|
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project entitled, “Assessment of Capacity Building Needs, Preparation of Second and Third National Reports (CBD) and the Clearing House Mechanism in Guyana”, is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Guyana became signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994. One of the cross-cutting issues identified under this Convention is Invasive and Alien Species (IAS), which was introduced after the fourth meeting of the Conferences of Parties (COP) to the CBD.
Globally, IAS have been identified as a significant threat to native biodiversity, costing economies billions of dollars annually. Significant efforts are being made to control, reduce and eradicate these species from non-native habitats. However, very little work on IAS has been done in Guyana.
In the past, a number of alien and invasive species have been introduced to Guyana, both intentionally and unintentionally. The prevalence and impacts of these IAS in Guyana are not well studied or understood. Identifying and managing potential pathways for further IAS introduction is also critical to addressing the threats posed to local biodiversity. This Consultancy will therefore examine the issues related to invasive and alien species in Guyana, and include the compilation of information, the preparation of reports, and the development of strategies and plans to address the threat of IAS to the country.
|
|
Under this project the Consultant will produce:
- An Assessment report, with focus on examining the prevalence of IAS and determining the pathways and causes of the introduction of alien species, its impacts on biological diversity, and the appropriate mechanisms of control.
- An Inventory of IAS in Guyana, including species profiles and geographic distribution at the national level, where possible.
- A Thematic report on IAS according to the guidelines of the UNCBD
- A Strategy and Action Plan for the incorporation of IAS knowledge into biodiversity management practices.
SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES
1) A proposed sub-project work-plan, including a detailed description of the proposed methodology to achieve the objectives, outputs and deliverables outlined in this Terms of Reference.
2) Monthly progress reports, including workshop reports, any data collection tools (e.g, questionnaire) developed and a record of the number of consultations as well as the list of stakeholders involved.
3) An Assessment Report, which includes an examination of the prevalence of IAS, the pathways and the causes of their introduction, and their impacts on native biodiversity. The Report must also provide an overview of the existing and potential impacts of IAS on ecosystem services and key sectors, such as Agriculture, Forestry, Health and Trade.
4) A Thematic report, as per the UNCBD guidelines for detailed thematic reports on alien species.
5) A Strategy and Action Plan, which includes the targets for monitoring of IAS. This will entail priorities for legal and regulatory frameworks, institutional roles and coordination, human resources development needs and training, and financial mechanisms. The Plan must also provide guidance on how to control, contain and/or eradicate existing IAS. Systems and tools for the management of future introductions, and the prevention of unintentional introductions, of IAS should be included.
6) An inventory of IAS found in Guyana, which should include:
- Origin and means of introduction;
- Geographical distribution for Guyana;
- Related threats and impacts; and
- Socio-economical or cultural value.
7) Copy of any questionnaires used in initial assessment and monitoring programmes.
To ensure the successful execution of this contract, the Consultant should hold at least one (1) National Stakeholder Workshop to solicit suggestions and comments from stakeholders and other concerned parties during the contract implementation. All outputs of the consultant are subject to the final acceptance of the Environmental Protection Agency.
|
