Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project Phase 1 Mekong River Commission: Component 1 Mid-Term Review Mission Aide Memoire

Transcription

1 Public Disclosure Authorized Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project Phase 1 Mekong River Commission: Component 1 Mid-Term Review Mission Aide Memoire December 7, 2015 to January 29, 2016 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Project ID Total Project Cost: Table of Contents: A. Introduction B. Main Mission Findings C. Project Development Objectives and Indicators D. Project Implementation Status E. Financial Management and Procurement F. Safeguards G. Action Plan Annexes: P US$ 26.0 million IDA Grant Amount: (Lao PDR) US$ 18.0 million (IDA-H6750): Components 2 and 3 IDA Grant Amount: (MRC) US$ 8.0 million (IDA-H7620): Component 1 Date of Effectiveness March 8, 2012 Closing Date March 31, 2018 Environmental Category: Category B Last Mission 29 January 2016 Date of Last Archived ISR 18 December 2015 Disbursement (as of Feb. 12, 2016) IDA-H6750: US$11,091,174 (61%) IDA-H7620: US$ 1,876,871 (23%) 1. Revised Results Monitoring Framework 2. Sub-Component Mid-Term Reviews 3. List of People Met During Mission 1

2 A. Introduction 1. A World Bank mid-term review mission took place from December 7 to December 11, 2015 and from January 18 to January 29, 2016 for the Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project Phase 1. 1 The Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project has three phases: Phase 1 (Lao PDR and the Mekong River Commission, i.e. this Project); Phase 2 (Vietnam, approved in 2014); and Phase 3 (Cambodia, expected approval in mid-2016). Component 1 of the Project is implemented by the Mekong River Commission (MRC), while Components 2 and 3 are implemented by the Government of Lao PDR. This aide memoire covers Component 1 and will be sent to the MRC. The aide memoire for Components 2 and 3 will be sent to the Lao PDR Government. The mid-term review provides an opportunity for the MRC and the World Bank to assess progress to-date, identify constraints, and consider adjustments to the project objectives, scope, financing, and performance indicators. The mission thanks the MRC Secretariat (MRCS) for their comprehensive mid-term review report which served as the foundation for the World Bank s mid-term review. 2. The recommendations made in this aide memoire were discussed with the MRCS at the wrap-up meeting on January 29, 2016 chaired by Dr. Naruepon Sukumasavin (Director of Planning Division, MRCS), and are subject to review and confirmation by the Bank management. The mission would like to welcome the MRCS Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Pham Tuan Phan, and to thank him for the introductory meeting held on January 28, The mission is grateful for the kind assistance and hospitality provided by the MRCS IWRM team. In accordance with the World Bank s Access to Information Policy, this aide memoire will be publicly disclosed. B. Main Mission Findings 3. The World Bank has a long history with the MRC, starting with the Mekong Water Utilization Project ( ) which supported the formulation of the Rules for Water Utilization and the development of a Water Resources Basin Simulation Model. The next phase of the World Bank s involvement in the Mekong Basin is the Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project (IWRMP): Phases 1, 2, and 3. The focus of the Mekong IWRMP is on building national water resource management capacity so that the MRC-member countries can better engage in transboundary water management. Component 1 of the Project is designed primarily to support bilateral (i.e. between two countries) transboundary water management that are linked to the three national projects, with the MRCS playing a facilitating role; limited general support is also provided to the MRCS under the project. 1 The mission members included: Greg Browder (Task Team Leader), Khamphet Chanvongnaraz (Procurement Specialist), Malarak Souksavat (Financial Management Analyst), Manoly Sisavanh (Program Assistant), Alina Phonvisay (Program Assistant), Juan Martinez (Social Specialist), Viengsamay Vongkhamsao (Water and Sanitation Specialist), Ashley Halls (Fisheries Management Specialist, Consultant), Nigel Hayball (Water Resources Management Specialist, Consultant), Zhijun Chen (FAO Irrigation Specialist), Daryl Fields Water Resources Specialist) and Vansa Chatikavanij (Water Resources Management Specialist, Consultant). Also, Kate Lazarus (Senior Operations Officer) from the IFC participated in discussions on Water Law. 2

3 4. The project has gotten off to a slow start, with only 23% of the IDA grant disbursed as of February 12, Nevertheless, over the last year with renewed focus by the MRCS and intensive support by the Bank team, the project activities have become better organized and implementation efficiency has clearly increased. Overall project development objective status and implementation status is considered moderately satisfactory. 5. In January 2016, the MRC adopted its Strategic Plan which lays out its priorities, budget, and performance indicators. Successful implementation of the IWRMP transboundary projects has been reconfirmed as a priority. The MRC is also undergoing a fundamental reorganization which involves: i) reduction in staff (from 184 to approximately 80); ii) reduction in donor funding (projected to decrease from around US $15-20 million annually to around $8-$10 million); iii) decentralization of core functions such as hydro-meteorological and fisheries monitoring to the member countries; and iv) establishment of a basket-fund where donors provide general budget support to the MRC. The decentralization of core functions makes it even more imperative to build the capacity of national government agencies particularly in Lao PDR and Cambodia. Although the MRC is experiencing general financial stress in 2016, project implementation should not be affected as the IDA grant funds are tied directly to the project activities. 6. The original project design envisioned the simultaneous implementation of the national projects: Phase 1-Lao PDR, Phase 2-Vietnam, and Phase 3-Cambodia. Each of the national projects has a component directly tied to a key MRCS-facilitated transboundary project. Although the Vietnam project just commenced and the Cambodia project is scheduled to start in mid-2016, the MRCS and the national agencies have proceed to implement the key transboundary projects in a commendable fashion. C. Project Development Objective and Indicators 8. The Project Development Objective (PDO) of the overall IWRMP program is to establish key examples of integrated water resource management practices in the Lower Mekong Basin at regional, national, and sub-national levels, thus contributing to more sustainable river basin development in the lower Mekong. The mid-term review has concluded that the original PDO remains valid and there is no need to adjust the PDO. 9. The results monitoring framework (RMF), however, has been reviewed and adjusted as shown in Annex 1. The Annex also contains the original RMF for comparison. These changes are considered minor and within the scope of the original project design and financing agreement, and thus do not require a project restructuring. During project design, the priority transboundary IWRMP issues were left undefined. In the course of implementation the following three transboundary issues were identified as priorities. i) Fisheries management between Cambodia and Lao PDR (linking Phase 1-Lao PDR and Phase 3-Cambodia projects); ii) Water management for the Sesan-Srepok sub-basin (linking Phase 2-Vietnam and Phase 3- Cambodia projects); and 3

4 iii) Water management for the Mekong Delta (linking Phase 2-Vietnam and Phase 3-Cambodia projects). Annex 1 contains the specific PDO and intermediate indicators, as well as their status for the key transboundary projects. D. Project Implementation Status 10. The overall expenditure rate on February 2016 is US$ $2,012,050 (25%) of the total $8 million grant. The table below shows the implementation rating and financial status of each subcomponent. Implementation progress has picked up since mid-2015 with the Transboundary Fisheries Management (Lao PDR-Cambodia) project having held a Joint Working Group meeting in October 2015 to present the initial draft of the national papers; the Joint Issues Paper is expected to be finalized in September The IWRM 2S and Mekong Delta (Vietnam-Cambodia) projects also held Joint Working Group meetings in October 2015 to discuss the draft national papers. A follow up meeting to revise the papers is being held March 22-23, Annex 2 contains a detailed summary of the status and specific recommendations of each sub-component within Component There have been three changes to the original project design: i) the Open Flood Risk Modelling activity was dropped as the MRCS did not consider it a priority activity 2 ; ii) the Environmental Risk Assessment activity was redefined to support the updating of the draft MRC Transboundary EIA guidelines 3 ; and iii) funding is provided to support the MRCS short-term IWRM activities (i.e. sub-components 8 and 10). None of these changes require an amendment to the IDA grant agreement nor a project restructuring. 2 Open Flood Risk Modelling was dropped after the World Bank support mission on 3-6 March During the March 2015 implementation support mission and the 5 th MRC s Environmental Program Steering Committee Meeting on March 31, 2015, it was agreed that the TbEIA will be added to the M-IWRMP APL1 work plan. Funds were reallocated from the Environmental Risk Assessment work, which was viewed by the MRC as being of less priority. 4

5 Component 1: Bilateral Transboundary Projects: MS Sub-Component Budget % Used Rating and Comments 1. Fisheries (Laos-Cambodia) 535,200 11% MS: Tied to Phase 1 and Phase S Basin (Vietnam-Cambodia) 354,000 11% MS: Tied to Phase 2 and Phase 3 3. Delta (Vietnam-Cambodia) 354,000 8% MS: Linked to Phase 3 4. Wetlands (Thailand-Laos) 354,000 35% S: Linked to Phase 1 5. Lakes (Thailand-Cambodia) 457,000 22% MS: Songkhla and Tonle Sap Lakes 6. MRC TB Project Support 524,000 14% Technical Support to Component Sub-Total 2,578,000 16% Component 2: Support to MRC IWRM Activities: MS 7. Transboundary EA Guidelines 560,000 8% MS: Updated draft MRC TbEIA Guidelines 8. National Indicative Plan Consultations (NIPs) 200,000 34% 4 S: Supports NIP Consultations NIPs based on MRC Basin Strategy 9. Communications 1,091,500 9% MUS: Supports IWRM Communications 10. Rules for Water Utilization 300,000 64% S: Supports consultations related to rules implementation 11. Support to Phase 1, 2, and 3 414,000 34% S: Technical support to national projects Projects Sub-Total 2,565,000 21% Component 3: Project Management Support: MS 12. Project Management 2,050,800 47% MS: Technical Management 13. MRC Administration 852,900 9% MRC 11% Management Fee Sub-Total 2,903,700 36% Total 8,048,200 25% E. Financial Management and Procurement 12. Procurement: Overall, procurement performance of the project is considered Moderately Satisfactory. The implementation of procurement packages is progressing. In particular, the agency has recruited 18 individual consultants since last mission. However, none out of 20 goods packages have been conducted and only 58% of consulting services packages have been procured against the revised procurement plan since last mission. The mission will conduct post review and the key findings from the post review will be shared with the agency through a separate follow-up letter. The mission advised the project to update the procurement plan in order to reflect the current implementation status and to add new packages as necessary; then send for the Bank s review by March 25, Financial Management: Disbursement rate as of February 2016 is US$ 1,876,871 (23%). The disbursement rate is considered low, due primarily to the slow initial project start-up. The overall Financial Management performance remains at moderately satisfactory. The mission was informed that starting from January 1, 2016, the MRCS is transitioning to an accrual based accounting system. Following, the consultation with the MRCS team, the mission was advised that 4 Noting that the NIPs expenditure is $130,148 to end of December 2015, based on manual records. 5

6 it is fine as according to the technical system people, the project fund will be earmarked and able to separate the accounting record from the main accrual system. Hence the bank reconciliation for the designated account replenishment and the reporting of the IFR will still follow the same format as before. This will not affect the recording and reporting based on cash basis accounting. F. Safeguards 14. The project only finances small goods and consulting services, and there are no works contracts. Thus to-date no safeguard issues have been encountered. Environmental and social issues are being duly considered in transboundary water and fishery management activities. G. Action Plan 15. The following actions were flagged during the mission as key action items: Action Date Responsible 1. Organize Workshops, Finalize National 1 May 2016 MRCS and NMCs Positions Papers, and Prepare Draft Joint Papers for Outcome 1 for Transboundary Projects 1,2 and 3 2. Submit and Clear Revised Procurement Plan 1 April 2016 MRCS 3. Resolve MRCS Accounting System Questions 1 April 2016 MRCS and WB 4. Update IFR Reporting Format 1 April 2016 MRCS 5. Next Bank Implementation Support Mission May

7 Annex 2A: Revised Results Framework and Monitoring Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project Phase 1 Program Development Objective (for the M-IWRM): To establish key examples of integrated water resource management (IWRM) practices in the Lower Mekong Basin, at the regional, country and sub-national levels. PDO Level Results Indicators* Core Unit of Measure Base line Cumulative Target Values-End of Year Freque ncy Data Source Responsi bility Associated Component 1. Indicator One: Joint Action Plan prepared and endorsed to address the identified priority transboundary IWRM issues in the Mekong Basin, considering the regional impacts and contributing to improved management of shared resources. Number Annual Progress reports MRC Component 1 Current Status: Formulation of the Joint Action Plan for all three priority project has not started yet. The Joint Issues Paper (Indicator 6) and Joint Coordination Mechanism (Indicator 7) need to be prepared before the Joint Action Plan can be formulated. 2. Number of Lao PDR river basins located in the tributaries of the Mekong River where MoNRE has applied its management instruments. Number Annual Progress reports DWR (MONRE) Comment: Sector based Technical Working Groups have been established, and draft River Basin Profile Reports were prepared in 2015 for the XBF and XBH. A draft Flood Management Action Plan for the lower XBF river basin and a draft Wetland Management Action Plan for the Xe Champhone s RAMSAR listed wetland, located in the lower XBH river basin, have been prepared. 3. Number of beneficiaries of improved irrigation and drainage infrastructure in XBH and XBF basins (percent of which are women). Person ,000 (50%) 17,000 (50%) 20,000 (50%) Annual Progress reports DOI (MAF) Component Component Note: Half of the flood gates have been completed (5,000 beneficiaries) and 28 of 44 irrigations schemes have been completed-63% (12,000 beneficiaries). Thus a total of around 17,000 beneficiaries have improved irrigation and drainage infrastructure. 4. Number of beneficiaries of improved DLF and 15,000 40,000 Progress Component fisheries management (percent of which are Person (50%) Annual PAFO (50%) (50%) Reports 3.2 women) (MAF) Comment: To-date no FMC has management plans, and thus the number of beneficiaries is 0. 7

8 5. Fisheries Management Committees (FMCs) with management plans implemented. Number Annual 8 Progress reports DLF and PAFO (MAF) Comment: Achievement of PDO indicator is lagging for this subcomponent. Current status includes: formal registration (establishment) of six fisheries management committees (FMCs) including socio-economic baseline surveys, support for alternative livelihoods and rural infrastructure, training in fisheries management planning, staff recruitment and the preparation of designs for hatchery renovation and construction have been carried out. INTERMEDIATE RESULTS Component 1 General Objectives: Increased cooperation among the member countries to address trans-boundary issues in hotspot areas, including enhancing awareness and understanding of decision makers and local communities in countries on key issues and IWRM principles through various communication outreach activities. 6. Joint Issues Paper prepared and endorsed for identified priority transboundary IWRM issues in the Mekong Basin. Number Comment: All three transboundary projects are in the process of preparing Joint Review Papers. 7. Joint Coordination Mechanism prepared and endorsed to address the identified priority transboundary IWRM issues in the Mekong Basin, considering the regional impacts and contributing to improved management of shared resources. Number Comment: The Joint Coordination Mechanism will be prepared once the Joint Issues Papers are finalized. 8. Number of communication products produced and disseminated related to IWRM. Number Annual Comment: Two e-newsletters and 2 MRC web-page/social media posting have been completed (4 products in total) Progress reports Meeting records; progress report Component 2 General Results: Strengthened regulatory and technical capacity of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) in promoting river basin management approach and IWRM principles in Lao PDR. 9. Submission of the revised Water Law to the National Assembly. Yes/No - No No No No Yes Progress report Progress reports Component 3.2 MRC Component 1 MRC Component 1 MRC Component 1 DWR (MONRE) Comment: A draft Water Law was submitted to the National Assembly in late 2012, but was returned to MONRE with a request for additional refinements. MONRE has revised the draft Water Law but must wait for the new Land Policy to be adopted before the National Assembly will accept the draft Water Law. 10. Number of the tributaries of the Mekong River where Natural Resources and Environment Institute (NREI) of MONRE conduct water quality monitoring. Tributaries Semiannual Semiannual Semiannual Semiannual Progress reports NREI (MONRE) Component 2.1 Component 2.2

9 Comment: In 2013, the rehabilitation /construction of water quality testing facilities was completed. In 2015, water quality monitoring took place in the Xekong river, the Xechamphone wetland, and the Lower Nam Ngum river. Water sampling monitoring in 3 additional rivers, consisting of XBF river, XBH river and Upper Nam Ngum rivers, are planned for 2016 (6 in total) if budget is sufficient. 11. National Environmental Laboratory constructed and obtains international accreditation. Yes/No Yes Progress reports NREI (MONRE) Comment: The construction of national environmental laboratory has reached 60% completion and the construction is expected to be completed in July Funding shortage may complicate international accreditation. 12. Number of river basins where MONRE has developed water resource model packages. Number Progress reports MONRE Component 2.2 Component 2.3 Comment: The hydraulic models (ISIS) are updated with current conditions in XBF and XBH. Rainfall run-off models (SWAT) are being developed in XBF, XBH, Xedong, and Xekong basins. A series of training courses related to basic modeling concept, data management and relevant tools were organized to provide basic knowledge for modelling for line agencies and provincial agencies. 13. Number of upgraded hydromet stations which are properly installed and operated. Number Progress reports DMH (MONRE) Component 2.4 Comment: Site selection for the 25 upgraded and modernized stations in Sedon and Sekong River basins was carried out with the approval from the concerned agencies at provincial, district and village levels including National Land Management Authority. Civil works completed for 23 stations, out of 25 stations, and equipment has purchased but not yet installed. Result (Component Three): Key examples of IWRM practices focusing on flood management in Xebangfai (XBF) and Xebanghieng (XBH) and on trans-boundary fisheries management in the Mekong mainstream in southern Lao PDR 14. Number of functioning RBCCs. Number Progress reports DWR (MONRE) Component Comment: For each of the XBF and XBH river basins, a sector based Technical Working Group has been established to initiate the establishment of a RBCC. Numerous meetings have been held resulting in the preparation of a draft RBCC ToR, detailing its composition and responsibilities, for each basin. The first RBCC meetings are planned for Area benefited from upgraded flood protection and drainage systems. Hectares ,100 6,000 6,000 Annual Comment: Five floodgates have been upgraded to-date, providing enhanced flood protection for 5,113 ha. 16. Irrigation area benefited from improvement of irrigation schemes. Hectares ,900 3,000 3,000 Annual Comment: 28 irrigation schemes out of 44 have been rehabilitated to-date, benefiting 2,900 ha of irrigation area. 17. Number of FMCs fishery management Number plan formulated, approved and announced. Comment: The formal registration (establishment) of six fisheries management committees (FMCs) have been completed. Semiannual Semiannual Semiannual Semiannual Semiannual Progress reports Progress reports Progress reports DOI (MAF) DOI (MAF) DLF Component Component Component 3.2 9

10 18. Number of Villages receiving alternative livelihood (AL) support. Comment: The AL program is just getting started. Number Number of fully functioning hatcheries Number producing fingerlings. Comment: Engineering design of the hatchery is currently underway; need to prepare EMP for new hatchery. Semiannual Semiannual Progress reports Progress reports DLF DLF Component 3.2 Component

11 Definitions: No. Indicator Definition PDO Results Indicator 1. Joint Action Plan prepared and endorsed to address the identified priority transboundary IWRM issues in the Mekong Basin, considering the regional impacts and contributing to improved management of shared resources. 2. Number of Lao PDR river basins located in the tributaries of the Mekong where MoNRE has applied its management instruments. 3. Number of beneficiaries of improved irrigation and drainage infrastructure in XBH and XBF basins. 4. Number of beneficiaries of improved fisheries management (percent of which are women). 5. Fisheries Management Committees (FMCs) with management plans implemented. Intermediate Results Indicator 6. Joint Issues Paper prepared and endorsed for identified priority transboundary IWRM issues in the Mekong Basin. 7. Joint Coordination Mechanism prepared and endorsed to address the identified priority transboundary IWRM issues in the Mekong Basin, Joint Action Plan provides a guide to implement coordination and management activities of the priority issues that promote transboundary water resources management. The three core transboundary project identified include (a) Lao- Cambodia: Mekong Mainstream and Sekong Fisheries Management, (b) Cambodia- Vietnam: WRM in Sesan & Srepok Basins, and (c) Cambodia- Vietnam: WRM in Mekong Delta. Management instruments are the following River Basin Coordinating Committee (RBCC) endorsed Reports: River Basin Profile Reports in both XBH and XBF; Flood Management Action Plan for Lower XBF Basin, and Wetland Management Plan for Xe Champhone in XBF basin. It is estimated that there are 5,450 rural households in the project irrigation/drainage areas (2,250 in drainage areas and 3,200 in irrigation areas). Assuming average of 5 people per household, the total benefitted population is 27,000. However, given the shortage of funds the updated targets are 25% lower (20,000) unless there is additional financing. The project plans to develop approximately 15 FMCs with functioning management plans, each of which will have approximately 1,000 households. Assuming a 2/3 success rate there will be 10 fully functioning FMCs with for a total of 10,000 households. Assuming each household has 5 people, the total estimated beneficiaries are around 50,000 people. However, given potential shortage of funding the updated target is 8 fully functioning FMCs, with 8,000 households and 40,000 people. A total of 15 FMCs plan to be established. Assuming a 2/3 success rate in terms of functioning FMCs, the target is 10. However, given potential shortage of funding the updated target is 8 fully functioning FMCs. Implementation is defined as management plan developed in a participatory manner through a citizen engagement process. Management measures (e.g. demarcation of fishing grounds, gear or mesh size restrictions, minimum fish landing size, closed seasons, closed areas (FCZ) etc.) specified in the plan (FMC Registration) are enforced and the fishery has been monitored for at least one year. Joint transboundary issues paper for each of the three transboundary projects include: priority trans-boundary issues identified, and joint papers to outline common challenges, information and data sharing needs, and coordination requirements related to transboundary management. Joint transboundary issues paper for each of the three transboundary projects including: Formal or informal mechanisms for cooperation, joint management, information exchange, etc. that persist beyond the life of the MRC-funded transboundary project. 11

12 considering the regional impacts and contributing to improved management of shared resources. 8. Number of communication products produced and disseminated related to IWRM. 9. Submission of the revised Water Law to the National Assembly (NA). 10. Number of the tributaries of the Mekong River where Natural Resources and Environment Institute (NREI) of MONRE conduct water quality monitoring. 11. National Environmental Laboratory constructed, with international accreditation. 12. Number of river basins where MONRE has developed water resource model packages. 13. Number of upgraded hydromet stations which are properly installed, operated, and shared with other LMB countries. Communication products include, but are not limited to: i) Publication of quarterly e- newsletter Mekong Transboundary Dialogue (10 publications from ); ii) new communication platforms (MRC webpage, Facebook page, etc.) and new information materials (eg. brochures, leaflets, infographics, video clips, photo essays, etc.) (17 new platforms & products from ) The Water Law must first be submitted to the Ministry of Justice for comments and review. Upon clearance by the Ministry of Justice, the Law will be submitted to the NA. The indicator does not require that the NA approve the law, only that it is submitted to the NA for their approval. These are sites where NREI conducts water quality sampling at pre-established sites/stations on a consistent basis. The goal is to conduct water quality monitoring in the i) Xekong river, 2) Xechamphone wetland, 3) the Lower Nam Ngum river, 4) XBF, 5) XBH, and 6) Upper Nam Ngum rivers. However given potential budget shortages, the target has been reduced from 6 to 4. Laboratory will be ISO accredited (by Ministry of Science and Technology in Thailand) and will be the first national lab with accreditation. Water resource model package include the following: i) Rain-Fall Runoff model; ii) Basin Water Balance model (flows) and iii) Basin Hydraulic model (floods). The target is to have these models operational in: i) XBF, ii) XBH, iii) Xedong, and iv) Xekong basins. However, due to potential shortage of funds, the target has been reduced to three basins. The number of monitoring stations include 6 weather stations (synoptic), 10 climate stations, 9 hydrological stations (water level/automatic), and 5 rainfall stations (automatic). 14. Number of functioning RBCCs. RBCCs must be formally established either the provincial level with a clear mandate and terms of reference. 15. Area benefited from upgraded flood protection and drainage systems. 16. Irrigation area benefited from improvement of irrigation schemes. 17. FMCs fishery management plan formulated, approved and announced. 18. Village receiving alternative livelihood (AL) support. This is the drainage area behind the new ten new flood gates which have upgraded flood protection. The original target was 7,000 ha but this has been reduced to 6,000 due to shortage of funds. This is the command area where the irrigation pump intake facilities and main canals have been upgraded to provide more reliable service. The original target was 3,500 has, but this has been reduced to 3,000 has due to shortage of funds. The goal is to establish 15 FMCs. If 12 FMCs can actually develop approved management plans, then this indicator target will be achieved. Note that the PDO is to have 10 FMCs actually implementing their management plans. Due to shortage of funds, the number of FMC management plans has been reduced to 10. Number of villages receiving AL support following the AL guidelines. The original target was 100, but due to funding shortage the target has been reduced to

13 19. Fully functioning hatcheries (producing fingerlings for stocking) This includes the rehabilitation of three existing hatcheries and the construction a new hatchery. 13

14 Annex 1B: Original Results Framework and Monitoring Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project Phase 1 14

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20 Annex 2: Sub-Component Mid-Term Reviews Annex 2A: Lao PDR-Cambodia: Mekong mainstream and Sekong Fisheries Management Annex 2B: Cambodia- Vietnam: Water Resources Management in Se San- Srepok sub-basin: Annex 2C: Cambodia- Vietnam: Water Resources Management in Mekong- Delta: Annex 2D: Lao PDR- Thailand: Wetland & Floodplain Management in Nam Kam- Xe Bang Hieng: Annex 2E: The Communication Outreach Project: Tonle Sap lake Songkhla Lake Annex 2F: National Indicative Plans (NIPs) Annex 2G: Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (TbEIA) Annex 2H: Communications Outreach 20

21 Annex 2A: Lao PDR-Cambodia: Mekong mainstream and Sekong Fisheries Management A. Financial Status (End of 2015): The project has disbursed $55,900 or approximately 11% of the total project budget of $535,200. B. Component Objectives The overall objective of this Project is: Fisheries management improved in the bordering province of Stung Treng and Kratie in Cambodia and Champasak and Attapeu in Lao PDR. To achieve this objective, the project aims to achieve three main outcomes: Outcome 1: Development of a joint paper (Joint Issues Paper) to identify common issues/challenges, information and data sharing needs, and coordination requirements related to transboundary management. Outcome 2: Development of an agreed upon Coordination Mechanism to address transboundary management and coordination needs. Outcome 3: Development of joint transboundary fishery management plan (TBFMP) to implement priority coordination and management activities. Some of these activities may potentially be financed through the respective National Projects. C. Progress to Date (End of 2015) The Project has commenced activities working towards improving fisheries management through transboundary dialogue. Activities were slow to progress in 2015 due to the redefinition of Outcomes and Activities in the Project Implementation Plan (PIP). The PIP currently contains 35 milestones, of which five (14%) have been completed to date. Project Inception Workshops were held by Lao PDR and by Cambodia on 2 nd January A Project Advisory Group and Project Coordination Group have been established by Lao. A Transboundary Workshop was held in Phnom Penh in September 2015 attended by 24 participants including CNMC and LNMC, Line Agencies, members of M-IWRMP, representatives of the World Bank, as well as staff from the MRC Secretariat. The workshop reviewed the implementation status of the project and proposed refinements to the project activities, implementation, and reporting arrangements. A revised PIP was prepared during the workshop. In addition, it was recognized that the knowledge and capacity of the implementing agencies to formulate a joint TBFMP requires strengthening. However, no agreement was reached and no training has been undertaken to date. A detailed workshop report has been prepared. Outcomes The Mekong-Sekong Transboundary Fisheries Management Project is progressing towards achieving Outcome 1. Both countries have prepared contributions for the Joint Issues Paper although the material remains to be synthesized/combined. These reviews have compiled a great deal of valuable and relevant data and information about the fisheries in the geographic focus of the TBFMP which will help to support the next planned project 21

22 activities. The review would benefit from drawing upon the extensive research undertaken in Kong District which borders Stung Treng. The reviews have reported that fish resources in both countries are valuable and vulnerable, appear to be overexploited, are negatively impacted by (critical) habitat degradation, and require improved management for their sustainable utilization. Key constraints to improve this management were reported as: Limited knowledge and experience among resource users and other stakeholders of fish conservation and fisheries management, and fisheries law; Capacity to manage due to (i) limited resources for member countries; and ii) lack of enabling legislation to limit access; Lack of alternative livelihoods; and Externalities (environmental impacts arising from basin development). Priority management action were identified as: Stakeholder awareness-raising of fisheries laws, conservation issues and fisheries management; Capacity building for improved monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS); Protection of critical fish habitats including deep pool refuge habitat and feeding habitat; Establishment of a joint monitoring programme ; and Supporting alternative livelihoods to alleviate fishing pressure. Whilst a joint synthesis of the material is planned, the conclusions from this synthesis, to inform the next stage of the project, are likely to be quite general in nature and it is unclear how they will shape a transboundary management plan particularly in terms of what will be managed. It is recommended that the project discuss in the next Joint Transboundary Consultation Workshop (JTCW) the possibility to identify a list of priority species (shared resources) to be managed. These are recommended as migratory whitefish species caught across the geographic focus of the project, and categorized as endangered (at least Threatened) by IUCN. One or more short-list of species might then be selected as the focus of a transboundary management plan. Information about the biology and ecology of the species can then be assembled along with information about their fisheries to help identify appropriate management controls (e.g. closed seasons, gear and mesh size restrictions etc.) as well as a monitoring programme to evaluate management performance. This information, including stakeholder management roles and responsibilities, would form the basis of a transboundary fisheries management plan. Appropriate institutional (and perhaps ultimately legislative) arrangements can then be identified if necessary to support the implementation of the management plan. Simple guidelines for the conservation and management of threatened species could be prepared and disseminated to community fisheries in the project s geographic focus for implementation and monitoring. These communities will include those participating in M-IWRMP 1, Component 3.2 Fisheries Management in S. Lao PDR and potentially M-IWRMP-3: Component 1 Fisheries Management in Cambodia. 22

23 The advantage of implementing the management plan in this way lies in the fact that enabling legislation already exists that allow formally registered fishing communities in Lao (FMCs) and in Cambodia (CFi) to implement the management control measures (of the transboundary management plan) under their own management plans effectively avoiding the need to prepare amendments to the existing national legislation (Fisheries Law) until it is deemed necessary (if at all) by the project s partners. This strategy was discussed with the Lao PDR (DLF and LNMC) and the MRC during the MTR Mission and was met with approval and support. Approval for this strategy will now be sought from the Cambodian Project partners (FiA and CNMC). To action this strategy the MRC recommended that a JTCW be held in March 2016 to identify the common management constraints and priority management actions identified in the national review papers prepared to date; and to agree on the process to complete the preparation of the Joint Issues Paper (Outcome 1). The workshop would also provide the opportunity for the project partners to select the priority species for the Joint Action Plan (Outcome 3); and also begin the process of identifying an appropriate Joint Coordination Mechanism or institutional arrangements to prepare and implement the Action Plan (Outcome 2). These institutional arrangements might include the organizations involved, their roles and responsibilities for preparing and implementing the management plan, and agreements on meeting arrangements (where, who, frequency etc.). Unless deemed necessary or desirable by the project partners, the Joint Coordination Mechanism does not depend upon the creation of a new transboundary management institution or body. Rather it could simply take the form of agreed practice between the fisheries line agencies. Facilitation of this workshop either by the MRC and/or a third party is likely to be necessary to achieve the desired outcomes. Having identified the species for management action, information about the biology and ecology of the species can then be assembled along with information about their fisheries to help identify appropriate management controls (e.g. closed seasons, gear and mesh size restrictions) by the project partners as the basis for preparing a Joint Action Plan. This material could be annexed to 23

24 the Joint Issues Paper. At that stage, activities for the preparation of the TBFMP (Outcome 3) and for formalizing the Joint Coordination Mechanism (Outcome 2) can be planned and subsequently implemented with the project partners. Project Reports The table summarizes reports prepared to date: Category Lao PDR Cambodia Outcome 1 Draft National Issues Paper (for Joint Review Paper). Outcome Outcome Management and Administration Inception Report (in Lao); Quarterly Reports, SOR2, AOR(2014); and Q1,Q2, SOR1(2015); Draft National Issues Paper (for Joint Review Paper). Inception Report; Inception Workshop Report; PIP (2014); Work plan , Procurement plan (2014). E. Activities to Project Closing (March 2018) (Including Priority Action) Priority activities are identified as: 1. Update the PIP. 2. Plan and implement the JTCW; the MRC Fisheries and the WB Fisheries Specialists will facilitate the JTCW which is currently planned for the week starting 14 th March The national consultants will then finalize the Joint Issues Paper following the workshop (Outcome 1). 3. During or after the JTCW; the national consultants, with the support of the MRC will assemble data and information to prepare a management plan for one or two species selected for transboundary management; 4. Plan and execute a second Joint Transboundary Consultation Workshop to prepare the TBFMP (Outcome 3) and discuss an appropriate Joint Coordination Mechanism. Revise the TBFMP if necessary following training and capacity building identified during this second Consultation Workshop; 5. Identify and plan activities necessary to establish the Joint Coordination Mechanism identified during the second Consultation Workshop; 6. Undertake activities necessary to establish the Joint Mechanism (Outcome 2) and to implement the TBFMP. 24

25 Annex 2B: Cambodia- Vietnam: Water Resources Management in Se San- Srepok subbasin: A. Financial Status (End of 2015): The total budget allocated to this sub-component was US$354,000. As at the 31 December 2015 actual expenditure was US$ 35,557, representing 11% of the total budget. Expenditure reports have been submitted for all activities undertaken. B. Component Objectives The objective is to facilitate dialogue and implementation of pilot activities that address to transboundary issues in relation to the Sesan and Srepok basins that are located in Cambodia and Viet Nam. The revised outcomes to contribute to this objective include Outcome 1: Development of a joint paper to identify common issues/challenges, information and data sharing needs, and coordination requirements related to transboundary management. Outcome 2: Development of an agreed upon coordination mechanism to address transboundary management and coordination needs. Outcome 3: Development of joint action plan to implement priority coordination and management activities. Some of these activities may potentially be financed through the respective National Projects. C. Progress to Date (End of 2015) For Outcome 1, national papers have been drafted and key national issues identified. A Joint Working Group meeting was held in October 2015 where national papers where presented and feedback was provided. Remaining activities are for the Joint Working Group to agree on the Joint Issues Paper structure, and to draft and finalized it by September During the October meeting the Project Implementation Plans were revised to set out SMART (e.g. measureable, logical, achievable) based outcomes and activities, to provide clear direction on what is to be undertaken and by when. Activities to deliver Outcomes 2 & 3 will commence once Outcome 1 is completed. E. Activities to Project Closing (March 2018) The work plan was originally scoped to finish at the end of Delays to the holding of Joint Working Group meetings meant that activities were unlikely to be met. However, the work plan is now to be revised to the project closure date (March 2018). This will allow time for all 3 outcomes to be completed. F. Safeguard Issues: Not Applicable. 25

26 G. Component Challenges and Issues A major challenge is organizing the Joint Working Group meetings to progress activities. For example, since the last working group meeting, in October 2015, three attempts have been made by the MRC to organize the next meeting date. As yet a final date has yet to be fixed. Joint field trips to the 2-S river basins and the Delta region are important mechanisms for building a common understanding and appreciation of the issues and options for addressing them. However, approval from the Cambodian Government to hold these trips has yet to be received due to sensitivities as a result of the on-going land disputes along the border of Cambodian and Viet Nam border. 26

27 Annex 2C: Cambodia- Vietnam: Water Resources Management in Mekong- Delta: A. Financial Status (End of 2015) The total budget allocated to this sub-component was US$354,000. As at the 31 December 2015 actual expenditure was US$28,709, representing 8% of the total budget. Expenditure reports have been submitted for all activities undertaken. B. Component Objectives The objective is to facilitate dialogue and implementation of pilot activities that address to transboundary issues in relation to the Mekong Delta region. To support this, the redefined outcomes include: Outcome 1: Development of a joint paper to identify common issues/challenges, information and data sharing needs, and coordination requirements related to transboundary management. Outcome 2: Development of an agreed upon coordination mechanism to address transboundary management and coordination needs. Outcome 3: Development of joint action plan to implement priority coordination and management activities. Some of these activities may potentially be financed through the respective National Projects. C. Progress to Date (End of 2015) For Outcome 1, national papers have been drafted and key national issues identified. A Joint Working Group meeting was held in October 2015 where national papers where presented and feedback was provided. Remaining activities are for the Joint Working Group to agree on the Joint Issues Paper structure, and to draft and finalized it by September During the October meeting the Project Implementation Plans were revised to set out SMART (e.g. measureable, logical, achievable) based outcomes and activities, to provide clear direction on what is to be undertaken and by when. Activities to deliver Outcomes 2 & 3 will commence once Outcome 1 is completed. E. Activities to Project Closing (March 2018) The work plan was originally scoped to finish at the end of Delays to the holding of Joint Working Group meetings meant that activities where unlikely to be met. However, the work plan is now to be revised to the project closure date (March 2018). This will allow time for all 3 outcomes to be completed. F. Safeguard Issues: Not applicable. 27

28 G. Component Challenges and Issues A major challenge is organizing the Joint Working Group meetings to progress activities. For example, since the last working group meeting, in October 2015, three attempts have been made by the MRC to organize the next meeting date. As yet a final date has yet to be fixed. Joint field trips to the 2-S river basins and the Delta region are important mechanisms for building a common understanding and appreciation of the issues and options for addressing them. However, approval from the Cambodian Government to hold these trips has yet to be received due to sensitivities as a result of the on-going land disputes along the border of Cambodian and Viet Nam border. 28

29 Annex 2D: Laos- Thailand: Wetland & Floodplain Management in Nam Kam- Xe Bang Hieng A. Financial Status (End of 2015) This project is funded under IDA Regional Grant through Component 1: Regional Water Resources Management being managed by the Mekong River Commission (MRC), and implemented by the Lao PDR National Mekong Committee (LNMC) and Thailand National Mekong Committee (TNMC). The allocated Grant amount is US$ 354,000. To the end of December 2015, US$ 124,000 (35% of the allocated grant) have been disbursed by the LNMC (US$ 70,000) and TNMC (US$ 54,000). B. Component Objectives The overall objective of this project is to enhance transboundary cooperation between Lao PDR and Thailand to improve river basin management. In March 2015, the outcomes and activities were revised based on the recommendations provided by the World Bank missions to include: Outcome 1: TNMC set up 15 working groups with associated water management plans. This role is essential to support establishing transboundary coordination and management mechanism between Lao PDR and Thailand. Outcome 2: Exchange of experiences in wetland management between Nong Han and Xe Champhone, including preparation of a joint paper and knowledge exchange study visits. Outcome 3: Exchange of knowledge on community water management in Nam Kam and Xe Bang Hieng Rivers, including preparation of a joint paper and reciprocal study visits. C. Progress to Date (End of 2015) Fifteen working groups have been established and completed 80% of the activity under Outcome 1. The working groups task is to support the NK-XBH transboundary working group, such as, data collection in pilot areas etc. The other 20% of activity under outcome 1 is to develop a capacity building plan for the Working Group and hold the Nam Kam IWRM Forum. Under Outcome 2, LNMC have conducted a study visit from Xe Champone to Nong Han (Thailand) in October This study visit enabled TNMC and LNMC exchange experiences in wetland management. A draft Joint Report on Reciprocal Study Visit have been shared for comments. It is expected that the final joint report will be submitted in Mid-April The reciprocal study visit for Nong Han to Xe Champhone (Lao PDR) was organized during December In 2015, the project also carried out consultations and a technical working group meeting to prepare the joint paper under Outcome 2 is scheduled to be submitted by the end of Q1, in E. Activities to Project Closing (March 2018) In 2016, the project expects to (a) continue its work to prepare data collection training and collect data from the communities around Nong Han wetland, (b) finalize the joint report on wetland management between Nong Han and Xe Champhone under Outcome 2, (c) carry out study visits 29

30 to exchange knowledge on community water management between Nam Kam and Xe Bang Hieng Rivers, and (d) drafting of the joint paper for Outcome 3 (plan to begin Q1 of 2016). F. Safeguard Issues: Not applicable G. Component Challenges and Issues Implementation of this project has been slow due to an unclear work plan and slow start up. Following discussions with the World Bank during its mission in March 2016 to redefine the outcomes, activities and outputs there is now an agreement on consistent action by LNMC and TNMC, the project is expected to progress at a faster rate. H. Component Indicators and Status: Current and Proposed Modifications The project does not have a PDO or intermediate results indicator associated with it. However, under the MRC IWRM Program, there are 36 milestones listed, of which 21 (58%) have been completed. 30

31 Annex 2E: The communication Outreach Project: Tonle Sap lake Songkhla Lake A. Financial Status (End of 2015) This project is funded under IDA Regional Grant through Component 1: Regional Water Resources Management being managed by the Mekong River Commission (MRC), and implemented by the Cambodia National Mekong Committee (CNMC) and Thailand National Mekong Committee (TNMC). The allocated Grant amount is US$ 457,000. As of December 2015, US$ 99,200 (22% of the allocated grant) have been disbursed by the CNMC (US$ 30,600) and TNMC (US$ 68,600). B. Component Objectives The overall objective of this communication and outreach project 5 is to promote good governance in support of prosperous and healthy Songkhla and Tonle Sap Lakes for the benefit of sustainable livelihoods. Activities under this project emphasized awareness raising of local communities on IWRM principles as well as experience sharing between the two lake communities, thus, communication and shared learning process on IWRM-based lake governance and practices play a central role. During the World Bank mission in March 2015, it was agreed that there should be no attempt to significantly adjust the activities already programmed under the project. However, reconceptualize of the project to ensure that it is consistent with the overall IWRMP objectives was agreed upon. The mission recommended the project be focused on activities to prepare a final paper based on the following three pillars: (1) Lake Governance, (2) Natural Based Livelihoods, and (3) Healthy Lakes. Following the recommendation, the project has been revised to: Outcome 1 Program Management: This outcome involves general program management activities such as public relations, managerial and administrative procedures project monitoring and evaluation and office set-up. Outcome 2 IWRMP Lake Governance: This outcome involves the gathering of information, and exchanging of knowledge with regards to IWRM-based governance, each NMC is responsible for ensuring a report is developed that summarizes joint learning experiences. Activity under the Outcome 2 includes literature study of best practice in Thailand and Cambodia, develop and publish a layman s handbook on lake good governance in the context of Tonle Sap and Songkhla Lake and development of Joint Learning Reports for the exchange visit and also the pilot activities. Outcome 3 Natural Based Livelihoods: This outcome aims to improve the understanding of social, economic and environmental cause-effect relationships and policy options in support of sustainable, resource-based livelihoods through information gathering. A joint information exchange to provide a comparison of the issues for resource based livelihoods between sister lakes of Cambodia and Thailand with an emphasis on the learning process was undertaken. 5 In this case, neither Cambodia nor Thailand has a National project component linked to this project. Moreover, since Songkla Lake is outside the Mekong basin, it was agreed to refer to refer to this activity as a Communication Outreach Project. 31