Environmental & Social Impact Assessment- Mpatamanga Hydropower Project
Biodiversity Action Plan for the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project
Funded through a public–private partnership between the World Bank, IFC, the Government of Malawi, and a consortium of EDF (France) and Scatec (Norway). C12 Consultants supported The Biodiversity Consultancy (UK) in developing the Biodiversity Action Plan, leading in-country social data collection, contributing to the offset feasibility study, and coordinating stakeholder engagement. This coordination included managing a high-level Biodiversity Offsets Workshop involving civil society, the private sector, senior lender representatives, and senior Government of Malawi representatives
Project Overview: C12 Consultants supported The Biodiversity Consultancy (UK) in developing the Biodiversity Action Plan, leading in-country social data collection, contributing to the offset feasibility study, and coordinating stakeholder engagement. This coordination included managing a high-level Biodiversity Offsets Workshop involving civil society, the private sector, senior lender representatives, and senior Government of Malawi representatives.
Client: SLR Consulting
Year: 2023
Objective: The Biodiversity Action Plan was developed to ensure that the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project manages, mitigates, and offsets potential impacts on biodiversity in line with international lender standards and national environmental requirements. The plan aimed to guide the project toward achieving no net loss, and where possible a net gain, of biodiversity through targeted conservation and management actions.
Methodologies: The work combined ecological assessment with social and stakeholder engagement processes to identify biodiversity risks, potential mitigation measures, and feasible offset options. C12 Consultants supported The Biodiversity Consultancy by leading in-country social data collection, contributing to the biodiversity offset feasibility study, and coordinating consultations and a multi-stakeholder biodiversity offsets workshop
Outcomes: The process generated a clearer understanding of biodiversity priorities, potential offset opportunities, and the social considerations linked to conservation and land-use management in the project area. Engagement with civil society, private sector actors, lenders, and government representatives helped build consensus around biodiversity management approaches.
Results: The Biodiversity Action Plan established a structured framework for mitigation, monitoring, and biodiversity offset implementation throughout the project lifecycle. It also provided practical guidance to the project developers and financiers on how biodiversity risks can be managed while meeting international environmental and social performance standards.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan for the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project
Funded through a public–private partnership between the World Bank, IFC, the Government of Malawi, and a consortium of EDF (France) and Scatec (Norway). C12 Consultants partnered with SLR Consulting (France) to deliver the ESIA, undertaking baseline environmental studies, facilitating and translating social data collection, and leading stakeholder engagement at scoping and disclosure. C12 also liaised with the national environmental regulator and facilitated the successful permitting process for the largest and most complex ESIA.
Project Overview: C12 Consultants partnered with SLR Consulting (France) to deliver the ESIA, undertaking baseline environmental studies, facilitating and translating social data collection, and leading stakeholder engagement at scoping and disclosure. C12 also liaised with the national environmental regulator and facilitated the successful permitting process for the largest and most complex ESIA
Client: SLR Consulting
Year: 2024 - Ongoing
Objective: The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Resettlement Action Plan were undertaken to identify, assess, and manage the environmental and social impacts associated with the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project. The studies aimed to ensure the project complies with national regulatory requirements and international lender standards while addressing potential impacts on ecosystems, land use, and affected communities.
Methodologies: The assessment involved comprehensive baseline environmental and social studies, supported by field surveys, community consultations, and stakeholder engagement throughout the scoping and disclosure stages. C12 Consultants partnered with SLR Consulting to facilitate social data collection, support translation and field coordination, and engage directly with government authorities and affected stakeholders.
Outcomes: The process generated a detailed understanding of environmental conditions, community dynamics, and potential project impacts, including land acquisition and livelihood disruption. It also strengthened engagement between the project team, regulators, and stakeholders, ensuring that concerns and technical findings were incorporated into project planning.
Results: The ESIA and Resettlement Action Plan provided a structured framework for impact mitigation, compensation, and long-term environmental and social management. The work supported the successful approval and permitting of one of the largest and most complex ESIA processes undertaken in Malawi.