Consultant: “Improve stakeholder training in critical habitats 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 stakeholder training in critical habitats around the Yellow Sea.”

Explanation of Demonstration Activity:

***The demonstration activity to “Improve stakeholder training in critical habitats around the Yellow Sea” addresses the SAP Management Action 10-4: Promote public awareness of the benefits of biodiversity conservation. This activity should target local stakeholders that work in and around critical habitats. The activity should focus on providing training that encourages more sustainable use of the resource, reduces the environmental impact of activities in and around these habitats, and promotes ecotourism opportunities.

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 target stakeholders
  ·    Identify the targeted stakeholders
  ·    Identify the reasons why these stakeholders are important and why they are in need of training.
  ·    Predict which problems will remain or what new problems will occur if no management is put in place.
• Implementation of training
  ·    Training of stakeholders could focus in one or more of 5 main areas
  (i)    Linkage of pension/hostel/hotel owners and fishermen in promoting the ecotourism opportunities (accommodation owners can attract more tourist by offering activities such as ecoguides, fishing trips, bird watching that are organised by fisherfolk)
  (ii)    Promotion of sustainable fisheries/mariculture and the conservation values of species and habitats for fisherfolk (e.g. the linkage of tidal flats/seagrass beds and fisheries productivity)
  (iii)    Techniques to add value to local products (Products that come from areas of ecological importance are often perceived to be healthier and/or have more value and can be marketed as such).
  (iv)    Training of local NGO’s or other stakeholders in biodiversity monitoring.
  (v)    In R. Korea the training of the new staff in Ganghwa tidal flat centre in visitor centre operations and general ecological awareness/ecoguide skills
  (vi)    In China, tour operators should be encouraged to co-operate with local residents to increase their livelihoods options.
  ·    Produce training manual or guide so that the activity can be replicated elsewhere in the region.
• Measuring effectiveness
  ·    Evaluation of the training process, describing what differences have been made.
• 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 to conduct stakeholder training.
• 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: