Quarterly Performance Report - EMDAP Mexico - FY2018 (Q1)

The program is implemented through a partnership between USAID and the Mexican Climate Initiative (Iniciativa Climática de México – ICM). Nain Martinez, an EMDAP Adviser, was assigned to work with the ICM in Mexico City, Mexico, from July 15, 2017, to June 15, 2018. Martinez's role involved providing technical assistance on issues related to Social Impact Assessment, Community Engagement, Social Management Planning, and Indigenous Consultation. He reported directly to Jorge Villareal, Director of Climate Policy of ICM, and worked closely with USAID/Mexico and other stakeholders. During the quarter from October 1 to December 31, 2017, Martinez continued his work on developing a work plan to prevent social conflicts with energy transition policies developed and introduced by the Mexican government. He conducted research and analysis to generate three reports that would serve as a foundation for the "Communities and Renewable Energy: development of participatory, inclusive, and transparent renewable energy projects in Mexico" project. The first report, "Debates and key concepts on socio-environmental impacts and social opposition in renewable energy projects," provided explanations of definitions used in renewable energy projects in Mexico and described controversies surrounding essential perceptions of renewable energy policies. The report included standpoints on environmental and social impacts, social perception and acceptance, social and environmental impacts assessment, social benefits, and indigenous communities and social participation. The second report, "Review of public policy instruments focused on assessing and mitigating the socio-environmental impacts of renewable energy projects in Mexico," identified challenges in the mechanisms used to conduct social and environmental impact assessments, public consultations, and social benefits processes. The report provided a set of tools to guide discussion that would be in line with the Group of Social Inclusion for the Energy Transition (GISTE)'s objectives. The third report, "Reflections on Shared Social Benefits of Renewable Energy Projects," provided recommendations on how to improve the regulatory framework in renewable energy projects in Mexico. The report analyzed the main challenges for renewable energy and their impact on creating social conflicts. It also provided distinction between social benefits and other related components, such as counter-benefits and positive social impact, and stipulated steps to mitigate the contrary social and environmental effects. Martinez also worked on developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders involved in Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, social benefits, and consultation processes. He developed a schedule and agenda for meetings to present the project to crucial partners and consumers and received feedback on social conflicts in renewable energy projects from local NGOs, the private sector, and individuals. The EMDAP Adviser's Scope of Work was adjusted to his current role and approved by USAID Mexico. Martinez serves as a full-time adviser to Climate Initiative of Mexico (ICM), providing support and technical assistance on issues related to Social Impact Assessments, Community Engagement, Social Management Plans, and Indigenous Consultations. He supports the implementation of the project "Communities and Renewable Energy: development of participatory, inclusive, and transparent renewable energy projects in Mexico," which aims to address and prevent some of the causes of social conflicts in renewable energy projects in Mexico. Martinez's accomplishments during the quarter included conducting research and analysis to generate reports on socio-environmental impacts and social opposition in renewable energy projects, evaluating social benefits in renewable energy projects, and providing technical assistance to ICM with the "Communities and Renewable Energy" project. He also acted as a liaison with all stakeholders of the consortium and explained the details and main objectives of the project.