Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

Local stakeholders report that impacts associated with relocation of sacred
sites may be managed through careful consultation and planning, indicating a
level of flexibility and adaptability. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore
considered to be low.
The impact associated with removal of sacred sites is the most significant of
Project impacts; other impacts are low in probability and scale. Viewed
together, then, Project impacts to cultural institutions during the operations
phase are considered to be minor negative.
7.12.3 Impact Description and Significance: Decommissioning
Impact Description
As noted previously in this impact assessment, land acquisition for the Project
will require disturbance and relocation of sacred sites and shrines in the local
area, as well as relocation of certain communities. This will be a permanent
change, and will not be reversed following Project decommissioning.
It is assumed that impacts to cultural institutions during the construction and
operation phases will have been managed effectively, including strict controls
on the behaviour and conduct of Project workforce, appropriate involvement
of traditional leaders in Project operations, and effective implementation of
RAP recommendations for resettlement and land acquisition. As such, cultural
institutions will not have been significantly impacted during Project
operations.
It is impossible to accurately predict how local cultural practices will have
changed during the 20+ year lifespan of the Project. However, some areas
where Project closure may have an impact include:
• Any ongoing impacts associated with the permanent removal of sacred
sites/ shrines;
• Any ongoing or unresolved issues between resettled and host
communities;
• Project closure may remove a source of authority and influence for local
and regional traditional leaders; and
• Departure of foreign workers, who may have affected the cultural profile
of the region.
Impact Significance
The extent of potential impacts to cultural institutions will be primarily local,
although some impacts associated with traditional leadership and the
presence of foreign workforce would be felt at a regional level. While cultural
institutions and practices can be reasonably expected to adapt over a period of
time, without mitigation the duration of the impact is likely to be long term.
Based on the assumed implementation of mitigation measures against cultural
impacts during previous phases of the Project, the probability of impacts
AZURA EDO IPP
7-63
DRAFT EIA REPORT