south, Vichada to the east, Huila and the Capital District of Bogota to the west. LRDP’s work is concentrated in the following sub-regions: Table 4: Key Characteristics of the Rio Meta Sub-Region RIO META SUB-REGION LOCATION The Rio Meta sub-region is in the eastern part of Meta and is home to the municipalities of Puerto Gaitán, Puerto López, Cabuyaro and Barranca de Upía. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS This region is predominantly made up of flat plains and mountain ranges. Most of the Colombian High Plains are in the department of Meta. Its main water sources include the following rivers: Manacacias, Meta, Yucao, Planas, Muco, Uva, Tomo, El Trampolín, Chavilonia, Vergel, Piripi, Yopo, Pilón, Melua, Casibiare, Dante and La Plata, among others. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY The economy of this sub-region is based on agriculture, and the cultivation of products such as rice, soy, corn, and African palm. The cattle raising business has focused mainly on the breeding, raising and fattening of bovine. Trade and tourism are also significant sources of income for this sub-region. ENVIRONMENT This subregion's rich biodiversity encompasses savannahs, moriche palm forest and gallery forests, which serve as a wildlife corridor for the transitional rain forests of the Orinoco-Amazon region at the riverbanks of the Guaviare River Table 5: Key Characteristics of the Capital Cordillera Sub-Region CAPITAL CORDILLERA SUB-REGION LOCATION This sub-region is located at the center of the department and is home to its capital. It connects the Orinoco region with the rest of the country. It is made up of the municipalities of Villavicencio, San Juanito, El Calvario, Restrepo, and Cumaral. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS This sub-region includes savannas and mountain range slopes and is irrigated by several water sources, some of which have been highly subjected to human intervention. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY This sub-region has excelled, compared to other sub-regions, because of its fast-paced growth and economic development in the past years, which has been the result of investing capital in its industrial sector, agro-industry, small-scale agricultural projects (rice and soybean) and large-scale oil extraction. ENVIRONMENT The Capital Cordillera sub-region is a region with vast vegetation
has been affected by illegal crops that have been set up in the area, which have led to the destruction of native forests and important ecological areas, such as natural parks. The indiscriminate use of wild bushes, secondary forests and riparian forests to set up commercial crops of produce, such as African palm, yucca, and sugar cane, has also resulted in the displacement of wildlife species towards areas were little food and water are available. These factors have favored the poaching and capture of wildlife with the purpose of smuggling them.19 The department of Meta currently has six plant species and 13 animal species in the 'critically endangered' list, out of which only eight have been included in conservation plans.20 WATER RESOURCES The department of Meta is very rich in water resources; however, these are neither rationally nor appropriately used. Water usage in the department has decimated water sources and rendered them vulnerable to pollution. Per IGAC's "Regional diagnosis for the department of Meta" (Diagnóstico Territorial para el Departamento del Meta),21 the department's water supply has been affected both regarding quality and quantity, due to several factors. These factors include: A progressive loss of the forest cover due to the indiscriminate felling and burning of forests in spring areas and buffer zones; Altering the course of several rivers; Poor soil management in the basins, especially in high and middle basin areas; Communities and the productive sector's inappropriate use and management of water; and Wastewater contamination. As for swamps and groundwater, problems mainly regard the degradation and loss of these ecosystems because of human settlements, productive agroindustry and new urban developments within their catchment areas and buffer zones.22 19 Corporación para el desarrollo sostenible del área de manejo especial la macarena (2010). Plan de gestión ambiental regional (2010-2016). CORPOMACARENA, Villavicencio. 20 Information provided by CORMACARENA in response to the right to petition invoked by LRDP in the claim filed on March 3rd, 2017. 21 Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi (2004). El Meta: un territorio de oportunidades. Gobernación del Meta - IGAC. 22 Information provided by CORMACARENA in response to the right to petition invoked by LRDP in the claim filed on March 3rd, 2017.
microorganisms in the waters of the Cauca river is highly above 2,000 MPN, which indicates that they are not suitable for human or household consumption when untreated.36 AIR QUALITY This resource has been affected by industrial activities, which are causing emissions, bad odors, and noise.37 SOIL Cauca's soil has mainly been affected using inappropriate herding and grazing techniques, the intensive use of agrochemicals, downhill sowing, mountainside exploitation, and agriculture and livestock activities being carried out on lands that are not suitable for farming, among other factors. These activities have resulted in both land degradation and land use conflicts. Per studies conducted by UPRA, 62% of land in Cauca (1,923,791 ha) is being used appropriately, 25% (782,339 ha) is being overexploited, 5% (143,612 ha) is being underutilized, and the remaining 8% corresponds to urban areas or areas for which no information is available.38 CESAR REGION The department of Cesar is one of the newest departments in the country. It was created by Law 25 of 21st of June 1967, when it was annexed from the Magdalena Grande department. Cesar has a total area of 2,256,550 hectares, which accounts for 2.2% of the national territory. It borders the departments of Magdalena and Guajira to the north; the departments of Santander and Norte de Santander to the south; the country of Venezuela to the east, and the departments of Magdalena and Bolívar to the west. Cesar is divided into four sub-regions (North, Northwest, Center, South).39 LRDP is currently only working with the northern sub-region, profiled in the following table. 36 Corporación Autónoma Regional del Cauca (2010). Caracterización ambiental, plan departamental de aguas y saneamiento básico. CRC, Pages 29-30. 37 USAID Land and Rural Development Program. Lectura Territorial 4 Regiones Priorizadas. Cesar, Tolima, Montes de María y Norte del Cauca (Regional Review of 4 Prioritized Regions. Cesar, Tolima, Montes de María and Northern Cauca). ARD-LRDP-FPS-00192. P. 736. 38 Rural Agriculture Planning Unit. At: 39 Gobernación del Cesar, at:
Table 17: Environmental Impacts by Alternative Type of Activity Type of Impact Alternative A Alternative B 1. Support the GOC Administratin g Land Restitution Claims and Implementing Restitution Rulings Positive Standardize criteria needed to identify where overlaps may exist between restitution claims and public lands with environmental restrictions. The characterization studies gather information to develop cases that target the reparation of damages related to environmental degradation and the misuse of natural resources. The case clinics supported by the LRDP addressed restitution cases that were difficult to resolve, including those involving environmental restrictions or prohibitions. Reduced risk of possibly aiding the URT when restituting land to beneficiaries which are in special management areas. Negative Restitution claims overlapping with environmentally protected areas or areas with restricted land uses. Changes to the soil’s physical and chemical composition. (Cumulative) Soil and water resource contamination due to the improper management of waste. (Cumulative) Depletion of water resources for human consumption and for the preservation of aquatic ecosystems (Cumulative) No funding for methodologies to find overlaps between restitution claims and areas with environmental restrictions. No funding for characterization studies on land conditions. No specific guidelines for land restitution in special management areas other than those set forth by Decree 440 of 2016.
2. Support the GOC to Implement Massive Land Formalization Processes Positive The parcel sweep methodology will create a map with information on soil use and existing environmental and social restrictions or protections in the region. The site visits serve to gather information on the physical characteristics of each parcel and on the potential environmental conflicts that may arise. The resulting information can be useful to environmental planning efforts. Massive formalization processes promote sustainable rural development. Formalization of land located in environmental protection zones makes it easier to control the uses assigned to this land. The implementation of the parcel sweep methodology will establish the foundation for creating a “Best Environmental Practices Guide”. The GOC will continue to implement massive land formalization processes in rural property following the designed methodology Negative Formalization of land rights within strategic ecosystems, protected areas or ethnic-group owned territories. Changes to the soil’s physical and chemical composition. (Cumulative) Soil and water resource contamination due to the improper management of waste. (Cumulative) Depletion of water resources for human consumption and for the preservation of aquatic ecosystems (Cumulative) No funding for rural land tenure planning in Ovejas, Sucre, causing environmental issues. No feedback on massive formalization processes in the short term, entailing problems for areas with environmental importance.
7. Prepare Studies and Designs for the Construction and Rehabilitation of Small Scale Irrigation Systems Positive Studies and designs for small-scale irrigation districts involve environmental impact studies and management plans. Small-scale irrigation districts promote efficient water management. Small-scale irrigation systems increase productivity. Small-scale irrigation systems increase adaptation to extreme weather events. Negative Greater pressure on natural resources due to an increased investment in public goods (i.e. roads and irrigation districts). Affectation of watersheds. Changes in water availability. Water pollution due to agricultural discharges. Soil contamination due to construction waste. (Cumulative) Loss of the soil’s capacity and properties due to land removal. (Cumulative) Air pollution due to heavy machinery. (Cumulative) Loss of vegetation due to logging during the construction phase. (Cumulative) No funding for studies and designs meant for the construction and rehabilitation of small- scale irrigation systems. The lack of efficient irrigation systems leads to a series of environmental problems. 8. Prepare Studies and Designs for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Tertiary Roads Positive The lack of improvement of the tertiary road network hampers the increase of productive activities in adjacent areas and, therefore, indirectly helps to the preservation of existing natural resources.
Negative Greater pressure on natural resources due to an increased investment in public goods (i.e. roads and irrigation districts). Land-use conflicts due to roads located in restricted areas. Changes to the soil due to construction tasks. Air pollution due to construction and use of roads. Change of hydrology systems due to road presence. Risks to adjacent forests due to improved access to the territory. (Cumulative) Damage to flora and fauna due to land movement for construction of roads. (Cumulative) No funding for studies and designs to rehabilitate or maintain tertiary roads. Tertiary roads in poor conditions can lead to a variety of social and environmental problems.
MEASURES AND GOOD PRACTICES The following table contains the list of deliverables that will be prepared by LRDP to address all the impacts listed in Chapter These deliverables should all be submitted to USAID/Colombia before the end of the Program having the necessary previous approvals. Table 18: Deliverables to be Submitted to Address Environmental Impacts Type of Activity Significant Issues Impact Deliverable Deadline and Responsible Party Deliverable 1. List of environmental recommendations aimed at different public agencies 1. Support the GOC Administr ating Land Restitutio n Claims and Implemen ting Restitutio n Rulings Restitution claims overlapping with environmental ly protected areas or areas with restricted land uses. Land-use conflicts could arise because of land restitution and because of the promotion of agricultural activities in special management areas. and representatives involved in the land restitution process (URT, SNARIV, and judges, among others). This document will contain a battery of recommendations to adjust the rules and guidelines that govern the land restitution process; these adjustments will look to avert or mitigate the negative environmental impacts that may come from land restitution in areas with special environmental conditions. Submission Date to USAID: Three weeks after the EA has been approved. Responsible Party: Environmental Team, LRDP. Training/divulg ing will happen in the 30 days The document will be followed by a training/divulging process following the approval by COR and MEO. designed for public employees in charge of implementing the recommendations.
Changes to the soil’s physical and chemical composition because of the misuse of soil and the implementation of poor agricultural and grazing practices. Deliverable.2. Good environmental practices Guide for the design and implementation of agricultural and livestock productive projects. This document will envelop guidelines to carry out sustainable agricultural and Submission Date to USAID: Four months after the EA has been approved. Soil and water resource contamination due to the improper management of dumping sites, solid waste and hazardous waste produced from domestic and agricultural activities. livestock projects in restituted, formalized or adjudicated and will lead the involved parties in the process of designing, Responsible Party: Environmental Team, LRDP. implementing and Training/divulg Depletion of water resources for human consumption and for the preservation of aquatic ecosystems because of the increase in the demand and consumption of water for agricultural purposes. monitoring the projects. ing will happen This guide will be followed by a training/divulging process designed for stakeholders in charge in the 30 days following the approval by COR and MEO. proposed measures. Submission 2. Support the GOC to Implemen t Massive Land ion Processes Formalization of land rights within strategic ecosystems, protected areas or ethnic-group owned territories. Land-use conflicts could arise due to the formalization of private property land rights and due to the promotion of agricultural activities in special management areas. Deliverable 3. Best Environmental Practices Guide for Massive Formalization Processes of Rural Property; this document is one of the products that will come out from the Ovejas pilot project. Date to USAID: 2018/04/21 Responsible Party: LRDP Training/divulg ing will happen in the 30 days following the approval by COR and MEO.
Changes to the soil’s physical and chemical composition because of the misuse of soil and the implementation of poor agricultural and grazing practices. Deliverable.2. Good environmental practices Guide for the design and implementation of agricultural and livestock productive projects. This document will envelop guidelines to carry out sustainable agricultural and Submission Date to USAID: Four months after the EA has been approved. Soil and water resource contamination due to the improper management of dumping sites, solid waste and hazardous waste produced from domestic and agricultural activities. livestock projects in Responsible restituted, formalized or Party: adjudicated and will lead Environmental the involved parties in the Team, LRDP. process of designing, implementing and monitoring the projects. This guide will be followed by a training/divulging process designed for stakeholders in charge Training/divulg ing will happen in the 30 days following the approval by COR and MEO. Depletion of water resources for human consumption and for the preservation of aquatic ecosystems because of the increase in the demand and consumption of water for agricultural purposes. proposed measures.
Deliverable 4. List of environmental recommendations aimed at 3. Facilitate the ation of Public Lands Formalization of land rights within strategic ecosystems, protected areas or ethnic-group owned territories. Land-use conflicts could arise due to the distribution of the land and the promotion of agricultural activities in special management areas. different public agencies involved in the baldío (public land) adjudication process (ANT among others). This document will contain a battery of recommendations to adjust the rules and guidelines that govern the mentioned process, looking to avert or mitigate negative environmental impacts that may come from adjudicating baldíos in areas with special environmental conditions. The document will be followed by a training/divulging process designed for public Submission Date to USAID: Eight weeks after the EA has been approved. Responsible Party: Environmental Team, LRDP. Training/divulg ing will happen in the 30 days following the approval by COR and MEO. employees in charge of implementing the recommendations. Changes to the soil’s physical and chemical composition because of the misuse of soil and the implementation of poor agricultural and grazing practices. Deliverable.2. Good environmental practices Guide for the design and implementation of agricultural and livestock productive projects. This document will envelop guidelines to carry out Submission Date to USAID: Four months after the EA has been approved. Responsible
Soil and water sustainable agricultural and Party: resource livestock projects in Environmental contamination due to restituted, formalized or Team, LRDP. the improper management of dumping sites, solid waste and hazardous waste produced from domestic and agricultural activities. adjudicated and will lead the involved parties in the process of designing, implementing and monitoring the projects. This guide will be followed by a training/divulging Training/divulg ing will happen in the 30 days following the approval by COR and MEO. process designed for Depletion of water resources for human consumption and for the preservation of aquatic ecosystems because of the increase in the demand and consumption of water for agricultural purposes. stakeholders in charge proposed measures. Formalization 4. Contribute to the Consolidat ion of the Multipurp ose Cadaster of land rights within strategic ecosystems, protected areas or ethnic-group owned The authors were unable to identify any potential negative environmental impact resulting from this activity. No Deliverable. territories.
If these plans are not supported by financial instruments that promote the development of agricultural activities that are consistent with the newly established productive zoning, Deliverable 5. List of land-use conflicts environmental may continue to rise recommendations aimed at 5. Support the Departme ntal Governme nts of Tolima, Meta, and Cesar in Developin g Land Use and Rural Land Tenure Plans Expansion of the agricultural frontier and depletion of water resources resulting from the implementati on of productive land-use plans. considerably. different public agencies involved in the design and implementation of POPSPRs (UPRA, departmental governments, and municipal governments, among others). This document will contain a battery of recommendations to conduct an efficient implementation of social and productive rural land planning processes and to avert or mitigate negative environmental impacts that may come from these plans. The document will be followed by a training/divulging process designed for public Submission Date to USAID: Thirteen weeks after the EA has been approved. Responsible Party: Environmental Team, LRDP. Training/divulg ing will happen in the 30 days following the approval by COR and MEO. If these plans do not have the follow-up and control tools that can monitor adherence to the established zoning, agricultural projects may continue to place stress on special management areas and on water resources. Changes to the soil’s physical and chemical composition because of the misuse of soil and implementation of poor agricultural and grazing practices. employees in charge of implementing the Soil and water resource contamination due to the improper management of dumping sites, solid waste and hazardous waste produced from domestic and agricultural activities. recommendations.
Land-use conflicts could arise due to the promotion of agricultural activities in restricted zones that exist because of land use instruments or special management measures. Soil contamination due to the improper management of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Deliverable.2. Good 6. Offer Technical Difficulties for agricultural producers to environmental practices Guide for the design and implementation of agricultural and livestock productive projects. This document will envelop guidelines to carry out sustainable agricultural and Submission Date to USAID: Four months after the EA has been approved. Changes to the soil’s physical and chemical composition because of the misuse of soil and implementation of poor agricultural and grazing practices. for the comply with livestock projects in Responsible Creation environmental restituted, formalized or Party: of Public standards and adjudicated and will lead Environmental Private good the involved parties in the Team, LRDP. Soil and water resource contamination due to the improper management of dumping sites, solid waste and hazardous waste produced from domestic and agricultural activities. Partnershi ps (PPPs) agricultural practices. process of designing, implementing and monitoring the projects. This guide will be followed by a training/divulging process designed for stakeholders in charge Training/divulg ing will happen in the 30 days following the approval by COR and MEO. proposed measures. Contamination of ground and surface waters due to waste from applying or using pesticides and insecticides that filter into the ground and reach the groundwater.
Loss of vegetation cover and destruction of habitats due to logging during the construction and rehabilitation phase of small-scale irrigation systems. 8. Prepare Studies and Designs for the ion and Maintena nce of Tertiary Roads Greater pressure on natural resources due to an increased investment in public goods (i.e. roads and irrigation districts). Changes to the soil’s physical and chemical properties, erosion, greater aridity and soil desertification due to the removal and movement of land to rehabilitate and improve tertiary roads. No Deliverable. Currently, the National Road Institute (INVIAS) has an Environmental Management Guide for Road Infrastructure Projects. This document defines the technical guidelines for social and environmental management that should be adopted in all the contracts drawn to improve, rehabilitate, pave and operate tertiary roads, and includes measures to avoid the negative environmental impacts identified in this Assessment. This guide meets the need for a deliverable. Damage to human health during construction and, especially, once the road is in use. Increased risk of deforestation in adjacent forests. Physical damage to flora and fauna, migration, the extinction of fauna species and habitat changes caused by the removal and movement of land necessary to improve and maintain tertiary roads.