DO
The DO phase is applicable to each potential resettlement project as identified in the land access and displacement strategy (see 4F.2 Guidance, Task 1) as soon as the project moves from pre-concept into Phase 1 of the process by means of the formal mechanisms provided in 4F.1 Introduction. The DO phase tasks are conducted by a dedicated resettlement project team and focus on the consideration of alternatives and determining whether resettlement is likely needed, the planning process and subsequent implementation. Engagement with potentially displaced households and/or individuals regarding resettlement occurs from Task 7 onwards, based on the engagement plan formulated during Task 6.
Task 4 – Conduct scoping
The purpose of this task, the first of a resettlement Phase 1 – Scoping and framing study, is to ensure adequate consideration to avoid or minimise displacement.
The scoping undertaken during this task should build on the provisional estimates of displacement impacts and affected areas defined during Task 1 (see 4F.2 Guidance, Task 1). Scoping is undertaken by the project team and separately for each resettlement project which progresses from pre-concept into Phase 1 planning. Scoping involves:
- Using available data (such as aerial or satellite imagery, data collected by operation teams, etc.) to estimate the approximate number and distribution of affected households);
- Determining the types of land uses (cultivation, grazing, residential, burial grounds, etc.) that will be affected, and the approximate number of hectares of each land type to be affected;
- Identifying access routes to services (schools, health facilities, etc.) and resources (water, grazing, agricultural land, cultural heritage, etc.) that may be disrupted through land access; and
- Identifying measures that can be considered to avoid or minimise displacement impacts. Avoidance and minimisation are most successfully achieved through design alternatives (such as the changing the location of infrastructure and waste management facilities or considering underground as opposed to open pit mining methods) and operational changes. However, mitigation of and other impacts causing displacement is another way through which avoidance can be accomplished. It should be noted, though, that efforts to avoid or minimise displacement may not stop at scoping; they may be ongoing until finalisation of detailed planning (see 4F.2 Guidance, Task 7).
Upon completion of this task, the following must be in place:
- evidenced and justified confirmation regarding the need for land access which results in displacement and subsequent resettlement;
- sound justification for why displacement cannot be avoided or further minimised, supported by evidence of design alternatives and other measures considered; and
- a clear scope for the resettlement project, including approximate number of households, hectares of potentially affected land types, and other affected infrastructure and assets.
Impacts included in (see 4F.2 Guidance, Task 2) must be updated by the operations team once the scope of a resettlement project is refined.