(A) IMPACT IDENTIFICATION Has the subproject a tangible impact on the The SP has a modest negative environmental impact and is environment? expected to have tangible long term positive impact on the social environment. What are the significant beneficial and Gelati Monastery represents UNESCO World Heritage Site adverse environmental effects of the (WHS). However there is no risk of impacts on historical subproject? value of the monument because all civil works within the SP will be implemented outside Gelati Monastery World Heritage Site boundaries (only a small section of potable water supply pipe will be laid inside the WHS boundary lines and sidewalk will be covered). Although SP will be implemented around the territory of a cultural heritage site, no interventions are planned on the structural elements of the Monastery buildings. Therefore, the risk of negative impacts on the structural integrity and historical value of the Monastery complex is minimal. As the SP is to be implemented on a CH site, there is higher than average likelihood of encountering chance-finds during excavation works. The design of the touristic infrastructure is simple. The proposed morphology and use of materials appear to be seamlessly integrated into the natural environment. A pedestrian zone is created which introduces visitors in a quit way in the gate area. Arrangements of the light touristic infrastructure will improve touristic attraction. The increased tourist flows will have positive social impact through improvement of employment opportunities. SP implementation will create opportunity for new jobs for local population and increase their incomes. Construction of the visitor’s center of Gelati monastery will improve infrastructure for service delivery to support the development of tourism-based economy and cultural heritage circuits in the Imereti region. The expected negative environmental and social impacts are likely to be short term and typical to medium scale rehabilitation works in modified landscape: noise, dust,
(A) IMPACT IDENTIFICATION Has the subproject a tangible impact on the environment? The SP has a modest negative environmental impact and is expected to have tangible long term positive impact on the social environment. What are the significant beneficial and adverse environmental effects of the subproject? Gelati Monastery represents UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS). However there is no risk of impacts on historical value of the monument because all civil works within the SP will be implemented outside Gelati Monastery World Heritage Site boundaries (only a small section of potable water supply pipe will be laid inside the WHS boundary lines and sidewalk will be covered). Although SP will be implemented around the territory of a cultural heritage site, no interventions are planned on the structural elements of the Monastery buildings. Therefore, the risk of negative impacts on the structural integrity and historical value of the Monastery complex is minimal. As the SP is to be implemented on a CH site, there is higher than average likelihood of encountering chance-finds during excavation works. The design of the touristic infrastructure is simple. The proposed morphology and use of materials appear to be seamlessly integrated into the natural environment. A pedestrian zone is created which introduces visitors in a quit way in the gate area. Arrangements of the light touristic infrastructure will improve touristic attraction. The increased tourist flows will have positive social impact through improvement of employment opportunities. SP implementation will create opportunity for new jobs for local population and increase their incomes. Construction of the visitor’s center of Gelati monastery will improve infrastructure for service delivery to support the development of tourism-based economy and cultural heritage circuits in the Imereti region. The expected negative environmental and social impacts are likely to be short term and typical to medium scale rehabilitation works in modified landscape: noise, dust,
SFG3984-V4-EA-P130421-PUBLIC-Disclosed-1-30-2018.docx