Consultant: Development and Implementation of a Communication Strategy for the Sandy Island/ Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area (SIOBMPA), Carriacou, Grenada

Scope of work:

Task 1 Prepare a work plan
a. Review the SIOBMPA Management Plan and other relevant documents.
b. Have an inception meeting between the Consulting Firm and other relevant stakeholders to (i) review and discuss the process for conducting the assignment, (ii) determine roles and responsibilities (iii) identify preliminary background information related to the assignment and (iv) finalize a draft work plan and timetable. The final work plan will be prepared by the Consulting Firm and submitted for approval to OECS-ESDU. This work plan will guide this assignment to facilitate timely completion of
all tasks and satisfactory end results.
Task 2 Develop a draft communication strategy
The Grantee will:
a. Identify the target audience. This will include determining what the audience is interested in and what information needs to be imparted to them. Target audiences should include local businesses in Carriacou and Grenada, tourism operators, ferry operators, tourists, schools and other key stakeholders.
b. Develop and produce a communication strategy for the SIOBMPA based on the objectives stated above. The communication strategy should include: 1) a public awareness campaign, to educate locals about the MPA, and 2) a visitor and local interpretation program. Both components of the communication strategy should relate to the objectives of the SIOBMPA Management Plan.
c. The communication strategy will be developed using creative processes to engage the community, and to ensure that they are involved in developing the components of the strategy, like what the messages for the public awareness campaign should be, what the visitor interpretation program should focus on, and what designs/images should be in the communication materials. Creative processes may include facilitated artistic workshops and design charrettes to develop materials for the SIOBMPA. The processes used should contribute to developing community ownership over the communication strategy and the SIOBMPA in general. There should be at least two events for community participation and buy-in, including a kick-off workshop and another meeting with options where the community can give their input.
d. Develop SIOBMPA branding, such that there is product recognition for SIOBMPA (letterhead, business cards, Public Service Announcement, documentary) and include key messages/slogans. The SIOBMPA branding should be used consistently in all aspects of the communication strategy (the public awareness campaign, and the visitor interpretation program). The SIOBMPA brand and slogan will then be used on signs, brochures, Kiosks and other SIOBMPA communication and education materials. Prepare design concept for brochures, signs and kiosks, harmonizing all designs of materials with features of the SIOBMPA branding, etc.).
e. The visitor and local interpretation program should include signage that highlights aspects of the SIOBMPA (e.g. oyster bed, Sandy Island, mangroves) that can be placed strategically throughout the SIOBMPA. The strategy should include identification of the location and number of signs, posters, kiosks, etc. The signage could include templates with borders and backgrounds highlighting the natural
4 sights of the SIOBMPA, such as the Sandy Island, the Oyster Bed, mangroves, under water photos, map of the MPA, and regulations (Dos and Don’ts of the MPA).
The Visitor and local interpretation Program will encourage safe and appropriate public access around Sandy Island MPA and the marine environment; provide a series of thematically unified interpretive sign templates; support local artists and businesses (as is possible) throughout the process; and encourage local residents and visitors to develop an overall sense of connection to, and stewardship for, the SIOBMPA. Often, signs deemed the most effective for interpretation are in point form with a
conversational and reader focused style.
f. Prepare design concept for brochures, signs and kiosks, harmonizing all designs of materials with features of the SIOBMPA branding, etc.).
g. Based on the foregoing, prepare and submit the draft communication strategy (public awareness campaign, and visitor and local interpretation program) for approval by the OECS-ESDU.
Task 3 Produce communication materials
Based on the approved communication strategy, the Grantee will produce appropriate communication materials for all aspects of the strategy.
a. Utilize the outcome of the communication strategy, to develop communication materials (e.g. brochures, posters, signs, etc.). Prepare quality, interpretation signs that are resistant to weather and vandalism for the SIOBMPA and install these at strategic locations within the protected area and other areas of Carriacou and Grenada as identified in community meetings and in the management plan.
b. Create a documentary to inform the general public about the SIOBMPA in order to raise awareness about the area. Aspects of the 10-30 minute documentary could include regulations, history, highlights of the area, and a justification of why the protected area exists (e.g. more fish, the importance of the oyster bed and mangroves). The documentary needs to include underwater footage.
c. Create 2 short Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to raise awareness about the SIOBMPA and educate them on the Dos and Don’ts of the Protected Area.
d. Screen the documentary at a community event, and on TV networks.
e. Screen the PSAs on TV networks.
f. Disseminate communication materials (e.g. brochures, posters, etc.).
Task 4 Submission of Final Report
The Grantee will:
a. Prepare a final project report highlighting the nature of the work undertaken, the level of success and constraints in terms of the methodologies used, the nature and quality of stakeholder participation, limitations of developing and implementing the communication strategy, and any other lessons learnt during the process.

Outputs:

The following outputs will be delivered:
• Work plan
• Communication strategy (public awareness campaign, and visitor and local interpretation program)
o Creative activities that engage stakeholders in developing the communication strategy.
o Brand and slogan for the SIOBMPA
• Communication materials
o Documentary
o Public Service announcements
o Interpretation signs and templates
o Other communication materials (e.g. brochures, posters)
• Final Report

Closing date:

12 November 2008

For the complete Terms of Reference, visit http://www.oecs.org/job%20ads/perb_Communication_Strategy_Sandy_Island.pdf