The main objective of this monitoring visit was to enhance awareness of program interventions in the field and to gather feedback that contribute to the improvement of the program moving forward

A major institutional innovation under Component 3 was the formation of Sub-Watershed Level Coordination Committees in six prioritized sub-watersheds. These forums were created through inclusive, multi-stakeholder processes, involving representatives from indigenous groups, vulnerable communities, community forest user groups, farmers’ cooperatives, mothers’ groups, and ward-level governments.

Detailed vulnerability assessments identifying at-risk communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods based on socio-economic and environmental indicators.

Geospatial datasets including land use/cover, watershed boundaries, elevation models, and infrastructure locations used in project planning and monitoring.

The main objective of this monitoring visit is to enhance awareness of program interventions in the field and to gather feedback that will contribute to the improvement of the program moving forward. In addition, the visit plan to assess and analyze the implementation of field activities, engage with field teams and community members, and discuss ground-level realities. These efforts aim to strengthen ongoing work and inform future strategies and actions.

The project has been effectively implementing environmental and social safeguards screening to identify potential impacts of proposed activities and to minimize adverse effects on communities and the environment. To date, Environmental and Social (E&S) screening has been completed for all 45 sub activities, including check dams, irrigation systems, conservation/fishery ponds, animal sheds, and plastic tunnels. The screening confirmed that the interventions are predominantly Category C or low risk, as they are manually implemented within existing streambeds or banks or on private land, without land acquisition or forest clearing.

The project has effectively implemented environmental and social safeguards to minimize adverse impacts on both communities and the environment. Safeguards were thoroughly integrated throughout the activity cycle, from planning and implementation to monitoring. Progress includes meaningful engagement of communities through the acquisition of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before initiating any activities. Rigorous consultations with local governments, sub-watershed coordination committee, user groups and community members, along with technical assessments by the project team, ensured that project interventions aligned with local priorities, needs, and site suitability.