Sustainability support

The goal of this project, a joint undertaking funded by the Government of India, the Government of the State of Rajasthan and CIDA, was to improve the agricultural productivity of farmers in the Chambal Command Area of Rajasthan, India, and enhance the welfare of the State’s inhabitants. Effective and transferable skills and technology were provided that has led to a significant step towards securing increased food production in the region.

As Lenders’ Environmental Advisor for this US$1 billion project, AMEC is ensuring compliance of the proponents’ plans and project implementation with international best practice with respect to social, economic, environmental management, water quality and hydro-technical issues. Acting on behalf of a consortium of Japanese Financial institutions, Earth and Environmental’s services have resulted in greater public participation, including directly affected indigenous peoples; a specific focus on community-based sustainable development programming; more sustainable watershed and water quality management and terrestrial resources protection and restoration. The outcome will be far more sustainable net benefits for the project owners and the affected communities.

As Environmental planning and regulatory consultant for both the Alaska Gas Producers Pipeline Team and the Mackenzie Delta Producers Group, AMEC’s Earth and Environmental division is assisting in the definition of two multi-billion dollar projects to bring Alaskan and Mackenzie Delta natural gas from the Arctic to markets in Canada and the US. A specific focus of AMEC’s Human Environment team is to incorporate the Traditional Knowledge (TK) of the project area’s indigenous population in the impact assessment and management process. The according of equal value to TK and ‘western’ science, particularly in such disciplines as wildlife, vegetation, historical resources and socio-cultural issues, will result in a project development plan that is both more sustainable and more acceptable to local communities and regulators. This will save time and money for the proponents.

A two-stage project led by a group of AMEC consultants is helping one of Asia’s poorest countries. Nepal has a Gross Domestic Product of about $250 per capita and a population of about 25 million people. A team from Earth and Environmental has been working since February 2001 to study water resource issues and consult on the development of a water and waste management program.

With financial support of the CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) AMEC partnered with the FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) to do a study of water resources and their management in the Kathmandu valley. This lead to the proposal of a small pilot water supply and sanitation projects to improve the urban environment. AMEC is also consulting on social, economic and women’s development issues.

As policy and program reform consultants to the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (Japan’s loan, export credit and business support component of their official development assistance program), Earth and Environmental conducted an assessment of environmental and social standards, policies and review processes of public and private international financial institutions. The outcome was a series of policy development and harmonisation recommendations for JBIC’s Environmental and Social Development Division. The policy review focused on sustainability as a ‘driver’ for environmental due diligence in support of the theme that sustainability is good business.

AMEC performed a fluvial geomorphic study of the Athabasca River to provide a basis for assessing the long term sustainability of Tar Island Dyke which is located alongside the river.

AMEC studied vegetation and soil characteristics of reclaimed tailings sand structures, as well as natural forested areas on the Syncrude and Suncor mine sites near Fort McMurray, Alberta. Vegetation species in reclaimed areas were evaluated on the basis of comparison with nearby natural forest stands, their long-term sustainability and habitat suitability for seven key wildlife species groups. Vegetation development was projected over the next 100 years using basic assumptions about species growth rates and competitive interactions, and predicted future vegetation communities were assessed as to habitat value for ungulates, birds and large furbearers.

AMEC prepared a four module-training manual and conducted training sessions for mine site personnel in Indonesia. Course content included integrated mine water management planning, drainage system design, erosion control, and water quality. The interactive training sessions explored ways of achieving the objectives of environmental quality, long-term sustainability and reduced costs.

AMEC was retained by the Canadian International Development Agency to design, deliver and facilitate the development of an action plan for the management and development of the Nile River basin. This action plan was developed by bringing together all of the Nile based countries and reaching a consensus as to priorities for the future development of this water resource. The action plan focused on five major components in which a total of 21 projects were identified and agreed upon. These components were: Integrated Water Resources Planning and Management, Capacity Building, Training, Regional Cooperation and Environmental Protection and Enhancement.

This four year project will assist and train the Chinese in developing a structured approach to strategic energy planning and sustainable development for South China, a region encompassing the province of Guangdong, Ghizhou, Yunnan and Guangxi.

The goal of this project is to help develop a replicable and adaptable system of on-farm soil and water management practices that are environmentally sustainable, economically sound, socially acceptable and adaptable throughout Egypt. AMEC is working together with existing national government agencies and the farming community in transferring knowledge and skills in the use of water, soils, pesticides, fertilizers, and improved waste management.