensure that any necessary changes are made.
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