1       Early Stage

1.1       Evaluating Resettlement Risks

Resettlement carries inherent risks—social, environmental, and financial. A thorough risk assessment must consider the potential impacts on local communities and the environment. Identifying risks early can help mitigate adverse outcomes and facilitate smoother project progression.

1.2       Scrutinising Legal Frameworks

A robust legal review is paramount. This involves examining existing land acquisition and resettlement laws, alongside policies and institutional frameworks. Identifying legislative gaps early can prevent future legal challenges that could derail the project.

1.3       Mapping Land Use and Settlements

Conducting a preliminary mapping exercise is crucial to understand current land uses and the fabric of settlements. This data provides the foundation for any resettlement strategy, informing decisions on whether—and where—resettlement should occur.

1.4       Minimising Resettlement

The goal should always be to avoid or at least minimise resettlement. Where resettlement is unavoidable, strategies should be developed to reduce its scale and impact, focusing on alternative project designs that require minimal displacement.

1.5       Estimating the True Costs

A detailed cost estimation goes beyond the direct costs of relocation. It encompasses long-term social and economic costs, ensuring that budgets reflect the true scope of resettlement efforts.

1.6       Aligning with Financial Expectations

Potential financiers will have specific expectations regarding resettlement. Investigate these early to align project objectives with those of financiers. This includes compliance with standards like the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and initiatives such as the Climate Bonds Initiative.

1.7       Setting Clear Timelines

Clear dates for notification and cut-off points for eligibility are vital. These should be communicated transparently, alongside plans for conducting a thorough people and asset census, as well as a socio-economic survey.

1.8       Engagement and Consultation: The Pillars of Trust

Early and ongoing engagement with government agencies, financiers, and stakeholders is not optional; it’s essential. Informal consultations help build relationships, trust, and a sense of ownership among all parties.

1.9       Conclusion

In conclusion, early stage resettlement activities for hydropower projects are a complex but manageable task. By following the steps outlined—evaluating risks, reviewing legal frameworks, mapping land use, minimising resettlement, estimating full costs, understanding financier expectations, and establishing clear communication timelines—project managers can navigate these challenges successfully. Remember, the key to a successful resettlement strategy lies in transparency, thorough planning, and proactive stakeholder engagement.

2       Preparation

Preparing for the resettlement phase of a hydropower project demands meticulous planning and community engagement, including these key tasks:

2.1       Notification and Census Protocols

The first step in any resettlement project is to establish transparent notification procedures. This involves setting forth clear protocols to inform all stakeholders of the crucial dates and processes, ensuring that every involved party is aware and prepared for the upcoming activities. Additionally, the scheduling of the census is a critical aspect that requires attention. It’s imperative to determine and communicate the cut-off dates for census activities to guarantee that every affected individual is accounted for, thereby laying a solid foundation for the project’s success.

2.2       Securing Tenure Rights

A fundamental aspect of resettlement is securing tenure rights for the affected communities. This involves engaging with communities to negotiate and secure agreement on the form of tenure rights for land and housing within the resettlement site. This process must be handled with sensitivity and care to ensure that the rights and needs of the community are respected and met.

2.3       Comprehensive Land and Socio-economic Surveys

Conducting comprehensive land and socio-economic surveys is an essential step in the resettlement process. Detailed land surveys, socio-economic studies, and economic assessments must be undertaken to fully understand the impacts and the needs of the affected community. Furthermore, stakeholder consultations are facilitated to evaluate resettlement options and to reach agreements with the community. These activities are crucial for the development of informed and effective Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), which should be formulated in tandem with feasibility studies and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs).

2.4       RAP Assessment and Budgeting

The assessment and refinement of the RAP is a continuous process. It involves the assessment, refinement, and approval of the RAP, which must include comprehensive plans for replacement land acquisition. Following this, the budget must be finalised, taking into account all foreseeable costs associated with the resettlement. This ensures that the financial resources are in place to support the resettlement activities adequately.

2.5       Implementing the Resettlement Plan

The implementation of the Resettlement Plan is a significant phase that brings the project into action. It begins with the activation of a detailed RAP implementation timeline and the establishment of the necessary institutional frameworks to support the activities. The resettlement activities are then prepared for initiation, starting with formal notifications to all stakeholders. This marks the transition from planning to action, setting the pace for the resettlement project’s execution phase.

2.6       Conclusion

The preparation stage of resettlement is a crucial juncture in hydropower project development. It requires the harmonisation of various activities—from establishing notification procedures and securing tenure rights to finalising the resettlement budget and timeline. Early and thorough preparation, grounded in best practices and community engagement, is essential to the success of both the resettlement process and the project at large.

3       Implementation

The implementation phase of a resettlement project is critical to the sustainability and success of hydropower initiatives, and should include these tasks:

3.1       Staffing and Systems for Resettlement Units

Building a Competent Team: The cornerstone of successful resettlement lies in having a competent team. It’s imperative to ensure that both government and corporate-level resettlement units are fully staffed with skilled personnel. These individuals bring their expertise to navigate the complexities of resettlement, making informed decisions that impact the lives of communities.

Establishing Robust Processes: Behind every efficient and transparent resettlement operation are robust processes. These systems and procedures are put in place to streamline activities, maintain accountability, and ensure that every aspect of the resettlement is carried out with precision.

3.2       Finalising Resettlement Project Tenders

Tender Completion: The finalisation of tenders is a pivotal moment in the resettlement project. It involves concluding all tenders related to the project, ensuring that contractual obligations are crystal clear and actionable. This step lays the groundwork for the contractual relationships that will drive the project forward.

3.3       Preparing Replacement Land and Infrastructure

Development of New Sites: The resettlement process requires careful planning and development of replacement land and infrastructure. This includes creating residential areas, community spaces, and agricultural lands that are tailored to the needs of the displaced communities. It’s about ensuring that the new environment is not just a place to live but a place to thrive.

3.4       Implementing Compensation Payments

Compensation Delivery: Timely and fair compensation is the backbone of trust in resettlement. Executing a compensation payment process that adheres to agreed terms is crucial. It’s not just a financial transaction; it’s a commitment to treating affected individuals with fairness and respect.

3.5       Coordinating Resettlement Movements

Resettlement Execution: Moving resettlers and self-resettlers according to the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) provisions is a delicate orchestration. This step ensures that all support and livelihood restoration activities are in place to facilitate a smooth transition. It’s about more than physical relocation; it’s about securing the well-being of communities.

Finalising Relocations and Asset Transition: Completing the relocation of people and assets ahead of schedule is a testament to meticulous planning. This proactive approach allows for a seamless transition and addresses any unforeseen challenges that may arise. It’s about being prepared for the unexpected and ensuring that communities are not left in limbo.

3.6       Ensuring Effective Monitoring and Supervision

Oversight and Adaptation: Rigorous monitoring and supervision are the watchful eyes that safeguard the resettlement project. Maintaining meticulous records and being prepared to adapt strategies in response to emerging issues are essential. It’s about staying vigilant and responsive throughout the project’s lifecycle.

3.7       Transition of Responsibilities

Handover Process: The systematic handover of resettlement responsibilities is a significant milestone. It ensures that all parties involved, including government agencies and community representatives, are clear on their ongoing roles and obligations. This transition marks the shift from project-driven management to community ownership and self-sufficiency.

3.8       Conclusion

As hydropower projects enter the implementation stage of resettlement, meticulous planning and execution are paramount. The aforementioned activities form the backbone of a robust resettlement strategy, ensuring the project aligns with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and appeals to stakeholders involved with the Climate Bonds Initiative.

4       Operation

The operational phase of a resettlement project is where the planning materialises into tangible outcomes for the resettled communities. It should include the following activities:

4.1       Delivering on Promises: Entitlements and Benefits

The crux of a resettlement project’s operational phase is the delivery of entitlements and benefits that were promised. This requires not just a logistical execution but a commitment to honouring the social contract made with the affected communities. It’s about restoring livelihoods and providing the means for a sustainable future.

4.2       Asset Maintenance: The Backbone of Community Infrastructure

Sustained functionality of community assets is crucial. These assets form the backbone of new settlements, and their maintenance is key to long-term stability. From the durability of housing to the reliability of infrastructure such as roads and community centres, ongoing maintenance ensures that resettlement is not just a moment in time but a durable foundation for the future.

4.3       Capacity Building: Training and Support

Transitioning to a new environment demands new skills and adaptation. Training and support become the vessels for empowerment, allowing communities to thrive, not just survive. It’s an investment in human capital that pays dividends in community resilience and self-sufficiency.

4.4       The Watchful Eyes: Monitoring and Evaluation

Continuous monitoring and evaluation are indispensable. This systematic oversight ensures that the project remains on track and that any deviations are corrected promptly. It’s not just about ticking boxes but ensuring that the resettlement aligns with the envisioned objectives and the well-being of the community.

4.5       Information as an Asset: Data Collection and Management

In the digital age, data collection and information management are paramount. Accurate data serves as the bedrock for informed decision-making and adaptive management. It provides a clear picture of progress and challenges, forming the basis for responsive strategies.

4.6       Resolving Issues: Grievance Redress Mechanisms

No project is without its challenges, and the operational phase is where many come to the fore. Effective grievance redress mechanisms are therefore essential. They provide a clear path for issues to be aired and resolved, maintaining the project’s integrity and the community’s trust.

4.7       The Seal of Approval: Government Sign-off

Achieving government sign-off on the fulfilment of all project compliance obligations is a major milestone. It is an official recognition of the project’s adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks, and a green light for the project to move into its next phase.

4.8       Community Asset Handover: A Transition to Normalcy

The handover of community assets marks a significant transition – from project-driven management to community ownership. This process must be seamless and transparent, ensuring that the community is prepared for and capable of managing these assets.

4.9       Turning the Page: Closure of Resettlement Units

The closure of resettlement units signifies the end of a chapter. It reflects the completion of active resettlement activities and the beginning of a new era of community self-management and development.

4.10   Beyond the Project Life: Long-term Involvement and Clarifications

Resettlement is not the end of the project’s life but the start of a new community’s journey. Long-term involvement and clarifications on the project’s role in supporting the resettled communities are crucial for ensuring ongoing support and alignment with community aspirations.

4.11   The Extended Hand: CSR in Community Development

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) mechanisms can play a significant role in providing long-term support for community development. These voluntary initiatives underscore a commitment to the welfare of the community that extends beyond the project’s operational requirements.

5       Conclusion

The operation stage of a resettlement project is where promises are fulfilled, and communities are built. It’s a complex tapestry of activities that requires a steadfast commitment to the principles of sustainability and social responsibility, underscored by standards such as the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. It is about laying down the roots that will enable the resettled communities to grow and prosper long after the project has been handed over.

For more information refer to the great ‘How To’ guide by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance: https://www.hs-alliance.org/how-to-guides