As stated by the EBRD, the project consists of a sovereign loan to the Republic of Moldova, represented by the Ministry of Finance for the benefit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, and (or) the National Agency for Land Improvement to finance the rehabilitation of three key centralised irrigation systems. The Project aims to support the Moldovan Government in addressing priority investment needs, by enabling farmers' access to water resources through irrigation. The investments are envisaged to be implemented by the MAFI, which will involve relevant state authorities and agencies.

The Project aims to rehabilitate three key centralised irrigation systems in Moldova and expand the overall irrigated areas in the country. It is expected to involve the repair, modernisation, and construction of critical primary irrigation infrastructure with a focus on enhanced water and energy efficiency leading to measurable cost and CO2 savings. The Project would enable local farmers' access to water resources helping them mitigate the adverse effects of exposure to potential droughts in Moldova improving climate resilience. The Project ultimately paves way to subsequent private investments in modern agricultural technologies and infrastructure along the value chain, including post-harvest processing and on-farm irrigation systems.

The additionality for the Project stems from:

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SUMMARY

Categorised B (2019 ESP). Environmental and social impacts associated with the proposed rehabilitation of three key centralised irrigation systems are expected to be localised and easily addressed with the appropriate avoidance and impact mitigation measures. Expected benefits of the Project include an improved energy and water use efficiency of the existing irrigation network, its repair, modernisation and construction of required primary irrigation infrastructure critical for the country. An independent Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) for the proposed Project will be conducted as part of the feasibility study to ensure that all associated Project's environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts are identified, and appropriate mitigation measures are proposed for implementation. Typical issues that will be assessed include E&S management systems, labour and working conditions during Project implementation, ecosystem services, land take needs and livelihoods, impacts on biodiversity, and community engagement.

The Client will need to manage impacts of construction and oversee contractors, assess water intake impacts on other users through livelihood restoration and water management. Project- specific Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and community grievance mechanism, as well as E&S Management and Monitoring Plan for construction and operation phases will need to be developed.

The Client will be supported by the Bank in Project preparation, setting up Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and receive capacity building required for successful implementation of the Project.

The Project will be structured to comply with EBRD E&S requirements via the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) that will be agreed with the Client prior to Project approval by the Board. The proposed investment is indicatively assessed as aligned with Paris Agreement mitigation goals and GET will be derived from climate mitigation and adaptation measures and will be confirmed during the Project's due diligence. EBRD will monitor Project implementation via regular E&S reporting and site visits as required.

Client - Government of Moldova:

Vasile Nemtanu
Email: vasile.nemtanu@maia.gov.md
Phone: +373 22 204536
Website: https://maia.gov.md/
Address: MD-2004, Chisinau, 162 Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Blvd

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can request information by emailing: accessinfo@ebrd.com or by using this electronic form: https://www.ebrd.com/eform/information-request

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF EBRD

The Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM) is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who have been or are likely to be adversely affected by an European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the PCM, it may assess compliance with EBRD's own policies and procedures to prevent harm to the environment or communities or it may assist you in resolving the problem that led to the complaint through a dialogue with those implementing the project. Additionally, the PCM has the authority to recommend a project be suspended in the event that harm is imminent.

You can contact the PCM at: pcm@ebrd.com or you can submit a complaint online using an online form at: http://www.ebrd.com/eform/pcm/complaint_form?language=en

You can learn more about the PCM and how to file a complaint at: http://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/project-finance/project-complaint-mechanism.html