This Reference Framework has been designed for the project implementing agency from the GoCR to assist them in the environmental and social screening, appraisal and review process for telecommunication subprojects to be financed under the Universal Service Fund for Telecommunications (FONATEL).
The framework is aimed at ensuring that all new investments in telecommunications meet:
Applicable national regulations (see Section 3 Legislative, Regulatory and Institutional Framework);
World Bank safeguard policies (see Section 2.4 World Bank Safeguard Policies Triggered); and
The Reference Framework is in effect a management system to identify and effectively mitigate potential future impacts of telecommunication subprojects which the project is likely to finance.
The Reference Framework provides the overall approach for screening, appraisal, approval, implementation and monitoring of subprojects as well as guidelines for mitigation measures and environmental management during operation. Figure 6.1 harmonizes in-country procedures with World Bank safeguard policies requirements and best practice designed for this process. The project implementing agency will ensure that such process is completed diligently and that project proponents adhere to the requirements.
The project implementing agency will be the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET). MINAET will be responsible for ensuring that the screening and impact mitigation mechanisms are implemented. However, the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA), will provide the oversight mechanism, reviewing the environmental process and documentation for subprojects, ensuring that the process is properly implemented.
Given that the differential responsibilities of each agency are not entirely clear (e.g., where MINAET’s responsibilities end and SETENA’s begin), it is recommended that this is a part of the project that requires additional attention, and that the two agencies’ roles should be very clearly demarcated. Additionally, it is highly recommended that training and capacity building be provided to both MINAET and SETENA, preferably a joint training, and that their exact differential and complementary responsibilities be one focus of the training.
Figure 6.1. Screening, appraisal and implementation process for FONATEL
Project Appraisal Process by the Environmental Agency SETENA
Classified as A, B1 or B2 without PR
Classified as C or B2 with PR
Project proponent complete Form D1
Project proponent complete Form D2
SETENA’s evaluation and decision paths: