TERMS OF REFERENCE

INVITATION TO TENDER

GEF 6 - Integrated Ecosystems Management and Restoration of Forests in the South East Coast Project

INVITATION

The Government of Saint Lucia, through the Department of Sustainable Development

(Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Saint Lucia) is inviting suitably qualified team of consultants or consulting firms to submit tenders for a consultancy to undertake a Baseline Assessment of Terrestrial Resources in (i) high and medium priority areas of biodiversity conservation and (ii) a non-detailed assessment in non-priority areas of biodiversity conservation utilizing random sampling with a rapid type verification process in the South East Coast.   

Project Location

The South East Coast of Saint Lucia, extending from Mandelé Point in Dennery to Laborie, represents the project area.  The main focus of this Terms of Reference is (i) the priority areas for biodiversity, in the Mandelé Dry Forest, (which include Dennery Waterworks Forest Reserve, Bordelais Forest, Praslin Island, Mon Repos Peninsula), parts of Quilesse Range,

Point Sable National Park, (which include the Maria Islands Wildlife Reserve, Moule-aChique, Anse de Sables Beach, Ma Koté Mangrove, Savannes Bay, Scorpion Island and Boreil’s Pond) and the Hewanorra Ponds; and (ii) the non-priority areas of biodiversity conservation that include the areas between Praslin and Point Sables Environment Protection Area (PSEPA),  Hewanorra Ponds and Laborie. See the attached Map in Annexe 1.  

1.0 BACKGROUND

1.1  The Integrated Ecosystem Management and Restoration of Forests on the South East Coast of Saint Lucia project ecosystem aims to develop ecosystem management systems and practices, restore productive landscapes and enable sustainable socioeconomic development by creating avenues for sustainable livelihood in the communities in the South East Coast region of the island. The main problem that the project seeks to address is the lack of integrated protection of hectares and sustainable management of ecosystems. This area encompasses some of the island’s dry forest ecosystems namely; the Mandele Dry Forest which is critical to the continued survival of some of its threatened endemic species and sub-species such as the Saint Lucia Thrasher, the Saint Lucia Oriole, Saint Lucia Black Finch, the Saint Lucia Pewee, the Antillean Euphonia, Bridled quail dove, Grey Trembler, three hummingbird species and possibly the Rufous Nightjar. (Bird Life International, 2018). Other non-bird biodiversity that can be found in this area are the agouti, the boa constrictor and the ferde-lance. Point Sables, another key biodiversity area found in the South East Coast, is approximately 774 hectares and is home to at least thirty-two bird species (cite Robert L Norton 1989), five endemic species of herpetofauna, two of which are only found in Saint Lucia. They are the Saint Lucia Racer and the Saint Lucia whiptail. 

1.2 The main threats to these existing ecosystems include natural disasters, charcoal production, mining, habitat modification and destruction. The island’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes and storms may have catastrophic effects on the natural resources of the area. Charcoal production by the Aux Piquant Charcoal Production Group contributes to increases in emissions of greenhouse gases, and the most commonly stated impact is deforestation.

1.3 Mining and quarrying activities result in the discharge of chemicals and industrial waste into the environment.  Lastly, habitat change is occurring at a rapid rate and is expected to increase even further in the future with the projected increases in hotels, housing, infrastructure and other developments that may negatively impact dry forest areas.  

1.4 The application and expansion of these interventions in the South East Coast, particularly concerning long-term sustainability, have been impeded by inadequacies within the wider policy and institutional environments that do not adequately allow for the mainstreaming of these interventions beyond the realm of “project-driven, sitespecific” actions. Further, the mechanisms for the implementation of appropriate and “fit-to-purpose” sustainable land and water management and biodiversity conservation interventions have remained outside of traditional government programmes and budgets, and as a result, these remain some areas of key concern in the South East Coast. 

1.4.1 Land Use Planning: Absence of planned, guided and managed development of all types (residential, agricultural, touristic and access) which takes into account ecosystem goods and services.

1.4.2 Safeguarding of Key areas: Lack of measures to safeguard key areas of global and national significance, such as forests and coastal and marine ecosystems, which also take into account national development needs.   

1.4.3 Continuity: Lack of follow-up or financing for completed biodiversity assessment and priority setting exercises.

1.4.4 Sustainable replacements: Lack of sustainable options to reduce pressures on ecosystem services and goods.

1.5 Under its sixth replenishment funding cycle (GEF-6) The Global Environment Facility provided funding to the Government of Saint Lucia through the Ministry of Sustainable Development as project Executing Agency, to implement a project entitled ‘Integrated Ecosystems Management and Restoration of Forests of the South East Coast’, which focuses on Land use planning; Safeguarding of key areas; Continuity and Sustainable replacements.  The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the project Implementing Agency. The project aims to address these concerns in three distinct components with an accompanying overarching Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system, which are as follows: 

Component 1:  Ecosystems Management - as applied to the South East Coast.        Component 2:  Rehabilitated or Restored Landscapes  

Component 3:  Sustainable Livelihoods - Enhanced Capacity for the production of biodiversity-friendly goods and services in inland forest and coastal communities (National, with emphasis on the South East Coast).

1.6 Overall, the GEF intervention will build on the existing legal framework to develop appropriate supporting regulations and guidelines which integrate environmental sensitivities, priorities and sustainable management options in forest, coastal and marine ecosystems.  In the absence of a national land use plan, the assessment of terrestrial resources for an area of critical global significance would constitute an incremental building block to move towards this overarching goal.  Without the GEF intervention, the high biodiversity, priority forest, and marine areas of the South East Coast would continue to be degraded and imperilled by initiatives from individuals, community residents and developers that fail to take into account local, national and global environmental considerations.

1.7 Building on anti-poverty initiatives, GEF support will permit testing of innovative sustainable use of biodiversity resources. Of particular emphasis is the opportunity to integrate biodiversity concerns and sustainable land use options into the anticipated economic and social development of the South East Coast (highway, tourism development).

1.8 Land management remains a major sustainable development issue in Saint Lucia, and particularly so in the South East Coast region.  Land space is limited, and since a large proportion of the population depends on the land for their livelihoods, improper land management can have deleterious effects, with far-reaching social implications with respect to poverty and social issues.  If managed in a sustainable way, the current land use could enhance the livelihood of the people and their respective communities.  Hence, proposals for development in the area must seek to address the value of natural capital, which is often not observable in markets and therefore difficult to factor into decision-making quantitatively. Piloting a land use plan for the South East Coast region is thus viewed as a replicable precursor to the larger national land use planning exercise.

1.9 In 2009, the European Union (EU), under the Special Framework of Assistance (SFA)

2003, financed a study entitled “Biodiversity Assessment of Saint Lucia’s Forest.”

One of the outputs of this assignment was the Technical Report entitled “Biodiversity Assessment of Saint Lucia’s Forest with Management Recommendations” by Jenny C. Doltry. The study focused on assessing the biodiversity of Saint Lucia’s forests and provided management recommendations to support conservation efforts. It highlighted the rich biodiversity of the island, including various forest types, plant species, and wildlife, and identified key threats such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and unsustainable land use practices. The recommendations provided aimed to improve forest management, conservation strategies, and sustainable landuse planning. This document should be used as a reference document for this consultancy.

  . 

2. OBJECTIVE, PURPOSE & EXPECTED RESULTS 

2.1. The overall objective of this consultancy is to undertake a detailed assessment in (i) the priority areas for biodiversity conservation, in the Mandelé Dry Forest, (which include Dennery Waterworks Forest Reserve, Praslin Island, Boredelais Forest, Mon Repos Penninsular), parts of Quilessse Range, Point Sable National Park, (which include the Maria

Islands Wildlife Reserve, Moule-a-Chique, Anse de Sables Beach, Ma Koté Mangrove, Savannes Bay, Scorpion Island and Boreil’s Pond) and the Hewanorra Ponds; and (ii) a nondetailed assessment in non-priority areas of biodiversity conservation utilizing random sampling with a rapid type verification process in the areas between Praslin and Point Sables Environment Protection Area (PSEPA) and Hewanorra Ponds and Laborie to improve the framework for protected areas management in the project area.  .  

2.2. The Purpose of the consultancy is the assessment of terrestrial resources in the South East Coast to establish a foundation for effective management of existing and new protected areas in the South East Coast. This will be achieved through participatory research that takes into account the provisioning and accounting of ecosystem goods and services and the development of sustainable management options in terrestrial and forest ecosystems in the South East Coast. The European Union (EU), in 2009, under its Special Framework of Assistance (SFA), financed an assessment of Saint Lucia’s forests. The assignment was undertaken by Ms. Jenncy C Daltry, who submitted a Technical Report entitled “Biodiversity Assessment of Saint Lucia Forest”, which should be used as a reference document for this assignment. Additionally, another reference document to be used for this assignment is entitled “A Systems Plan for Protected Areas in Saint Lucia”, which was prepared by David Haffey in 2009 under the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods Project.

2.3.   Results to be achieved by the Consultant 

2.3.1 Results to be achieved include defining specific costed activities, which relate to the following: 

1.Improved Sustainable management planning for the South East Coast, which incorporates considerations for biodiversity conservation in terrestrial, forest, coastal and marine ecosystems. 

2.Groundwork to underpin sustainable management of landscapes and seascapes that integrate biodiversity conservation at the South East Coast regional level is enhanced through the generation of new data and information.

3.A detailed assessment of biological resources in priority areas of high biodiversity value of Mandele Dry Forest, which includes (Dennery Waterworks Forest Reserve, Praslin Island, Bordelais Forest, Mon Repos Penninsular), parts of Quillesse Range, Point Sable National Park, which includes the Maria Islands Wildlife Reserve, MoleA-Chique, Anse-De-Sables Beach, Ma Katoé Mangrove, Savannes Bay, Scorpion Island, Boreil’s Pond and the Hewanorra Ponds.

4.A non-detailed assessment of terrestrial resources in non-priority areas of areas between Praslin and Point Sables Environment Area (PSEPA) and Hewannora Ponds and Laborie, where sampling units and a rapid assessment will be undertaken  

5.A Zoning Plan developed to facilitate the management of the proposed Mandele Protected Landscape as a protected area, as proposed in the Systems Plan for

Protected Areas in Saint Lucia, prepared by David Haffey in 2009

6.A land use development plan prepared for the proposed Terrestrial Protected Area in the South East Coast- Mandele Protected Landscape-with an accompanying management plan with costings for the area prepared, to facilitate decision making on development investments and administration of the area. 

7.Marine Buffer Zones identified and placed under special management regimes, and a Collaboration Agreement between the government and land owners drafted and signed with land owners after engagement and consultation with stakeholders in the project area. 

8.A dossier detailing the results of a feasibility assessment of a rationale for the redesignation of the Queens Chain to the “Coastal Conservation Zone” for marine buffer areas at the national level and an updated general land tenure and access protocols as necessary, associated with this proposed new redesignation.

9.Possible innovative sustainable financing modalities identified for conservation and socio-development in the South East Coast Region. Reference should be made to the

Systems Plan for Protected Areas in Saint Lucia, prepared by David Haffey in 2009

The consultancy is also expected to give due consideration to the activities under Component Two (Rehabilitated or Restored Landscapes) to facilitate synergy-building and enhanced project effectiveness.

3.0METHODOLOGY:

3.1The Consultant will employ a participatory approach at all phases of the assignment, to derive, wherever possible, the necessary synergies from tasks/activities, which will allow for all stakeholders and beneficiaries to be involved in the preparation of all Reports for the assignment.  

3.2The Consultant will undertake focus group discussions (FGDs), one-on-one meetings/interviews, local community groups consultations and brief online surveys, as needed, for information gathering in the preparation, completion, validation and finalisation of the Baseline Assessment Report and other related documents.

3.3Utilisation of appropriate geo-spatial software for geo-spatial representation, compatible with the national land information system for recording the location of fauna, flora and wildlife identified in the priority and non-priority biodiversity assessment areas. 

3.4Appropriate survey techniques to undertake a detailed assessment of terrestrial resources in areas of high biodiversity concentrations.

3.5Appropriate survey techniques, such as sampling and rapid assessment, to be used for the non-priority biodiversity conservation areas, where random sampling and a rapid type verification process will be used.

4.0 SCOPE OF THE WORK 

4.1 The Consultant, in conjunction with technical personnel from all relevant government agencies including but not limited to, the Departments of Fisheries, Forestry and the Biodiversity and Coastal Zone Unit of the Department of Sustainable Development and other counterpart agencies; including amongst others, the Saint Lucia National Trust, Fauna and Flora International and Durrel International will be expected to;

(1)Undertake a comprehensive baseline assessment of biological resources in priority areas of high biodiversity value of the Mandelé Dry Forest, which includes (Dennery Waterworks Forest Reserve, Praslin Island, Bordelais Forest and Mon Repos Penninsular), parts of Quillesse Range, Point Sable National Park, which includes the

Maria Islands Wildlife Reserve, Mole-A-Chique, Anse-De-Sables Beach, Ma Katoé Mangrove, Savannes Bay, Scorpion Island, Boreil’s Pond and the Hewanorra Ponds

(2)Undertake a rapid type verification assessment of terrestrial resources in non-priority biodiversity areas that include the areas between Praslin and Point Sables Environment

Area (PSEPA) and Hewanorra Ponds and Laborie in the South East Coast, where random sampling units will be used for the resource assessment. 

(3)Develop costed activities for key elements for the establishment of a biodiversity/protected area with management and zoning plans prepared for the Mandele Protected Area Landscape as the proposed Protected Area for the South East Coast.

(4)A Land Use Development Plan for the proposed protected area, Mandele Protected Area Landscape in the South East Coast, prepared with a management plan and costings developed to assist with the administration of the Land Use Development Plan

(5)Marine Buffer Zones identified to be placed under a special management regime, and a Collaboration Agreement prepared for private land owners owning land in these areas.

(6)Develop and present a rationale for the redesignation of the Queens Chain to the “Coastal Conservation Zone” for marine buffer areas at the national level and update the general land tenure and access protocols as necessary, associated with this proposed new redesignation.

(7)Identify possible sustainable financing modalities which could be used as an element of a sustainable financing mechanism for the South East Coast, including the Mandele Protected Area landscape.

The Department of Sustainable Development, in conjunction with the Departments of Forestry and Fisheries, the Department of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal, the Saint Lucia National Trust, Durrel International and Fauna and Flora International are expected to be the major players in the technical management of this consultancy assignment.

4.2   Specific responsibilities 

The consultant must: 

• Review all other documentation that may be relevant to this assignment, paying close attention to UNEP-GEF guidelines on programming, in particular GEF tracking tools and standards for UNEP-GEF cooperation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Review the document entitled “Biodiversity Assessment of Saint Lucia’s Forests, with management recommendations prepared by Jennifer C. Daltry, 2009
• Review the document entitled “A Systems Plan for Protected Areas in Saint Lucia”, which was prepared by David Haffey in 2009 under the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods Project.
• Submit a detailed methodology and work plan, including a schedule, the name, professional status and biographic data of the professional key experts to be employed in this assignment.
• Include in a financial proposal for the conduct of the assignment. 
• Consolidating electronically any document/s that will serve to enhance the baseline knowledge base for the assessment of the terrestrial resources in the South East Coast.

In consultation with staff from relevant collaborating government agencies, such as the

Department of Forestry and Fisheries, the Department of Physical Development and Urban Renewal, Fauna and Flora International, Durrel International, and the Saint Lucia National Trust, will organize and lead consultations with community leaders and stakeholders resulting in the detailed development of the following activities outlined in Section 4.3.

4.3.   Scope of Services

Key Activities

4.3.1 Task 1: Prepare the Work Plan and Inception Report

1. Conduct an Inception Meeting with the Contracting Authority and partners upon commencement of the project to (i) review the process for conducting all activities within the project, (ii) determine roles and responsibilities, (iii) discuss the basis on which this work will be implemented, and (iv) finalize the work plan and timetable. A draft work plan and report on the outcome of the inception meeting will be prepared by the Consultant and submitted to the client no later than two weeks from the commencement of the consultancy.

i. Comments in response by the Contracting Authority and partners should reach the Consultant no later than ten days after receipt of the Draft Inception Report and Work Plan. ii. Submit Final Inception Report with comments included within 1 week of receipt of comments.

4.3.2 Task 2: Conduct a detailed Biophysical Inventory of biological resources in (i) priority areas for high biodiversity conservation in Mandelé Dry Forest, (Dennery Waterworks Forest Reserve, Praslin Island, Bordelais Forest, Mon Repos Penninsular), parts of Quilessse Range,

Point Sable National Park, (the Maria Islands Wildlife Reserve, Moule-a-Chique, Anse de Sables Beach, Ma Koté Mangrove, Savannes Bay, Scorpion Island and Boreil’s Pond) and the Hewanorra Ponds; and (ii) the non-priority areas of biodiversity conservation that include the areas between Praslin and Point Sables Environment Protection Area (PSEPA), and Hewanorra Ponds and Laborie. See the attached Map in Annexe 1. Reference document is entitled “Biodiversity Assessment of Saint Lucia’s Forests, With Management Recommendations by Jennifer C. Daltry, 2009.  See Appendix 1.

Component 1: Ecosystem Management

Output 1.1: A monitoring and information system is in place to support sustainable ecosystem management and the scientific capacity of stakeholders.

Activity 1.1.1:  – Baseline Assessment of Biological Resources (High-value species, ecosystem services and habitats (page 81)

1. Biophysical Assessment – Conduct a detailed biophysical assessment of biological resources (i) in the priority areas for high biodiversity conservation value in Mandele Dry Forest, (Dennery Waterworks Forest Reserve, Bordelais Forest, Praslin Island, Mon Repos Penninsular), parts of Quillesse Range, Point Sable Environment Area (PSEPA) ( Maria Islands Wildlife Reserve, Mole-A-Chique, Anse-De-Sables Beach, Ma Katoé Mangrove, Savannes Bay, Scorpion Island, Boreil’s Pond and the Hewanorra Ponds and (ii) a rapid verification assessment of the non-priority biodiversity areas that include the areas between Praslin and Point Sables Environment Area (PSEPA) and Hewanorra Ponds and Laborie, utilizing random sampling units in communities such Mon Repos, Micoud and Laborie to identify major terrestrial ecosystems, vegetation communities, major terrestrial flora and fauna species. Fauna should be categorised by taxonomic groups such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, etc.

a.Identify and describe all terrestrial forest ecosystems, vegetation types and forest communities, and also identify the associated threats to the ecosystems.

b.Conduct field surveys of terrestrial fauna, taxonomic groups of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans and insects]

i.List all species and identify those that are or may be globally, regionally and/ or locally threatened.

ii.Identify all regionally and locally endemic species.

c.Provide Information on the status of fauna species existing within the proposed project area.

This information should include: 

i.Identification of priority species of concern due to low population sizes, low distribution, by liaising with the Department of Forestry

ii.Existing and potential threats to species of priority concern, such as endemic species (both local and regional).

iii.Status of the habitat to the fauna species of concern. iv.Mitigative measures that can be taken to reduce threats to fauna species.

                  v.     All data collected should be geo-referenced.

d.Conduct field surveys of terrestrial flora to assess the forest condition in the priority areas of high biodiversity in the areas identified across the project area.

i.List all species and identify those that are or may be globally, regionally and/ or locally threatened.

ii.Identify all regionally and locally endemic species.

iii.All data collected should be geo-referenced.

e.Determine the level of degradation or disturbance that has occurred to the forest ecosystems, due to development, agriculture, deforestation for other purposes (charcoal, etc) in the areas of biodiversity conservation identified.

f.Develop and establish monitoring protocols for medium to long-term monitoring of fauna and flora species of high priority. 

g.Map the fauna and flora distribution in the priority areas of high biodiversity conservation and the areas of low priority biodiversity conservation.

h.Identify invasive species of both flora and fauna for the project area and discuss management recommendations for addressing them.

i.Provide methodology of the Bio-physical assessment in the areas of high priority and low priority areas of biodiversity conservation in the areas identified.

Geo-referenced data collected from the bio-physical assessment of areas of high biodiversity conservation (i) Mandele Dry Forest-Dennery Waterworks, Bordelais Forest, Praslin Island, parts of Quilesse Range, Mon Repos Penninsular- and Point Sable Environment Protected Area-(Moule-A-Chique, Anse-De-Sables Beach, Ma Koté Mangrove, Savannes Bay,

Scorpion Island, Boreil’s Pond, the Maria Islands Wildlife Reserve and the Hewanorra Ponds)  and (ii)  non priority areas of biodiversity conservation - Praslin to PSEPA and Hewanorra Ponds to Laborie should be provided to the GIS and GENODE Consultants. 

4.3.3. Task 3.  Propose the Mandele Protected Landscape as a suitable site for the establishment of a Terrestrial Protected Area and examine the feasibility of the term “Queens Chain” in the SECP to be redesignated as the “Coastal Conservation Zone”

Output 1.2: Two (at least 1 marine and 1 terrestrial) new protected areas are designated along with relevant connecting corridors, and protected species are officially recognized in gazette Regulations and Orders (est 4,000 ha) “…. proposed terrestrial protected area encompasses approximately 25% of the Point Sable Key Biodiversity Areas and approximately 60% of the Mandele Dry Forest Key Biodiversity Areas” (KBAs) [page 44 of project document]”

Activity 1.2.1:  – Delineate and legally designate at least one terrestrial managed area and associated connecting corridors (page 81 of the Project Document)

a.From the information gathered and from consultations with collaborating government agencies such as the Departments of Forestry and Fisheries, the Department of Sustainable Development, stakeholders, NGOs and CBOs, and with reference to the document entitled “A Systems Plan for Protected Areas in Saint Lucia prepared by David Haffey, 2009 under the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods

Project provide the detailed steps leading to the delineation and designation of the Mandele Protected Landscape as a protected area. See Annexe 2. The co-ordinates for the boundaries of the proposed protected area should be provided. 

b.Provide methodology and develop costed activities for key elements for the establishment of the Mandele Protected landscape as an overarching

biodiversity/protected area with a zoning and management plan, 

c.Outline steps, plans and processes of establishing the Mandelé Protected Landscape into a Protected Area.

d.Data from Task 2, which should have a geo-spatial reference, should be passed on to the GIS and GENODE Consultants.

e.Design a clear road map to declare the Mandele Protected Landscape as a Terrestrial Protected Area.

f.Identify and develop management tools to be used to monitor and manage the biodiversity in the Mandelé Protected Landscape.

g.After stakeholder engagement and consultation with the Department of Physical Development and Urban Renewal, (i) prepare a dossier outlining the rationale, justification and steps for the redesignation of the term “Queens Chain” to “Coastal Conservation Zone (CCZ)” for marine buffer areas at the national level and (ii) update the general land tenure and access protocols as necessary, associated with this proposed new redesignation.

4.3.4 Task 4: Development of a Land Use Plan for the Mandele Protected Landscape 

Through consultations with the Department of Forestry, the Department of Sustainable Development, the Department of Physical Development and Urban Renewal, the Saint Lucia National Trust, Fauna and Flora International, Durrell International, community residents, leaders and other stakeholders the Consultant shall prepare and submit a Draft Integrated Land Use (Zoning) Plan for the Mandelé Protected Landscape, that takes into account resource use (terrestrial and marine) in the region, utilising leading-edge, universally acceptable modelling.^[1] To prioritise sites and maximise livelihood opportunities, the recommendations in the Responsible Tourism Strategy and Development Plan and the SocioEconomic Analysis of the South East Coast for the expansion of ecological goods and services should be considered. The Plan must have a well-defined Statement indicating proposed goals, objectives and strategies, and all relevant maps and appendices. Activities to include, but not limited to:

Activities:

i. Design and use a cumulative effects management approach to evaluate the possible combinations of sector development to determine growth opportunities, including benefits, trade-offs and choices, to balance economic development with the environmental and social considerations in the Mandele Protected Landscape.  ii. Define policy and objective parameters appropriate to the nature and scope of the needs of the Mandele Protected Landscape. Policies and objectives to be appropriately worded to ensure the conservation and protection of national sites, national heritage areas, national parks, ecological corridors/and strictly protected ecosystems or other protected ecosystems; the inclusion of such objectives having the effect of de-exempting certain previously exempted developments. iii. Identify and map critical ecosystems and bio-livelihoods, including the zoning (perimeters) of the marine reserves as well as other critical coastal areas. 

iv.Identify and map the various land uses in the project area

v.Identify and map marine buffer areas in the Mandelé Protected Landscape, draft special management regimes for these buffer areas and prepare draft Collaboration Agreements for land owners.

vi.Recommend coastal and riparian setbacks for the protection of coastal and riparian ecosystems, and incorporate into the feasibility for the redesignation of the name “Queens Chain” to Coastal Conservation Zones vii.  Clearly state the rationale for the proposed land use choices and include proposed zoning options taking into account prioritised areas of high biodiversity and ecosystem services value.

viii.In the Land Use and Management Plan, propose recommendations for requisite improvements/modifications to the existing Land Use planning policy. 

ix.Prepare a Management Plan to guide and facilitate the administration and management of the Land Use Plan.

x.Quantifying the financial impact of the new arrangements for the various actors in the Land Use and Management Plan; xi. Quantify financial resources required and develop a sustainable financing plan for the management of the Land Use Plan;

4.3.5 Task 5: Identify possible innovative sustainable financing mechanisms modalities in the areas of the South East Coast to advance sustainable conservation of terrestrial resources within the area

      a.      Through consultations with the Department of Sustainable Development, the

Department of Fisheries, the Department of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal, NGOs, CBOs, community residents, leaders, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, provide technical inputs and recommend possibilities for investment, or livelihood opportunities that will be used in the development of sustainable financing mechanisms for economic development and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems in the South East Coast.

4.3.6  Recommendations 

1.The selected Consultant will be required to advise on the final scope of works and deliverables to ensure that the consultancy meets the objectives of the project and its components.

2.The Consultant will be expected to comment on the Terms of Reference and recommend potential refinements where necessary, including making such recommendations as deemed appropriate to enhance the quality of the assignment and outputs.

5.0. DELIVERABLES  

The proposed consultancy will have the following deliverables: 

6.0 CONSULTANCY MANAGEMENT 

6.1 Reporting 

The Consultant will report to the National Project Co-Ordinator, who will report to and inform the GEF 6 – Integrated Ecosystems Management and Restoration of Forests of the South East Coast–Project Steering Committee (PSC), comprising representatives of key agencies, on the progress of the consultancy.   

6.2 Place of work: The consultant will be based in his/her offices but will be accommodated at the offices of the Department of Sustainable Development when necessary.  

6.3 Travel: The assignment will not require travel outside Saint Lucia. But it will require visits to the project area.  

7.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS 

7.1 General qualifications 

The Lead Consultant should have the following qualifications:

i. Postgraduate degree in Biology, Biological Sciences, Forest Management, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Environmental or Natural Resources Management, or related field, with at least 5 years’ experience in forest biodiversity management, with particular focus on birds, amphibians and reptiles. Formal training or certification in biodiversity assessment methodologies.

Or

ii. A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Environmental or Natural Resources Management, or related field, with at least 10 years’ experience in forest biodiversity management, with particular focus on birds, amphibians and reptiles. The individual should also have formal training or certification in biodiversity assessment methodologies.

Experience and ability

i.Experience in ecological fieldwork, biodiversity inventories, or biophysical assessments, ideally within tropical island ecosystems or coastal environments. 

ii.Strong grounding in terrestrial ecosystem dynamics, flora and fauna identification, species distribution modelling, and habitat classification.

iii.Knowledge, experience and understanding of the development planning and land management issues in small island developing states, and in particular the Caribbean Region and Saint Lucia. 

iv.Knowledge and experience of the GEF and/or its associated Conventions would be an asset. 

v.Strong report writing and communication skills to synthesise complex ecological data for technical and non-technical stakeholders.

vi.Vegetation sampling and ecosystem health indicators. vii.Highly developed interpersonal and teamwork skills, as well as a networking aptitude. viii.Ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder project environments.  

ix.Track record of involvement in similar exercises using participatory and consultative processes in undertaking spatial analyses and in the development of land use plans, and preparation of management plans and zoning plans for terrestrial protected areas. 

x.Knowledge and experience in preparing monitoring plans for protected areas. 

xi.Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, and international conventions

Please note that the Lead Consultant shall be required to provide the curriculum vitae for all experts referred/to be used in the consultancy as part of their tender.

Key Experts Needed

Key Expert 1: Land Use Planning Specialist. The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and experience:

A postgraduate degree in Planning, Geography, Environmental or Natural Resources Management, or related field. The individual should have advanced training in land use planning and local area development planning, with at least 5years of work experience in the formulation of land use plans/local area development plans

            OR

A Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Environmental or Natural Resources Management or a related field with advanced training in land use planning and local area development planning, with at least 10 years of experience in the formulation of land use plans/local area development plans.

Experience and Ability 

i.Experience in the use of GIS and other land information systems and tools for analysis and decision making.

ii.Sound knowledge and understanding of the land management issues and ecosystem land-driven development planning in Small Island D

iii.eveloping States.

iv.Familiarity with Public Sector procedures in Saint Lucia, especially with land use planning.

v.Have been involved in land use planning exercises in the region or outside of the region

vi.Strong report writing and communication skills to synthesise complex ecological data for technical and non-technical stakeholders

Key Expert 2:  Cartographer /Senior GIS Analyst:  The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and experience:

A postgraduate degree in Geography, Geology, Environmental Planning, Computer Science or in a related field with advanced technical training in GIS technology and familiarity with at least 2 GIS packages, including ESRI-ARCGIS. The individual should have at least 5 years of experience in the field.

                            OR       

A Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Geology, Environmental Planning, Computer  Science or in a related field with advanced training in GIS technology, with familiarity with at least 2 GIS packages, including ESRI-ARCGIS and at least 10 years of experience in the field.

 Experience and Ability

i. At least 5 years of work experience as a GIS analyst with proven ability to provide solutions for environmental and natural resource issues for small island developing states. ii. Solid knowledge of computer-based technology.

iii. Sound knowledge of land management and development planning issues in Small Island Developing States.

iv Experience of undertaking a similar task in the Caribbean or internationally.

v. Strong report writing and communication skills to synthesise data for technical and nontechnical stakeholders

Key Expert 3.  Biologist/Ecologist: The ideal candidate(s) should possess the following qualifications and experience:

 A postgraduate degree in Biological Sciences, ecology, Wildlife Management, Environmental or Natural Resources Management, or related field, with at least 5 years’ experience in forest biodiversity management, with particular focus on birds, amphibians and reptiles.

Or

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Environmental or Natural Resources Management, or related field, with at least 10 years’ experience in forest biodiversity management, with particular focus on birds, amphibians and reptiles

Experience and Ability

i.Experience in ecological fieldwork, biodiversity inventories, or biophysical assessments, ideally within tropical island ecosystems or coastal environments. 

ii.Strong grounding in terrestrial ecosystem dynamics, flora and fauna identification, species distribution modelling, and habitat classification.

iii.Species identification and habitat classification iv. Knowledge, experience and understanding of the development planning and land management issues in small island developing states, and in particular the Caribbean Region and Saint Lucia

v. Understanding of ridge-to-reef dynamics, land-sea ecological linkages, and protected area frameworks. vi, Experience of working in the Caribbean on similar assignments.

7.2 Languages 

All consultants should have 

• Excellent command of written and spoken English. 
• Familiarity with the local language, Kweyol. 

8.0 Timeframe of Consultancy

The Consultant will be contracted for 6 months.

9.0 Submission 

9.1 A complete proposal consisting of separate technical and financial proposals must be contained in individually sealed envelopes and must be placed inside a sealed outer envelope. The sealed outer envelope containing submissions should be marked “CONFIDENTIAL” “Proposal - Consultancy Services for preparation of the Baseline Assessment for GEF 6 – Integrated Ecosystems Management and Restoration of Forests of the South East Coast – Terrestrial Ecologist.” The envelope should not contain company logos or the consultant’s name.  

9.2 The envelope containing the technical proposals must be marked “TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL- Consultancy Services GEF 6 – Integrated Ecosystems Management and Restoration of Forests of the South East Coast – Terrestrial Ecologist.”  

9.3 The envelope containing the financial proposals must be marked “FINANCIAL PROPOSAL- Consultancy Services for - GEF 6 – Integrated Ecosystems Management and Restoration of Forests of the South East Coast – Terrestrial Ecologist.”  Hard copies must be submitted to the following address by 2:00 p.m. on September 25,

2025.

The Chairperson

Departmental Public Procurement Committee 

Department of Sustainable Development

San Souci 

Castries

Saint Lucia

9.4 All queries must be emailed to Ms. Diana Joseph, Administrative Assistant for the South East Coast, at the email address: southeastcoastproject.sded@gmail.com

9.5 Deadline for the submission of queries September 26, 2025.

All information must be submitted in English. If the consultant chooses to submit hard copies, 5 hard copies of the Submission must be received.

9.6 Please note that all firms that are being considered to undertake the consultancy will be required to submit the Company’s Bye Laws, A list/certificate of the Directors of the Company, and a Certificate of Good Standing, which are required by the Attorney General’s Chamber for the signature of a contract. Failure to submit the documents within 2 months of the request to submit the documents will result in a termination of all communication with the company and the Project engaging the next best evaluated consulting firm. 

Annexe 1

Priority areas for biodiversity conservation outside the Forest Reserve

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT OF SAINT LUCIA’S FORESTS, WITH MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS By JENNIFER C. DALTRY

Conservation Biologist, Fauna & Flora International, 2009

ANNEX 2

A Systems Plan for Protected Areas in Saint Lucia, prepared by David Haffey, 2009, under the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods Project.

1. GEF 6 - TOR for Terrestrial Ecologist Consultancy with Land use planner Final doc.pdf