Information Sharing and Riparian Discussions Almaty, Kazakhstan May 17-19, 2011 Assessment Studies for the Proposed Rogun Hydropower and Regional Reservoir Project (Rogun HPP) Program for Information Sharing and Riparian Discussions 1

TEAS ESIA 1.Additional oversight on Consultant contracts 2.Independent Bank-managed studies 3.Select and manage international Panels of Experts 4.Align studies with infrastructure rehabilitation and project preparation 5.Facilitate riparian information sharing and discussions Transparency International scrutiny B. World Bank Expanded Role 2

Riparian Interests: Positive and Negative  Important development benefits to Tajikistan:  export revenues  increased domestic supply  Additional regional benefits  Water management  Climate change mitigation and adaptation  Grid services to the Central Asia energy system  Low cost energy to Central Asia  Summer supply to energy-short South Asia ! Concerns for dam failure ! New earthquakes ! Thick layer of rock salt ! No ecological examination ! Water availability/quality: ! deficiency of water in the vegetation period ! deterioration of potable water supply !  Millions of people downstream at risk Source: Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan (2010) 3

Information sharing and riparian discussions Understanding and resolving trade-offs is a big challenge because Difficult political and economic environment Fundamental issues of water security and energy security Lack of effective institutions for dispute resolution World Bank commitment to facilitate as structured program for riparian involvement HOW? 4

Information Note: Proposal for Discussion Objectives: Raise awareness and understanding of the findings of studies Incorporate diverse perspectives Establish common regionally-shared base of information Arrive at a mutual understanding of positive and negative impacts, risks and opportunities of the proposed project Focus: Engage governments and stakeholders Provide information Solicit discussions, feedback and comment Invite independent international expertise 5

Scope of Discussions Covers three sets of studies 1. Techno-Economic Assessment Study (TEAS) 2. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) 3. World Bank-managed studies Covering such topics as: Hydrology and hydrologic analysis Economic valuation of environmental and social impacts Climate change Dam safety Power supply options 6

A Preliminary Schedule 7 Panel of Experts/Riparia n Session DateTopics Session 1: Mobilization May – June 2011 Introduction to Panels of Experts, Consultants TEAS draft inception report ESIA draft inception report Planning for ongoing program of information sharing and riparian discussions Session 2: Base Studies June 2011  Review of existing works Environmental and social screening report Analysis of salt wedge Session 3: Stage 1 project TBD TEAS assessment of intermediate height project ESIA assessment of intermediate height project Design options for full project Session 4: Impact Assessment TBD Environmental and social assessment of full project Key technical findings

Participants Riparian governments Afghanistan Kazakhstan Kyrgyz Republic Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Civil society in Central Asia International experts: Panels of Experts World Bank ESIA and TEAS consultants as needed 8

Approach Channels for exchange Face-to-face meetings Video-conferences Web postings and internet Information from studies provided: In advance of exchanges In Russian and English In line with the World Bank Access to Information Policy 9

Your questions, feedback and suggestions 10

For more information please see the Discussion Note on information sharing and discussions published on the website 11