| Description |
Lao PDR harbors a rich natural diversity, lying at a convergence of three centres of mega-diversity– India, China and Southeast Asia. It hosts globally significant biodiversity - such as the evergreen forests of the Annamite Mountains and their foothills, the limestone karst of central Indochina, the wetlands and dipterocarp forests of the Mekong Plain, and the Mekong River itself. Although the floristic diversity of Lao is poorly known and only a fraction of its species has been recorded, these include over 8,000-11,000 plant species, 166 reptile and amphibian species, 700 bird species, 500 fish species and over 100 species of large mammals. Over 1,000 globally threatened species are found in the Lao PDR. The people of Lao PDR make use of the biodiversity on a daily basis, particularly in rural livelihoods where agro-biodiversity is a critical to food security and household nutrition. Agriculture makes up about 40.7% of the GDP of Lao PDR, whilst the overall contribution of biological resources to GDP is estimated to be over 66%. Over 70% of the Lao population is dependent upon agriculture, fisheries and other biodiversity for their livelihoods. The majority of biodiversity resources utilized at the household level are derived from the agricultural landscape, wetland and adjacent forest areas. Factors threatening the biodiversity found in the agricultural landscapes of Lao PDR include: - Changing agricultural practices: Farmers are replacing their traditionally diverse agricultural practices with high-yielding varieties, mono-crops and high levels of chemical fertilizer and pesticide use.
- Land use changes: Traditional agriculture and forest land are converting to “contract farming” of cash crops, including tree crops (e.g. rubber and Eucalyptus).
- Over-exploitation of biodiversity in the agricultural landscape: Increased population pressure and use of unsustainable harvesting practices influence negatively on agro-biodiversity resources.
The objective of the joint FAO/UNDP GEF project on “Mainstreaming biodiversity in Lao PDR’s agricultural and land management policies, plans and programmes” is to provide farmers with the necessary incentives, capabilities and supporting institutional framework to conserve agro-biodiversity within the farming systems of Lao PDR. The project will be developed within the context of the Lao PDR National Agricultural Biodiversity Programme (NABP) and other relevant national policy documents. The five expected outcomes of the project are: - National policy and institutional arrangements mainstream biodiversity in agriculture and land use sectors
- National agriculture extension service promotes the sustainable use of farmer varieties and conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity within current production systems
- Strengthened local level capacity to conserve biodiversity and enhance productivity of biodiversity resources, especially agricultural biodiversity resources
- Agricultural biodiversity-friendly products made available in local and international markets
- Four in-situ gene banks established over 100,000 ha
A Project Preparation Grant (PPG) has been approved by the GEF Secretariat to prepare the GEF Full-size Project (FSP) proposal. It is in this context that an International Lead and Biodiversity Expert is required to prepare the FSP, focusing on all components proposed, and expected outcomes to be achieved, as outlined in the Project Identification Form (PIF). From a technical expertise angle, in particular those areas related to biodiversity.
Purpose of the consultancy The overall purpose of the consultancy is to analyze and assess the biodiversity, in particular agricultural biodiversity of Lao PDR, with a focus on production systems and in light of project site selection; and the preparation of the FSP. | Duties and Responsibilities | 1. Elaborate an overview of the status of biodiversity and especially agricultural biodiversity in Lao PDR, in the context of production systems and land and resource tenure
- 1.1. Map and evaluate the status of biodiversity with a focus on biodiversity for food and agriculture, including crop and crop-associated biodiversity, and wild relatives.
- 1.2. Undertake detailed assessment of existing threats to biodiversity for food and agriculture and the underlying causes.
- 1.3. Identify and analyze local, national and global environmental benefits of the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity.
2. Select project sites and elaborate an overview of the status of biodiversity and especially agricultural biodiversity in these sites, in the context of production systems and land and resource tenure - Develop criteria for identifying project sites.
- Identify and propose project sites (including two pilot watersheds and areas for at least four in situ genebanks within these watersheds), including through criteria such as globally significant biodiversity, threat levels, existing potential of improved efficiency, and considering marketing of agricultural biodiversity-related products.
- Prepare relevant studies on the linkages between agroecosystems, biodiversity, farming practices and local livelihoods in the project sites.
- Characterize production systems in the project sites (including agro-forestry, and other farming practices).
- Characterize land and resource tenure in the project sites.
2. Coordinate information-gathering and cooperation with all stakeholders - Collect data and information on previous, current and future planned projects related to agricultural biodiversity.
- Coordinate closely with key stakeholders involved in Agriculture, Forestry and Environment sectors. More specifically identify the ones involved in activities related to agricultural biodiversity
- Through close collaboration and cooperation with other stakeholders, ensure that the project document builds on the priorities of Government and complements activities being supported by other development partners.
- Organize and conduct technical meetings and workshops with: (i) relevant international and national agencies; (ii) potential donors for co-funding and partnership; and (iii) national stakeholders (including at the local level) –as necessary.
- Supervise and oversee the activities of two international consultants and three national consultants.
3. Based on 1. and 2. above, and in collaboration with and using the inputs of the other consultants in the development team, prepare a technical report analyzing baseline data, information gaps and resource trends for selection of areas for conserving and managing biodiversity in agroecosystems. This report should cover the general situation in Lao PDR, and a detailed analysis of the situation in the pilot project sites. 4. Elaboration of Full-Size Project document - Lead the preparation of the FSP. He/she will be responsible for leading the project development team. This will involve on-going consultations and interactions with the other national and international consultants.
- Prepare the draft FSP. This will entail all components of FSP design.
- Non-exhaustive examples include: incremental costing; preparation of the LogFrame and work plan; Monitoring, Progress Reporting and Evaluation Plan; also addressing the issue of mobilization of co-funding.
- The FSP should closely follow the principles of Results Based Management.
Approach In conducting the consultancy, the lead consultant/biodiversity expert is expected to: - Coordinate the project development team and the technical preparation of the FSP.
- Prepare the final draft of the FSP.
- Review relevant literature, including documents, reports, reviews, etc.
- Review reports prepared by other consultants in the project development team.
- Undertake regular meetings and coordinate the work and inputs of the other national and international consultants that are part of the project development team.
- Meet with relevant stakeholders, which will include Government, private sector, international non-governmental organizations, local communities, and others.
- Organize and conduct workshops with all relevant stakeholders, to build partnerships and collaboration and raise awareness, as needed.
- Organize and realize field visits, as needed.
- Write the FSP.
Expected outputs i. Inception Report A short document should be prepared during the first week of the consultancy that includes: an outline of the methodology to complete the tasks; list of completed document review; identification of documents to be sourced; any proposed revisions to the TOR’s; timetable; schedule of field visits and proposed list of interviewees. MAF / PAFO, UNDP and FAO will facilitate any necessary field work. ii. Progress reports The incumbent is expected to be available to participate in fortnightly meetings and to update MAF, FAO and UNDP on the progress of his / her work. iii. Draft Report In addition to the report on biodiversity (ref 1-3 above), a draft FSP will be prepared. This will be in line with GEF requirements for the preparation of a FSP. iv. Final Report The final report will be delivered 2 weeks after comments are received. The final report will be delivered in English, with the summary in English and Lao.
Reporting The selected consultant will work in support of MAF under the joint supervision of FAO and UNDP. | Competencies | - Ability to conduct research and analysis and strong synthesis skills
- Proven experience conducting field assessments.
- Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback; consensus-oriented
- Highly develop inter-personal, negotiation and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to work in multi-cultural environment
- Regional and national knowledge is highly desirable
- Excellent in English report writing and communication skills
- Knowledge of Lao language desirable
| Required Skills and Experience | - Proven and extensive international experience in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
- Proven extensive experience in UNDP/GEF project formulation/design
- Knowledge of agricultural biodiversity
- Appropriate higher degree qualifications and at least 10 years relevant experience
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