Consultant: “Improve public awareness of the benefits of biodiversity conservation around the Yellow Sea” (UNDP/GEF YSLME Project)

Background and Objectives:

To illustrate the efficacy of the management actions, the YSLME Project will conduct demonstration activities of some of the key management actions.  The demonstration activities are expected to test whether management actions work before they are adopted on a widespread basis.  Specifically, the demonstration activities will examine and show the applicability, effectiveness, efficiency, and appropriateness of the proposed management actions.

The YSLME Project invites all interested organisations and institutions to submit a proposal for the demonstration activity to “Improve public awareness of the benefits of biodiversity conservation around the Yellow Sea.”     

Explanation of Demonstration Activity:

***The demonstration activity to “Improve public awareness of the benefits of biodiversity conservation around the Yellow Sea” addresses the SAP Management Action 10-4: Promote public awareness of the benefits of biodiversity conservation. This activity should target visitors to critical habitats. The activity should focus on providing materials/events that raise awareness of the biodiversity present in these critical habitats, the benefits that these critical habitats provide and the consequences of their loss or degradation.***

There are 3 demonstration activities at each site, successful proponents are expected to work in co-operation with each other so that activities support the overall objective of improving management in the demonstration sites.

The activity should include meet the following requirements:

Scope Area:

• The activity should take place in the country demonstration sites (Ganghwa Island Southern Tidal Mudflat in R. Korea and in Shandong province, China, the Rongcheng seagrass beds and Moon Lake).
• Identification of targeted audience and public awareness activities
  ·    Identify the audience/stakeholders, assess awareness of visitors
  ·    Identify the public awareness activities. These may include
  ·    Production of nature guide booklets (that can be sold to generate income)
  ·    Production of leaflets with information on the importance of the area and an identification guide to the common creatures
  ·    Events that raise awareness
  ·    Ecotours
  ·    Predict what the likely outcome is if public awareness of the benefits of biodiversity conservation is not increased.
• Implementation of public awareness activities
  ·    Raise public awareness, describing how this is carried out, what material is produced.
  ·    Share experiences with other organisations
• Measuring effectiveness
  ·    Evaluation of the increased public awareness, and what this means in terms of biodiversity conservation.
• Geographic Scope: The Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem is defined in the Project Document as the body of water delineated at the south, by a line connecting the north bank of the mouth of the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River) to the south side of Jeju; at the east, by a line connecting Jeju Island to Jindo Island along the coast of the Republic of Korea; and to the north, a line connecting Dalian to Penglai (on the Shandong Peninsula).  This latter line separates the Bohai Sea from the Yellow Sea and as a result is not included in this study.
  

Eligibility and Guidelines for Application:

• The proposed activity must be conducted in either of the demonstration sites.
• Two proponents are sought one for each demonstration site.
• Proponents can be any type of entities, including government organisations, research/academic institutions, NGOs, and private companies.
• All proposals, reports, and correspondence should be done in English.
• The deadline for proposal submission is 14th December 2008.  Late submissions will not be considered.
• At least 60 work days are required to complete this activity.
• The maximum implementation period of the project is 12 months.  The project must be completed by 14th December 2009 at the latest.
  

Qualifications

The proponent should meet the following qualifications:

• At least 5 years proven track record in the area of coastal and marine conservation in the Yellow Sea region.
• Proven ability in raising public awareness of environmental concerns.
• Ability to access necessary data and information through databases, information centres, and other relevant institutions in the region.
• Ability to liaise with NGOs, local government, and other institutions.
• Well established abilities in conservation management.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work both as a team and individually.
• Working knowledge of English.

Closing Date: