Portfolio

Climate Smart Agriculture

Uganda


In Uganda FinnOC is conducting “Climate Smart Agriculture Capacity Building and Training Activities in the Water Shed Areas of Wadelai, Tochi, Mubuku ii, Doho II and Ngenge Irrigation Schemes under the FIEFOC-2 program”.

The capacity building is a strategic response to mitigate and improve the adaptation of farmers to climate change impact through the application of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). The applied knowledge and practice of CSA can reduce the impacts of climate change, maintain and improve farmers productivity. The overall objective of the project is to build the CSA capacity of farmers with a major focus on alternative livelihoods and skills development along apiculture, aquaculture, rice and other potential value chains in five watershed areas.

The project is funded by the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) and implemented together with our local partner Agropreneur.

Risk Assessment and Climate Resilience & Adaptation Strategy

Cabo Verde


As a small island developing state, Cabo Verde is highly vulnerable to a variety of climate-related events. Climate change is increasingly posing a threat to the country’s transport infrastructure. The road network is exposed to a range of adverse natural events including heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides, which cause significant recurrent road damage.

Through a World Bank-funded project, FinnOC is helping the country’s road sector to prepare for the threats posed by climate change. FinnOC is preparing a Climate Change and Natural Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessment and developing, in close consultation with local stakeholders, a Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy for Cabo Verde’s road network. For surveying the country’s entire road network, cost-effective smartphone technology is used.

Developing Capacity for Climate Resilient Road Transport Infrastructure

Rwanda


FinnOC is supporting the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) in developing capacity to prepare the country’s road sector for the challenges that come with climate change. Given the country’s complex mountainous topography, low vegetative covers, intensive agriculture, and high population density, Rwanda is prone to land erosion and landslides, resulting in road damage and service interruptions.

Besides capacity building on various levels on how to integrate climate change adaptation and efficient response to natural disaster into all aspects of the transport life cycle, FinnOC is conducting a detailed country-wide GIS vulnerability mapping for the transport sector and provides recommendations for improvements.

Capacity Building in Rural Roads Development

India


FinnOC is the lead company for an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded technical assistance project in India to build capacity in rural roads development. The consultancy services include three major components: i) Innovations in rural road development, ii) Disaster resilience and iii) Development of state-specific GIS manuals.

One of the reports has been published as part of the ADB’s South Asia Working Papers Series – “Upcycling Plastic Waste for Rural Road Construction in India: An Alternative Solution to Technical Challenges”. The report can be found on their website: https://www.adb.org/publications/upcycling-plastic-waste-rural-road-india

SWIOFish Baseline Study

Tanzania


FinnOC conducted the baseline study for the impact evaluation of the SWIOFish Project in coastal fishing communities in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The World Bank-funded SWIOFish Project aims to improve the management of fisheries on different levels (regional, national, communities).

For the baseline study a total of 1,200 households were interviewed in five mainland districts and three marine conservation areas. FinnOC designed the questionnaire, developed the CAPI (computer-assisted personal interviewing) survey tool, sampled the research sites and collected, cleaned and analyzed the data.

Baseline Study for the Rural Service Delivery Project Baseline Study (RSDP)

Papua New Guinea


In Papua New Guinea, Finnish Overseas Consultants (FinnOC) is conducting the baseline study for the Rural Service Delivery Project (RSDP) which is funded by the World Bank and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The project is implemented by the Government of Papua New Guinea through the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA) and aims to improve access and delivery of public services and basic infrastructure at the local level for communities in targeted rural areas using inclusive, participatory planning and implementation.

The extensive study will include nearly 3,500 interviews and will be conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research instruments. Respondents include households as well as leaders at different levels of local government.

HIV/AIDS Sensitization, Gender Mainstreaming and Environmental Protection

Zambia


FinnOC is providing consultancy services to the Road Development Agency (RDA) in Zambia under the following African Development Bank-funded assignment: Sensitization of Project Area Inhabitants on Communicable Diseases - HIV/AIDS, STIs, Malaria; Gender Mainstreaming and Environmental Protection under the Chinsali-Nakonde Road Rehabilitation Project (North-South Corridor). FinnOC consultants are working together with the local communities and the construction company staff to raise awareness on the key issues and to minimize new transmissions over the 3.5-year construction period. The kick-off meeting was held at the RDA headquarters in Lusaka in September.

Climate Resilient Road Sector

Mozambique



The changing climate brings about severe impacts on the road network in Mozambique. Increased precipitation, strong winds, landslides and flooding cause damage to the existing roads. Floods are common in the country and the last devastating flood took place in January 2013. The country’s East-West road links are especially vulnerable, because they run through river basins as for example the Zambezia Valley road network. The Government acknowledges the problem and has decided to improve the road infrastructure to be more climate resilient in order to address high level of poverty and accelerate economic growth in the country.

FinnOC has started a three-year project to increase capacity of the National Road Administration (ANE) in making the national road network climate resilient. The objective of the consultancy services is to develop adaptive capacity to integrate climate change aspects into planning and design of the road transport infrastructure in Mozambique. The project includes five specific objectives; 1) Climate proofing of a chosen road section with an objective to feed the findings into future road design; 2) Vulnerability assessment and mapping in one of the main flood plains; 3) Financial issues regarding resilient road network; 4) Road Asset Management and technical issues; and 5) Capacity development. The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) is financing the project.


ESIA Study for Solar Power in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe



Zimbabwe suffers from a severe nationwide power shortage that affects both its citizens and businesses. The government has pledged to achieve its target of 85% electricity access by 2020. Given the year-round sunshine, solar power offers the country an ideal source of renewable energy, however it remains largely untapped. FinnOC is currently preparing an environmental and social impact assessment study for a 20MW Solar PV project with an objective to install solar panels to nearly 250 rooftops across Zimbabwe. Team FinnOC has been in Harare kick-starting the project together with the local partner consultancy Ocean Heart.

Road Asset Management in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia



Government of Saint Lucia has requested consultancy services for the development and implementation of a GIS based Road Maintenance Management System (RMMS) for Saint Lucia in East-Caribbean. The road network of this mountainous island is approximately 1800km including the street network. Weather wise, the island is challenged with heavy rains and hurricanes causing occasional landslides and floods. The main road network is in relatively good condition while the lower network needs more attention. RMMS will help the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour to maintain the road asset in a more systematic and optimized way to bring savings in both road agency costs and road user costs, ensuring that right maintenance measures are done in right locations on right time. Project is a joint venture with Sirway Ltd.

Consulting Services for the Design of Enhanced Business Processes & Change Management Strategy for Institutionalizing Road Asset Management

Nigeria



FinnOC was contracted for developing and institutionalising the road asset management system for the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing of Nigeria. FinnOC designed enhanced business processes based on mapping the existing business processes and prepared RAM related process/procedure manuals; developed an asset location referencing system (ALRS) with a network definition manual; created a conceptual system design for RAM; and initiated ways to institutionalise the RAM system and manage the necessary changes. The project was financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association, IDA.

Economic Assessment to CAREC Corridors

Tajikistan



Economic Assessment was carried out to CAREC corridor road from Dushanbe to Kurgonteppa. Road is giving better access in North-South direction of Tajikistan towards Afghanistan border, improving economic activity and traffic safety. Road is presently heavily trafficked and it will be partially upgraded into 2-carriageway road.
FinnOC´s Transport Economist is Markku Knuuti.

Climate Change Assessment
for CAREC Corridors

Kyrgyzstan



The Climate Change Assessment for the CAREC Corridors project includes a climate hazard assessment on climate induced disaster events like flooding and extreme weather events. The assessment also includes an estimation of greenhouse gas emission levels with and without the project and recommendations to reduce or off-set project related emissions during project design, construction and operation stages.
Maarit Virtanen is FinnOC´s Climate Specialist for the project.

Secondary Road Improvement Project – Feasibility Study and Preliminary Design

Georgia



The proposed second road improvement project focuses on a 50-km secondary road serving about 37,000 people living in 13 communities of the Kharagauli municipality in central Georgia approximately 150 km west of the capital Tbilisi. The project will improve the road while increasing road-rail transferability for passengers and goods, and sustainability of the investment. The client for the services is the Road Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Gerogia & Kocks Consult GmbH.

Developing the Asset Management Program for Myanmar Roads

Myanmar



The Consultant reviewed the past and on-going road asset management activities and in consultation with the government and other development partners proposed ways to develop a road asset management system for Myanmar roads. The consequent recommendations covered a long-term road asset management plan in addressing such issues as cost estimates, timeline, evaluation criteria, performance measures, and monitoring system. The project emphasized technology transfer and institutional strengthening including capacity building through training. The client was the Ministry of Construction with financing from the Asian Development Bank, ADB.

Reconstruction of Highlands Highway Section Togoba - Kisenapoi

Papua New Guinea



The proposed second road improvement project focuses on a 50-km secondary road serving about 37,000 people living in 13 communities of the Kharagauli municipality in central Georgia approximately 150 km west of the capital Tbilisi. The project will improve the road while increasing road-rail transferability for passengers and goods, and sustainability of the investment. The client for the services is the Road Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Gerogia & Kocks Consult GmbH.

Second Roads Maintenance and Rehabilitation Project

Papua New Guinea



The project aims to improve road transport to project areas through providing satisfactory physical condition and safety in selected roads; and strengthen institutional arrangements for road maintenance including the participation of the private sector and communities. The client for the services is World Bank /GOPNG.

Driving Speed Study

Estonia



FinnOC is participating in the implementation of the project “Driving Speed Study” in Estonia. The client for the services is Road Administration of Estonia / ERC Ltd. . Project started April 2014 and the final report will be published in January 2015

Preparation of EA, EIA and SIA for Highlander Hotel – Togoba Junction

Papua New Guinea



FinnOC is working on preparation of economic appraisal, environmental impact assessment, social impact assessment studies for Highlander Hotel – Togoba Junction. The client for the services is the Government of PNG.

Trade Facilitation through improved Transport and
Logistic Performance Project

Moldova



In support to the Government of Moldova for the preparation of a Transport and Logistics Strategy FinnOC prepared a short- and long term maintenance and rehabilitation plans for the strategy and assisted in preparation of financial and management strategies under the Project.

Development of a Road Management System Project

Bulgaria



FinnOC elaborated on the preparation of strategy of funding new possible projects in the study area. Public private funding strategy was tested in preparation of performance based maintenance contracts for three pilot provinces of Bulgaria. Institutional strengthening was one of the key aspects of the project.

Master Plan and Strategic Analysis of the Estonian Road Network

Estonia



FinnOC has been contracted by AS Teede T ehnokeskus, Estonia to assist Estonian Road Administration for a preparation of a 30 years strategic plan for the road network of Estonia. Plan is also covering other transport modes and master plan for the development of local provinces and cities in Estonia.

Development of comprehensive Road Management System

Azerbaijan



In support to the Government of Azerbaijan FinnOC prepared comprehensive long- and short term plan of infrastructure development and forecasts of economic zones of Azerbaijan. One aspect of the study included the consideration of the use of the public private partnership financial mechanism in funding of the possible viable future projects in the area.

Consultancy Services for the City of Lahti in their Climate Program

Finland



Cities and local governments have an important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Although binding greenhouse gas reduction targets have so far been set only at the national level, cities and municipalities should be prepared for tightening requirements and also strive to act as an example for other stakeholders at local level. FinnOC has been contracted to assist in this program.

Consultancy services for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Programme

Papua New Guinea



Socio-economic Impacts Study for the Gulf Province. FinnOC has been contracted by Finnroad Ltd / Department of Works, Papua New Guinea. FinnOC team has been conducting over 5,000 household surveys in eight study provinces.

Ho Chi Minh – Long Thanh -Dau Giay Expressway Project

Vietnam



FinnOC prepared environmental impact asssessment and environmental management plan, as well as estimation of vehicle emissions and trainings for local partners. Under the expressway network development master plan project, FinnOC prepared preliminary environmental assessment of 43 proposed Expressway Projects (ADB/Finnroad), environmental reports and environmental trainings on the ground.

Smallholder Agriculture Development Project

Papua New Guinea



FinnOC has been contracted by OPIC and World Bank to provide monitoring and evaluation consulting services under the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP) Project.

CAREC Corridor 3 (Bishkek Osh Road) Improvement

Kirgistan



Project Task: Road Asset Management: i) Review all on-going road asset management activities by the government and by development partners, ii) Consult with other development partners and the government ways to develop a road asset management system and obtain the required level of funding needed, iii) Make recommendations on a long-term road asset management plan in addressing the issues in the Kyrgyz Republic, including cost estimates, timeline, evaluation criteria, performance measures, and monitoring system. The plan should be multi-phased and can be incorporated in the upcoming projects. Client Kocks Ltd. / ADB. 2/2013-12/2013.

Consulting services for Roads Feasibility and Detailed Design Studies Project.

Moldova



FinnOC Ltd. has been contracted by Destia Ltd (leading company in the Project is Kocks Ltd.) for a preparation of economic (including social and environmental costs) appraisals for R1, R3, R6, R9, R13, R16 and R34 roads under the World Bank Loan “Road Sector Program Support”. 10/2010 - 12/2011.