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10 ADDITIONALITY AND OFFSET PROGRAMMES – CIP, EIP, OFFSET AND OTHER INITIATIVES The implementation of the BTC Additionality and Offset programmes is carried out through a series of regional and community-based projects, designed to conserve biodiversity, to deliver local and long term benefits, and to empower local communities to resolve issues for themselves.

Details of some of the projects were presented in previous reports, so information presented here focuses on new initiatives and significant milestones achieved by existing projects during the reporting period. Some contextual information is provided to minimise the need to refer to previous quarterly reports.

As in previous reports, offset programmes have been selected as case studies. Case Study 10.1 details the extensive activities of the EIP Important Bird Area project in Turkey since its inception. Case Studies 10.2 and 10.3 showcase two CIP programmes in Turkey; the first is a piped water project in Kalkankaya and the second is a Transport Co-operative Programme in three small villages near Ceyhan. Case Study 10.4 showcases the Goranboy Museum in Azerbaijan, refurbished as part of BTC/SCP’s Cultural Heritage Programme.

10.1 OFFSET AND EIP The purpose of this section is to provide an update on implementation status of the Offset and Additionality (EIP)1 programmes across the Project (see Table 10.1). An external review of the EIP is currently being undertaken by two independent consultants (contracted by BTC following recommendation from an international wildlife NGO). A desktop review and consultation with international stakeholders have been completed, and in-country consultations are to be carried out in January 2005.

In addition a meeting was held in December with international NGOs to provide an update on the EIP. The NGOs were given the opportunity to comment on the draft Scope of Work that forms the basis for the EIP review referred to above.

1 Offset programmes are carried out to compensate for residual impacts (i.e. impacts that cannot be fully mitigated). Additionality programmes forming part of the Environmental Investment Programme (EIP) are investments or other initiatives that go beyond impact mitigation

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Table 10.1: BTC Offset and EIP Projects Country Project Offset EIP Impl. Stage* Cross Country Caucasus biodiversity project P

Strategic Environmental & Cultural Management Plan for Proposed Gobustan National Park / Gobustan Cultural Heritage Reserve I Semi-desert conservation management - Project 1 (RFP) D Semi-desert conservation management - Project 2 (RFP) D Spur-thighed tortoise conservation management (Non-RFP) I Public Awareness and Community Involvement -Project 1 (RFP) D Public Awareness and Community Involvement -Project 2 (RFP) D Persian gazelle conservation management (RFP) D Tougay Forest conservation and restoration, Kura floodplain I2 Kura-Araz Lake Management (RFP) D

Azerbaijan

Phase 2 Projects - Energy Management (and the application of renewable energy [biogas and solar]), Environmentally Friendly Economic Development & Waste Management I**

Forest Eco-Compensation Programme P Rare Floral Species Programme (Population enhancement element) I Borjomi Kharagauli National Park Support Zone Program (1)- Enhancement of Environmental Education around Borjomi Kharagauli National Park I**

Borjomi Kharagauli National Park Support Zone Program (2) - Environmentally Sound Livestock Farming (ELF) Project I** Management Planning for Ktsia Tabatskuri Managed Reserve (Non-RFP) P Caucasian Black Grouse Research, Monitoring and Conservation Management (RFP) I Ecosystems and Species Conservation in Georgia: Brown Bear (RFP) I Sustainable Forest Pilot Project P

Georgia

Small Grant for NGO Capacity Building and Public Awareness/Environmental Education I Important Plant Areas I Eco-compensation Planting for: Posof Wildlife Protection Area; Sarikamis Natural Site Area; Miscellaneous forest areas D Important Bird Areas I Improving the conservation status of Caucasian Black Grouse (CBG) in Turkey I Mediterranean Monk Seal Research I Sea Turtles I Lesser Caucasus Forest Gap Analysis & Sub-ecoregion study I Small Investments Fund I Forest Habitat Enhancement P Public Awareness / Community Involvement I**

Turkey

Wetlands Management I** Key: *Project Sequence = Planning (P), Definition (D), Implementation (I); ** advanced one implementation stage since Q3

2 NB: The project has been approved and is the implementation stage but BTC/SCP funding towards this project has not yet occurred

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10.1.1 CROSS-CAUCASUS PROJECT Preliminary discussions were held with an International NGO to discuss the development of a regional project. The findings from the EIP Review will help guide any further development of this project.

10.1.2 AZERBAIJAN The following section details projects in Azerbaijan that are currently in the Implementation Stage. IMPLEMENTATION STAGE PROJECTS

Project Name: Strategic Environmental & Cultural Management Plan for Proposed Gobustan National Park / Gobustan Cultural Heritage Reserve

Project Start Date: October 2003

Implementing Organisation: Gobustan Reserve Stakeholder Consultative Committee (GRSCC)

Location: Gobustan

Project Description: BTC and other Stakeholders from key public, corporate and Governmental groups have established the GRSCC to discuss and manage the future of the Gobustan Reserve. The aim of the Committee is to implement actions recommended by UNESCO, prior to resubmitting the application for World Heritage Status. Highlights and Achievements: BTC provided the Ministry of Culture with expert international assistance to support the Ministry’s application for World Heritage status. A GIS system, together with appropriate training was provided to the Ministry to assist in management of the Reserve.

Project Name: Spur-thighed tortoise conservation management

Project Start Date: 2002 (BTC funding not yet started)

Implementing Organisation: Project staff hired directly by AIOC

Location: Sangachal terminal and BTC pipeline

Project Description: AIOC is implementing the Spur-thighed Tortoise Breeding Programme, which will receive funds from BTC/SCP as an offset measure to mitigate any losses of this red listed species that may occur as a result of pipeline construction activities. Highlights and Achievements: The plan was to release and monitor tortoises bred under the programme into the semi-desert conservation area. This project is therefore linked to the Semi-desert conservation management projects, which are still in the definition stage. Due to delays with these projects, a contingency is under development.

Project Name: Tougay Forest Conservation and Restoration

Project Start Date: Q4-2002

Implementing Organisation: BP

Location: Kura Floodplain

Project Description: Involving BP Group, BTC/SCP and the BP Azerbaijan Business Unit to protect the threatened Tougai Forest habitat. BTC/SCP will be contributing financially to enable the implementation phase. Highlights and Achievements: Implementation was delayed due to unavailability of the identified pilot area in Qizil Yugun forest, Agstafa. An alternative plot has been secured adjacent to the original site, with the same conditions which therefore does not impact the validity of existing literature and field studies. Work is now commencing on the site design for planting and management for this alternative site.

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Project Name: Phase 2 community projects

Project Start Date: Q4 2004

Implementing Organisation: Lead Implementing Partners are Save The Children (SC); International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Location: Pipeline Affected Communities

Project Description: Community level projects to conserve local biodiversity. Highlights and Achievements: A pilot programme of fruit tree planting over 2 hectares is underway in Sari Teppe. Proceeds will fund books and supplies for local school.

Design began on an Environmental Awareness and Improvement Programme targeting both children and adults. Students will be given environmental awareness training, and develop some knowledge of fruit tree planting and management. Communities will be given the opportunity to develop proposals that respond to a community need and align with the themes of the Project (energy management and renewable energy, environmentally friendly economic development and waste management). Thirty-five $10,000 grants for the best proposals are planned.

10.1.3 GEORGIA The following section outlines the scope and status of Georgia offset and EIP projects which are currently in the Implementation Stage. This is followed by a brief status update of those projects in the Planning or Definition Stages.

IMPLEMENTATION STAGE PROJECTS

Project Name: Rare Floral Species Programme (Population enhancement element)

Project Start Date: mid 2003

Implementing Organisation: Dzelkva

Location: Locations along the route

Project Description: Several species of plants, with high conservation value due to endemism, rarity, size of the population etc., will be affected by pipeline construction and operation. These plant populations are being managed and propagated in an ex situ environment for eventual reintroduction in the wild.

Highlights and Achievements: Q4 activities have included routine maintenance and plant cultivation. Early results indicate a 95% survival rate for translocated plants.

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Project Name: Caucasian Black Grouse (CBG) Research, Monitoring and Conservation Management

Project Start Date: January 2004

Implementing Organisations: The Lead Implementing Organisation is the Georgian Center for the Conservation of Wildlife (GCCW) partnering with the World Pheasant Association (WPA) and University of Idaho (USA) and BirdLife International

Location: Black Grouse habitats in Georgia

Project Description: To provide a scientific basis and the capacity for the effective conservation management of the Caucasian Black Grouse, an endemic, rare and globally threatened faunal species.

Highlights and Achievements: Ecological and population studies progressed during Q4 as follows: • Observations of wintering sites in Akhaltsikhe and Lagodekhi districts and monitoring of 4

marked individuals in conjunction with local NGOs1. • Completed data collection on species distribution, input data into GIS and created a

population model. • Completed sample collection for Species Range Fragmentation Pattern and Connectivity

Level Study and the samples are being analysed. • Members of the EIP team attended the European IBA conference. • Public communications included newspaper articles; press releases and conferences.

Distribution of CBG book and leaflet continued during the quarter. • Preparation of the book ‘Galliforms of Georgia’ continues.

Project Name: Ecosystems and Species Conservation in Georgia: Brown Bear

Project Start Date: June 2004

Implementing Organisation: NACRES (Noah’s Ark Centre for Recovery of Endangered Species)

Location: Trialeti Range in Georgia

Project Description: To estimate brown bear population in the Trialeti Range, appraisal of current levels of threats, description of the underlying reasons for loss of bear habitat, development of a Bear Conservation Action Plan and establishment of the basis for community involvement conservation activities. Highlights and Achievements: • Seasonal fieldwork was undertaken to map habitat use of the bear and 118 samples were

collected for DNA analysis. • A GIS map of preliminarily classified polygons was been developed from satellite imagery.

Ground-truthing results from the fieldwork were analysed and entered into the database. • To establish the scale of forest exploitation and assess associated degradation, data was

sought from the Ministry of Environment, Department of Forestry, and the Project Implementing Unit of the World Bank’s Forestry Development Program of Georgia. Field observations were also undertaken.

• Awarded contract for a socio-economic survey of a) forest utilisation and poaching b) levels of forest use and hunting.

• Community meetings held to heighten public awareness. Regional Local Support Group training provided. A poster and calendar were distributed.

1 Field work undertaken with representatives of Lagodekhi Nature Reserve, NGO ‘Mlokosievitchi Society’, NGO ‘ORBI’, and Bakuriani residents.

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Project Name: Management of Small Grants for NGO Capacity Building

Project Start Date: September 2004

Implementing Organisation: Save the Children

Location: Pipeline Route

Project Description: To develop NGOs’ capacity to engage citizens in environmental awareness and education, and social development. The capacity of 6 selected NGOs to function as long-term Intermediary Support Organisations will be built through Tailored Assistance packages. This will enable them to provide training, information, facilities, communications and office equipment etc. to facilitate primary level NGOs to focus on their mandate of serving people and the environment.

Through a locally-based and transparent decision-making process, another 26 NGOs will be grant-aided to undertake projects addressing environmental and/or social development needs. Such projects must incorporate public education/awareness and participation components. These primary-level NGOs will be supported throughout by the 6 Intermediary Support Organisations. Extensive training will be given to all.

Highlights and Achievements: • A sub-grant agreement was signed between Save the Children and NACRES. • Save the Children opened a sub-office in Akhaltsikhe. • An official launch event for the Small Grants Project was held in Tbilisi. • Save the Children organised panel discussions to assess the level of development of the

NGO sector in Marneuli, Gardabani, Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni and Borjomi districts. • NACRES organised Participatory Rapid Appraisal sessions to define the interaction

between the local population and their environment in seven local districts. • Documents reviewed by Save the Children to be included in the RFP application for

Intermediate Support Grants (ISGs) that will be issued in the first quarter of 2005

Project Name: Enhancement of Environmental Education around Borjomi Kharagauli National Park

Project Start Date: October 2004

Implementing Organisation: CARE

Location: Districts to south / south-east of Borjomi Kharagauli National Park

Project Description: To deliver extra-curricular training to adolescents on major environmental issues and environment conservation approaches, to promote active learning methodologies in teaching and to upgrade teaching materials in the towns of Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe and Adigeni, and other selected villages.

Highlights and Achievements: • Environmental Education (EE) Project Coordinator and 2 EE Officers recruited and started

work in November 2004. • Contractual arrangements made with EE Training Consultants to develop and deliver an

8-day training course for teachers and provide monitoring guidance to staff. • Workshop held to introduce the project to stakeholders. • Criteria developed for selection of participant communities. Questionnaire formulated to

allow collection of information on secondary schools and 33 schools selected for participation in the project (11 in towns and 22 in villages).

• Meetings held with teachers and school Principals. The majority showed enthusiasm for the project and commitment to activities e.g. establishment of Nature Clubs.

• Collation of information on environmental problems in area through questionnaires and stakeholder consultation to allow targeted education activities. Issues identified included deforestation, biodiversity and soil erosion.

• Meetings with Regional Ministry of Environment and local representatives.

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Project Name: Environmentally Sound Livestock Farming (ELF)

Project Start Date: January 2005

Implementing Organisation: CARE

Location: Districts to south / south-east of Borjomi Kharagauli National Park

Project Description: To reduce negative impact on biodiversity in the National Park and its Support Zone through the adoption of environmentally sustainable livestock management practices. To be implemented in 24 villages surrounding the National Park and crossed by the pipeline. The target group will be 2,580 livestock farmers (both men and women) representing approximately 40% of all farming households in the target villages.

To achieve environmentally sustainable livestock management practices and improving livelihood security by:

• Increasing awareness of how excessive human activities affect ecosystems. • Developing key technical practices for local farmers. • Providing farming households with access to information on production (by

demonstrations, training, handouts, local newspapers etc.). • Investigating opportunities and demonstrate technologies for value-added household

production of processed meats and dairy products. • Assisting key support services.

Highlights and Achievements: A contract was signed in December 2004. The project will start in January 2005 and run until December 2006.

PLANNING AND DEFINITION STAGE PROJECTS Projects in the Planning or Definition Stages that recorded some activity in Q4 are outlined below;

• The Forest Eco-compensation Programme aims to recreate similar forest to that affected by the pipeline construction. The Memorandum of Understanding was revised in light of discussions held with stakeholders and submitted to MoE.

• The MoE has yet to respond on the Memorandum of Understanding on the Management Planning for Ktsia Tabatskuri Managed Reserve submitted by BTC. BTC has therefore decided to develop the RFP in order to progress the project and has notified MoE accordingly.

• Sustainable Forest Pilot Project is to be implemented in conjunction with the relevant Georgian government authorities. A forestry consultant developed a project framework proposal for both internal review and with the relevant authorities of the Georgian government. The intention is to implement this project in conjunction with other forest related initiatives

10.1.4 TURKEY The EIP in Turkey is being conducted in two phases. The following section summarises the status of projects currently being implemented.

The bi-annual workshop was held with Implementing Partners to discuss project progress and provide training in the development of Ecologically Sustainable Enterprises.

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IMPLEMENTATION STAGE PROJECTS

Project Name: Important Bird Areas (IBA)

Project Start Date: Commenced mid 2003

Implementing Organisations: Doğa Derneği (Doğa Association) with BirdLife International & RSPB (NGO)

Location: Along the pipeline route

Project Description: To establish a basis for conservation of the Important Bird Areas along the ROW. The main activities of the project are to: • Designate new IBAs as well as review the status of existing IBAs. • Consolidate and extend the local IBA Caretaker Network in Eastern Turkey. • Establish a legal basis for the conservation of IBAs in the region. Highlights and Achievements: • The Ministry of Environment and Forest was given a project progress update. • Training was delivered to local bird watching groups. • 3 new candidate IBAs were identified.

Project Name: Improving the conservation status of Caucasian Black Grouse (CBG) in Turkey


Implementing Organisations: Doğa Derneği (Doğa Association) (DD) with BirdLife International & RSPB (NGO)

Location: Concentrated in north-east Turkey

Project Description: To produce an accurate picture of the species, population size, distribution and habitat requirements to develop a species conservation strategy, a National Caucasian Black Grouse Action Plan and a “National Species Action Plan”. Eco-tourism in the region will be encouraged. Highlights and Achievements: • Updates provided to Ministry of Environment and Forest. • 56 birds were recorded this quarter, compared to 21 in the spring. Several previously

undocumented sites for the species were found. • A start was made on collecting information on mining and dam projects in North-east

Turkey to assess their potential impact of key CBG habitats.

Project Name: Mediterranean Monk Seal


Implementing Organisation: The Middle East Technical University (Academic Institution).

Location: The coastline from Karataş (Adana) to Turkey-Syria border

Project Description: To understand the status quo of the seal colony in the Gulf of Iskenderun and to survey the coastline in search of suitable monk seal habitat and to implement an educational initiative to target fishermen and encourage them to keep seal observation logs. This will assist in determining whether a resident colony of monk seals capable of breeding exists in the area, in which case a protection action plan will be developed. Highlights and Achievements: • The final field surveys were conducted sponsored by BTC and TUBITAK (Turkish Institute

for Scientific and Technical Research). • 2 new born pups were found. • The annual birth rate of the Eastern Mediterranean colony indicated that the success rate

was triple that of previous years. • A visit was made to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the preliminary results

of the project were presented. • A final report is being developed before the completion of the project.

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Project Name: Important Plant Areas


Implementing Organisation: The Istanbul University Research and Aid Foundation (Academic Institution).

Location: Within a 40 km strip along the pipeline route

Project Description: The protection of the exceptional plant diversity of Turkey and the creation of a sustainable management mechanism for the Important Plant Areas (IPA). To establish a base for identification and conservation of IPAs and raise support from voluntary organisations, public agencies and local government. To determine a special management plan for the areas designated as IPAs. Highlights and Achievements: • Awaiting confirmation of potential new species.

Project Name: Sea Turtles


Implementing Organisation: Ecological Research Society (NGO)

Location: Sugozu and Akkum beaches of Ceyhan and Yumurtalık provinces (Adana)

Project Description: To determine important nesting areas and to develop conservation based action strategies and management plans in order to prevent impact to sea turtles and their nesting behaviour. Migration routes and diving depths of sea turtles will be monitored to develop and improve management plans for turtle nesting area conservation. The Project will also provide some education to local communities and hopes to encourage of eco-tourism. Highlights and Achievements: • Training and consultation activities were undertaken.

Project Name: Lesser Caucasus Forest Gap Analysis

Project Start Date: March 2004

Implementing Organisation(s): TEMA (NGO) with Middle East Technical University (Academic Institution)

Location: Eastern and southeastern parts of Artvin, Ardahan, some parts of Kars, and the northeastern part of Erzurum.

Project Description: To map biodiversity richness and identify flora and fauna not represented in areas currently under protection or covered by biodiversity management and areas eligible for legal protection. Highlights and Achievements: • Remote sensing, GIS and database management activities continued.

Project Name: Small Investments Fund (SIF)

Project Start Date: September 2004

Implementing Organisation: UNDP

Location: The pipeline route

Project Description: To build local capacity and support local enterprises with conservation, sustainable use and management of biodiversity in the region and energy development that respond to the needs of the poor. The project will address biodiversity loss and its root causes, contribute to local economic development through environmentally sustainable enterprise promotion for income generation and create job opportunities for the vulnerable segments of the local population. Provide participatory mechanisms and support community development (through training, networking etc.). Highlights and Achievements: • Key stakeholders, CIP team, CIP implementing partners and local stakeholders were

visited to identify priority themes.

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Project Name: Developing Yumurtalık Lagoons Wetland Management Plan and Identifying Erzurum Marshes Conservation Zones

Project Start Date: November 2004

Implementing Organisation: Bird Research Association (KAD), Adana Environment and Consumer Protection Association (ÇETKO), Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat/Foundation Sansouire (TdV), (All NGOs)

Location: Yumurtalık coast (Adana, southern Turkey) and Erzurum plain (Erzurum, eastern Turkey)

Project Description: To make Management tools available for conservation and rational use of Yumurtalık Lagoon and to help state authorities ensure land uses in Erzurum Marshes Project site are in conformity with the Wetlands Conservation Zones Regulations. Highlights and Achievements: • The project commenced late in Q4.

Project Name: Awareness Raising Materials on Biodiversity and Natural Resources

Project Start Date: November 2004

Implementing Organisation: National Nature Conservation and Documentation Association - DoğaBel (NGO)

Location: Gulf of İskenderun and areas where prioritised natural resources are used, surrounding major bird and plant areas along the pipeline route.

Project Description: To raise awareness on ecologically and economically sustainable use of natural resources in the wetlands of Yumurtalık and Sivas and protection of biodiversity. Highlights and Achievements: • The project commenced late in Q4.

PLANNING AND DEFINITION STAGE PROJECTS Projects in the Planning or Definition Stages that recorded some activity in Q4 are outlined below; Eco-Compensation Planting for Posof Wildlife Protection Area, Sarikamis Natural Site Area, and other forest areas continues. Meetings will be held with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to discuss methodology and implementation strategy. One Applicant was interviewed for the Forest Habitat Enhancement Programme, but the Project team was not satisfied that the proposed project maximised available opportunities. A professional team was mobilised to draft an outline proposal.

10.2 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES 10.2.1 AZERBAIJAN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

An independent consultant undertook an evaluation of the BTC CIP, the results of which are due in January 2005-Q1 and will be summarised in the next quarterly report. Early indications are that the findings are positive. The key components of the CIP in Azerbaijan remain as follows: • Community Mobilisation and Capacity Building, through the implementation of

community led micro-projects (see Case Study 10.2) • Health Care • Micro-Finance (see Case Study 10.3) In Azerbaijan the Implementing Partners also remain the same: • Save The Children, for the western section of pipeline;

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• International Rescue Committee for the eastern section of pipeline; and • International Medical Corps and Foundation for International Community

Assistance, along the whole length of pipeline. The organisations listed above will implement the projects assisted by local NGOs, to enable them to gain experience in project management and to develop skills to eventually take charge of community projects themselves. Key highlights and achievements of the projects are outlined below.

Project Name: Community Mobilisation and Capacity Building

Project Start Date: July 2003

Implementing Organisation(s): • Western Section: Save the Children (SC) in

partnership with Agro-Information Centre and Umid

• Eastern Section: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in partnership with Agro-Information Centre, Toward Civil Society (MCD) and Ganja Business Group (GBG).

Project Coverage: 48 communities (Western half of the pipeline) 34 communities (Eastern half of the pipeline)

Project Description: Community Mobilisation and Capacity Building techniques help communities with no tradition of local self-government to elect a group responsible for implementing individual community interventions, who will then identify and prioritise community needs and maintain projects after implementation. The programmes include an agricultural component to improve productivity and increase income through the training of a core group of farmers who can then pass on their expertise to other farmers on a fee basis

Highlights and Achievements (Eastern Section – IRC) • Communities submitted a further 10 micro-project proposals for approval, and

implementation of 12 micro-projects began. 11 micro-projects were completed covering the installation of water pumps and electrical transformers, drainage canal clearance and road and school rehabilitation.

• Training was given to health professionals and local women on reproductive health, family planning, healthy motherhood and breastfeeding (resulting in an average knowledge increase of 33% amongst health professionals and 42% amongst local women).

• 11 civic initiatives used mostly local resources to give communities experience in undertaking initiatives without external financial support. The Development Resource Centre (DRC) in Yevlakh organised events to mark World AIDS day and a Health and Sports Day was held in Chohranly/Yeni Shikhimly with community members uniting to equip and renovate the school sports field.

• MCD began its third phase of municipality training, focusing on gender and governance. It conducted training for Municipal Councilors and employees, as well as community members, resulting in an average knowledge increase of 82%.

• AIM completed workshops on cash analysis & projection; use of internal capital; market relations; legal & socio-economic structure stipulations; community extensionist independence; application of theoretical knowledge; and soil pests of cereal plants.

• The DRC started computer courses and continued various training activities including English courses. GBG provided training sessions focusing on accountancy; the tax system; legal organisational forms of entrepreneurship; soil and land markets; formation of small and medium entrepreneurship; and plant cultivation business planning. Advanced training was provided for on business planning; accountancy; finance; economics of agrarian business; agronomy and marketing.

• The 55-95% increase in the price of construction materials since early 2004 impacted micro-project implementation this quarter. Increases are due to demand, higher fuel costs, and border closures with Russia. IRC compensated by additional community fundraising and budget revision by streamlining the micro-project proposal approval process.

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Highlights and Achievements (Western Section – SC) • CIP facilitated the election of Ijma Groups (IG) in all 48 communities and capacity building

training is nearly complete. • Infrastructure micro-projects have been completed in 18 communities and are ongoing in

another 24 communities. • AIM continued agricultural training and development activities. • Local municipality members and representatives of the ExComs are involved in

community activities to strengthen community relations and to enhance community capacity to participate in micro-projects. Increased support from the district and village level government offices and local municipality leaders is evident.

• A survey revealed that over 100 IG members have been elected to the local municipality in the local elections in 2004, about 20% of which are women.

• Construction of the school in the Goranboy district was completed, co-funded by UNOCAL, CIP and the Eyvazlilar Community. A further 3 school construction projects started (co-funded by BTC/SCP, UNOCAL and STATOIL).

• SC provided safety training to increase awareness of construction safety and vehicle rules among community members and reduce risks for accidents and injuries. During this project, there have been no road accidents involving SC CIP vehicles and no accidents at construction sites.

• The increase in the price of construction materials has caused delays in projects. However, by adjusting the size of projects, adjusting the community contribution, and realigning budget line items, SC is confident that it will be possible to meet the project commitments with current resources.

Project Name: Primary Community Health Care


Implementing Organisation(s): IMC. Local Partners are: Ministry of Health, National Reproductive Health Office, Shafali Allar (Caring Hands), Azerbaijan National Nurses Association (ANNA) and Azerbaijan Women and Development Centre (AWDC)

Project Coverage: Entire pipeline route

Project Description: To provide training in primary healthcare & use of medicines, rehabilitate village clinics, supply medical equipment and medicines and to establish Community health funds to provide health ‘insurance’ for community members. Highlights and Achievements: • 22 meetings with local government focusing on clinic rehabilitation issues and the

organisation of eye examination days. • Negotiations with the Ministry of Education and district educational departments to

prepare Trainers on ‘Basics of Reproductive Health’. Activities included the selection of teachers; the assignment of MOE national master trainers; the reprinting of manuals for teachers and new national reproductive health textbooks for students.

• 22 Health Education Units (HEUs) were formed. Training was provided to: identify community needs on health education; design health education campaigns; provide Teacher training to CAG members; supervise peer-to-peer education campaigns to organise community health events; and to track community health education activities. Each HEU received sets of reference material and formed small libraries in the community clinic and school.

• 220 Community Action Groups (CAG) were established and trained to work with local health providers, pregnant women and vulnerable people and to organise community health events and social marketing campaigns. 1,336 volunteers have been mobilised.

• Professional training was given to gynecologists, midwives and Primary Health Care (PHC) providers. Teachers were trained in modern family-planning methods. Doctors received electro-cardiogram (ECG) training and lab technicians attended refresher training on laboratory techniques.

• Work continued on mechanisms to make CIP-funded health services self-financing and therefore sustainable in the long term.

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• 13 clinic rehabilitation contracts were signed and 17 clinic rehabilitation projects were completed.

• A second round of drug donations were distributed in 30 target communities. IMC also donated medical supplies to target Central District Hospitals (CDH) with co-operation with World Vision International (WVI). In addition, IMC distributed advanced medical equipment and furniture to 18 clinics.

• 3 Community Eye Examination Days were held. • IMC continued to work with national NGOs partners: the Azerbaijan National Nurse

Association, Shafali Allar, and the Azerbaijan Women and Development Center. • IMC developed a set of safety rules to be followed by drivers and other staff members.

Project Name: Micro-Finance


Implementing Organisation: FINCA Azerbaijan

Project Coverage: Entire pipeline route

Project Description: To implement the concept of ‘village banking’ by provision of small loans to local entrepreneurs to promote small businesses. Loans are made to groups and guaranteed by interdependence of its members. Highlights and Achievements: • Continued the Pipeline Micro-finance Initiative (PMI) expansion strategy, with continued

emphasis on developing activities in rural villages. A 100% repayment rate was maintained.

• The PMI portfolio expanded by 2% and now comprises 26.2% of FINCA Azerbaijan’s overall portfolio.

• Promoted new products including the Rural Loan Product (RLP) and the Small Enterprise Loan (SEL). Demand for the RLP was the major growth driver for the portfolio this quarter.

• Exceeded outreach targets (in terms of number of loans disbursed) by 272%. • $671,827 was disbursed in BTC CIP communities and 1,896 loans were issued (52% in

rural areas and 53.8% of clients are women). • GTZ gave FINCA a grant to disburse in part of the CIP catchment area. • A media campaign was held in conjunction with ANS media. • A meeting was held with Unocal to monitor performance and discuss possibilities for

continuing partnership.

10.2.2 GEORGIA COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME Key components of the Georgian CIP remain as follows:

• Renewal of rural infrastructure

• Agricultural support

• Support for Income Generation through Micro-Credit

• Energy Efficiency

• Social Services

• Capacity Building

• Improved Schools Project

The progress and achievements of the Georgia CIP for Q4-2004 are described below.

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Project Name: Georgian CIP

Project Start Date: March 2003

Principal Implementing Organisations: CARE (western half of ROW) and Mercy Corps (eastern half of ROW) with the assistance of five national organisations: Technical Assistance in Georgia (infrastructure rehabilitation), Constanta Foundation (micro-credit), Curatio Foundation (health and social services), Elkana (agriculture and agro-business) and the International Centre on Conflict and Negotiation (capacity building for conflict resolution).

Project Coverage: 77 communities along pipeline route

Project Description: Activities include: renewal of rural infrastructure; Capacity Building; Social Services; Energy Efficiency; the Improved Schools Project (ISP); Support for Income Generation through Micro-Credit; and Agricultural Support.

Sub-project Description: Renewal of rural infrastructure: to enable communities to identify needs, develop the work plan and draw up a schedule and budget. At least 150 infrastructure rehabilitation projects are being undertaken. Highlights and Achievements: • Completion of 3 infrastructure rehabilitation projects. • Continued assistance to communities in designing large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation

projects so implementation can begin when the weather improves. • Monitoring completed projects to ascertain the effectiveness of maintenance plans.

Results show all completed projects are working, and most are being well maintained. • Rehabilitation of 8 km of potable water systems. • Creation of 5 social clubs by villagers in various communities. • In response to a mid-term evaluation CIP IPs are placing additional emphasis on capacity

building for Community Based Organisations (CBOs). Sub-project Description: Agricultural Support: To support economic development by transferring agricultural technologies through on-farm demonstrations and training sessions. Highlights and Achievements: • Monitoring of crop and livestock demonstration farms, training sessions, and exchange

programmes to demonstrate the most effective agricultural practices were carried out. • Research indicates that participating farmers nearly doubled their potato yields since

joining the programme. • In response to mid-term evaluation recommendations that CIP focuses on developing

small family farm businesses and associations to create more wide-spread, lasting benefits, the following improvements were made; o The development of a local Business Development Services Centre, to support the

development of a separate commercial company which leases/sells agricultural equipment, sells seed and fertilizers and has established demonstration farms.

o The founding of potato seed purchasing groups so farmers can purchase seed from Georgian suppliers.

Sub-project Description: Support for Income Generation through Micro-Credit: To stimulate business and employment, by providing at least 14,000 micro-loans. Highlights and achievements: • Over 7,400 loans given to date with a total loan value of around $1,850,000. • A client satisfaction survey showed 86% reporting their business had improved and 88%

reporting their income has increased since receiving loans. • Based on the recommendations of the mid-term evaluation, both CIP IPs will contract an

intermediate agricultural credit training agency to assist farmers and associations in developing business plans, so they are eligible for loans.

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Sub-project Description: Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency activities, including winterisation of buildings and installation of fuel-efficient stoves. Highlights and Achievements: • In response to the mid-term evaluation all energy efficiency activities, except biogas

digesters, have been stopped and the budgets for those activities re-allocated to other CIP activities.

• Biogas digesters were constructed in one village to date, with construction of the second suspended until the weather improves. The digester is now producing gas for three hours per day. This is expected to increase by springtime.

Sub-project Description: Social Services: To establish Social Services Networks for elderly and vulnerable people, train doctors and nurses at the ambulatory level, and provide basic first aid training. Highlights and Achievements: • Training conducted on STDs/HIV, drug/alcohol abuse and chronic disease prevention as

well as first aid and disaster preparedness trainings. • Continued monitoring of social services networks indicates positive results. • Extensive training to build the capacity of CBOs, aimed at strengthening villagers’ capacity

for planning and implementation of community projects and appropriate management of rehabilitation grants. In response to mid-term evaluation recommendations, ICCN will focus on direct third-party intervention in communities which already experience conflict and dispute, offering mediation and facilitation services.

Sub-project Description: Capacity Building: To improve the capacity of rural communities to analyse problems, mobilise resources and implement development initiatives. Highlights and achievements: Training of CBOs continued resulting in shifts in attitude towards self-help development in previously problematic areas as follows: • Kizil-Kilisa (Tsalka district) villagers dug a trench for a potable water system identified as

a priority. Instead of waiting for the second money transfer the community continued working to have the excavation completed before the winter.

• In Atskuri the local CBO demonstrated its ability to mediate small-scale conflicts in the village. When villagers blocked the road demanding more compensation payments and rehabilitation of the bridge from BTC, CBO members negotiated with villagers and provided significant input in peaceful resolution of the issue.

• Successful completion of the first stage rehabilitation of the bridge signaled a positive change of attitude of the local population in Arali community (Adigeni district). Respect for the CBO among villagers has increased as a result.

• The mid-term evaluation found the capacity of villagers had increased, improved social organisation and a more transparent and cooperative management of community assets had been achieved.

Sub-project Description: CIP Improved Schools Project (CIP-ISP): To implement an Improved Schools Project (ISP) to promote sustainable socio-economic development of urban areas by developing the skills of adolescents to enable them to participate more effectively in Georgia’s future social and economic growth. Key outputs will include: • Infrastructure rehabilitation in over 50 secondary schools in the towns. • Training of teachers and administrators in teaching and management techniques. • Preparation of parents, teachers, administrators and students for the nation-wide move to

the School Boards model of school management, though training, awareness raising and capacity building.

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Highlights and Achievements: • In ISP-East, 28 of the 41 schools2 have completed the first round infrastructure

rehabilitation activity (including roof repairs and repairs to heating systems, sewage and sports halls). Another 8 schools are implementing activities whilst 3 have yet to begin.

• Mercy Corps has implemented the first stage of professional training in ‘Active Learning’ to supplement MOE training.

• In ISP-West, infrastructure rehabilitation projects were completed in two schools in Tsalka and Bakuriani. Solar panels to power the computer lab in the Bakuriani school have been installed.

• The project in Tsalka experienced a number of issues associated with long-standing disagreements within the community, initial poor performance of the contractor doing the works, lack of capacity among the school Community Initiative Group. Community meetings were held and it has been agreed that the project was completed to the satisfaction of all parties. The computer room is ready for installation of computers and solar panels in 1Q-2005.

• The Ministry of Education has yet to implement the first phase of ‘Active Learning’ training for teachers in the ISP-West area and have asked CARE not to undertake teacher trainings prior to the government led trainings. The Ministry of Education has asked CARE to look at alternative activities rather than training. CARE is assessing alternative activities and will present these for discussion and approval to BTC/SCP in 1Q-2005.

• Training given to school administrators, teachers, parents and other community members to assist the educational reform process being undertaken by the Ministry of Education.

10.2.3 TURKEY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME In Turkey there are now five Implementing Partners who each manage a geographical area along the ROW. The key components of the CIP in Turkey remain as follows:

• Employment and Income Generating Activities (IGA), to improve income-earning and economic opportunities;

• Support to the development of the agricultural sector; • Support awareness of and access to social infrastructure; and • Support the capacity of communities to self-organise, manage and self-initiate

community driven development. During Q4 the CIP team visited 15 communities in Erzincan, Kars, Ardahan and Erzurum in order to achieve a field view of the project and to elicit villager feedback

The CIP Implementing Partners held regular consultation and training sessions with affected communities, and held several meetings with CIP project stakeholders including cooperatives and local authorities.

2 Spie-Petrofac has already rehabilitated 2 schools in ISP-East, so the budget that would have been used on these two schools is being transferred to spend on other ISP components.

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Project Name: Ardahan Province CIP


Implementing Organisation: International Blue Crescent (IBC)

Project Coverage: Ardahan Province: 37 villages in Central, Damal, Hanak and Posof counties.

Project Description: To increase income levels through effecting agricultural improvements, fruit and milk processing, computer training, marketing assistance, bringing drinking water to villages, refurbishing schools and installing an IT classroom. Highlights and Achievements • Agreements over community contributions and participation levels were signed with

IBC. Social infrastructure projects: • Construction of irrigation canals and infrastructure started in Tükgözü Village. • Cement and sand provided to Kumlukoz for repair of irrigation canals, construction of a

cattle-drinking point and repair of the village water point. • 200m of pipes provided to Çayırçimen Village to bring water to livestock drinking troughs. • The roads of Ortageçit Village were resurfaced. • Materials for toilet repairs provided to Alaçam Primary School. • 500m of pipe provided to İncedere Village, for improvement of the water system.

Channels were excavated by the BTC Contractor. • The water system in Hasköy village was completed and a well-attended and publicised

opening ceremony took place. • Village Affairs Directorate prepared a feasibility report for water projects in 4 villages. • All villages that haven’t yet benefited from Quick Implementation Projects (QIPs) have

had the induction informing them about the main principals and limitations of the QIP. Agriculture and livestock: • A study into the cows pregnant by artificial insemination is underway. • Anti-parasite and brucellosis vaccination programmes and related training continue. • Business plans for Milk Collection Centers were prepared by IBC. BTC are conducting a

feasibility and risk-analysis exercise. • Two demonstration studies involving Sainfoin seeds and silage corn seeds were carried

out. Capacity Building • The agricultural cooperative in Damal has been established and official procedures

completed. • IBC organised a meeting with the management committee of Posof Cooperative and

Branch Directors of Ardahan Agriculture Directorate. New members are being registered. Training • A MoU relating to the livestock-training programme was signed by IBC and the

Agriculture Directorate. • IBC vets gave training on the importance of vaccination and on other aspects of animal

husbandry as well, including shelter improvement, hygiene and milking. • The IBC/ Posof Cooperative project was awarded a grant for beekeeping training

activities in Posof by the New Opportunities Programme (supported by the EU). • IBC was awarded a grant to implement a reproductive health project implemented by the

Health Ministry and supported by the EU. The programme will reach 6,000 women and 4,000 men and will start in January 2005.

Home Economics • A women's training programme on homemade processed fruit products production was

started. • IBC provided beads and cloth to support production of Damal Dolls. A reporter from a

national TV channel was invited to Ardahan and is making a documentary. Damal Dolls were also promoted at the international Istanbul Arts and Handy Crafts Fairs.

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Project Name: Kars Province CIP


Implementing Organisation: Surkal

Project Coverage: Kars Province in 26 villages in the Selim and Sarikamis districts

Project Description: To support animal husbandry, health care, improvements in pasture and fodder crops, and drinking water projects, working with women, the elderly and young to improve their quality of life. Highlights and Achievements: In 6 of the 8 villages recently added to the project, introductory meetings were held, a baseline survey conducted and village ID Cards completed Community social infrastructure projects: • Various social infrastructure activities were carried out mostly relating to water supply and

storage with the full participation of local people and public officials. Agriculture and Livestock: • Field staff continued cattle vaccinations for foot-and-mouth disease poultry vaccinations

for Newcastle disease and parasite applications to cattle. • Field staff continued examination, treatment and operations on livestock. • The number of artificially inseminated animals rose to 9. Capacity building activities: • Demand from villagers, especially women, to be trained as intermediary staff increased.

They will be trained in basic animal treatment. • Field staff commenced the preliminary studies on the preparation of training kits for

volunteer local intermediary staff. • To improve stable conditions, volunteer farmers’ stables were disinfected. This has

prompted other farmers to disinfect their stables of their own accord. Women's Programs • By special request, training and organisation programmes focused on mother-and-child

care and family planning. • Requests for the setting up of women's village councils was received from 3 villages. Third Party Funds • Meetings were arranged with producers and potential donors to discuss third Party funds.

The most frequently asked questions related to the Social Risk Mitigation Programme.

Project Name Erzurum Province CIP


Implementing Organisation: Atatürk University

Project Coverage: Erzurum Province in 64 villages

Project Description: To improve crop yields and animal husbandry, trout farming, training for women and girls, ‘capacity development’ for village heads, drinking water, and renewable energy. Highlights and Achievements • Numerous meetings have been held in villages. The district governors and other officials

and local government departments have been particularly supportive of the CIP activities. Social infrastructure projects: • 2 drinking water system repairs, 2 school refurbishments, and 11 animal drinking water

systems have been completed. Agriculture and Livestock: • 19 farmers from project villages in Ilıca and Aşkale have been trained in strawberry

farming. • Training on animal diseases, parasites, sub-clinical mastitis and calf septicemia

continued. Communities provided 50 % of the purchase costs of the vaccines, which was paid into the official village bank account to be used for other village development activities.

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Training, Education and Co-operative development: • Training and information on trout farming has been conducted. • Books and other educational materials distributed to students in the villages and plans

are ongoing to provide educational support to student groups. • Fees of 191 students have been met by the project. A total of 238 girls have been

registered to the open school programs, as well as 91 males (whose fees are paid by the Social Assistance and Solidarity Funds). The Provincial Directorate of Health is contributing to a training program for women and girls.

Project Name: Erzincan and Gümüşhane Provinces CIP


Implementing Organisation: PAR in partnership with RUDF

Project Coverage: Approximately 46 villages in Erzincan and Gümüşhane Provinces

Project Description: To improve pasture, animal husbandry, beekeeping, community problem solving and project planning, and children’s dental health. Highlights and Achievements: • Drinking water supply systems implemented in 4 villages and water storage facilities are

being installed or repaired in 4 others. An irrigation project and an electricity project are both underway.

• Improvements made to village guesthouses, schools and village meeting rooms in 6 other villages.

Agriculture and Livestock: • Final arrangements made for the fodder crop seed exchange programme. Fig seeds and

fodder crop seeds were distributed. • Provincial Directorate of Gardening Varieties Research was visited in order to obtain

information on types of herbs and plants grown in the region. Community training/capacity building: • Villagers made requests for training in basic healthcare, including dental checkups for

children. Training programmes have been finalised. • General issues of agriculture were discussed and training given. • A third round of animal healthcare training was carried out. • A review of usage of equipment given to cooperatives was carried out and cooperative

managers were interviewed. Mainstreaming Women in Society: • 4 women exhibited at the Handcrafts Fair in Ankara, creating considerable interest at

both national and international level. • The women entrepreneurship programme was introduced to the Directorate of Public

Training and discussions held about other programmes to mainstream women. • Planning for a women entrepreneurship programme (similar to the one organised by

PAR), was started. The third part contribution of KOSGEB-Lidea Consulting was secured. A total of 42 women participated in the training programmes.

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Project Name: Sivas Province CIP (RFP2)

Project Start Date: Autumn 2004

Implementing Organisation: SURKAL

Project Coverage: 54 settlements

Project Description: To support selected households in beekeeping and animal husbandry activities, training in fruit cultivation, greenhouse farming and village capacity building and QIPs. Surkal are setting up 2 project field offices. Highlights and Achievements: • Objectives and methodology of project was discussed with relevant public officials.

Authorities are highly enthusiastic about the project. Meetings were held with BTC, STA and Botaş concerning specific project villages.

• Selection and establishment of field offices and staff accommodation completed. Three field vehicles were purchased.

• Two consultants were employed to conduct preliminary field survey with assistance of Project Coordinator and Field Manager

• A team of nine experts was established to conduct a baseline survey with Rapid Rural Appraisal techniques. Analysis of the findings is ongoing.

• Initial staff training for the programme has been completed.

Project Name: Kayseri Province CIP


Implementing Organisation: PAR Consulting

Project Coverage: to be determined

Project Description: To include QIPs, income-generating activities, capacity building and training programmes. The number of villages and people to be decided after initial visits and consultations, but disadvantaged communities are a priority. Highlights and Achievements: • An initial field trip has been undertaken to inform stakeholders about the CIP, to gather

information about the villages from the Muhtars and to complete a baseline survey and rapid rural appraisal.

• State authorities were visited to establish cooperation and ensure that project activities do not duplicate any government agency work.

• All accessible villages have been visited and initial training activities have begun, including meetings with village women.

• Two computer centres with a total of 18 computers in 2 villages were established. • Village meetings were held to discuss forthcoming agricultural activities.

Project Name: Kahramanmaraş, Osmaniye, Adana Provinces CIP


Implementing Organisation: G & G Consulting (Private development consultancy)

Project Coverage: 68 settlements

Project Description: Stage 1 will focus on undertaking a Participatory Needs Assessment (PNA). Stage 2 will focus on the implementation of QIPs and long-term development programmes. Highlights and Achievements: • A pilot PNA, followed by a further 13 PNAs were undertaken. • Investigations carried out into the best model for Village Development Associations

(VDA). A report is being prepared and will be submitted to BTC CIP for consideration in January 2005.

• Through the PNA process the most suitable places to locate training facilities are being identified.

• Community Facilitators will be recruited after completion of the PNAs in each province. The project team is using the field visits to identify possible candidates.

• The design of a legal and feasible micro credit fund is being undertaken in parallel with the work to develop a model for VDAs. A report will be submitted to BTC CIP for consideration.

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10.3 OTHER INVESTMENT INITIATIVES 10.3.1 AZERBAIJAN

During this quarter, the construction of the Goranboy Museum was completed. Funded by BTC/SCP, the works include general refurbishment, and the addition of extra space to exhibit artefacts excavated from along the ROW (see Case Study 10.4).

The success of the CIP in Azerbaijan has been instrumental in encouraging external parties to invest and participate in additional projects with BTC/SCP.

A recent example is a Grant Agreement BTC/SCP signed with Ojag, a local NGO. Ojag will be managing a six-month project to drill an artesian well and plant an orchard in Sarytepe, a community in the Shamkir District. As well as improving the community water supply and the capacity of the village to grow its own produce, a key part of the project is equipping the villagers with the necessary skills and experience to apply to future community projects.

A second agreement between BTC/SCP and MADAD, a national NGO, attracted additional funding from the Ministry of Information, Technology and Communication. This one-year project targets young Azeris living near the ROW with the purpose of improving their knowledge and participation in the civic process. MADAD aim to achieve this by:

1. Promoting cross-cultural awareness and an understanding of western values and goals through civic education and engagement with young people in other countries;

2. Increasing the quality and access to education, particularly for girls and the physically disabled, through the introduction of Information Communication Technology (ICT) into schools.

3. Training local teachers.

The team will accomplish this by installing 24 hour Internet Learning Centres (ILCs) in 10 secondary schools along the pipeline route. To ensure the long-term success of the ILCs, ownership of these centres will be given to local champions. A programme of teacher training, whereby teachers will in turn become trainers, is also planned. Lastly, over 5,000 school children will be involved in education projects with the aim of enhancing their capacity in civil society issues.

A third National NGO Capacity Development Programme is currently underway, managed by IRC. Five national NGOs (NNGOs) are entering a partnering agreement to increase their capacity to manage and implement community-based development projects. They will also be mobilising 25 additional pipeline-affected communities to assess and address their priority needs. These 25 communities are in addition to the 82 communities along the ROW already supported by the CIP.

The project involves training, community-level project implementation, mentoring, technical assistance, and relationship building to foster a stronger NNGO community in Azerbaijan. Five Community Investment sub-grants ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 have been awarded to each NNGO partner to implement community development micro-projects in four to five communities located along the 4 km wide CIP corridor3.

In addition to the three formal projects detailed above and the benefits offered by BTC to local communities through employment and the CIP, the Construction Contractors have voluntarily assisted the local communities, in a variety of ways:

• SPJV donated construction materials and farming equipment to community members in Yaldilli village;

3 Kurdamir, Ujar, Yevlakh, Shamkir, Tovuz and Agstafa districts.

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• SPJV provided steel roofing materials and assisted with school renovations in Aran; and

• During the winter months, SPJV distributed food packages amongst impoverished families in communities affected by the Project.

• CCIC upgraded roads in Shilyan and Alpoud villages and carried out infrastructure reconstruction in Yevlakh District.

• CCIC helped sponsor a concert for disabled children in Baku.

10.3.2 GEORGIA In Georgia, BTC has sponsored a range of initiatives in addition to the CIP to assist communities close to the pipeline route and stakeholders not directly associated with the Project. In November, BTC provided funds to enable a local photographer to exhibit their work. In December, BTC funded the Georgian Association of Energy Engineers to assist in the development of an English-Russian-Georgian dictionary of Oil and Gas terms.

Two biodiversity projects were sponsored by BTC, BP, AIOC, and SCP during Q4-2004:

• The Wild Plant Conservation Association will be implementing a conservation project of economically valuable relict plants of Georgian flora. Scheduled to run for one and a half years, the Project will start in January 2005, at a cost of US $ 16,880.

• As winner of the December 2004 BTC Georgia biodiversity competition, the Institute of Zoology has been sponsored to undertake a study of butterfly biodiversity in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The project will start in January 2005 and run for eighteen months. The total budget for the project is US $7215.

SPJV has voluntarily undertaken many initiatives to assist local communities. In many instances, the contractor assisted the villagers in improving their village environment. Examples of Q4 community support include:

• Infrastructure support in the form of improvements to potable water supplies and sewage systems was provided by the Contractor to seven communities(2)4.

• Road improvement projects were undertaken in the villages of Tadzrisi and Ozni and road repairs were made to the damaged road section between Tsalka and Karakom.

• At the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, a bulldozer was provided to make an access route for fire engines. SPJV’s fire fighters also assisted in extinguishing two village fires.

• Donation of funds for specific purposes such as purchasing firewood and window glass to schools in Atskuri, Vale and Dashbash.

10.3.3 TURKEY In Turkey, construction contractors have voluntarily undertaken many initiatives to assist local communities, often by donating construction materials and loaning project resources to help villagers improve the village environment. Road upgrades and improvements to irrigation systems to facilitate better access to potable water were two priority areas during the reporting period. Specific examples from the three Lots, the pump stations and Terminal are illustrated below.

4 Atskuri, Darakov, Tsalka, Beshtasheni, Jinisi, Imera and Khadiki.

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The Lot A Contractor lent machinery and donated construction materials to the communities of Ardahan Forest as well as five other local villages5. Large volumes of wooden wastes were also donated to local community members6.

The Contractor in Lot B helped villagers of Arpayazi and Aktaş to repair their village fountains. Infrastructure support, in the form of improvements to potable water and sewage systems was provided by the Construction Contractor to several villages7. At KP 605 a village bridge in a state of disrepair was removed and flume pipes with a sand / gravel cover were put in place. Road repairs and upgrades were made to roads of 14 villages8 and snow was cleared from several village roads in the vicinity of Kova Camp in the winter months.

Sewage systems were repaired by the Lot C contractors in Paşaköy and Doğankonak, and the primary school in Andirin was repaired. Road improvements and the donation of construction materials were made to 11 local villages9. Riprap materials were provided to Geben community, for use in the Boğaz River, to reduce the potential for flooding and erosion.

The contractor working on the pump stations donated large volumes of wooden and organic waste to local communities and construction equipment was loaned to villagers to assist them with repairs and improvements. In the case of Aşıküzeyir Village, a JCB was loaned to excavate the municipal sewage system. Large numbers of village road upgrades were undertaken10 . Çamlıca, Yunus Emre and Başköy Primary Schools were renovated with the support of the Contractor workforce and materials donated by the Project. PT1 staff also raised money to provide the primary school in Posof with computer equipment.

At Ceyhan Marine Terminal, stationary materials were donated to Hamzali Elementary School. Reflective stickers were donated to children in the 5 project affected communities11 to increase their visibility on roads at night and wood waste was provided to Gölovasi Elementary school for firewood.

5 Paşabey, Horum, Horasan, Balabantaşi, and Yukarıbademözü 6 Koyunkaya, Yaylacik, Yaylakent, Yurtbaşi and Tuzlucayir amongst others 7 Including those in the Gendarme quarters of Hanak, Posof, and Paşabey 8 Alacaatli, Begendik, Derekoy, Yaylacik, M.Aga Ciftligi, Aydin, Piredede, Kevenli, Nasir, Saglik, Deliktaş, Sucak and Adamfaki and others 9 Başören, Pasakoy, Karakoyunlu, Altinyayla, Keklikoluk, Harmandali, Methiye, Mutubey, Ucpinar, Taşoluk and Değirmendere 10 Including Çöğender, Taşkaynak, Porsuk, and Övenler 11 Hamzali, Gölovasi, Incirli, Kurtpinari and Narlik