Uruguay

The objective of the Second Phase (APL-2) of the National Water Supply and Sanitation Company (OSE) Modernization and Systems Rehabilitation Project is to ensure Uruguayans... Show More + receive more accountable, customer orientated and better value for money, water and sanitation services. After an in-depth Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the project in December 2011, the Bank team and OSE proposed a restructuring to: (i) measure the Non Revenue Water (NRW) intermediate indicators using a metric that is now considered industry best practice and will provide a more detailed understanding of the NRW reduction program's progress; and (ii) adjust the environmental intermediate indicators to better align them with OSE's current vision for environmental management. Show Less -

The development objective of the Integrated Natural Resources and Biodiversity Management Project is to promote, particularly among groups of small and medium-sized... Show More + fanners, the adoption of economically and environmentally viable integrated production systems, within a context of holistic ecosystem and natural resources management, while mainstreaming biodiversity. Likewise, the global environment objective seeks to promote increased understanding on the role of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, and the potential impact of various land use practices upon biodiversity, and their economic and ecological sustainability. Through the Natural Resources and Biodiversity Management Component, demand-driven activities will be financed to promote sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity. This will be accomplished through financial and technical assistance towards improving natural resources management practices in livestock production systems, with special reference to improved management of natural pastures and biodiversity. The component will further adopt improved practices in dryland agriculture; for natural resources management systems in irrigated areas; and, in biodiversity conservation. The second component, fully financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) resources, will establish demonstration areas within the selected areas of GEF-interventions (grasslands and "serranias"), for a sustainable use of natural resources in key micro-catchments which are of importance for biodiversity, combining sound practices for natural resources management, and creating increased public awareness on the significance, and socioeconomic importance of biodiversity. The main objective under the third component is to develop support services that would contribute to the efficient implementation of sub-projects, financed under the previous two components. It is divided in four sub-components: institutional strengthening; natural resources management instruments; training and technical assistance; and, studies and applied research. The fourth component will guarantee a sound and efficient management of the Project through three sub-components: a project executing unit, encompassing staff and operation costs; the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation system; and, implementation of a public information and dissemination program. Show Less -

The Orion Project in Uruguay aims at setting a world-scale pulp mill, which will produce bleached ECF- (elemental chlorine free) eucalyptus kraft pulp, procured partly... Show More + from forest plantations owned by Compania Forestal Oriental S.A., and Metsa-Botnia and its shareholder UPM-Kymmene. Both the construction and production stages would induce substantial development impacts in the region. The project will include updated technologies for the production of ECF pulp, thus preventing, or minimizing as possible, gas emissions and wastes, including the use of reduced power consumption. Notwithstanding, potential environmental adversity may occur, and this environmental assessment sets the guidelines to protect the environment, and presents the following mitigation measures. A modified processing time will be applied in order to reduce wastewater pollution stemming from bleached kraft pulp; this in turn is conducive to an efficient pulp rinse, reducing water runoffs. The bleaching process through oxygen entails reduced use of chemicals, and minimizes pollution, and potential effluent toxicity. The next process, entails the use of secured pools, for the protection, and treatment of secondary discharges, (possibly excessive discharges), to efficiently achieve purified effluents, while biological treatment will be applied to reduce contaminants in effluent concentrations. Special equipment will be in use to separate oils and lubricants, and prevent effluent contamination, and oil spills. A minimum amount of incineration will be conducted to reduce gases and liquid gas, and certain solid wastes, thus minimizing SO2, and NO2 emissions. Standard safety measures will be in place to prevent accidents in the workplace, as will contingency plans, and specific capacity building to personnel involved. Show Less -

Project outcome is rated satisfactory and project sustainability is regarded as likely. The overall performances of both the World Bank and the borrower are rated satisfactory..1)... Show More + The key lesson learned from this project is the demonstrated importance of adequately targeted Government incentives to promote irrigation development and production diversification into high-value export crops, particularly in an environment that has been traditionally dominated by extensive agriculture and livestock production like Uruguay. 2) In order to maximize the impact and sustainability of financial incentives to promote the expansion of privately-owned irrigation infrastructure, procurement procedures should encourage beneficiary ownership and reduce, or eliminate, reliance on public institutions for O&M.. 3) The project was successful in promoting sustainable agricultural practices among small farmers, through a micro-catchment approach in areas of intensive agriculture and demonstrated the importance of the participatory approach and farmers organizations to a successful natural resources management program. 4) Technical assistance to small farmers can potentially generate numerous problems derived from the relatively short life of the Bank projects and the consequent lack of "team building" and common purpose among those involved. Continuity of TA services beyond the duration of the project is therefore essential..5) In addition to agronomists, the establishment of professional teams for the delivery of extension services in programs related to Natural Resources Management (specifically sociologists, engineers and economists), enables a project to be better prepared to respond to multiple demands of producers. 6) The incorporation of private organizations in the implementation of applied research programs increases the possibilities of collaboration between researchers, producers, extensionists, and local institutions, and consequently provides an effective synergism and potentially higher adoption rates. Adequate beneficiary ownership and participation is also instrumental. .7) A holistic approach is key to develop sustainable agricultural production systems among small farmers in order to include other elements relevant to the increase in competitiveness of production, beyond mere productivity, such as awareness of commercial opportunities, product quality, certification, integration with commerce and with agro-industry in promoting joint action by producers. 8) In a country where extensive agricultural and livestock production are predominant, natural resources management programs should address issues related to soil, water, and pasture management in an integrated manner. Show Less -