IMPLEMENTATION COMPLETION AND RESULTS REPORTdocuments.worldbank.org › curated › en...related to forests) and climate change mitigation. 2 Launched with a first tranche in 2004,

Document of

The World Bank FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Report No: ICR00004693

IMPLEMENTATION COMPLETION AND RESULTS REPORT

TF 018361

ON A

SMALL GRANT

IN THE AMOUNT OF US $ 74,040

TO THE

OFFICE NATIONAL DES FORETS INTERNATIONAL (ONFI)

FOR

Republic of Colombia: Strengthening Capacity on Good Environmental Practices in Commercial Reforestation in the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM Project (P151568)

March 14, 2019

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES GLOBAL PRACTICE COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA COUNTRY MANAGEMENT UNIT LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN REGION

This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the performance of their official duties. Its contents may not otherwise be disclosed without World Bank authorization.

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Regional Vice President: Axel van Trotsenburg

Country Director: Ulrich Zachau

Senior Global Practice Director: Karin Kemper

Practice Manager: Valerie Hickey

Task Team Leader(s): Franka Braun

ICR Main Contributor: John Redwood III and Maria Teresa Szauer

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS

Exchange Rate Effective as of January 30, 2019

Currency Unit US$ 1.00 = 3,163 Colombian Peso

GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA FISCAL YEAR

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

A/R Afforestation/Reforestation

BCF Biocarbon Fund

CDM Clean Development Mechanism

CER Certified Emissions Reductions

CORMAGDALENA Corporación Autónoma Regional del Río Grande de la Magdalena [Autonomous Corporation for the Greater Magdalena River Region]

DNA Designated National Authority

EMP Environmental Management Plan

ER Emissions Reductions

ERPA Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreement

FINAGRO Fondo para el Financiamiento del Sector Agropecuario de Colombia [Financial Fund for the Colombian Agro-livestock Sector]

GHG Greenhouse Gas

Ha Hectares

ICR Implementation Completion and Results

MADS Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development

ONFA Office National des Forets Andina [ONFI Andean Branch]

ONFI Office National des Forets International [National Forests Office – International branch]

PDO Project Development Objective

TA Technical Assistance

tCER Temporary Certified Emissions Reductions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DATA SHEET .......................................................................................................................... 1

I. PROJECT CONTEXT AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES ....................................................... 4

II. OUTCOME ...................................................................................................................... 7

III. KEY FACTORS THAT AFFECTED IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOME .............................. 112

IV. BANK PERFORMANCE, COMPLIANCE ISSUES, AND RISK TO DEVELOPMENT OUTCOME 112

V. LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................. 13

ANNEX 1. RESULTS FRAMEWORK AND KEY OUTPUTS ........................................................... 15

ANNEX 2. PROJECT COST BY COMPONENT ......................................................................... 245

ANNEX 3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (IF ANY) .................. ..ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

The World Bank COLOMBIA: Strengthening Capacity on Good Environmental Practices in Commercial Reforestation in the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM Project (P151568)

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DATA SHEET

BASIC INFORMATION

Product Information

Project ID Project Name

P151568

Strengthening Capacity on Good Environmental

Practices in Commercial Reforestation in the Magdalena

Bajo Seco CDM Project

Country Financing Instrument

Colombia Investment Project Financing

Original EA Category Revised EA Category

Not Required (C)

Organizations

Borrower Implementing Agency

ONF International (ONFI) ONF Andina

Project Development Objective (PDO) Original PDO

The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to strengthen the capacity of the Recipient, and the CDM Project Implementation Partners for effective implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the CDM Project.


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FINANCING

FINANCE_T BL

Original Amount (US$) Revised Amount (US$) Actual Disbursed (US$)

Donor Financing

TF-18361 74,040 69,548 69,548

Total 74,040 69,548 69,548

Total Project Cost 74,040 69,548 69,548

KEY DATES

Approval Effectiveness Original Closing Actual Closing

26-Jun-2015 26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

RESTRUCTURING AND/OR ADDITIONAL FINANCING

Date(s) Amount Disbursed (US$M) Key Revisions

KEY RATINGS

Outcome Bank Performance M&E Quality

Satisfactory Satisfactory Substantial

RATINGS OF PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN ISRs

No. Date ISR Archived DO Rating IP Rating Actual

Disbursements (US$M)

ADM STAFF

Role At Approval At ICR

Regional Vice President: Hasan A. Tuluy Axel van Trotsenburg

Country Director: Gloria M. Grandolini Ulrich Zachau


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Senior Global Practice Director: Mary A. Barton-Dock Karin Erika Kemper

Practice Manager: Laurent Msellati Valerie Hickey

Task Team Leader(s): Natalia Gomez Franka Braun

ICR Contributing Author: John Redwood


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I. PROJECT CONTEXT AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

Context

1. Land use change and associated deforestation contribute an estimated 14 percent to total Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

emissions in Colombia and together with agriculture account for more than half of the total. Deforestation is mainly

driven by traditional extensive cattle grazing, which is the predominant agricultural activity in the Department of

Magdalena. In addition, the harvesting of natural forests is the most important source of wood for construction and

furniture making, and the Magdalena River Valley is one of the main areas for timber extraction for these industries.

These activities are also contributing to increasing desertification in the region. In this context, the Government’s

National Development Plan for 2012-2014 set a target to reduce deforestation by 200,000 hectares (ha) during this

period and sought to use the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) as one way of mobilizing financial support for

this purpose.

2. On July 12, 2013, the World Bank-administered BioCarbon Fund (BCF) entered into an Emissions Reduction Purchase

Agreement (ERPA) with Office National des Forets International (ONFI)1 to buy temporary Certified Emissions

Reductions (tCER) generated by the Commercial Reforestation on Lands Dedicated to Extensive Cattle Grazing

Activities in the Region of Magdalena Bajo Seco Carbon Offset CDM Project. This project began implementation in

2002 and, at the time the corresponding ERPA was approved, was one of five registered Afforestation/Reforestation

(A/R) CDM projects in Colombia. In a challenging carbon market, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable

Development (MADS), which is the Designated National Authority (DNA) for the CDM in the country, considered the

BioCarbon Fund2 to be one of the few potential buyers with sufficient financing and capacity to absorb the large

volume of tCERs that the project had generated since its inception.

3. After carrying out project due diligence and a retroactive safeguards assessment, the BioCarbon Fund purchased a total of 1,222,507 tCERs (822,507 until 2012 and another 400,000 until 2017) from the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM Project. The associated reforestation project was implemented in three distinct phases, in 2000-2003, 2004-2006, and 2009-2013, respectively.3 For compliance with World Bank safeguards requirements, environmental and social assessments were undertaken and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was developed for the project. The EMP required development of a manual on good environmental practices to be implemented by project beneficiaries and the preparation of surveys in 2015 and 2017 to assess their effectiveness, among other actions. ONFI requested support from the BioCarbon Fund to help build local capacity for the implementation of the required good environmental practices, which took the form of the present project supported by a grant of US$ 74,040 from the

1 ONFI is an international environmental and expertise bureau specializing in sustainable management of ecosystems (especially related to forests) and climate change mitigation. 2 Launched with a first tranche in 2004, the BioCarbon Fund is a public-private climate finance initiative managed by the World Bank that supports projects that generate multiple revenue streams. A second tranche was established in 2007, bringing total commitments to US$ 90 million. Payments made by this fund are results-based and it delivers co-benefits to participating communities in addition to ER payments. 3 For additional details see the respective Implementation Completion and Results (ICR) Report for the CDM Project.


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BCF plus Technical Assistance (TA) Fund.4 The estimated total cost of this project was US$ 86,560, including US$ 12,520 in recipient counterpart funds.

Project Development Objectives (PDOs)

4. The development objective stated in the Small Grant Project Concept Note was “to strengthen the capacity of ONFA

(Andean Branch of ONFI International) and of other CDM project implementation agencies (CORMAGDALENA,5 A.W.

Faber Castell6) and of CDM project beneficiaries for effective implementation of the EMP for the ‘Commercial

Reforestation on Lands Dedicated to Extensive Cattle Grazing in the Magdalena Bajo Seco – CDM Project’ agreed

upon in the ERPA entered between the World Bank-BioCarbon Fund and ONFI in (sic) July 12, 2013.”7 The PDO as

stated in the Grant Agreement will be used for the assessment in the ICR as per ICR guidance: to strengthen the

capacity of ONFA and the CDM project implementation partners (CORMAGDALENA A.W. Faber Castell and CDM

project beneficiaries) for effective implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the CDM

Project’. Project beneficiaries consisted of 63 small, medium, and large farmers that had previously been engaged in

extensive cattle raising activities in the region. Seven of these were owners of agro-industrial companies and 20

were women.8

Key Expected Outcomes and Outcome Indicators

5. The PDO of strengthened capacity of ONFA and the CDM project implementation partners was expected to be

achieved through participation in workshops and capacity building, and training of the two entities responsible for

CDM Project implementation (CORMAGDALENA and A. W. Faber Castell) as well as the landowners involved in all

three phases of the project. Capacity would also be built with the use of Environmental Good Practices to avoid or

mitigate environmental risks identified. Progress on these fronts and the implementation of the EMP would be

assessed by surveys carried out on environmental management practices implemented by beneficiaries on their

farm. The project’s theory of change was that successful implementation of these technical assistance activities

would result in strengthened capacity of project landholders and implementing agencies to conduct sustainable

environmental management of forest and other natural resources on the affected properties.

4 This Fund supports project development and implementation through: (i) capacity building and training; (ii) development of methodologies and tools for carbon accounting; (iii) promotion of policy dialogue; and (iv) sharing of lessons learned. 5 CORMAGDALENA is a Colombian public institution with industrial and commercial purpose in charge of the river Magdalena management, which has among its functions besides the sustainable use and preservation of the environment, fishing resources and other renewable natural resources in the basin of the Magdalena River. 6 A.W. FABER CASTELL & T.H. REFORESTATION S.A.S is a private company formed to continue funding and conducting commercial reforestation activities under the project activity starting in 2009. 7 World Bank, Small Grant Project Concept Note on a Proposed Micro Grant in the Amount of US$ 74,040 to the Office National Des Forets International (ONFI) For A Strengthening Capacity on Environmental Good Practices for Commercial Reforestation in the Magdalena Bajo Seco Technical Assistance Project, para. 15. 8 More specifically, the beneficiary population consisted of: (i) 16 percent large landowners (i.e. having more than 305 ha each) who ran their own companies; (ii) 35 percent medium landowners (with between 60 and 300 ha) who engaged in the private sector on a smaller scale; and (iii) 48 percent small landowners (with less than 60 ha), or campesinos, who mostly lived or depended on their land according to the social assessment carried out for the project.


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6. The key expected outcomes from the PDO statement could be interpreted as: (i) strengthened capacity of ONFA for

effective implementation of the EMP for the CDM project; and (ii) strengthened capacity of CDM project

implementation partners (CORMAGDALENA, A.W. Faber Castell and CDM project beneficiaries) for effective

implementation of the EMP for the CDM project. The key expected results (outcome indicators) are: (i) heightened

awareness of the EMP requirements among the CDM Project’s implementing agencies; (ii) increased capacity of the

CDM Project’s beneficiaries to apply environmental good practices on their project lands, and (iii) development of

a monitoring mechanism for application of good environmental practices in the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM Project.

In the absence of a Project Appraisal Document Results Framework, and outcome indicators (as only a Small Grant

Concept Note had been prepared prior to approval), and given the scale and scope of this small technical assistance

project, achievement of the PDO was to be measured by the above key outcome indicators and the following key

output indicators:

a. An Environmental Good Practices Manual;

b. Environmental Good Practices Guidance Sheets for each category of environmental practices;

c. Three capacity building workshops with A. W. Faber Castell, CORMAGDALENA, and CDM Project

beneficiaries;

d. A summary of EMP implementation including the capacity building and training events;

e. Number of people trained in environmental good practices;

f. A summary of surveys carried out by ONFA on environmental management practices implemented by

beneficiaries on their farms (50 percent of CDM Project farms in 2015 and 50 percent in 2017); and

g. Conclusions and recommendations regarding good environmental practices for the CDM Project.

Components

7. The project had three components:

Component 1: Environmental Good Practices Manual and Field Notes (appraisal cost: US$ 1,300; actual costs:

US$ 1,300). These documents would outline good practices to avoid or mitigate the CDM Project’s potential

identified environmental risks, including in relation to soil erosion, surface water discharges, alteration of water

quality, changes in water streams, negative impacts on air quality, increased fire risks, safety risks, and the use

of pesticides and herbicides.

Component 2: Capacity Building for Implementation of Good Environmental Practices (appraisal cost: US$

30,080; actual cost: US$ 23,1839). This component would support training events and workshops to be delivered

by ONFA, related to the Good Practices Manual. They would include workshops with the two entities responsible

for CDM Project implementation (CORMAGDALENA and A. W. Faber Castell) and the landowners involved in all

three phases of the project.

9 This figure, representing 77 percent of the appraisal cost, was that reported by ONFA in June 2017, and may not be definitive since there was a proposal at that time to use at least part of the unexpended balance to carry out additional interviews with project landowner beneficiaries (see footnote 12 below).


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Component 3: Monitoring of EMP Implementation (appraisal cost: US$ 42,660; actual cost: US$ 42,232). This

component would include ONFA reports in 2015 and 2017 with regard inter alia to: (i) a summary of EMP

implementation including the capacity building and training events; (ii) a summary of the surveys carried out on

environmental management practices implemented by beneficiaries on their farms (50 percent in 2015 and 50

percent in 2017); and (iii) conclusions and recommendations regarding good environmental practices in the CDM

project.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES DURING IMPLEMENTATION (IF APPLICABLE):

8. There were no significant changes in the project during implementation.

II. OUTCOME

Assessment of Achievement of Each Objective/Outcome

9. The project’s development objective was to strengthen the capacity of ONFA, CORMAGDALENA, A. W. Faber Castell,

and the small, medium, and large landowners participating in the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM Project for effective

implementation of the associated Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Since these two outcomes are

interrelated and their results overlap, their achievement will be discussed collectively. Achievement of this

objective was to be assessed based on achievement of the three key expected outcome indicators and of the seven

output indicators, which are discussed in the paragraphs below and further detailed in Annex 1 with the caveat

mentioned in para. 6 above regarding the absence of a Results Framework and true outcome (as opposed to output)

indicators in the initial project document.

Outcome Indicator 1: Heightened awareness of the EMP requirements among the CDM Project’s implementing

agencies

10. The project boosted the awareness of EMP requirements among the CDM Project’s implementing agencies and

participating landowners in various ways. During the first year of EMP implementation (2014-2015), for example,

the Environmental Good Practices Manual (with the title Manual Ambiental de Recomendaciones Técnicas para el

Proyecto PRC/MDL)10 and Environmental Good Practice Guidance Sheets (Cartillas de Divulgación) were elaborated

with the collaboration of World Bank specialists (Manual) and a graphic design professional (Guidance Sheets). The

Manual presented 15 technical recommendations, and a total of 7 Good Practice Guidance Sheets were

elaborated.11 This represented the completion of Component 1 and supported the achievement of key output

10 The contents of the Manual covered: (i) habitat conservation and biodiversity; (ii) soil and water conservation; (iii) management of hazardous substances and wastes during forestry activities (including pesticides); (iv) forest fire prevention, protection, and control; (v) waste materials handling; (vi) forest roads; and (vii) occupational health and safety. 11 ONF Andina, Informe de Avances de la Implementación del Plan de Manejo Ambiental del PRC (i.e., the CDM Project) en el Marco del Acuerdo de Donación – TF 018361 entre el BioCarbon Fund y LA ONF Andina), Bogotá, Noviembre de 2015. The Guidance Notes were on: (i) conservation of forests and biodiversity; (ii) soil and water protection and conservation; (iii) occupational health and safety; (iv) control and prevention of forest fires; (vi) good environmental practices for forestry activities;


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indicators 1 and 2 as well as to Outcome Indicator 2. The Environmental Good Practices Manual and Guidance

Sheets were utilized as training materials in May 2014 for the project beneficiary landowners that took part in Phase

1 of the project and with CORMAGDALENA’s technical staff that participated in Phase 2 and A. W. Faber’s technical

staff that participated in Phase 3. Among the topics selected jointly by the project technical staff and the workshop

participants were: (i) silvicultural tasks; (ii) forest exploitation, minor transport, and commercialization; (iii) forest

fires; (iv) health and occupational safety; and (v) plantation monitoring. Other capacity building workshops were

held in July and August 2014, which were directed to the landowner beneficiaries of Phase 1, and the

CORMAGDALENA and A.W. Faber Castell technical staff and landowner beneficiaries engaged in Phases 2 and 3.

11. The July 2014 workshop more specifically discussed good environmental practices in forest management generally,

and six such events altogether were held the following month. The first two of these latter workshops involved

CORMAGDALENA staff, Phase 1 beneficiaries, and forest workers and gave special emphasis to: (i) the importance

of forests for sustainable management; (ii) erosion control; (iii) personal safety; (iv) management of forest residues;

and (v) management of forest fires. The next two involved A. W. Faber Castell staff and workers in Phase 3 and

focused on (i) habitat and biodiversity; (ii) erosion and soil conservation; (iii) pruning and thinning; (iv) protective

equipment; (v) management of hazardous residues; (vi) management of pests; and (vii) fire control. The final two

involved Phase 2 beneficiaries, CORMAGDALENA, FINAGRO12, and forest workers and discussed: (i) biodiversity and

ecosystems; (ii) soil conservation; and (iii) forest management. Altogether 30 persons were trained at these

workshops. Additional capacity building workshops were held in 2016 based on interviews carried out earlier that

year regarding further training needs. The first of these was directed to the technical personnel of A. W. Faber

Castell and T. H. Reforestation S. A. S. (Phase 3) and involved those involved in managing tree nurseries, plantation

silviculture, and harvesting. A total of 16 persons attended and the topics covered were:(i) erosion and soil

conservation; (ii) habitat and biodiversity; (iii) personal protection equipment for forestry work; (iv) management

of hazardous wastes; (v) integrated management of pests and diseases; and (vi) prevention and control of forest

fires. The second workshop was targeted on the landowner beneficiaries of Phases 1 and 2, involved four

participants, and covered: (i) erosion and soil conservation; (ii) habitats and biodiversity; (iii) personal protection

equipment for forestry tasks; and (iv) forest and agro-forestry systems.13 Thus, altogether some 50 persons were

trained under Component 2, supporting the achievement of key output indicators 4 and 5 and Outcome Indicators

1, 2, and 3.

12. Throughout the preparation of the products and activities of this TA, and in general by leading this project and the

interaction with beneficiaries, the environmental management capacity of ONFA was strengthened, adding new

elements to their considerable experience with respect to forest-related carbon offset projects in the region and in

and (vii) good management of hazardous substances (including pesticides). 12 FINAGRO is the Fondo para el Financiamiento del Sector Agropecuario de Colombia. It provides credit for agricultural and ranching activities in the country, including for farmer participants in phase 2 of the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM Project. 13 These results are reported in ONF Andina, Informe de Avances de la Implementación del Plan de Manejo Ambiental del PRC (i.e., the CDM Project) en el Marco del Acuerdo de Donación – TF 018361 entre el BioCarbon Fund y LA ONF Andina), Bogotá, Junio de 2017.


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Colombia, according to Marion Chesnes from ONFA. Other implementing agencies such as CORMAGDALENA and

A.W FABER Castell heightened awareness of the EMP requirements, by having access to The Environmental Good

Practices Manual and Guidance Sheets. Technical Staff of these organizations attended workshops and training

events in May, July, and August 2014, and other workshops in 2016, as explained in the preceding paragraphs.

Additionally, all the implementing agencies participated or assessed farmers in implementing good environmental

management practices in their farms, strengthening their knowledge and practical capacity on the matter, during

the project implementation.

Outcome Indicator 2: Increased capacity of the CDM Project’s beneficiaries to apply environmental good practices on

their project lands.

13. These workshops and other environmental management-related guidance provided by the project implementing

agencies with Bank support and oversight increased the capacity of project beneficiaries to apply environmental

good practices on their lands. This was verified through interviews carried out by the ICR team with a selection of

these beneficiaries as well as in meetings with the implementing agencies for the same purpose. According to these

interviews, farmers have acquired basic knowledge about environmental management that they did not have

before, and those who attended the training modules believe that they were very beneficial for their farms. They

also requested a wider dissemination of the materials that were distributed at those events, as many did not receive

them. The farmers interviewed also indicated that they are now much more concerned about fauna and biodiversity

as well as the management of water bodies and soils on their farms. They reported that species of fauna that hadn’t

been seen for several years have returned to the area and that they are now applying practices to protect them.

They also believe that weather conditions have improved and that the forest plantations may have brought more

rain and provide better windbreaks. In addition, they report that they have carried out reforestation and other

practices to protect small lakes and streams on their properties and are more careful with the disposal of garbage

and chemical product containers to avoid water contamination. Key to the adoption of environmental good

practices by these landowners was their perception that improved forest (and other natural resource) management

on their properties would help to generate longer-term and more sustainable income based on these resources as

well as providing significant environmental benefits, particularly in the form of biodiversity conservation and

enhancement.

14. While key inputs – i.e., the Environmental Good Practices Manual and Guidance Sheets, and a number of pertinent

capacity building events – were clearly generated by and/or implemented under the project, the interviewees also

suggested that additional actions and resources and further oversight may be needed in order to constitute a truly

“sustainable mechanism” for application of these good practices by all of the landowners that participated in the

CDM project and their neighbors (see also the section on risk to development outcome below). Those interviewed

also expressed interest in having training on a long-term basis on natural resources and environmental management

of the plantations and of their farms.


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Outcome Indicator 3: Development of a monitoring mechanism for application of good environmental practices in the Magdalena Bajo Seco-CDM Project.

15. The project likewise successfully developed a monitoring system to assess EMP implementation, including the

capacity building and training events and how environmental management practices are being implemented by

beneficiaries. Through this mechanism, interviews regarding implementation of the EMP were carried out for the

50 percent of landowners in 2016 (i.e., a year after the originally expected date) and 2017. Among the general

recommendations that emerged from these interviews 14 was the need for the reforestation projects to better

coordinate with environmental authorities, municipal entities, and MADS in order to promote an “environmental

culture” in the region and to undertake “controls” since, even though the landowners themselves had followed the

orientations of the EMP, on some occasions neighboring communities had apparently “taken actions that went

against the recommended good environmental practices.” They also argued that it might be necessary for additional

funding and support mechanisms for small landowners who did not possess enough resources to carry out all of the

required environmental management actions.

16. To support indicators 6 and 7 (on surveys and conclusions and recommendations regarding good environmental

practices) more specifically, interviews with institutions and project participants were carried out by the ICR team.

In Bogotá, Marion Chesnes and Paola Reyes from ONFI-ONFA were interviewed. Diana Vargas from

CORMAGDALENA and Carlos Betancourt from FINAGRO, were interviewed. In Barranquilla Stefan Tschampel owner

of T.H. Reforestation, participant of phases 1, 2 and 3, and representative of Faber Castle & T.H. Reforestation. Five

other farmers were also interviewed: Mr. Jairo Andrade and Ms. Ana Cecilia Vega from Phase 1; Mr. Parmenides

Tolosa Fernandez participating in Phases 1 and 2; and Mr. Rafael Jaraba del Castillo and Yolanda Acosta Fernandez

participating in Phase 2. All those Interviewed indicated that implementation of the environmental management

practices based on the Environmental Good Practices Manual and associated training events had been added value

to the parallel CDM project. Additionally, the Evaluation Report on the implementation of the Environmental

Management Plan of the CDM Project15 and its interviews, was reviewed. This report included interviews with 14

participants of the project, out of which 57% were from phase 1, 36% from phase 2, and 7% were from phase 3.

14 ONFI_ONFA:2017. Evaluation Report on the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan of the CDM Project "Commercial Reforestation Program in the soils dedicated to extensive livestock activities in the Magdalena Bajo Seco region." This report included interviews with 14 participants of the project, out of which 57% were from phase 1, 36% from phase 2, and 7% were from phase 3. 15 ONFI_ONFA:2017. Evaluation Report on the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan of the CDM Project

"Commercial Reforestation Program in the soils dedicated to extensive livestock activities in the Magdalena Bajo Seco region." This report included interviews with 14 participants of the project, out of which 57% were from phase 1, 36% from phase 2, and 7% were from phase 3.


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Overall Outcome Rating 17. Based on the project’s successful delivery of its three planned outcome and seven intermediate indicators,16 and

other achievements, described along this document, the overall project outcome rating is Satisfactory. 17 The

project helped to strengthen the environmental management capacity of ONFA, CORMAGDALENA and A.W Faber

Castell; created new and improved knowledge, capacity, and skills of farmers and beneficiaries in the

implementation of good environmental practices; and implemented a monitoring mechanism, evidencing the

positive outcomes of the application of funds of this TA. This positive situation notwithstanding, while key inputs

(i.e., the Environmental Good Practices Manual and Guidance Sheets, and a number of pertinent capacity building

events) were clearly generated by and/or implemented under the project, some interviewees suggested that

additional actions and resources and further oversight may be needed in order to constitute a truly “sustainable

mechanism” for application of these good practices by all of the landowners that participated in the CDM project

and their neighbors (see also the section on risk to development outcome below). Those interviewed also expressed

interest in having training on a long-term basis on natural resources and environmental management of the

plantations and of their farms.

Other Outcomes and Impacts

18. One project outcome that should be further highlighted is that the acquisition of new knowledge on environmental

management and practices by the participating farmers may represent an important first step to the creation of an

“environmental culture” in the project area. As observed above, due to the project, these farmers have started to

apply better environmental practices on their lands including fauna protection, watershed reforestation, and other

measures to protect small lakes and streams; safer disposal of garbage and chemical wastes, etc. The farmers are

more aware of the environment in general and would welcome additional training on the subject, which reflects

new interests beyond the economic benefits of the parallel CDM project, including both its carbon and forestry

components.

16 The June 2017 implementation report indicates that it was proposed that the financial resources that were not spent at that time would be used “to realize a series of complementary interviews with landowners in order to evaluate the socio-economic impact of the CDM Project on its participants, especially as they changed their production practices (economic and environmental aspects) as a result of their perception of the project that they received from the sale of the carbon bonds in 2013.” However, this did not occur and the unused remaining funds for Component 2 were cancelled. 17 It should also be noted that Efficiency is not a criterion for assessing the outcome of small grant projects, it was is not specifically considered in this ICR.


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III. KEY FACTORS THAT AFFECTED IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOME

19. Project success, including production and application of the Environmental Good Practices Manual and

Guidance Sheets and implementation of the training events as well as the increased awareness of environmental aspects on the part of its participants can be attributed to two main factors:

a. The capacity building program was designed and carried out by ONFA, with the support of the World

Bank. As ONFA was responsible for the carbon component of the parallel CDM operation and had been closely involved from the very beginning of the reforestation activities, it not only had the technical qualifications and skills to develop and implement the training program, but it also knew the project area, the farmers, and their environmental situation and problems very well. Therefore, specific environmental and technical issues were easily identified and addressed to farmers.

b. The training program was closely linked to the carbon component of the CDM project, which was one of the most successful elements of the reforestation investments and the participating farmers viewed improved environmental practices on their properties as an important factor to achieve carbon outcomes.

IV. BANK PERFORMANCE, COMPLIANCE ISSUES, AND RISK TO DEVELOPMENT OUTCOME

20. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Project M&E design, implementation, and utilization were all adequate.

Design included the identification of key indicators that were monitored by ONFA and the Bank throughout

implementation and reported in the periodic progress reports. Planned surveys covering all project farmer

participants, 50 percent at a time, were also carried out in 2016 (albeit with a one-year delay) and 2017.

This system also provided the information necessary to enable assessment of the project’s results on the

ground, outcomes, and achievement of the PDO, which were verified during the ICR mission in December

2018. Overall, M&E was Satisfactory.

21. Bank Performance was Satisfactory. ONFA observes that the World Bank’s participation has been very

positive because its administrative and technical, including environmental safeguards, specialists provided

timely support for implementation of both the present TA and complementary CDM projects. According to

this source, when the Bank agreed to join the CDM operation, the prevailing environmental and social

practices in the project area were assessed and improved environmental management practices related to

them were included and their implementation directly supported through this project. This has represented

an important contribution as farmers began to understand the importance of project environmental and

social co-benefits and are proud to help address the environmental problems of the Magdalena River

watershed. Project supervision and monitoring and evaluation by the Bank was satisfactory, with special

attention given to environmental safeguards compliance as discussed in the next paragraph. The Bank’s

quality at entry was also adequate with the RF and M&E including information necessary to enable


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assessment of the project’s results on the ground, outcomes, and achievement of the PDO, which were

verified during the ICR mission in December 2018.

22. Compliance. The project was category C (not required) for EA category and no safeguards policies were

triggered due to the TA nature of the project. Three safeguards-related supervision missions were carried

out by the Bank in connection with this and the parallel CDM project. The first (December 10, 2013) had

the objective of reviewing progress on implementation of the EMP, establishing the content of the

Environmental Good Practices Manual and Guidance Sheets. Four training workshops were carried out in

March-April 2014 to validate the EMP, Manual, and Guidance Sheets, and to define monitoring and

performance evaluation mechanisms. The second mission (July 21-23, 2014) had the objective of

supervising application of the EMP and included visits to participating farms in the municipalities of Chibolo,

Zapaýan, and Plato and interactions with landowners and implementing agency technical staff, as well

participation in another training workshop. The third mission (March 2016) was again for the purpose of

monitoring implementation of the EMP and to design the survey of the participating farmers, half of whom

were interviewed in 2016 and the other half in 2017. No significant compliance issues were encountered

during these missions, nor were any procurement or FM problems reported.

23. Risks to Development Outcome. The main risks to project outcomes in relation to the forest plantations

are invasions of livestock, drought, fires, and lack of markets to commercialize the wood. As this project

has demonstrated, these risks can be avoided or mitigated mainly with the application of the good

environmental management practices that the participating farmers have adopted and the support of

CORMAGDALENA, A. W. Faber Castell, and ONFA to the owners for placement of their wood in the markets.

However, some additional assistance may be needed to ensure that these good management practices

continue to be applied, especially on the part of the smaller farmers who have participated in phase 3 of

the project.

V.LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS

24. Lessons Learned. Support for the implementation of improved environmental management practices

through this type of project is not only important, but, based on its experience, is welcomed and

integrated by farmers and their communities. Thus, environmental and social impact assessments and

implementation of better management practices can not only complement but enhance project economic

benefits. Accordingly, the costs of improved environmental management practices should be considered

part of the overall costs of a project.


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25. Recommendations. Several recommendations can be put forward based on the project experience:

1. The Environmental Good Practices Manual and Guidance Sheets developed by this project be laminated and more widely disseminated so that they become readily available to all participating technicians and landowners, as well as others who may be interested.

2. A regional mutual aid program for combatting forest fires be established in the project areas, including

a registry of fire brigades, definition of responsibilities, identification of existing material resources and alert mechanisms for organized and timely response in the event of fires.

3. Even though the local technical advisors are not well-trained in silvicultural techniques and good

environmental management practices and plagues or catastrophic diseases in the plantations do not represent an imminent risk, it is necessary to reinforce training in disease, pest, and first aid management. Similarly, some, especially smaller, participating farmers should be provided with additional financial and technical support to ensure the full and sustainable application of improved environmental management practices on their properties.

4. Funds should be sought to enable application of the planned additional survey of the socio-economic

and environmental benefits perceived by the participating farmers as part of a more comprehensive assessment of project outcomes.18

.

18 It had initially been planned to use resources remaining from the present project to finance this survey before it closed, but Bank management did not authorize this request from the project team and thus these resources were not used.

The World Bank Strengthening Capacity on Good Environmental Practices in Commercial Reforestation in the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM Project (P151568)

Page 15 of 25

ANNEX 1. RESULTS FRAMEWORK AND KEY OUTPUTS

A. RESULTS INDICATORS A.1 PDO Indicators

Objective/Outcome: i) Strengthened capacity of ONFA and CDM project implementation partners for effective implementation of the EMP for the CDM project

Indicator Name Unit of Measure Baseline Original Target Formally Revised

Target

Actual Achieved at Completion

Heightened awareness of the EMP requirements among the CDM Project’s implementing agencies

Text No Yes NA Yes

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

Comments (achievements against targets): According to targets, heightened awareness of implementing agencies ONFA, CORMAGDALENA and A.W FABER

Castell was achieved. Throughout the preparation of the products and activities of this TA, and in general by leading this project and the interaction with

beneficiaries, the environmental management capacity of ONFA was strengthened, adding new elements to their considerable experience with respect to

forest-related carbon offset projects in the region and in Colombia, according to Marion Chesnes from ONFA. Other implementing agencies such as

CORMAGDALENA and A.W FABER Castell heightened awareness of the EMP requirements, by having access to The Environmental Good Practices Manual

and Guidance Sheets. Technical Staff of these organizations attended the workshops and training events in May, July and August 2014, and other workshops


Page 16 of 25

in 2016. Additionally, all the implementing agencies participated or assessed farmers in implementing good environmental management practices in their

farms, strengthening their knowledge and practical capacity on the matter, during the project development.


Page 17 of 25

Objective/Outcome: Strengthened capacity of ONFA and CDM project implementation partners for effective implementation of the EMP for the CDM project


Target


Increased capacity of the CDM Project’s beneficiaries to apply environmental good practices on their project lands

Text No Yes NA Yes

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

Comments (achievements against targets): During the first year of EMP implementation (2014-2015), the Environmental Good Practices Manual (with

the title Manual Ambiental de Recomendaciones Técnicas para el Proyecto PRC/MDL) and Environmental Good Practice Guidance Sheets (Cartillas de

Divulgación) were elaborated with the collaboration of World Bank specialists (Manual) and a graphic design professional (Guidance Sheets). The Manual

presented 15 technical recommendations, and a total of 7 Good Practice Guidance Sheets were elaborated. These materials were distributed to

beneficiaries and used in several workshops where farmers received instruction such as: May, July and August 2014. Additional capacity building

workshops were held in 2016 based on interviews carried out earlier that year regarding further training needs. This represented the completion of

Component 1 and supported the achievement of key output indicators 1 and 2 as well as to Outcome indicator 2.

According to targets, ONFA Surveys of farmers interviewed for this ICR indicated that they are now much more concerned about environmental

management good practices, including: fauna and biodiversity and conservation; improved water and soil management, reforestation and other practices

to protect small lakes and streams; more safe garbage and chemical disposal to avoid water contamination. Farmers have acquired basic knowledge

about environmental management that they did not have before, and those who attended the training modules believe that they were very beneficial

for their farms.


Target


Development of a monitoring Text No Yes NA Yes


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mechanism for application environmental good practices in the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM Project

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

Comments (achievements against targets): This indicator was achieved by developing a monitoring system to assess EMP implementation, including the capacity building and training events and how environmental management practices are being implemented by beneficiaries. The conclusions and recommendations regarding good environmental practices in the CDM project were included in different reports from ONFA. Additionally, the Evaluation Report on the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan of the CDM Project and its interviews, was reviewed. This report included interviews with 14 participants of the project, out of which 57% were from phase 1, 36% from phase 2, and 7% were from phase 3. Summary of EMP implementation including the capacity building and training events, and conclusions and recommendations were defined and registered in ONFA Reports; and a Summary of surveys carried out by ONFA on environmental management practices, was developed and implemented.

A.2 Intermediate Results Indicators

Objective/Outcome: Environment Good Practice Manual and Field Notes


Target


An Environmental Good Practices

Manual developed

Number 0 1 NA 1

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

Comments (achievements against targets): 100% achieved as the Environmental Good Practice Guidance Manual was developed, printed and distributed amongst beneficiaries and implementing agencies.


Target



Page 19 of 25

Environmental Good Practices Guidance Sheets for each category of environmental practices elaborated

Number 0 7 NA 7

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

Comments (achievements against targets): 100% achieved as the Environmental Good Practice Guidance Sheets were developed, printed and distributed amongst beneficiaries and implementing agencies.

Component 2: Capacity Building for Implementation of Good Environmental Practices


Target


Capacity building workshops with A. W. Faber Castell, CORMAGDALENA, and CDM Project beneficiaries

Number 0 3 NA 3

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017


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Comments (achievements against targets): 100 percent achieved, as ONFA progress reports summarized project implementation including capacity building and training events and beneficiary surveys were carried out in 2016 (instead of 2015) and 2017 covering all participating farmers.

Component 3: Monitoring of EMP implementation


Target


A summary of EMP implementation including the capacity building and training events

Number 0 1 NA 1

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

Comments (achievements against targets): 100 percent achieved, as ONFA progress reports summarized project implementation including capacity building and training events were carried out covering all participating farmers


Target


Number of people trained in environmental good practices

Number 0 50 NA 50

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

1. Comments (achievements against targets): 100 percent achieved, as 50 people were trained in environmental good practices (including implementation agencies)


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Target


A summary of surveys carried out by ONFA on environmental management practices implemented by beneficiaries on their farms (50 percent of CDM Project farms in 2015 and 50 percent in 2017)

Number 0 2 NA 2

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

Comments (achievements against targets): 100 percent achieved, as ONFA progress reports summarized beneficiary surveys were carried out in 2016 (instead of 2015) and 2017 covering all participating farmers


Target


Conclusions and recommendations regarding good environmental practices for Commercial Reforestation in the Magdalena Bajo Seco-CDM Project prepared

Text No Yes NA Yes

26-Jun-2015 30-Sep-2017 30-Sep-2017

Comments (achievements against targets): 100 percent achieved. Conclusions and recommendations regarding good environmental practices in the CDM project were included in different reports from ONFA. Additionally, the Evaluation Report on the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan of the CDM Project and its interviews, was reviewed. This report included interviews with 14 participants of the project, out of which 57% were from phase 1, 36% from phase 2, and 7% were from phase 3.


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B. ORGANIZATION OF THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PDO

Objective/Outcome: Strengthened capacity of ONFA and CDM project implementation partners for effective implementation of the EMP for the CDM project

Outcome Indicators

1. Heightened awareness of the EMP requirements among the CDM

Project’s implementing agencies achieved.

2. Increased capacity of the CDM Project’s beneficiaries to apply

environmental good practices on their project lands

3. Development of a monitoring mechanism for application

environmental good practices in the Magdalena Bajo Seco CDM

Project

Intermediate Results Indicators

1. An Environmental Good Practices Manual elaborated and

distributed amongst implementing agencies

2. Environmental Good Practice Guidance Sheets for each category

of environmental practices elaborated and distributed amongst

implementing agencies

3. Capacity Building Workshops prepared by ONFA with A.W. Faber

Castell, CORMAGDALENA,

4. Summary of EMP implementation including the capacity building

and training events.

5. A summary of surveys carried out by ONFA on environmental

management practices implemented by beneficiaries on their

farms (50% in 2015 and 50% in 2017)

6. Number of people trained in environmental good practices


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7. Conclusions and recommendations regarding good environmental practices for Commercial Reforestation in the Magdalena Bajo Seco-CDM Project prepared

Key Outputs by Component (linked to the achievement of the Objective/Outcome 1)

• Environment Good Practice Manual and Environmental Good

Practice Guidance Sheets developed and distributed to

implementing agencies and project beneficiaries.

• Capacity Building for Implementation of Good Environmental Practices implemented.

• Monitoring of EMP implementation performed.

• 50 people trained in environmental good practices (including

implementation agencies


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. .

ANNEX 2. PROJECT COST BY COMPONENT

Components Amount at Approval

(US$ 000) Actual at Project

Closing (US$ 000) Percentage of Approval

Total 74,040 66,715 90.1

Component 1: Environmental Good Practices Manual and Field Notes 1,300 1,300 100.0 Component 2: Capacity Building for Implementation of Good Environmental Practices 30,080 23,183 77.1 Component 3: Monitoring of EMP Implementation 42,660 42,232 99.0


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ANNEX 3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (IF ANY)

Information of Interviews. Carried out by Maria Teresa Szauer. Consultant in Colombia

Name of Interviewee

Date of interview Place of Interview

Occupation of Interviewee

Contact Information of interviewee

Marion Chesnes Nov 29/2018 Bogotá Project Director-ONFA

+573108043937

Paola Reyes Dec 3 & Dec 10/2018 Bogotá & Barranquilla

Professional ONFA +573108043937

Diana Vargas Dec. 5/2018 Bogotá Project Coordinator CORMAGDALENA

+57305479-8364

Carlos Betancourt Dec 7/2018 Bogotá Project Coordinator FINAGRO

+57318 889-6202

Stefan Tschampel Dec. 10/2018 Barranquilla Project Coordinator A.W.Faber Castell &T.H Reforestation. Phases 1,2, and 3

+57 (313) 534-4451

Jairo Andrade Dec. 10/2018 Barranquilla Phase 1 Contacted through Paola Reyes-ONFA

Ana Cecilia Vega Dec. 11/2018 Telephonic communication

Beneficiary Phase 1 Contacted through Paola Reyes-ONFA

Parmenides Tolosa Fernandez

Dec.10/2018 Barranquilla Beneficiary, Phase 1 &2.

Contacted through Paola Reyes-ONFA

Rafael Jaraba del Castillo

Dec.10/2018 Barranquilla Beneficiary, Phase 2. Contacted through Paola Reyes-ONFA

Yolanda Acosta Fernandez

Dec. 11/2018 Telephonic communication

Beneficiary Phase 2 Contacted through Paola Reyes-ONFA

Documents

IMPLEMENTATION COMPLETION AND RESULTS REPORTdocuments.worldbank.org › curated › en...related to forests) and climate change mitigation. 2 Launched with a first tranche in 2004,