SIRMM
Demonstrating the Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Island Resource Management Mechanism in a Small Island Developing State.

INVITATION FOR PROPOSALS
Preparation of a Sustainable Livelihood Plan for the Codrington Lagoon National Park

GOAL:
A Sustainable Livelihood Plan for the Codrington Lagoon National Park aimed at promoting the establishment of sustainable small industries as well as maintaining the current small independent business operations located within the boundaries of the National park.

This activity is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) full size project; Demonstrating the Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Island Resource Management Mechanism in a Small Island Developing State (SIRMM) Project.

OBJECTIVE:
One of the important activities planned for the project is the development of an efficient management system for the Codrington Lagoon National Park. The project seeks to further the development of a co-management mechanism that is supported by requisite policy and financial structures that will ensure the long-term sustainability of a multiple use landscape that is a sensitive and critical habitat. The activity will contribute to the overall aim of promoting sustainable management and financing of the Codrington Lagoon and surrounding areas as well as improve the management of Barbuda’s largest wetland habitat.

BACKGROUND:
The Codrington Lagoon National Park is a sensitive and diverse ecosystem with a spectacular display of different flora and fauna. It has been designated by national and international agencies as a biological diversity hotspot which is under threat from pollution and a variety of man-made as well as natural disasters.

The National Park was officially created in March 2005 and achieved RAMSAR status in June 2006. It encompasses the entire west coast of the island of Barbuda and comprises both marine and terrestrial habitats. It is approximately 18 km2 within which is located the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds in the Caribbean. The area is very flat and in some places rests just above sea level. The area which comprises both private and Government owned land, facilitates both residential and commercial developments. The commercial value that it boasts supports up to 60% of the islands economy. This is done through the provision of jobs, sale of fish and lobster, sand mining and tourism. In terms of its natural values, the lagoon is habitat for Frigate Birds, as mentioned before but also provides habitat for a number of mangrove species, crabs as well as the American Fallow Deer. It is also host to a number of migratory birds some of which are endangered, such as the West Indian Whistling Duck.

The Park is in its preliminary stages of development. To date, the park has developed a business plan, a disaster plan, established a management board has hired rangers and staff for the management of the Park. The next phase will seek to establish a financial and operational management plan for the sustainable development and operation of the park. Presently the development of the Park is being supervised by the Park Management Stakeholder Board which has been established.

GUIDELINES:
1. The development of a sustainable livelihood plan should use the best available information including documentation which have already been prepared for the National Park.
2. The plan should be prepared in consultation with local stakeholders including the stakeholder board currently established.
3. Completed sustainable livelihood plan prepared and submitted by May 31st 2010.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The consultant is required to:
1. Undertake an alternative livelihoods and community incomes assessment and feasibility study. The study should be conducted and the report presented with recommendations for potential income generating activities within the Park
2. Develop a strategy for promoting economically viable and environmentally sustainable livelihoods within the Park. The strategy should seek to ensure the establishment of at least two public/private sector partnerships aimed at ensuring the economic development of the National Park. The strategy should be based on the income assessment and feasibility study that will be conducted in Activity 1.
3. Develop and document a program aimed at promoting private-public partnerships for ecotourism focusing on micro-financing schemes and the development of small businesses. The program should outline potential partnerships between governmental and private agencies on small business development based on the strategy in 2 as well as the study 1.
4. Identify at least one public private partnership for an ecotourism venture in the Codrington Lagoon and present information on making this partnership a reality.

OUTPUTS:
1. A comprehensive Sustainable Livelihood plan outlining actions to be undertaken to ensure the development of commercially viable small business within the Codrington Lagoon National Park.
2. At least one public-private partnership activity that may be engaged in to provide income generating activities within the National Park.

To complete the output the consultant will be required to:
1. Prepare an inception report within one week after the commencement of the consultancy. The report should outline the work to be undertaken and an updated schedule of work.
2. Ensure that any requests for data and/or information from any private or public agency be prepared in writing. The document received and the letter of request should form part of the appendices of the submitted report.
3. Provide minutes and attendance list for all consultations organized during the preparation of the plan.

REPORTING GUIDELINES:
1. Reports on the progress of preparation of the sustainable livelihood plan are to be presented to the Project Coordination Committee for discussion and comments on a monthly basis.
2. Two draft documents should be presented prior to the presentation of the Final Document
• The first draft should be presented by the end of March 2010 and should include a review of the existing documentation and an update on the schedule for the next phase.
• The second draft should be presented at the end of April 2010 and should include the results of the consultation process as well as recommendations on the sustainable livelihood activities proposed.
The consultant should allow up to 1 week for comments on all drafts and comments should be incorporated into the updated document on the presentation of the subsequent draft.
3. Two copies of the Final Document are to be submitted in hard copy and an additional copy in digital format to the GEF Focal Point. All maps and diagrams are to be included in the digital and hard copy formats.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The applicant’s team should have the following qualifications
1. Masters degree (or relevant experience) in a field related to Economics, Environment or Protected Areas Management, Accounting or Financial Management.
2. Experience in the development of park management systems is an asset.
3. Experience in ecosystem/habitat management is an asset.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Payment will be on the basis of outputs as follows
• 20% mobilization fee on the submission of and accepted inception report
• 20% upon submission of 1st draft
• 20% upon submission of 2nd draft
• 40% on delivery of final reports

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of price/cost effectiveness, methodology and experience.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Proposal submissions are to include the following
• Proposal for the cost of the exercise including an operational work plan
• Technical report not exceeding 10 pages in length, including CV’s. Other supporting material deemed to be relevant to the proposal may be attached as an annex.

Proposals from interested parties should be forwarded on or before March 1st 2010 to:

Chairman of the SIRMM Project Board
C/O The GEF Focal Point
Prime Minister’s Office
Factory Road
St. John’s
Antigua

Ph: 462-4625/562-2568
Fax: 462-6265
Email: sirmmab@gmail.com