…but none identified by studies
THE Amaila Hydro Project Community Stakeholder Engagement draft Plan has indicated that, should adverse impacts of the renewable energy generation project be identified, the necessary measures to mitigate those impacts will be discussed with the affected communities.

However, preliminary studies show that no significant adverse impacts of the Project on food security, lands, territories, resources, society, rights, the traditional economy, way of life and identity or cultural integrity of indigenous peoples have been identified.

The project is to be financed through equity financing, both from the developer Sithe Global, and the Government of Guyana through the GRIF funds.

The cost of the project is expected to be in the hundreds of millions of US dollars. The Government of China is also assisting Guyana in the financing of the project.

The draft plan says that in the case of particularly significant potential adverse impacts, then good faith negotiations will be employed to establish agreements to ensure the socio-cultural viability of the project.

The Community Stakeholder Engagement programme of the project is focused on information disclosure, stakeholder involvement, and transparency.

“(Some of the) key objectives are to provide accurate and timely information, help manage expectations, and help promote widespread awareness and understanding of potential issues and measures to address them. Activities will include maintaining close communication ties with communities directly affected by the Project in order to keep those stakeholders aware of project status and current activities and potential associated impacts and mitigation measures,” the draft stated.

According to the document, the communication ties will also facilitate a mechanism for resolving grievances, managing potential issues, and obtaining timely community feedback on various Project related issues.

In accordance with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Operational Policy on Indigenous Peoples and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Sustainability Policy and Performance Standards and policies of Guyana, informed consultations were conducted with the residents of potentially affected indigenous communities such as Kaburi, Rockstone, Muritaro, Malali, Micobie, Campbelltown, Princeville, Kopinang, Chenapou, and St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

“These consultations were conducted in May 2010 and permitted evaluation of the extent of potentially adverse and positive impacts of the Project on these communities. The results of these consultations were incorporated into the Project ESS Report,” the draft said.

The approved final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is to be released and discussed at a press conference to be held at the Pegasus Hotel today.