According to the Bank’s website, the objective of this project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance nature-positive urban development in Guiyang.

The project intervention area focuses on Aha Lake in Guiyang, aiming to demonstrate an integrated approach to urban development challenges and nature-positive goals. Aha Lake, a national wetland park and critical urban green lung, covers around 10 km² and is central to Guiyang’s future growth. Previously undeveloped due to its role as a primary drinking water source, Aha Lake now faces risks of deteriorating water quality, inadequate conservation, and inaccessibility. The project seeks to rehabilitate the lake, improving water quality and carbon absorption, enhancing transport routes, and providing co-benefits like flood control, urban cooling, and job creation, thereby boosting urban livability.

The environmental risk is deemed Substantial. The project is designed for environmental benefits. The TA activities to enhance carbon monitoring, policy development and spatial planning will contribute to city’s GHG emission reduction, while their downstream E&S implications (incl. induced impacts) will be addressed through ToR review and QA process. Physical investments on sewage interceptor, forestry management, NbS wetland restoration, energy efficient lighting, and greenway (25km long and 7.5m wide for cycling and walking) development around Aha Lake will enhance protection of local water quality and ecosystem. Since Aha Lake is a reservoir, a National Wetland Park and one of the nationally recognized critical habitats for terrestrial wildlife, the project will be designed to enhance its functions for flood control, biodiversity conservation, public education and recreation in full compliance with the established eco-redline strategy and ecological functional zoning. No core zone will be disturbed or negatively affected. Construction nuisance like noise, wastewater, dust, solid waste and soil erosion, as well as pesticide use during reforestation, is expected, which are largely temporary, site-specific and manageable with known mitigation techniques. A small section of proposed greenway will be along the existing dam, but without negative impact on it.

The social risk is considered Substantial. Social risks are associated mainly with Component 2. This component will support initiatives around Aha Lake, its surroundings. Subcomponent 2.1 includes afforestation and creation of buffer zones which could include changes or restrictions in land use and access to forest resources especially in community forests. Subcomponent 2.2 will construct 17kms of sewage ditches and water treatment facilities while Subcomponent 2.3 will require the construction of a 25km cycling and walking path around the lake. New bus lines and associated transit facilities may also be introduced and improvements in urban transport infrastructure will be supported for better access to the area. These activities will lead to land acquisition, including both permanent and temporary acquisition of village collectively-owned forest and agricultural land, as well as house demolition (approximately 6,000m²). There is a risk associated with working conditions not being in line with local laws and ESS2. There may be labor influx associated with civil works that could impact local communities and may increase the risk of SEA/SH. The exact number of ethnic minority households in the project areas is unclear. There is a risk that Ethnic Minorities may be negatively impacted through project activities especially in relation to land acquisition and resettlement and meaningful consultation.

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development: US$ 250.00 million

Local Govts. (Prov., District, City) of Borrowing Country: US$ 150.00 million

World Bank

Chyi-Yun Huang
Senior Urban Specialist

Guangming Yan
Senior Urban Development Specialist

Linus Benedikt Pott
Senior Land Administration Specialist

Borrower/Client/Recipient

People’s Republic of China
Xiang Peng
Director, International Economic and Financial Cooperation Department, Ministry of Finance
pengxiang@mof.gov.cn

Implementing Agencies

Guiyang Municipal Government
Zhang Neng Zhu
Secretary
gyldpmo@163.com

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