| Description |
The Government of the Maldives is undertaking a project on the conservation and sustainable use of globally significant biological diversity in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll. The “Atoll Ecosystem Conservation (AEC) project” is co-financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented through UNDP. In the Maldives, atoll ecosystems literally provide the basis for the country’s existence as well as life-supporting services such as shoreline protection and goods upon which the economy entirely depends such as fish and tourism. However, social and economic change is altering consumptive behavior and livelihood strategies, outpacing institutional capacity and sectoral programs to adequately manage it. This in turn is threatening the natural endowment that is essential to maintaining the structure and function of atoll ecosystems, the viability of globally significant biological diversity, and the livelihoods and environmental security of the people. Most important policy decisions affecting biodiversity have been taken at the level of individual sectors, such as infrastructure, fisheries, and tourism. Government initiatives to manage change and mitigate the impacts caused by it have been rooted in sectoral approaches, resulting in narrow, sectoral institutions, policies, and interventions.
The AEC project aims to design and demonstrate a model system for atoll ecosystem conservation, which can be replicated across the Maldives. From the 26 atolls of the Maldives archipelago, Baa Atoll was selected as the pilot for the AEC project because it is an area of globally significant biodiversity which characterizes the range of conservation issues currently facing the Maldives. The AEC project vision is: Baa Atoll: a world class model of atoll ecosystem conservation where sustainable use supports a prosperous economy and good quality of life for all, for ever - for replication across Maldives. The project’s three-pronged strategy is to: - Introduce the ecosystem approach to policies and plans nationally and on Baa atoll
- Establish a model system for ecosystem conservation on Baa Atoll
- Support sustainable livelihoods development on Baa Atoll
By the end of the project, modified sectoral policies and programs will enable institutions to more effectively manage biodiversity. Government, local communities, and the private sector will be partnering to secure the long-term conservation of biodiversity in Baa Atoll. And, local people will be applying new knowledge and accessing new sources of financing in pursuit of alternative livelihoods. Additionally, the project is seeking to promote the nomination of Baa Atoll as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The baseline situation at the start of the AEC project was that there was no strategic conservation programme for Baa Atoll, and no human or financial resources devoted specifically to biodiversity conservation on the Atoll. At the project mid-term point in 2009, a biodiversity conservation programme has been designed and implementation begun, including the identification of key resource needs.
Purpose of, and background to, this consultancy
Sustaining a model programme for the conservation of the Baa Atoll ecosystem requires long-term financing for a coherent management system, as well as funds for on the ground implementation of conservation activities. The goal is to devise an appropriate funding mechanism that will secure allocations and revenue on a continuous basis for ecosystem management in Baa Atoll, which is accountable to key stakeholders, is managed transparently and which aligns with national and local governance frameworks / mandates for ecosystem management in Baa Atoll. It is expected that a sustainable funding mechanism will comprise a mix of governmental allocations, business contributions (from resorts and dive schools), user contributions (from tourists/divers), donations from tourists, and project funds from international sources. The Maldives offers a particular opportunity for the establishment of a revolving conservation trust fund based on user fees. Baa Atoll resorts have already shown interest in establishing such a scheme. This consultancy therefore has three purposes: - To review the financial needs and opportunities for the Baa Atoll ecosystem conservation programme;
- to introduce the latest in conservation financing mechanism best practice from around the world (particularly experience with conservation trust funds); and
- to guide stakeholders (at national and atoll level) in designing and establishing a funding mechanism that is appropriate for Baa Atoll, aligns with national and local governance frameworks for ecosystem management and which can subsequently be rolled-out across the Maldives.
The consultancy will build upon: - a scoping report prepared during the project’s PDF B phase,
- results of “willingness to pay” surveys
- the results of an economic valuation of biodiversity in the Maldives
- a briefing report on the governance context for ecosystem management in Baa Atoll
- project plans and reports (including Baa Atoll Conservation Programme (BACP) strategy, and Livelihood Development Support Strategy (LDSS), Biosphere Reserve proposal, stakeholder analysis, zoning plans, management plans etc.
The position will involve working closely with the Project Management Unit and international consultant team, and the key stakeholders including Resort/Dive school owners and managers, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Environment, Environment Protection Agency, Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, Project Steering Committee members, Atoll Council, Atoll Development Cell, UNDP. | Duties and Responsibilities | The selected consultant will provide targeted support to the following activities based on the project log-frame and existing work plans and consultancies to achieve the following goals: 1. In close consultation with the PMU, Ministries of Environment and Fisheries and Atoll Council, prepare a 5-year budget and financing plan for implementation of the Baa Atoll Conservation Programme (BACP) including: - Establishment, equipping and staffing of a conservation office on Baa Atoll (in line with governmental policies on decentralisation and natural resources management)
- Financing for conservation projects
- Support for enforcement (including local community rangers)
- Financing research/monitoring and communications activities
- Support to related livelihood initiatives, that focus on creating local incentives for biodiversity conservation and support for alternative livelihoods (for example community involvement in eco-tourism)
- For each item, the suggested funding sources will be identified, income targets set, and the mechanisms to secure those funds will be elaborated.
2. Hold half-day workshops in Male’ and on Baa Atoll to introduce options and approaches to conservation financing and trust funds (user investment schemes), including their weaknesses and strengths, their successful (or not) application in other parts of the world, their relevance to the Maldives and potentials for income generation. Feedback will be sought through the workshop discussions, to determine the most appropriate systems to establish for conservation financing on Baa Atoll. 3. Conduct meetings with appropriate governmental and private sector stakeholders to explore options for long-term financing of the items listed in TOR1 above. 4. Consult (through a workshop) with resorts / dive-schools / safari boat operators, atoll council and NGOs on Baa Atoll to assess issues and options regarding establishing a Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF - revolving Trust Fund based on user fees), including: purpose, funding source, viability, structure, operation and governance). 5. Design detailed structure and operational procedures for the BACF and circulate for review, including: - Legal establishment mechanisms
- Income generating mechanisms and operational procedures
- asset management arrangements
- governance arrangements
- disbursement criteria and procedures
- reporting procedures / framework
- auditing and evaluation procedures
6. Provide training and other support as required. Some Reference documents: - Sustainable Financing Mechanisms and Strategies for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in the Indian Ocean Countries: a Literature Review. IUCN / MFF. 2007.
- Maldives coral reefs conservation fund: a feasibility report and proposal for the UNDP-GEF and Government of Maldives. PDF B report. UNDP 2002.
- Issues and Options in the Design of GEF Supported Trust Funds for Biodiversity Conservation” by Kathleen Mikitin, Paper 011, Biodiversity Series, Environment Department Papers, The World Bank, April 1995.
- The IPG Handbook on Environmental Funds: A Resource Book for the Design and Operation of Environmental Funds: By the Interagency Planning Group on Environmental Funds (IPG): [http://www.undp.org/bpsp/global_links/pubs.htm]
- Global Environment Facility’s Evaluation Report 1-99: Experience with Conservation Trust Funds, which is available on line at: www.gefweb.org , under the section titled “Monitoring and Evaluation”
- UNDP-GEF’s Check-list for Environmental Funds and Annotated GEF Trust Fund Grant Agreement.
- Valuing Biodiversity – the economic case for biodiversity conservation in the Maldives, IUCN, 2009.
- International consultant mission reports, project documents etc.
| Competencies | Corporate Competencies: - Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning - Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness - Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
- Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery
- Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
- Good ICT skills, knowledge of Atlas
- Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change
Management and Leadership - Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
| Required Skills and Experience | - The consultant should have a minimum qualification of MSc in a relevant discipline, and be able to demonstrate significant high-level experience (minimum 10 years) in the following areas:
- Strong experience in conservation financing particularly for coastal and marine ecosystems in developing countries
- A proven record of establishing successful conservation trust funds and long term funding mechanisms
- Experience of carbon offset schemes
- Ability to work and communicate well with diverse stakeholders;
- Detailed knowledge of the international donor/funding arena;
- Developing country / relevant biogeographical / SIDS experience
- Training and high level presentations
- Good inter-personal skills and ability to work independently and in a team
Outputs: - A realistic budget and financing plan for ecosystem conservation on Baa Atoll
- Assessment and mechanisms for a Baa Atoll Conservation Fund
- Knowledge and capacity building in conservation financing
- Mission reports
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