russian federation: forest fire response project (forest ... · 1 december 12, 2011 russian...

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December 12, 2011

Russian Federation:

Forest Fire Response Project (Forest Project-2)

Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework

(IPPF)

Contents

INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................................34

Project Objective .....................................................................................................................................34

Project components ................................................................................................................................34

Planned project activities........................................................................................................................45

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES.................................................................................................................................67

Indigenous Peoples, living in project areas.............................................................................................67

Legislative Safeguards to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the Russian Federation.....................910

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Project impact on Indigenous Peoples..................................................................................................910

PARTICIPATORY SOCIAL ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................1617

Screening.............................................................................................................................................1617

Detailed Consultations and Action Plan..............................................................................................1617

Institutional Arrangements .................................................................................................................2122

PARTICIPATORY MONITORING AND EVALUATION .................................................................................2122

Annex. A brief data: Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North in Khabarovsk

Kray......................................................................................................................................................2526

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INTRODUCTION

Project Objective

The World Bank is supporting the Government of the Russian Federation in the

preparation of a Forest Fire Response Project that aims to improve forest fire prevention and

management and enhance sustainable forest management. Specifically, the Project will support

the Russian Government’s preparedness for forest fires, by strengthening the capacity for forest

fire monitoring and response as well as strengthening the institutional and policy framework for

forestry governance, which is also critical to the prevention of forest fires and management of

areas affected by fires. Furthermore, the project will contribute to raising public awareness and

education standards in forestry issues in general, with specific reference to forest fire

prevention/control and forest governance issues. Given that the bulk of fires are of human origin,

the latter is as important as suppression of fires underway. It is expected that project investments

will lead to a decrease in the number of fires of human origin. Fires which occur will be better

controlled (and hence reduced in extent and severity) as they will be detected sooner, response

time will be reduced due to better communications, fire fighting capacity in terms of equipment

and trained personnel will have been increased, and interagency and interregional fire-fighting

coordination and cooperation will be enhanced. In addition, shortcomings identified in the forest

policy and legislative framework will be addressed at both the national and pilot region level,

strengthening the management of forests and landscapes, which will in turn have a positive

impact on the prevalence and likelihood of forest fires.

Project components

The project has three components: (1) enhancing forest fire prevention, management and

control; (2) building forestry management capacity; and (3) project management. There will be two

implementing agencies for the project: the Federal Forest Agency (FFA), which covers the extensive

area of forest fund, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), which will

implement the project in Protected Areas (PAs).

Component 1: Enhancing Forest Fire Prevention, Management and Control. This component

aims to improve the effectiveness of forest fire prevention and management by (i) strengthening

the capacity of early detection and quick response to fight forest fires and (ii) reducing the

number of fires of human origin through awareness raising and environmental education

programs. Early fire detection is recognized as a key element in improving protection of forest

from fires. Management of fires requires clear coordination across the various agencies. The

project will therefore support the establishment of Inter-regional Forest Fire Centers (IFFCs) to

improve detection and coordination across the various agencies. Fire prevention and

environmental education will be focused on children and youth as a means to encourage long-

term behavior change. In particular, this component will provide technical assistance to (i)

develop fire preparedness master plans at the forest district level to determine the optimum

location of different forest fire interventions; (ii) review and upgrade regional fire danger rating

and fire hazard indices; (iii) improve the capacity of the early fire detection system; and (iv)

develop public awareness and media/education campaigns to decrease the incidence of forest

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fires of human origin. In addition, investments will be made to improve fire fighting and

preparedness systems and establish IFFCs.

Component 2: Building Forestry Management Capacity. Forest policy, legislation, institutions

and silvicultural systems clearly have an impact on how forest is managed which in turn has

multiple effects on the environment, including the likelihood, extent and severity of forest fires.

This component will increase forest management capacity through (i) provision of technical

assistance to help identify and address key policy and legislative issues and the institutional

framework (by supporting the clear demarcation of mandates among federal and regional forest

management institutions); (ii) targeted investments to improve forest regeneration and

restoration, establish integrated forest management information systems, and develop model

forests; and (iii) improved training opportunities for both professionals already in service and

new forestry expertise.

Component 3: Project Management. A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will work with FFA,

MNRE, and each of the participating Inter-regional Forest Fire Centers to ensure effective and

continuous communication with project stakeholders. This PIU will coordinate all project

activities, procure works, goods, and consultants’ services for project implementation, supervise

and monitor project activities, and report regularly to FFA and MNRE.

Planned project activities

The project will finance hardware, equipment and fire-fighting infrastructure, focusing on

ground-based activities, and will not involve significant or large scale physical interventions or

major civil works. Besides the purchase of equipment, tools, protection gear and vehicles, project

funds will be used for the construction of observation towers and the rehabilitation of fire

stations and warehouses for equipment and machinery. Such activities will be carried out in

areas, regions or other administrative units where some fire-fighting capacity already exists,

which can be enhanced and improved by the project’s activities. These civil works will have

localized, minor and reversible environmental impacts, which are of a routine nature and will

require only simple environmental management instruments.

The project may finance the construction of temporary access or service roads and the

clearing of fire breaks that are immediately necessary to increase fire fighting effectiveness.

These activities are standard forest management practice and do not cause significant impacts,

either in magnitude or duration. The project will not finance airborne fire fighting, thus potential

impacts from chemical agents commonly added to water dropped from fixed wing aircraft and

helicopters are not expected. (Such agents commonly include retardants, which slow down water

evaporation and thus increase its activity in a fire, and foam agents, which work in a similar

manner and also have a smothering effect. One of the most commonly used retardants is

Ammonium Phosphate, which has a fertilizing effect.)

The planned activities on the development and support of policies, legal frameworks and

institutional capacities would result in a general strengthening of on the ground enforcement of

laws and regulations by clarifying the rights and responsibilities of forest inspectors and rangers,

as well as forest users. This would improve overall control of the authorities and reduce illegal

activities, including negligent behavior or willful setting of fires.

In this context the project also aims to reduce the frequency of fires caused by arson,

which appears to play a role in triggering forest fires. New regulations shall target the currently

existing perverse incentives to set fire to forests intentionally to secure income from salvage

logging, avoiding the complicated “red tape” associated with legally acquiring logging licenses.

The project’s activities aimed at building forest management, education and training will include

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measures to improve outreach of forest authorities to the general public, increase awareness of

the ecological and economic value of forests and build / strengthen the sense of ownership of the

population living close to forest resources.

The following specific activities and measures envisaged include:

1. improvement of ground-based forest fire response, and reconstruction, modernization

and maintenance of forest fire stations in 3 – 5 pilot regions;

2. local forest fire brigades will be established and firefighting and communications

equipment provided;

3. inter-regional Forest Fire Centers (e.g., in the Far East, Siberian, and Northwestern

Federal Okrugs) will be established and equipped for the detection and suppression of

large-scale fire outbreaks, coordination of response between regions and agencies, as well

as pest treatment;

4. public awareness and education programs and products (e.g., brochures, school curricula,

posters, radio and TV media, websites, blogs, etc.) will be developed to advocate forest

fire safety rules;

5. early fire detection and response will be strengthened by upgrading the fire danger rating

and hazard index system in pilot regions and Protected Areas and expanding the network

of ground-based fire services, including fire towers and observation points in key target

areas;

6. fire fighting preparedness in targeted Protected Areas will be enhanced through the

upgrading of forest fire stations, constructing and cleaning fire breaks; such activities will

be aligned with respective park management plans;

7. upgrading of communications systems, supply of suitable firefighting machinery,

equipment, protective clothing, gear and hand-tools;

8. forest regeneration, afforestation and carbon sequestration will be improved by (i)

expanding the network of laboratories to evaluate forest seed quality and origin through

DNA analysis to provide genetically certified seed; and (ii) establishing innovative seed

centers to upgrade forest regeneration activities through the construction of facilities and

supply of equipment for seed harvesting, storage, growing and transportation and to trial

modern techniques of plantation maintenance and protection (from fire and wildlife);

9. design and implementation of a centralized database with standard geospatial information

that will enable all types of forest monitoring (e.g. forest fires, forest inventory and

management, forest pathology, among others);

10. develop a national forest fire management strategy for Protected Areas that takes into

account a differentiated approach to forest fire control depending on regional

environmental and socioeconomic conditions, the environmental landscape, economic

aspects and international experience;

11. develop standard operating procedures and guidelines for Protected Area zoning by fire

protection level; prepare GIS-based fire management plans in the largest Protected Areas

most susceptible to fires; and develop respective guidelines and standard operating

procedures.

Location. It is expected that the project’s activities will focus on 5 pilot regions (Voronezh

Oblast, Krasnoyarsk Kray, Moscow Oblast, Komi Republic, and Khabarovsk Kray) and selected

Protected Areas in (15 federal natural reserves/zapovedniks and 11 national parks located in 15

regions –see Appendix 1), which are to be defined based on geographic, economic, and

environmental criteria. It may be assumed, that the project’s geographical focus would be on

forests with high environmental or economic value which may be situated close to settlements or

infrastructure, and where fires would carry the risk of human life loss, severe human health

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impacts, substantial damage to infrastructure or substantial loss of economic assets or valuable

ecological resources (e.g. national parks).

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

In accordance with the Bank’s Operational Policy for Indigenous Peoples, a review was

undertaken to screen for the presence of Indigenous Peoples in the areas of project implementation and

to assess potential impact of the project on them.

Indigenous Peoples, living in project areas

Initial screening of the Indigenous People presence was held for all 15 regions, where MNRE will

implement project’s activities over the territory federal protected areas, namely Vladimirskaya oblast,

Ryazanskaya oblast, republic of Karelia, Arkhangelskaya oblast, Republic Mariy El, Nizhegorodskaya

oblast, Orenburgskaya oblast, Samarskaya oblast, Sverdlovskaya oblast, Cheliabinskaya oblast,

Zabaikalsky kray, Krasnoyarsk kray, Khabarovsk kray, Jewish Autonomous Okrug, and also for 5 pilot

regions selected by FFA (Rosleshoz) - Voronezhskaya oblast, Krasnoyarsk kray, Moscow oblast, Komi

Republic, Khabarovsk kray. The screening identified the ranges of indigenous population in Russia, and

analyzed the issue of intersection of habitant areas and project’s areas (also within the territory of

protected areas).

For the surveyed regions locations of Indigenous Peoples’ presence intersectional with the project’s

areas (federal protected areas) are found only in the Khabarovsk Kray. In other regions Indigenous

Peoples are either absent or localized in forest-poor areas, or beyond project’s areas, or do not rely in

their livehoods earnings on forests and forest resources due to assimilation. For example, in Krasnoyarsk

kray the complete assimilation of the Indigenous People (localized pretty close to project’s areas) with

the main Russian-language local population was identified during the social asessment, including lack of

any traditional activities, staying in towns and rural settlements and being engaged in current economic

life.

Screening of the 5 assessed regions verified significant representation of Indigenous Peoples

only in the Khabarovsk Kray. In this region, 8 Indigenous Peoples live; they are:

1. Nanai people

2. Negidals

3. Nivkh people

4. Oroch people

5. Udege people

6. Ulch people

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7. Evens

8. Evenks

However, Evens live in northern areas of the Khabarovsk Kray with low to moderate forest

cover; therefore, they will not be considered herein. In the Khabarovsk Kray, the total population of the

7 peoples, dwelling in forest areas, amounts to 22,000 (1.5% of the region’s population). Profiles of

these 7 peoples are presented below.

Nanai people

According to the 2002 census, there were 11,000 Nanai people in the Khabarovsk Kray at that

time. They speak the Nanai language, but the Russian language is also widely spread (99.6% of the Nanai

people know Russian). Currently, most of Nanai people of the Khabarovsk Kray live in the Nanai,

Amursk, Komsomolsk, Solnechny and Khabarovsk Rayons. Over 70% of the Nanai people live in rural

areas.

Traditionally, fishing has been of the highest priority for their economy, while hunting has not played a

significant role for their livelihoods.

Negidals

Negidals are a people in the Far East; its representatives speak the Negidal language. According

to the 2002 census, there were 505 Negidals living in the Khabarovsk Kray at that time, with only 9% of

them speaking the Negidal language and 100 % speaking Russian. In this region, they live primarily in the

Ulchi and Polina Osipenko Rayons. The most compact communities of Negidals live in the villages called

Vladimirovka (in the Polina Osipenko Rayon) and Beloglinka (in the Ulchi Rayon). Seventy seven per cent

(77%) of Negidals live in rural settlements; however, in recent years, they tend to migrate to cities due

to mass-scale unemployment in rural ethnic communities.

Traditionally, Negidals have been fishers and hunters; in the 20th

century, vegetable gardening became

also widely spread among them.

Nivkh people

As of 2002, the Khabarovsk Kray was populated with 2,452 Nivkh people, with most of them

living in the Nikolayevsk Rayon. They speak the Nivkh language, but the Russian language is also widely

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spread (2,444 out of the 2,452 Nivkh people know Russian). Sixty per cent (60%) of the Nivkh population

live in rural settlements.

Fishing has been always the most important occupation for the Nivkh people. Hunting, gathering and

dog breeding are also of great importance for their livelihoods. Alongside with traditional occupations,

farming is emerging as a new trade, with products from most farms being used for sale rather than for

their own subsistence.

Oroch people

As of 2002, the population of Oroch people amounted to 426. Their mother tongue is Oroch, but

according to the 2002 census, only 4.2% of the Oroch people (18 persons) know the language, with

99.8% (425 persons) of them speaking Russian. Currently, Oroch people live primarily in the Vanino and

Sovetskaya Gavan Rayons. The largest rural settlements of the Oroch people are the Datta and Uska-

Orochskaya Villages in the Vanino Rayon. Individual Oroch families live in the following villages: Novoye

Ommi, Dudi and Innokentyevka in the Sovetskaya Gavan Rayon. Sixty five per cent (65%) of the Oroch

are rural people.

Hunting is the main occupation of the Oroch people, but fishing is no less important for them. Gathering

plays a supplementary role. Today, amateur hunting, fishing and wild plant gathering are the main

sources of subsistence means for the Oroch people who are not employed in budget-funded

organizations.

Udege people

The native tongue is the Udege language. Compact settlements of Udege people are located in

south eastern areas of the Khabarovsk Kray (in the Lazo Rayon). As of 2002, there were 613 Udege

people in the Khabarovsk Kray, and 611 of them knew the Russian language. Seventy four per cent 74%

of the Udege people live in rural areas.

Udege traditional economy is based on hunting and fishing, with gathering playing a supplementary

role.

Ulch people

Their native tongue is Ulch. In 2002, there were 2,718 Ulch people living in the Khabarovsk Kray,

with practically all of them (2,710 people) speaking Russian. Today, most of the Ulch people live in the

Ulchi Rayon among Russian and other peoples in the following settlements: Bulava, Bogorodskoye,

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Kalinovka, Kalma, and Mongol. The share of rural population is very high (85%). Ulches also live in

Khabarovsk and Komsomolsk-on-the-Amur.

All-year-round fishing is the chief sector of their economy. Commercial hunting plays a supplementary

role. Another important constituent of their economy is gathering.

Evenks

Evenks are an Indigenous People in the Russian Federation; their native tongue is the Evenk

language. According to the 2002 census, there were 4,533 Evenks living in the Khabarovsk Kray at that

time, and 4,522 of them responded that they knew Russian. Eighty five per cent (85%) of them live in

rural areas.

Traditional occupations of Evenks are hunting and deer herding, and the second most important trade is

fishing. However, Evenks’ incomes from their traditional occupations fail to reach even the minimum

subsistence level; therefore, part of them are engaged in agriculture and forestry.

Legislative Safeguards to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the Russian Federation

In accordance with Federal Law # 104-FZ of 20.07.20001, Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples

are peoples, living in the North, Siberia, and the Far East within their predecessors’ traditional

settlement areas, maintaining their traditional lifestyles, economies and trades, numbering at least

50,000 people and identifying themselves as separate ethnical communities. The list of small-numbered

Indigenous Peoples is subject to approval by the Government of the Russian Federation.2 The name

“Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples” is general definition for Indigenous People in Russia. The

legislation of the Russian Federation protects the rights of small-numbered peoples, associations of

small-numbered peoples and persons belonging to small-numbered peoples to have their traditional

habitats, lifestyles, economies and trades safeguarded.

Project impact on Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) is expected to provide the framework in which

negative impacts on the Indigenous Peoples are mitigated and positive impacts are enhanced based on

the free, prior and informed consultations with the affected Indigenous Peoples.

1 http://base.consultant.ru/cons/cgi/online.cgi?req=doc;base=LAW;n=58305

2 http://base.garant.ru/181870/

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As part of project preparation, a social assessment was performed, which included:

(i) Assessment of the overall impact of project activities on the communities living in

project areas;

(ii) Preliminary consultations with Indigenous Peoples

The social assessment revealed no significant negative impact of project activities, while the

overall impact was considered definitely positive. For Indigenous Peoples highly relying on hunting,

fishing and other forest-related activities, the reduction of forest fires is seen as a highly valuable

positive effect, which outweigh any possible temporary negative impacts. However, an Indigenous

Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) was prepared to ensure the full participation of Indigenous Peoples

to the benefits and mitigate any potential occurrence of negative impact (e.g., during implementation of

«construction and clearing of fire breaks” or forest use restrictions following from “fire management

plans” developed under the project). Following the Indigenous Peoples Operational Policy (OP 4.10), an

IPPF was prepared to guide interventions in this area. The purpose of the IPPF is to ensure that the

development process fully respects the dignity, rights, economies, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples,

and that the project is able to gain broad community support of affected Indigenous Peoples. .

The assessment of project impact on Indigenous Peoples in terms of potential negative effects is

presented in Table 1. Positive impact is generic and follows from the notion that the project focus on

forest fire management would have a positive effect on Indigenous Peoples helping to preserve their

habitats and traditional economies.

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Table 1. Potential project impacts on Indigenous Peoples

Project Component Project activities according to PAD Potential negative impact on

Indigenous Peoples

Mitigation measures

1А(i) Development of fire preparedness and

management plans using modern technologies

Updated plans could possibly

contain provisions that would

have a negative impact. Such

measures could be large

controlled fires (“fire clearance”),

wide firebreaks or, as most

commonly mentioned, an

exclusion of access of all people

to certain areas during periods of

peak fire danger in order to

protect forest resources, thus

having negative impact on

Indigenous Peoples` traditional

economies

Indigenous peoples

participation in the

development of

recommendations to

forest management

authorities through free,

prior and informed

consultations, resulting in

expression of broad

community support prior

to initiation of any such

interventions or activities.

Monitoring by project

management units of the

impact on Indigenous

Peoples of the proposed

and implemented project

activities

1A(ii) Improving early fire forecast and detection

system (upgrading of the existing fire hazard rating

system, expansion of the fire watch network)

The activity does not affect

negatively the interests of

Indigenous Peoples

Not required

1. Enhancing Forest Fire Prevention,

Management and Control

1A(iii) Upgrading of firefighting equipment and

machinery (forest fire stations, training of units)



Indigenous Peoples

Not required

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1A(iv) Establishment of Interregional Forest Fire

Centers



Indigenous Peoples

Not required

1A(v) Public awareness and media/education

campaigns to decrease the incidence of forest fires of

human origin

The activity does not directly

affect the interests of Indigenous

Peoples

Campaigns to include

consultation with, or

information dissemination

to, Indigenous Peoples

communities.

1B(i) Strengthening of the forest fire forecast (with due

regard for local conditions) and early detection system

in PAs (expanding and refurbishing of fire watch

towers)



Indigenous Peoples

Not required

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1B(ii) Development and implementation of fire

preparedness and management plans in PAs

Interests of Indigenous Peoples

could be affected through

changes in forest access or use.

Indigenous peoples

participation in the

development of

recommendations to

forest management

authorities through free,

prior and informed

consultations, resulting in

expression of broad

community support prior

to initiation of any

restrictive changes in

forest access or use.

Indigenous People

Monitoring by project

management units of the

impact on Indigenous

Peoples of the proposed

and implemented project

activities

1B(iii) Upgrading of firefighting systems and equipment

of forest fire stations in PAs



Indigenous Peoples

Not required

1B (iv) Public awareness and media/education

campaigns to decrease the incidence of forest fires of

human origin in PAs (taking into account the specific

nature of PAs)

The activity does not affect the

interests of Indigenous Peoples

directly

Campaigns to include

consultation with, or

information dissemination

to, Indigenous Peoples

communities.

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2А(i) Development of forest legislation, national policy

and institutional framework

The revised legal or

institutional framework could

possibly contain provisions

that would have a negative

impact which covers all

people in Russia. Such

measures could be large

controlled fires (“fire

clearance”), wide firebreaks or,

as most commonly mentioned,

an exclusion of access of all

people to certain areas during

periods of peak fire danger in

order to protect forest

resources, thus having negative

impact

In case a national-level

policy issue is raised, the

Indigenous Peoples policy

have to be intensified both

in scope and scale to cover

all the affected

populations.

2A(ii) Improving forest reproduction and conservation The activity does not affect


Indigenous Peoples

Not required

2A(iii) Improving forest management information

systems



Indigenous Peoples

Not required

2A (iv) Development of the model forest network to

test and introduce innovative practices



Indigenous Peoples

Not required

2. Building Forestry Management

Capacity

2A (v) Training of forest management specialists The activity does not affect


Indigenous Peoples

Not required

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2B (i) Improved planning and institutional

arrangements for forest management in PAs



Indigenous Peoples

Not required

2B (ii) Development of guidelines and manuals The activity does not affect


Indigenous Peoples

Not required

2B (iii) Development of an integrated forest fire

management information system



Indigenous Peoples

Not required

2B (iv) Training in forest fire management The activity does not affect


Indigenous Peoples

Not required

3. Project Management Financing of project management units The activity does not affect


Indigenous Peoples

Not required

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PARTICIPATORY SOCIAL ASSESSMENT

The project includes a detailed Social Assessment to be performed at the preparation and

implementation stages. Social assessment techniques are based on a consultative approach

enabling to give the floor to vulnerable groups of Indigenous Peoples in the target region

(Khabarovsk Kray).

Social Assessment includes two phases: screening and detailed consultations.

Screening

The purpose of Phase 1 was to evaluate the numbers of Indigenous Peoples, their

habitats, scope of activities, living standards, degree and nature of dependence on forest

resources, as well as other features of significance for project implementation. In addition, Phase

1 included telephone interviews with the key legitimate representative of Indigenous Peoples

interests – the Regional NGO “Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North in

Khabarovsk Kray”.

Indigenous peoples were identified from the data of 2002 Russia-wide census proceeding

from the self-identification of residents, major features of their livelihoods, involvement in

modern economic processes (existence of traditional trades). Places of residence were identified

in accordance with the federal and regional laws (RF Government Resolution # 631-r of May 8,

2009 “On Approving the List of Places of Traditional Living and Traditional Economies of Small-

Numbered Indigenous RF Peoples, and the List of Their Traditional Economies”, Khabarovsk Kray

Law # 202 of June 30, 2004 “On the List of Territories of Compact Living of Small-Numbered

Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation in Khabarovsk Kray”).

Preliminary consultations with the Regional NGO “Association of Small-Numbered

Indigenous Peoples of the North in Khabarovsk Kray” were performed at the level of the

President of the above Association. The Association operates since 1990 and legally represents

the interests of all 8 Indigenous Peoples living in the Kray. Preliminary consultations facilitated

awareness about the project, revealed the overall attitude of the Association (to project

implementation. The project complies with the interests of Indigenous Peoples as it is focused on

conservation of their natural environment. The hazard of forest fires is also acknowledged by

Indigenous Peoples as forest fires threaten their livelihoods: hunting, fishing, reindeer husbandry

and gathering. The Association is supportive of the project.

Detailed Consultations and Action Plan

While the project generally can be assumed to be beneficial to Indigenous Peoples, it has

not yet been determined which, if any, project activities could adversely affect them. As specific

project activities are identified, any that would involve changes in access to, or uses of, forest

resources by Indigenous Peoples will require additional planning measures to mitigate adverse

impacts. To provide better cooperation and proper identification of possible risk as and effects

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for Indigenous Peoples free, prior and informed consultations were carried out in the form of

personal meetings with representatives of all Indigenous Peoples residing in project areas, with

due regard for the mandatory requirements to gender representation, places of actual residence

and employment or traditional livelihoods of the participants. These consultations were carried

out in Russian language, since the vast majority of Indigenous People are fluent in Russian. There

were no claims of misunderstanding or need for translation, and the Association personnel was

ready to explain unclear points or concepts. Consultations included description of the relevant

project activities, to the level of details available to date, and discussion of any changes in access

to, or use of, forest resources that may result. An expression of broad community support by the

Indigenous Peoples is necessary before any activities imposing changes on forest use or access

can proceed.

If any adverse impacts are likely, when such a measure or action will be put in the

project schedule (list of actions) Indigenous Peoples are supposed to participate in the

formulation of an Action Plan explaining the scope and scale of impacts, and explaining how such

impacts are to be mitigated to the satisfaction of affected communities. If there is a possibility to

improve general benefits found by Indigenous Peoples, measures to achieve it will also be

included. Action Plans, if prepared, are to be approved by all stakeholders including the World

Bank. If no agreement is reached on a particular activity and that all mediation attempts to come

up with a consensus have been tried with no success, the activity will not take place with this

particular community

The detailed consultation process may be described as follows. TheRepresentatives of

the Indigenous Peoples are chosen with the aid of the regional Association. The minimal number

of representatives is determined as to fulfil the following requirements:

a) all IP (nationalities) are included;

b) all major settlements from covered area presented with at least one

Representative;

c) Representatives of both sexes are included.

Representatives of the Indigenous Peoples are, in advance, provided with project

information so that they could get acquainted with the project description, list of its activities,

results of the social assessment, etc. The consultations start with a presentation of a brief project

description by the consultation organiser who highlights such aspects as the project goals, its

implementation period, main components, etc. Then, consultation participants answer, in a free

and open format, the following questions as worded by the consultation organiser, concerning

the essence of a given Indigenous People’s dependence on forests and characteristics of this

dependence.

a) What kind of project information was made available for the consultation

participants? Do they need any additional explanations?

b) How do consultation participants perceive potential impact of the project

on Indigenous Peoples?

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c) Can any project activities inflict damage upon Indigenous Peoples? What

kinds of fire control activities (beyond the project) inflict losses upon

Indigenous Peoples?

d) How could one describe benefits from this project for Indigenous Peoples

and could those benefits be increased/maximized?

e) What is the opinion of consultation participants about the previous forest

project implementation in the Khabarovsk Kray?

f) Will this project be supported by the respective Indigenous People?

g) What is the best way to maintain communication/cooperation during the

project implementation? What arrangements can be proposed by

consultation participants to ensure communication/cooperation?

Upon completion of the questions and answers session, representatives of Indigenous

Peoples are free to speak up in a free format to raise other issues which are, from their

viewpoint, relevant for project implementation. Results of detailed consultations are recorded in

shorthand, and the transcription is disseminated among the participants for review.

At the time of this IPPF preparation, two major detailed consultations took place,

one in the Troitskoye settlement (Nanai Rayon, 17 participants of which 15 belonged to

Indigenous Peoples), one in Khabarovsk (regional level, 15 participants of which 13

belonged to Indigenous Peoples). Both meetings were to address general questions of

project implementation (since project activities are currently defined in a general way)

listed above. The minutes from consultations are provided in annex to this IPPF.

As a result, the overall absence of negative impacts was confirmed, but both at

local and regional level the following actions were mentioned as negatively affecting

Indigenous Peoples:

a) large-scale controlled burnings;

b) fully banned access to forests for local people during fire seasons.

These actions are not included in the Project Description and are not supposed to be put

in the list of activities, but currently performed by Russian authorities on a regular basis. If any of

such measures will be implemented under and inside the Project activities, certain consideration

will be proceeded, and the necessary Action Plans will be developed for every case.

Action Plans will include arrangements for monitoring by the Project Coordination Group

at the regional level (Khabarovsk Kray). Such Plans will include the following:

1.1.1. Major findings of the Social Assessment;

1.1.2. Summarized results of the free, prior and informed consultations with

the affected Indigenous Peoples that were carried out as specific project

19

activities were identified, describing issues raised and the process by

which broad community support was determined;

1.1.3. Description of project activities beneficial to Indigenous Peoples,

including measures to improve the efficiency of entities involved in

project implementation and to maximize the net benefits to IPs;

1.1.4. Description of scope and scale of potential negative impacts of project

activities on Indigenous Peoples, and proposed mitigation measures

satisfactory to affected communities;

1.1.5. Cost estimate of project implementation;

1.1.6. Specific grievance procedures taking account of the accessibility of

judicial protection and conventional resolution of disputes as approved

by the Indigenous Peoples;

1.1.7. Mechanisms and criteria for implementation monitoring, evaluation and

reporting, including arrangements for Indigenous Peoples to participate

in these aspects of project management.

The Action Plan will be finalised upon completion of the detailed consultations with

representatives of Indigenous Peoples. The basic approaches to the development of the Action

Plan are presented below.

During the project implementation, free, prior and informed consultations with

Indigenous Peoples will be held to meet the requirements: to safeguard the freedom of

representatives of Indigenous Peoples to participate in the project discussion, to ensure full

representation of all Indigenous Peoples during meetings and discussions of possible adverse

impact prior to making respective managerial decisions, (to inform them about events to be

held), and to supply representatives of Indigenous Peoples with all documents and information

related to issues under discussion.

Project activities beneficial to Indigenous Peoples, including measures to improve the

efficiency of entities involved in project implementation will be as follows:

a) Involving representatives or Associations of Indigenous Peoples in the

work of the Project Coordination Group (ensuring openness of the

Project Coordination Group to the presence of representatives of

Indigenous Peoples as independent experts and their participation in the

work of the Project Coordination Group)

b) Informing representatives or Associations of Indigenous Peoples about

the project progress, and expected changes in the project

implementation in the form of messages by phone, e-mail, or mail, with,

among other things, preparing a schedule of information dissemination

against the calendar project implementation plan (agreeing key stages,

dates, and facts to be covered with such information messages);

20

c) Involving regional mass media (including municipal information resources

in the places of Indigenous Peoples’ residence) for broad dissemination

of information for Indigenous Peoples about project progress, and

expected changes in the project implementation;

d) Maintaining communication (by phone and, if possible, through face-to-

face consultations) between the Project Coordination Group and

representatives or Associations of Indigenous Peoples, developing a

contact list;

e) Considering and referring to the need to consider the interests of

Indigenous Peoples during contacts of the Project Coordination Group

with federal and regional authorities and local self-governance bodies,

participating in the project implementation.

In the case of detection of potential negative (adverse) impact from a project activity on

Indigenous Peoples, the following steps and mitigation measures will be made:

a) Project participants who detected such potential adverse impact from a

project activity on Indigenous Peoples will report about it to the Project

Coordination Group;

b) The Project Coordination Group will prepare a formal description (rapid

assessment) of the possibility for the adverse impact of a project activity

on Indigenous Peoples, take appropriate measures to suspend (‘freeze’)

the adoption of respective decisions on project implementation until

consultations are held with representatives of Indigenous Peoples and

measures are taken to mitigate the adverse impact;

c) The Project Coordination Group will inform representatives or

Associations of Indigenous Peoples about potential adverse impact and

invite them to discuss the arisen issue in a convenient format

(consultation by phone, face-to-face meetings, e-mail or mail);

d) A checklist to assess the potential adverse impact will be prepared and

include the opinion of Indigenous Peoples and possible actions to

mitigate the adverse impact if the adverse impact is confirmed and calls

for corrective measures;

e) The checklist to assess the potential adverse impact will be presented to

the parties participating in the project implementation and linked to the

potential adverse impact, and corrective measures will be taken, as

appropriate.

Specific grievance procedures for addressing applications and complaints provide for an

opportunity to cause applications from Indigenous Peoples to be settled without resorting to

21

courts. The proposed procedures rely on communication/negotiation among representatives of

Indigenous Peoples, Associations of Indigenous Peoples, the Project Coordination Group based in

the City of Khabarovsk and the central project office in Moscow. The Association of Indigenous

Peoples is viewed as a potential representative of Indigenous Peoples’ interests. In this case, in

the course of its operation, the Association could perform the functions of an intermediary,

ensuring that applications reach the Project Coordination Group in those cases when

representatives of Indigenous Peoples do not have an opportunity to approach project

participants or the Project Coordination Group personally (the application of grievances in person

is not restricted in any way). The main level for addressing applications from representatives of

Indigenous Peoples will be the Project Coordination Group based in Khabarovsk. If necessary, the

Project Coordination Group will draw upon assistance from the Association of Indigenous

Peoples, consultations with public authorities and local self-governance bodies with a view to

ensuring consideration of opinions of all stakeholders as comprehensively as possible. If it is

impossible to find a decision in response to an application which would be acceptable for all the

parties, the Project Coordination Group will initiate a process to review the application in the

central project office in Moscow. The above procedures are not replace or affect any rights to use

a regular Court to resolve grievance or any other legal procedure applied in Russian Federation.

Direct grievance mechanisms (such as phone number, contact point for complaints, monitoring

of IPs through the monitoring and evaluation system) will also be used.

Institutional Arrangements

In the course of consultations with the affected Indigenous Peoples the institutions

relevant to project implementation are identified and will be subsequently strengthened. The

representatives of Indigenous People recommended FFA, MNRE, and executive authorities of the

Khabarovsk Kray to undertake appropriate activities in the proposed areas of project impact with

a view to identifying potential environmental consequences of its implementation and

safeguarding the interests of small-numbered indigenous peoples living in the Khabarovsk Kray.

Specifically, the Project Coordination Group in Khabarovsk City is supposed to maintain direct

contacts with representatives of Indigenous Peoples on project implementation issues, and if

appropriate such representatives could be invited to join the PCG. As was said during

consultations, the best way to maintain communication/cooperation may be arranged through

including a representative from the Khabarovsk Kray/Regional Association of Small-Numbered

Indigenous Peoples of the North (Khabarovsk Kray/Regional) into the Supervisory Committee for

the project or any other body in charge of coordination in this region

PARTICIPATORY MONITORING AND EVALUATION

In accordance with the results of Social Assessment and implementation of the

Indigenous Peoples Action Plan relevant information will be incorporated in the results of project

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Participatory monitoring will be performed at the regional

level (Khabarovsk Kray as a whole) highlighting the significant aspects in areas of predominant

22

living of Indigenous Peoples affected by actual project activities. Monitoring will ensure fine-

tuning of project activities to meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples.

Monitoring will be conducted by the Project Coordination Group with the participation of

representatives of Indigenous Peoples. The arrangements and criteria for monitoring, evaluation

and reporting on the implementation of the Action Plan will be based on targets for indicators,

which are primarily qualitative in nature: actions to be performed, measures to be taken, etc. Of

quantitative indicators, there will be presented such as number of Indigenous Peoples covered by

media- and information events, number of communities and peoples potentially affected by the

project (if possible negative effect was detected), number of grievances accepted and resolved,

etc. The presumed approach to the Monitoring is summarized in a table 2.

Table 2. Basic Participatory monitoring indicators and arrangements

Pos. Indicator Target Outcome Methodology

1 All activities or

measures are

reviewed for the

absence of

negative effects

Full

completion

Yes/No Initial check for the measures

approval from representatives of

Indigenous Peoples after the project

start

Regular (monthly) check-up for

changes and progress in the project

implementation

2 The planned

action is

performed,

measures are

taken

Full

completion

Yes/No or

percentage, by

each project

activity or

measure

Regular (quarterly) planned check-up

of pre-planned activities both by

Project Coordination Group with the

participation of representatives of

Indigenous Peoples.

3 Share of

Indigenous

Peoples covered

through

awareness

raising and

communication

activities

The pre-

determined

percent of

population

Percentage

(estimated)

Regular (quarterly) check by Project

Coordination Group, based on the

data of text bulletins issued, TV- and

radio auditories, personal meetings

4 Actual negative

effect recorded

0 (zero) Amount in

national

currency or

natural

indicators

The mitigation measures reports

made by Project Coordination Group

with the participation of

representatives of Indigenous

Peoples

5 Number of

grievances

Ratio of 1

(100%)

Ratio Registration of grievances by Project

Coordination Group staff

23

taken/solved (100%) Coordination Group staff

Grievance reports made by Project

Coordination Group with the

participation of representatives of

Indigenous Peoples

The evaluation of the Action Plan will be based on the following results (indicators):

a) An action or activity as incorporated in the Action Plan implemented

within the established timeframe

b) A decision satisfactory for all stakeholders adopted and

c) Adverse impact, recognised by all stakeholders eliminated or mitigated

Monitoring will rely on data provided by the Social Assessment, and include half-year

reports on project implementation (to be prepared before June 30 and December 31 of each

implementation year). Monitoring data will be presented to Indigenous Peoples for information

and subsequently made publicly available to consider the views and interests of all stakeholders.

Summarized results of project impact on Indigenous Peoples, including the benefits and

prevented negative effects, will be included in the final evaluation documents.

24

PROPOSED Federal PAs to be included in the Forest Management Reform and Forest Fire Response Project

(Forest Project-2)

Central Federal Okrug

1 Vladimir Oblast 1 Meshchera NP

2 Ryazan Oblast. 2 Okskiy NR

3 Meshcherskiy NP

North-Western Federal Okrug

3 Republic of Karelia 4 Vodlozerskiy NP

4 Arkhangelsk Oblast 4 Vodlozerskiy NP

Volga Federal Okrug

5 Republic of Mariy El 5 Bolshaya Kokshaga NR

6 Mariy Chodra NP

6 Nizhniy Novgorod Oblast 7 Kerzhensky NR

7 Orenburg Oblast 8 Buzulukskiy Bor NP

8 Samara Oblast 8 Buzulukskiy Bor NP

9 Zhigulevskiy NR

10 Samarskaya Luka NP

Ural Federal Okrug

9 Sverdlovsk Oblast 11 Visimskiy NR

12 Denezhkin Kamen NR

13 Pripyshminkiye Bory NP

10 Chelyabinsk Oblast 14 Ziuratkul NP

15 Taganay NP

Siberian Federal Okrug

11 Trans-Baikal Kray 16 Alkhanay NP

17 Sokhodinskiy NR

12 Krasnoyarsk Kray 18 Sayano-Shushenskiy NR

19 Stolby NR

20 Shushenskiy Bor NP

Far East Federal Okrug

13 Khabarovsk Kray 21 Bureinskiy NR

22 Komsomolskiy NR

14 Amursk Oblast 23 Zeyskiy NR

24 Norskiy NR

25 Khinganskiy NR

15 Jewish Autonomous Oblast 26 Bastak NR

25

Annex. A brief data: Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous

Peoples of the North in Khabarovsk Kray

Date of creation: 16.02.1990

Legal status: non-governmental non-commercial organisation

Aims and goals: to fulfill and protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Indigenous

Peoples , address socio-economic and cultural development and the revival and

preservation of traditional lifestyles, to promote growth of national consciousness and to

improve living standards, protection of habitat on the ancestral territories, and the revival

of traditional crafts and arts, culture and language of Indigenous Peoples of Khabarovsk

Krai.

Representation and legitimacy: about 22 000 people, 30 nationalities in 8 major etnic

groups (IP). The only IP’s NGO in Khabarovsk Kray.

Organization: 10 lesser associations on local (rayon) level and participation of 7

independent local IP NGO in 15 municipalities (rayons) and 2 cities (Khabarovsk and

Komsomolsk-on-Amur)

Top governing body: Congress, meets every 4 years, consists of delegates elected by

Indigenous Peoples and presented through by local associations and local IP NGO`s.

Municipal and regional authorities, mass-media and other NGO’s may watch the

Congress, but have no vote. The Congress elects President and Coordinatory Council.

Management bodies and mechanisms: President, Vice-President, Coordinatory Council

(executives), Auditing commission (Audit and control), Council of Elders, various

advisory councils. The mechanisms used to deal with the Association constituents consists

of verbal consultations. The latter are being done through advisory councils, or by

meetings of Association staff with the local populations. To keep the Indigenous Peoples

informed about the Association activities, the relevant information is distributed from

Khabarovsk to the local representatives by mail and phone. The Association staff reports

on its activities to Coordinatory Council, which meets at least every 6 month. The

Auditing commission controls Association activities on annual basis. The Council of

Elders meets at least 3 times in a year and consists of 11 most respected elders selected by

the Coordinatory Council.

Location: the city of Khabarovsk

Website: http://akmns-hab.ru/

26

Annex

Public Consultation

on the Draft Environmental Management and Indigenous Peoples Frameworks

for the Forest Fire Response Project (Forest Project-2)

MINUTES

Troitskoye

Nanai Rayon

Khabarovsk Kray

December 5, 2011

11:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.

The meeting was

Chaired by: L.A. Odzyal, Chairperson, Community Organisation of Peoples of the North,

Nanai Rayon, Khabarovsk Kray

Attended by: Board Members of the Nanai Rayon Community Organisation of Peoples of

the North, Khabarovsk Kray, Representatives from Nanai Rural Communities in the Nanai

Rayon (villages: Sinda, Naikhin, Dzhari, Lidoga, Verkhniy Nergen), Residents of

Troitskoye (the list of participants is attached)

Agenda

1. Potential environmental impact of project activities

2. Draft Environmental Framework for the project

3. Draft Indigenous Peoples Framework for the project

The meeting included:

A presentation made by:

A.S. Zakharenkov, Project Consultant, on proposed project activities and the Indigenous

Peoples Framework for the project.

The speaker presented a brief description of the project, its designation, implementation

period, main components, a list of activities and their description, findings from the social

assessment, the Environmental Management Framework and Ingenious Peoples

Framework.

and the following discussion:

Question #1 (A.S. Zakharenkov):

What is the nature and characteristics of forest dependence of the indigenous peoples

living in the Nanai Rayon of the Khabarovsk Kray?

Answer (M.A. Akhatova):

Commercial hunting has been playing a great role in the life of most of Nanai people;

many indigenous peoples have permanent hunting grounds. To a great extent, livelihoods

27

of hunters and their families depend on preservation of such hunting grounds. Fire inflicts

serious damage up game animals, driving them away from the forests or killing them. A

key traditional occupation for Nanai people is fishing, but rivers and fish resources are

directly dependent on forests. When forests are burned out, rivers get shallower,

spawning grounds decline, and fish resources get reduced. Therefore, forest fires have

adverse impact on indigenous peoples’ livelihoods.

Question # 2 (A.S. Zakharenkov):

Was the project information comprehensible and sufficient, or do you need any additional

explanations/clarifications?

Answer (L.A. Odzyal):

I read the project description as presented in the website of the Federal Forestry Agency.

The general information about the project, presented by A.S. Zakharenkov, is quite

sufficient to assess its potential impact on indigenous peoples.


How do you perceive potential impact of the project on indigenous peoples?

Answer (L.A. Odzyal)

Key project activities are aimed at protecting the environment for traditional livelihoods of

indigenous peoples; therefore it may only benefit indigenous peoples. We are aware that

forest fires pose a grave threat to the existence of indigenous peoples due to their destructive

impact on habitats of game animals and fish. Nowadays, most of forest fires are caused by

human beings. Those to be blamed are usually people who do not permanently live in the

rayon or who do not have close relations with taiga.

In view of this, it is of utmost importance for indigenous peoples to promote proper

attitudes to the forest among all populations in the rayon and region to make them feel

responsible for gifts of the forest, learn and observe the rules of fire safety and behaviours in

forests.


Can any project activities inflict damage upon indigenous peoples? What kinds of fire

control activities (beyond the project) inflict losses upon indigenous peoples?

Answer (M.A. Akhatova):

The project activities referred to in the project information cannot inflict losses upon

indigenous peoples. As regards the existing fire management activities, indigenous peoples

may be adversely affected only with large-scale controlled burnings or fully banned access to

forests for local people during fire seasons.


How could you describe benefits from this project for indigenous peoples?

Answer (O.T. Passar):

First of all, indigenous peoples will benefit from the protection of their traditional habitats

and economies. The project will also help different indigenous peoples to join their efforts,

establish contacts and communication with one another and becoming aware of their own

responsibility for protection of forests.

28


What is your opinion about the previous forest project implementation in the Khabarovsk

Kray?

Answer (P.V. Beldy):

Most of its activities were confined to the regional level; therefore, we cannot

comprehensively evaluate that project.


Will this project be supported by the Association, Nanai communities and individuals?

Answer (L.A. Odzyal):

Yes, it will be supported by our Association and all the communities represented in it. We

will benefit from its implementation. The rayon-level Association has significant

experience, and is ready, in its turn, to provide information and organisational support for the

implementation of this project.


What is the best way to maintain communication/cooperation during the project

implementation? What communication/cooperation arrangements would you propose?

Answer (M.A. Akhatova, L.A. Odzyal, O.T. Passar):

Communication/cooperation may be arranged through including representatives from the

Khabarovsk Kray Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North into the

Supervisory Committee for the project or any other body in charge of coordination in the

region. In addition, to address activities to be implemented in the Nanai Rayon, direct

contacts may be established between project implementing entities and representatives of

indigenous peoples, in particular, with the rayon-level Association of Small-Numbered

Indigenous Peoples of the North. It is very important to provide access to project progress

information through the Internet and notify representatives of indigenous peoples of the

ways to get it.

It was decided to:

1. Take note of the information as presented by A.S. Zakharenkov, including information

about proposed project activities, draft Environmental Management Framework and

Indigenous Peoples Framework.

2. Approve both of the draft Frameworks.

3. Recommend the FFA, MNRE, and executive authorities of the Khabarovsk Kray to

undertake appropriate activities in the proposed areas of project impact with a view to

identifying potential environmental consequences of its implementation and safeguarding

the interests of small-numbered indigenous peoples living in the Khabarovsk Kray.

L.A. Odzyal, Chair of the Meeting

Chairperson, Nanai Rayon Community Prganisation of Peoples of the North

P.V. Beldy, Secretary

29

ANNEX

Participants of the Public Consultation on the Draft Environmental Management and Indigenous

Peoples Frameworks for the Forest Fire Response Project (Forest Project-2)

A.S. Zakharenkov Project Consultant, Board Chairman, Forest Certification Centre

L.A. Odzyal Chairperson, Community Organisation of Peoples of the North, Nanai Rayon, Khabarovsk Kray

M.A. Akhatova Deputy Chief, Unit of Economic Development, Nanai Rayon Administration, Khabarovsk Kray

Board Members of the Community Organisation of Peoples of the North, Nanai Rayon, Khabarovsk Kray

I.A. Beldy Chairman, Assembly of Deputies, Nanai Rayon

30

O.T. Passar Chairman, Local Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North, Sinda

K.P. Onenko Chairperson, Council of Elders

D.E. Onenko Chairman, Local Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North, Naikhin

P.V. Beldy Chairman, Local Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North, Dzhari

O.V. Lisnyuk Chairman, Local Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North, Lidoga

A.S. Aktanko Chairman, Local Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North, Verkhniy Nergen

A.A. Onenko Chairperson, Zaur Territorial Neighbourhood Community of Small-Numbered Peoples, Sinda

D.K. Passar Chairperson, Areal Territorial Neighbourhood Community of Small-Numbered Peoples, Sinda

31

Sinda

R.V. Pionka Local resident from Uni (village in the Arsenyevskoye Rural Settlement)

V.P. Passar Chairman, Local Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North, Dada

G.L. Beldy Head, Rural Settlement (Naikhin)

T.B. Kiri Head, Rural Settlement (Dada)

A.E. Gaida Head, Rural Settlement (Verkhniy Nergen)

32

Public Consultation

on the Draft Environmental Management and Indigenous Peoples Frameworks

for the Forest Fire Response Project (Forest Project-2)

MINUTES

Gogol Str. 16,

Khabarovsk

December 6, 2011

04:00 p.m. - 06:00 p.m.

The meeting was

Chaired by: L.V. Passar, Chairperson, Khabarovsk Kray / Regional Association of Small-Numbered

Indigenous Peoples of the North

Attended by:

Representatives from the Regional Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North,

officials from the Division for Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples Affairs of the Ministry of Natural

Resources of the Khabarovsk Kray, representatives from Ulch, Oroch Udege, Nivkh, Evenk, Nanai, and

Even communities, living in the City of Khabarovsk permanently (teachers, office staff) or temporarily

(students) (the list of participants is attached)

33

Agenda:

4. Potential environmental impact of project activities

5. Draft Environmental Management Framework for the project

6. Draft Indigenous Peoples Framework for the project.

The meeting included:

A presentation made by:

A.S. Zakharenkov, Project Consultant, on proposed project activities and the Indigenous Peoples

Framework for the project.

The speaker presented a brief description of the project, its designation, implementation period, main

components, a list of activities and their description, findings from the social assessment, the

Environmental Management Framework and Ingenious Peoples Framework.

and the following discussion:

Question #1 (A.S. Zakharenkov):

What is the nature and characteristics of forest dependence of the indigenous peoples living in the

Khabarovsk Kray?

Answer (L.V. Passar):

Indigenous peoples of the Khabarovsk Kray practically cannot exist without the forest: taiga is their

original habitat. Forests are also important for their traditional economies. As regards those peoples

whose economies are based on hunting (Negidal, Udege, Ulch, Evenk and Even peoples), forest fires are

an enormous threat for their trade: animals leave burning forests, and indigenous people may lose their

34

source of food and fur. Forest fires also pose a threat for those peoples whose economies are based on

fishing (Oroch, Nanai and Nivkh peoples): the status of rivers is directly dependent on forests: when

forests burn out, rivers dry up. Forest fires threaten the lives of people in remote communities because

they have to fight fires on their own. Such communities get completely isolated from the surrounding

world.


Was the project information comprehensible and sufficient, or do you need any additional

explanations/clarifications?


I read the project description as presented in the website of the Federal Forestry Agency. The general

information about the project, presented by A.S. Zakharenkov, is quite sufficient to assess its potential

impact on indigenous peoples.


How do you perceive potential impact of the project on indigenous peoples?

Answer (V.A. Onchukova):

The project is aimed at protecting traditional habitats of these indigenous peoples. It is noteworthy that

representatives of the indigenous peoples are also aware of the danger of forest fires. E.g., representatives

of the Udege people and other indigenous peoples engaged in commercial hunting express their concern

about the extremely low effectiveness of forest protection against fire, while forest fires are a very serious

threat for them since hunting is impossible without taiga.


Can any project activities inflict damage upon indigenous peoples? What kinds of fire control activities

(beyond the project) inflict losses upon indigenous peoples?

35

Answer (M.A. Odzyal)

The project activities referred to in the project information cannot inflict losses upon indigenous peoples. As

regards the existing fire management activities, indigenous peoples may be adversely affected only with large-

scale controlled burnings or fully banned access to forests for local people during fire seasons.


How could you describe benefits from this project for indigenous peoples?


In the first turn, it is protection of traditional habitats and economies of small-numbered indigenous

peoples. The project will also help different indigenous peoples to join their efforts, establish contacts and

communication with one another and become more aware of their own responsibility for protection of

forests. Another important benefit from the project would be its assistance in equipping and training

voluntary firefighting teams in rural settlements where representatives of indigenous peoples live. Project

efforts to address salvage and rehabilitation of burned and dying forests are also highly important for

indigenous peoples, and no less important are the intended compensations for those who suffered from

forest fires (deer herders, hunters). The other project component meant to improve forest management is

important for indigenous peoples as well, in view of the need to have access to fuelwood provided for

local communities, in particular, access to wood harvested from cutting for purposes of construction of

linear utilities/facilities, and access to forest resources located near settlements within the forest estate

and PAs.


What is your opinion about the previous forest project implementation in the Khabarovsk Kray?


36

At the time of its implementation, I headed an Association of the rayon, but not the regional level;

therefore, I cannot comprehensively evaluate that project. However, as far as I could observe, that project

yielded the following results:

• The project helped to raise public awareness (“literacy”) of forest protection, (and, most

importantly, it provided both general information and information for different target groups, e.g.,

through delivering training for children in forests)

• Since the project covered the entire region and its conferences were attended by representatives from

different Russian regions, it enabled representatives of small-numbered indigenous peoples to meet one

another, discuss their common problems, establish cooperation, etc.; this is of particular importance in

view of the complicated transport situation in the region.

• As a result of the above said, the project contributed to the growth of ethic self-awareness of

indigenous peoples as aboriginal inhabitants of taiga


Will this project be supported by the Association, communities and individual representatives of

indigenous peoples?


Yes, it will be supported by our Association. We will benefit from its implementation. The Regional

Association has significant experience, and is ready, in its turn, to provide information and organisational

support for the implementation of this project.


What is the best way to maintain communication/cooperation during the project implementation? What

communication/cooperation arrangements would you propose?

Answer (V.A. Onchukova):

37

It may be arranged through including a representative from the Khabarovsk Kray / Regional Association of

Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North into the Supervisory Committee for the project or any

other body in charge of coordination in this region.

It was decided to:

1. Take note of the information as presented by A.S. Zakharenkov, including information about proposed

project activities, draft Environmental Management Framework and Indigenous Peoples Framework.

2. Approve both of the draft Frameworks.

3. Recommend the FFA, MNRE, and executive authorities of the Khabarovsk Kray to undertake

appropriate activities in the proposed areas of project impact with a view to identifying potential

environmental consequences of its implementation and safeguarding the interests of small-numbered

indigenous peoples living in the Khabarovsk Kray.

L.V. Passar, Chair of the Meeting

Chairperson, Regional Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North

V.A. Onchukova, Secretary

38

Annex

Participants of the Public Consultation on the Draft Environmental Management and Indigenous

Peoples Frameworks for the Forest Fire Response Project (Forest Project-2) Gogol Str. 16,

Khabarovsk

December 6, 2011

04:00 p.m. - 06:00 p.m. A.S. Zakharenkov (Russian) Project Consultant, Board Chairman, Forest Certification Centre

L.V. Passar (Udege) Chairperson, Regional Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous

Peoples of the North

I.V. Sergienko (Russian) Deputy Head, Division for Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples

Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources of the Khabarovsk Kray

V.G. Shabelnikova (Nanai) Advisor, Division for Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples

Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources of the Khabarovsk Kray

M.A. Odzyal (Ulch) Chief Specialist, Division for Small-Numbered Indigenous

Peoples Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources of the

Khabarovsk Kray

N.P. Valin (Nivkh) Chairman, Keng-Marf Regional Organisation of Small-

Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North I.V, Passar (Nanai) Chairperson, City Department, Regional Association of Small-

Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North

I.M. Donkan (Nanai) Trainer, Institute of Continuous Education for Health Workers of

the Khabarovsk Kray, PhD (Sociology), Psychologist

N.V. Onenko (Nanai) Office Manager, Regional Association of Small-Numbered


E.P. Shi (Udege) Director, a Youth Centre

S. Tamion (Ulch) Student, Pacific National University

O.G. Emenka (Oroch) Chairperson, Sovetskaya Gavan Rayon Department, Regional

Association of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North

V.A. Onchukova (Evenk) Vice-President, Regional Association of Small-Numbered


A. Solovyeva (Negidal) Student, Far East University of Humanities

A.I. Gromov (Even) Chairman, Vitachan Territorial Neighbourhood Community of

Small-Numbered Peoples, Okhotsk (fishers’ community),

Okhotsk Rayon, Authorised Representative of Small-Numbered

Indigenous Peoples of the North at the Okhotsk Rayon

Administration

russian federation: forest fire response project (forest ... · 1 december 12, 2011 russian...

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