TERMS OF REFERENCE Socio-economic/ Livelihood Assessment and Site-based Sustainable Finance Plans Consultancy

Transcription

1 TERMS OF REFERENCE Socio-economic/ Livelihood Assessment and Site-based Sustainable Finance Plans Consultancy Project Title: Conserving biodiversity and reducing habitat degradation in Protected Areas and their areas of influence Contract period: 6 Months Contract months: December 2017 May 2018 Contract Type: UNDP Professional Services Contract Location: St. Kitts and Nevis Implementing Partner: Department of the Environment Contracting Authority: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Background There are three recently established Marine Management Area (MMA) Conservation Zones and three existing terrestrial protected areas units in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Only the Central Forest Reserve National Park was established primarily for ecological conservation, and there are no legally declared terrestrial protected areas on the island of Nevis. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) investment, through the Conserving Biodiversity and reducing habitat degradation in Protected Areas and their areas of influence Project (Conserving Biodiversity Project), will expand the protected areas system from two terrestrial sites totaling 5,260 hectares to four terrestrial sites totaling 8,810 hectares and three marine sites totaling 11,693 hectares, The project will further enable support for improved ecosystem representation in the protected areas system through the establishment of these new conservation / protected areas, strengthening of the institutional, policy and legal/regulatory frameworks development of sustainable finance mechanisms and the establishment and strengthening of protected areas management operations at key sites. However, for effective support for conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems of national, regional and global significance, there needs to be appropriate and sufficient data to inform effective decision-making. As part of the overall development and operationalization of a system of protected areas, the project aims to enhance both opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in and around its network of protected areas as well as community participation and collaboration in effective management of the sites and their resources. This would entail increasing community members access and capacity for livelihood opportunities in keeping with the goals and objectives of the protected areas. As such, there is a need for a consultant firm to carry out a socio-economic and livelihood assessment of the communities around the protected areas and that depend on the natural resources for these livelihoods, as well as provide accompanying recommendations to enhance and strengthen livelihood opportunities, developed through a community and stakeholder engagement. Community needs and associated capacity opportunities also would require identification. Sustainable finance plans will be developed for 3 terrestrial protected areas and 3 Marine Management Area (MMA) Conservation Zones, incorporating existing sustainable finance plans (2017, 2012, to be provided to consultant), including supporting the implementation of a visitor/user fee system, as outlined in the Conserving Biodiversity Project. Furthermore, enhanced sustainable livelihoods, including small- and micro-enterprises that support protected area objectives and conservation, will be integrated into overall financial planning for the prot ected area sites and the 3 site-based financial plans developed through this consultancy. These sustainable finance plans are intended to further support long-term sustainability of livelihoods, the protected area sites, and the overall management and institutional growth of the system of protected areas for St Kitts and Nevis. Objective The purpose of this consultancy is to carry out a gender responsive socio-economic / livelihood (existing and proposed) assessment of the communities in and around SKN protected areas, identify livelihood needs and opportunities that also support protected area objectives and conservation, bearing in mind the resources upon which they depend, and lastly, develop financial plans for 3 terrestrial protected area sites and 3 MMA Conservation Zones that incorporate livelihood needs, identify and meet the financial needs of the sites that accommodate visitor growth and PA institutional management expansion. A comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic context of the communities living around the National Parks is required to determine the economic viability of current and new livelihood opportunities that are compatible with the Government s national objectives and the objectives of the National Parks. The consultancy will assess the socio-

2 economic situation of the communities in and around the PAs, using a gender responsive approach to analyse existing livelihoods, determine their economic viability with regard to use of natural resources and PA management objectives, assess/consider alternative sustainable and resilient livelihoods that can support conservation and PA management objectives as well as contribute, as possible, to overall sustainability and management of the PA itself. This will be based on a gender responsive approach to research and analysis of findings and will focus attention on socio - economically marginalised and vulnerable groups/communities. Furthermore, the consultant firm will develop site specific sustainable finance plans for 3 terrestrial protected areas (Central Forest Reserve National Park, Nevis Peak National Park Camps River Watershed Area, and Basseterre Valley National Park) and 3 MMA Conservation Zones (Keys, Narrows, and Sandy Point), incorporating outputs of the above mentioned socio-economic/livelihood assessment and recently completed 2017 Sustainable Finance Plan with specific site based finance mechanisms for the above mentioned protected areas. This Consultancy will continue to support an overall Project aim of enhancing community/stakeholder co-management, which should be further explored when assessing livelihood opportunities to support PA management. Activities related to strengthening socio-economic capacities through livelihoods interventions will utilise existing information on the actual benefits communities can draw from ecosystems while maintaining ecosystem health and the benefits provided by the ecosystem services generated from the PA sites. In addition, existing capacities and capacity needs to implement these livelihood activities producing social capital that will benefit communities will be identified. Socio-economic indicators will be gender responsive and related activities will seek to build on existing information on the actual benefits women and marginalised and vulnerable groups/communities can draw from ecosystems, with socio-economic benefits to the buffer zone communities in maintaining ecosystem health and the benefits provided by the ecosystem services generated from the PA sites. Scope of Work Task 1: Inception Report Submit an inception report to the Project Coordinating Unit and UNDP no later than two weeks from commencement of the consultancy that includes: (i) methodologies and approaches to conduct the socioeconomic/livelihood assessment, including tools, indicators, community and stakeholder engagement plan, and process for country participation / training of national counterpart in assessment techniques ; (ii) target communities, community groups and stakeholders, and (iii) detailed work plan and schedule. Incorporate reviews and comments, ensuring approval by PCU and UNDP. Data collection methodology (Task 2) should be developed and presented for approval, ensuring data needs are identified and appropriate tools for their collection are implemented. A validation workshop of the inception report with stakeholder comments incorporated will take place at the start of the consultant team s first mission. Task 2: Carry out gender responsive socio-economic assessment and evaluation of existing and proposed livelihood strategies and activities. Provide recommendations for livelihood opportunities that support community needs as well as PA objectives and ecosystem health. Conduct review, field visits to identified communities, interviews, stakeholder consultations/workshops, working meetings and public consultations to assess socio-economic context in identified communities (TBD). Present preliminary findings, including summary of stakeholder engagements, to the Project Coordinating Unit. Incorporate, as available, existing relevant studies and reports from SKN that have identified sustainable livelihood opportunities and community needs into socio-economic assessment and identification of protected area and natural resource based livelihood opportunities. Investigate and identify collaboratively with community members and stakeholders income-generating opportunities that support conservation and PA objectives for the communities in the vicinity of the protected areas. Identify those needs that also complement protected area and resource management objectives. Integrate co-management, as identified in SKN Conserving Biodiversity Project and existing protected area management plan objectives, as appropriate, into exploration of these income generating opportunities. Collaborate with other ongoing livelihood and small/micro-enterprise projects for conservation (i.e. EU PISCES Project), as needed.

3 Prepare gender responsive Livelihood Capacity Building Plan that supports implementation of identified livelihood interventions. Recommendations for PA associated livelihoods and small- and micro-enterprises should be practicable and capacity development needs identified. Identify the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders who were / will be involved in livelihoods opportunities identified. Outline the financial resources required to implement/operationalize the livelihoods to include, but not limited to, capacity building, enterprise development, marketing and incorporate, as applicable, into Sustainable Finance Plans (Task 4). To be carried out with particular involvement of Livelihood Capacity Development/Training Specialist (consulting team member). Present the results to stakeholders, ensuring communities engaged are presented findings for comment (workshops, community meetings, other), as well as key government and collaborating groups. Incorporate comments and feedback into assessment and recommendations. Task 3: Livelihood capacity building / training Based on outputs of a gender responsive Livelihood Capacity Building Plan and outputs of identified sustainable livelihood recommendation (Task 2), prepare Livelihood Training and Activities Plan to support and help ensure successful implementation of 4-5 livelihood activities, outlining approach and methods. Incorporate training of key individuals (4-6) that can serve as training/livelihood mentors for post consultancy continuity, where possible. Livelihood Training and Activities Plan should be carried out, initiated/in place in the near to medium term: six (6) to twelve (12) months, with particular involvement of Livelihood Capacity Development/Training Specialist (consulting team member). After review by PCU, key government and community stakeholders of the above-mentioned training and livelihood activities plan, implement training and activities. Training will address at minimum 4 livelihood options, with 25- persons (approx.) trained per livelihood option, and take place over at minimum 2 2-week missions, as appropriate. Prepare completion report outlining implementation of training activities, stakeholders engaged, and lessons learned. Develop and submit training materials and guidance for post consultancy use and continuity. Task 4: Site-based finance plans Incorporating outputs of identified sustainable livelihood recommendations that support conservation, PA management objectives, community supported management (Task 2) and recently completed 2017 Sustainable Finance Plan, the Consultant will develop site specific sustainable finance plans for 3 protected areas (Central Forest Reserve National Park, Nevis Peak National Park Camps River Watershed Area, and Basseterre Valley National Park). These site-based sustainable finance plans should be developed to ensure management objectives are met, while still anticipating increased visitor use and growing site and institutio nal management needs and costs, as well as incorporate gender responsive capacity development into sustainable financing (Task 3). Review of the revenue, expenditures and financial needs of the existing PAs and for these sites with projected visitor growth and use. In conjunction with relevant agencies, prepare draft sustainable finance plans for the 3 PAs that include 5 and 10- year financing goals to accommodate 1) an anticipated increase in visitor use, 2) anticipated PA infrastructure to accommodate projected increased visitation, and 3) financing profiles for selected sustainable livelihood initiatives (TBD), including small- and micro-enterprises that support co-management of the PA site (from Task 2). Incorporate into financing plans profiles the financing tools to be incorporated (number TBD) into the business planning for each site. Prepare a Revenue Generation Feasibility Matrix and overall feasibility assessment for each PA site that incorporates legal and social considerations, administration, revenues and any other considerations deemed pertinent. Ensure finance plans include recommended sustainable finance mechanisms identified in the 2017 Sustainable Finance Plan and other SKN sustainable finance initiatives, ensuring that site level financing mechanisms stem from and support system level financial strategy, and that replicability supports overall PA system growth. These plans should also ensure current expenditures of institutions for protected area management do not represent an under estimation of the actual cost of protected area and conservation management due to existing restrictions by available budgets and that funds are spent effectively and opportunities for cost-savings between PAs are

4 optimized. Further ensure that the identified sustainable site funding activities meet biodiversity and other protected areas objectives based on management and PA system plan information. Deliverables Deliverables Due Date % Task 1. Inception report with action plan to carry out assessment identified, detailing methodology and approach to data gathering and stakeholder engagement, including plans for re-engagement for output review. Include Dec 15, % plan for training of local counterpart in data gathering for Social-Economic- Livelihood Assessments. Task 2. a) Approved detailed gender responsive socio-economic and livelihood assessment for local communities in/around SKN protected areas. In addition to details described in Scope of Work/Task 2 (above), report should also include stakeholder engagement details and recommendations from local communities for engaging in livelihood generating activities that support PA co-management in areas within and adjacent to PAs, with a) Feb 23, 2018 b) March 2, % 10% stakeholder feedback. b) Capacity Development Plan (with stakeholder capacity needs outlined) for implementation of sustainable livelihood initiatives identified. Task 3. a) Approved gender responsive Livelihood Training and Activities Plan. b) Training implemented, and final training report approved with training materials submitted for post project continuity. a) March 15, 2018 b) April, % 10% Task 4. Approved sustainable Finance Plans for 3 PA sites (Central Forest Reserve National Park, Nevis Peak National Park and Camps River Watershed Area, and Royal Basseterre Valley National Park) and 3 MMA May 15, 2018 % Conservation Zones (Keys, Narrows, and Sandy Point). See Scope pf Work/Task 3 (above) for Plan details, with stakeholder feedback incorporated. Final Report on the consultancy with assessment of tasks performed and recommendations. May 31, % Qualifications and Experience The Consultant Team should show evidence of professional qualifications and extensive relevant experience in socio-economic and livelihood assessments, protected area management and sustainable financing, community engagement and stakeholder participatory engagement, community livelihood enhancement, amongst others. Preference is for a consultant/consulting team that has undertaken similar work in the Caribbean or has experience working with Caribbean protected areas and community stakeholders. The Consulting Team will consist of a minimum of 3 individuals (with one of them acting also as team leader) with the following profiles: Socio-economic/Livelihood Expert Academic Qualification: Minimum of a Master s degree in sociology, environment, community development, natural resource management, sustainable rural livelihoods, or related fields Background in people-centered approaches to biodiversity conservation and associated livelihoods an asset Work experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in socio-economic assessments, community development, needs assessment, including sustainable livelihoods related to natural resources and conservation.

5 Demonstrated experience developing and delivering high quality socio-economic assessments, including gender analyses, with livelihood assessments associated with meeting protected areas, natural resource management, and/or conservation objectives Demonstrated experience in and excellent skills for stakeholder engagement at the national and community levels, including efficient facilitation during meetings between various stakeholders (government, NGOs, CBOs, international community and communal levels). Participatory stakeholder engagement and livelihood skills should also be gender responsive. Advanced practical knowledge about PA management at the national/institutional level and carrying out national and community level socio-economic assessments, ideally in the context of Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean Experience implementing community-based and participatory approaches Previous experience with UNDP and/or GEF projects is an added plus, but not mandatory Competencies: Strong technical report writing, data acquisition and analysis skills Excellent writing and speaking skills in English. Protected Area Sustainable Finance Plan Expert Academic Qualification: Minimum of a Master s degree in environmental economics / finance / business development, or other closely related field of study University degree in natural resource management, tropical terrestrial/marine ecology or related field preferred. Work Experience: 10 years of experience in financial management planning, with at a minimum 5 years of said experience in sustainable financing related to natural resources protection, protected areas management or related field Advanced practical knowledge of the management of terrestrial and marine protected areas systems, particularly in the context of Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean, including protected area management, design, operations and evaluation Experience of developing a minimum of 3 previous PA sustainable finance/business plans Demonstrated experience in and excellent skills for stakeholder engagement at the national and community levels, including efficient facilitation during meetings between various stakeholders (government, NGOs, CBOs, international community and communal levels) Experience implementing community-based and participatory approaches Previous experience with UNDP and/or GEF projects is an added plus, but not mandatory Competencies: Strong technical report writing, data acquisition and analysis skills Excellent writing and speaking skills in English. Local/Regional Livelihood Capacity Development/Training Specialist Academic Qualification: Undergraduate degree in social sciences, economics, community / sustainable development, rural livelihoods, or other related / relevant field of study, with a focus on environment or small/medium/micro enterprise development an added benefit (but not required) High School diploma with at a minimum 10 years relevant experience can be accepted in lieu of undergraduate degree, with experience demonstrated through completed projects / consultancies Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant practical field experience in the Caribbean within one or more of the following areas: rural community development, livelihood training and/or programming in terms of cooperatives and/or microfinance, employment promotion, entrepreneurship building, private sector development, natural resource management, and urban and rural small business development. Experience should also be gender responsive. The above-mentioned experience as it relates to natural resource or protected area management is preferred

6 Minimum of 3 years of experience in the Caribbean in training and capacity building in one or more of the above-mentioned areas, including the development of training materials. Demonstrated success in rural livelihood enhancement initiatives, preferably related to PAs Experience implementing gender responsive community-based and participatory approaches Previous experience with UNDP and/or GEF projects is an added plus, but not mandatory Specialist ideally from St Kitts and Nevis, or another Caribbean Island preferred, but not required. Reporting The successful proponent will report to the Programme Manager, UNDP as well as the National Project Coordinator, Project Coordinating Unit. Deliverables become final once all tasks requirements are completed and approval is granted by UNDP. Support The Project Coordinating Unit will provide the venue for the training sessions, all audio/visual equipment for presentations and refreshments. The Project Coordinating Unit will select and contact all persons who will participate in the training sessions and arrange for their participation. The Project Coordinating Unit will also contact and arrange stakeholder consultations for the capacity needs assessment and capacity development action plan, and provide background documentation, as identified and needed. Language All stakeholder engagement and reporting will be done in English. Criteria for Contract Award Lowest price quote among technically responsive offers Evaluation Criteria Summary of Technical Proposal Evaluation Forms Weight Points Obtainable 1. Expertise of Firm / Organization 25% Proposed Methodology, Approach and Implementation Plan % 0 3. Key Personnel 45% 450 Total 1000 Technical Proposal Evaluation Form 1 Points obtainable Expertise of the Firm/Organization 1.1 Loose consortium, holding company or one firm 1.2 Size and age of firm 1.3 Annual turnover (financial stability) 1.4 Project management controls/quality assurance procedures/certification (e.g. ISO certification or equivalent) 1.5 Specialised knowledge/experience in similar programmes and/or projects 40

7 1.6 Experience in projects in the region Work for UNDP/major multilateral and/or bilateral programmes Technical Proposal Evaluation Form 2 Points Obtainable Proposed Methodology, Approach and Implementation Plan 2.1 To what degree does the Proposer understand the task? 2.2 Have the important aspects of the task been addressed in sufficient detail? 2.3 Are the different components of the project adequately weighted relative to one another? 2.4 Is the proposal based on a survey of the project environment and was this data input 50 properly used in the preparation of the proposal? 2.5 Is the conceptual framework adopted appropriate for the task? Is the scope of task well defined and does it correspond to the TOR? 2.7 In the proposed overall duration for completion of the assignment aligned with the timeframe stated in the TOR? 2.8 Is the presentation clear and is the sequence of activities and the planning logical, realistic and promise efficient implementation to the project? 50 0 Technical Proposal Evaluation Form 3 Points Obtainable Key Personnel 3.1 Socio-economic/Livelihood Expert 150 Sub-Score Academic qualifications 20 7 years of experience conducting relevant assignments 50 Advanced practical knowledge about PA management in the context of SIDS especially in the Caribbean Demonstrated experience and excellent skills for stakeholder engagement at different levels/experience implementing communit y - based and participatory approaches Previous experience with UNDP/GEF Protected Area Sustainable Finance Plan Expert 150 Sub-Score Academic qualifications years of experience conducting relevant assignments; 5 years of 50 said experience in sustainable financing related to natural resources management/pa management; experience of developing a minimum of 3 previous PA sustainable finance/business plans Advanced practical knowledge about PA management in the context of SIDS especially in the Caribbean Demonstrated experience and excellent skills for stakeholder engagement at different levels/experience implementing communitybased and participatory approaches Previous experience with UNDP/GEF 20

8 Local/Regional Livelihood Capacity Development/Training Specialist 150 Sub-Score Academic qualifications 20 5 years of experience conducting relevant assignments in the 60 Caribbean 3 years of experience in the Caribbean in training and capacity 40 building Experience implementing community-based and participatory 20 approaches Previous experience with UNDP/GEF Total Part 3 450