SUSTAINABILITY

Environment

With the meticulous and comprehensive studies carried out along the Yerköy-Kayseri High Speed Train Line, sensitive areas and environmental constraints, especially ecology, soil, air and water resources, were determined. We develop strategies based on these evaluations in order to further increase the positive effects of the project and to minimize the possible negative effects.

Environmental Monitoring Studies

In order to keep the impacts at minimum levels during both construction and operation, we will regularly conduct environmental monitoring studies at potential impact points in the ESIA report and at new points that may be indirectly affected by the project and take the necessary measures.
Water Quality (surface water and groundwater)
Air Quality
Environmental Noise and Vibration
Soil Quality

Biodiversity

Detailed field studies within the scope of the ESIA were carried out in 2022 with a large team with different expertise on flora/fauna. By identifying sensitive and endemic species, we define protection measures based on this. These studies will continue in the following periods within the scope of monitoring studies as stated below.
The Project is not located in any protected or internationally recognized area.

Within the framework of the Biodiversity Action Plan/Critical Habitat Assessment Report:

Bird Watching Studies
At the project site, Aquila nipalensis, Falco cherrug, Neophron percnopterus, Oxyura leucocephala
Sensitive species of Vanellus gregarius have been identified. Additional surveys will be conducted in Spring 2023 in areas of potential risk to migratory birds and potential breeding areas of the biodiversity critical species, the bustard (Otis tarda).

Fish Observation Studies
Two fish species of critical importance in terms of Biodiversity were identified, namely Alburnoides freyhofi (Dotted Pearl Fish) and Aphanius marassantensis (Toothed Carp). Additional fish surveys will be conducted during November-December 2022 in areas identified as potentially suitable habitats for the presence of fish species identified as triggering the Critical Habitat.

Seed Collection Studies
Centaurea kirikkalensis cfr. and Silene lycaonica, two endemic plant species were detected. Seeds of flora species within the project impact area that are considered threatened at the national level but do not trigger critical habitat will be collected. These species are; Aethionema turanicum, Acantholimon kotschyi subsp. Laxispicatum, Salvia blepharochlaena, Cousinia halsensis and Matthiola anchoniifolia.
Collection and conservation will be carried out following best practices. Collected seeds will be stored separately for each subpopulation using clearly identifiable codes. A portion of the seeds will be donated to the Turkish Seed Gene Bank to be kept for conservation or scientific research and, if necessary, to be germinated and used to create new populations.

Social

Yerköy-Kayseri High Speed Train Project aims to avoid, if not possible, minimize the negative social impacts that may occur during the construction and operation of the Project by implementing an effective and sustainable Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

All studies are carried out by considering the social sensitivities included in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report, which is in addition to national laws and regulations and in line with the best internationally applicable standards.

Stakeholder Engagement Activities

Possible social impacts during the construction activities of the Project are evaluated and managed in line with the Project requirements. In this context, the public and other stakeholders affected by the Project are informed, expectations, complaints and concerns are determined and open consultations are held with the relevant parties. The prepared Stakeholder Engagement Plan is updated in line with the requirements of the construction period, thus ensuring the sustainability of the systems.

Land Acquisition

The expropriation process of Yerköy-Kayseri High Speed Train Project It is carried out by the Ministry of Transport, General Directorate of Infrastructure Investments. An Expropriation Information Guide will be prepared in order to accurately inform our stakeholders about the process. The document will be officially distributed to all our stakeholders affected by the expropriation process.

Livelihoods Restructuring Program

In the Resettlement Action Plan, regardless of the expropriation fee payment to be made to the land owners who are adversely affected by the project/expropriation and who meet the application requirements for the program under minimum conditions; AYGM is planning a «Livelihood Restoration Programme» (GKGKP) to assist settlements on the route. GKGKP is still under development. GKGKP; It will be planned according to data from AYGM, interviews with people affected by expropriation, headmen and independent experts.

Cultural heritage

Yerköy-Kayseri High Speed Train Project is aware of the necessity of protecting and transferring cultural assets, which are the common history of humanity and an integral part of our socio-cultural identity, to future generations. Potential impacts on Cultural Heritage sites located in the Project impact area were meticulously addressed during the ESIA period. Studies were carried out in accordance with local legislation (Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Law No. 2863) and IFC Performance Standard 8. Apart from all these possible effects, the Project is obliged to take the strictest measures according to the laws and regulations in force when unknown Cultural Heritage sites are encountered during the construction works. To support this obligation, the Project will employ Cultural Heritage experts and work in collaboration with local authorities and institutions.

Detailed information about the study will be shared with the annual Environmental and Social Performance Report.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL POLICY
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
HUMAN RESOURCES & LABOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY