Catalog

	Table of Contents
p. 46 of 79 BACK | NEXT Foreword Abbreviations Glossary 1. Introduction 2. The Resettlement Plan in the Project Cycle 3. Resettlement: Key Planning Concepts 4. Consultation and Participation 5. Socioeconomic Information 6. Relocation 6.1 Issues in Relocation Planning 6.2 Relocation Options 6.3 Choice of Relocation Sites 6.4 Relocation Plans and Targets 6.5 Living with the Host Population 6.6 Relocation in the Project Cycle: Key Action Points 6.7 Checklist: Relocation 7. Income Restoration 8. Institutional Framework 9. Monitoring and Evaluation Selected Reading List Appendix 1: The Bank's Policy on Involuntary Resettlement Appendix 2: Sample Terms of Reference for Full Resettlement Plan Appendix 3: Resettlement Policies in Selected DMCs Appendix 4: Resettlement Monitoring: Sample Formats for Monthly Progress Reports

Handbook on Resettlement: A Guide to Good Practice : 6. Relocation

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6.2. Relocation Options

Depending on the scale of relocation needs, various realistic alternatives that involve all concerned are considered. The potential resettlers and host groups should participate in the selection of the best alternative(s). The various options will almost certainly have different impacts, requiring varying degrees of support and assistance in the relocation process.

No relocation is the best option. However, when relocation of APs from their homes is unavoidable, it should be reduced or minimized as much as possible by weighing alternative options for the main investment project. For instance, relocation can often be reduced by changing the routing of the infrastructure projects that are causing relocation (e.g., roads/highways, pipeline).

On-site relocation is possible when the number of APs is limited, when population density is relatively low, and where the project involves small scattered sites or narrow alignments. The APs may be allowed to occupy, for example, part of the site not required for rights-of-way, clearing the plot frontage for use in transport projects. In such cases, on-site relocation does not normally affect the existing socioeconomic settings and social organizations of the affected population because APs move only a very short distance. As a result, the impact of resettlement is limited.

Self-relocation occurs when APs take individual or group initiatives to relocate to a place of their choice (as opposed to resettlement sites) due to economic factors (e.g., availability of work or cheaper land) or social factors (e.g., kinship). In such cases, some APs may move with all entitlements and typically benefit, because many of the decisions concerning material issues, social contacts, and economic well-being are taken by the resettlers themselves. They may require only limited social or employment support from the project to regain pre-project levels of living.

Relocation to sites selected by the EA, away from the original homes of the APs, can cause tensions and stresses, particularly if the host area is characterized by different environmental conditions, economic and livelihood patterns, or social and cultural parameters. Relocation to distant sites, or to sites with different environmental, social, cultural, and economic characteristics, must be avoided.

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