Terms of Reference (ToR)
for a Consultant (Thematic Expert) to support the Correspondence Group-Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster (Coastal expert) in the EcAp-MED Project
Request for : Consultant
Organizational Unit: Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan
1. Purpose (justification for request)
1.1 Explain the requirement for a consultant / individual
The Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way, as stated by Convention of Biological Diversity. It goes beyond examining single issues, species, or ecosystem functions in isolation. Instead, it recognizes ecological systems for what they are: rich mixes of elements that interact with each other continuously. This understanding is particularly important for coasts and seas, where the nature of water keeps systems and functions connected.
The main valued added of the Ecosystems Approach in the context of the Barcelona Convention is a renewed emphasis on implementation and integration that will strengthen our ability to understand and address cumulative risks and effects as well as to better focus our action on priority targets. Simply put, the EcAp brings MAP’s many sectoral analyses and management measures into a single integrated framework which will results in an adaptive management strategy that will be periodically monitored, evaluated and revised through a rigorous 2012-2018 Six-year Management Cycle.
Decisions IG 17/6 “Implementation of the ecosystem approach to the management of human activities that may affect the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment” and IG 20/4 “Implementing MAP ecosystem approach roadmap: Mediterranean Ecological and Operational Objectives, Indicators and Timetable for implementing the ecosystem approach roadmap adopted by the Contracting parties to the Barcelona Convention” respectively in COP 15 (2008) and COP17 (2012) articulate a systematic process for moving forward towards more effective ecosystems-based management in the Mediterranean. They also contain the agreement reached on the progress achieved and define priorities on the way forward.
The progress achieved to date in the seven steps process identified for moving towards a more effective, ecosystem-based management is as follows:
I. Definition of an Ecological Vision for the Mediterranean.
“A healthy Mediterranean with marine and coastal ecosystems that are productive and biologically diverse for the benefit of present and future generations”.
II. Setting of common Mediterranean strategic goals.
a. To protect, allow recovery and, where practicable, restore the structure and function of marine and coastal ecosystems thus also protecting biodiversity, in order to achieve and maintain good ecological status and allow for their sustainable use.
b. To reduce pollution in the marine and coastal environment so as to minimize impacts on and risks to human and/or ecosystem health and/or uses of the sea and the coasts.
c. To prevent, reduce and manage the vulnerability of the sea and the coasts to risks induced by human activities and natural events.
III. Identification of important ecosystem properties and assessment of ecological status and pressures.
The UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention Initial Integrated Assessment (Step 3) peer reviewed by GESAMP was completed in 2011 and disseminated to the COP as document IG.20/Inf.8. The Integrated Assessment contains information on the overall nature of the ecosystems in the Mediterranean, including physical and ecological characteristics, pressures that affect the state of the marine environment, conditions or state of the coastal and marine ecosystems, and expected response of ecosystem if trends continue. It identifies existing pressures and impacts affecting the Mediterranean region as well as emerging ones. It has also been useful in highlighting information availability and needs going into the future.
IV. Development of a set of ecological objectives corresponding to the Vision and strategic goals.
The following ecological objectives have been defined through an intensive process of consultation led by the UNEP/MAP Secretariat fully owned by the Contracting Parties and with participation of MAP Partners and technical experts:
1. Biological diversity is maintained or enhanced. The quality and occurrence of coastal and marine habitats and the distribution and abundance of coastal and marine species are in line with prevailing physiographic, hydrographic, geographic, and climatic conditions.
2. Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystem.
3. Populations of selected commercially exploited fish and shellfish are within biologically safe limits, exhibiting a population age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock.
4. Alterations to components of marine food webs caused by resource extraction or human-induced environmental changes do not have long-term adverse effects on food web dynamics and related viability.
5. Human-induced eutrophication is prevented, especially adverse effects thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters.
6. Sea-floor integrity is maintained, especially in priority benthic habitats.
7. Alteration of hydrographic conditions does not adversely affect coastal and marine ecosystems.
8. The natural dynamics of coastal areas are maintained and coastal ecosystems and landscapes are preserved.
9. Contaminants cause no significant impact on coastal and marine ecosystems and human health.
10. Marine and coastal litter does not adversely affect coastal and marine environments.
11. Noise from human activities causes no significant impact on marine and coastal ecosystems.
The remaining 3 steps of the 7-step process will form the bulk of the forthcoming work for the full-fledge EcAP process in the Mediterranean, and include:
V. Derivation of operational objectives with indicators and target levels.
VI. Revision of existing monitoring programmes for ongoing assessment and regular updating of targets.
VII. Development and review of relevant action plans and programmes.
The implementation of the EcAp in 2012-2013 has been organized around four specific pillars which capture the main deliverables expected from the Parties and further strengthen and complete the application of the seven steps for the implementation of the EcAp. These are:
o Targets and Good Environmental Status. Work on methodologies for the determination of good environmental status and target for each of the 11 agreed Ecological Objectives; and implement a pilot case which successfully tests EcAp indicators (Step 5);
o Monitoring. Initial steps to prepare an integrated monitoring system based on the indicators and targets (Step 6);
o Assessment. Complement the integrated assessment of the Mediterranean ecosystem with a socio-economic analysis and establish an assessment cycle by developing a UNEP/MAP policy on assessments of the marine and coastal environment to be periodically implemented (Step 3); and,
o Develop and review relevant measures for implementation of EcAp (Step 7).
The process for the development of Good Environmental Status and Targets for the Mediterranean will be carried out by the Correspondence Group on GES and Targets, which will be composed of national experts, designated by the Contracting Parties, and will be coordinated by the UNEP/MAP components and the Coordinating Unit. It will work to ensure efficient coverage and in-depth discussions and analysis of all Ecological Objectives (EOs) and it will be made up of 3 clusters: 1) Pollution and litter related EOs (EOs 5, 9, 10 and 11); 2) Biodiversity and Fisheries related EOs (EOs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6); and 3) Coastal and Hydrological Conditions related EOs (EOs 7 and 8). The expected outcome of the group is defining the methodology for Mediterranean targets, as well as identifying regional targets through a participatory process involving contracting parties and MAP components, to be submitted to COP 18.
The requested Consultancy, in the form of a “Thematic Expert” will focus on “Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster” and will focus on EO 8 “Coastal ecosystems and landscapes”.
Ecological Objective 8 - Coastal ecosystems and landscapes
Ecological Objective
The natural dynamics of coastal areas are maintained and coastal ecosystems and landscapes are preserved
Operational Objectives
8.1 The natural dynamic nature of coastlines is respected and coastal areas are in good condition
8.2 Integrity and diversity of coastal ecosystems, landscapes and their geomorphology are preserved
Indicators
8.1.1. Areal extent of coastal erosion and coastline instability
8.1.2 Changes in sediment dynamics along the coastline
8.1.3 Areal extent of sandy areas subject to physical disturbance (Physical disturbance includes beach cleaning by mechanical means, sand mining, beach sand nourishment)
8.1.4 Length of coastline subject to physical disturbance due to the influence of manmade structures
8.2.1 Change of land-use (Land-use classes according to the classification by Eurostat-OCDE, 1998: http://unstats.un.org/unsd/environment/q2004land.pdf)_
8.2.2 Change of landscape types
8.2.3 Share of non-fragmented coastal habitats
Objective of the assignment
The objective of the assignment is to provide support to UNEP MAP Coordinating Unit, PAP/RAC and EcAp-MED Project team in delivering of the EcAp-MED Project, through substantive support and facilitation during expert discussion on methodologies, targets, indicators and thresholds for Ecological Objective 8 (Coastal ecosystems and landscapes) of the EcAp process for the Mediterranean.
TASKS
The Thematic Expert will be responsible for the tasks listed below:
• Producing the necessary pre and post meeting documents of the Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group on GES and targets, with focus on Ecological Objective 8 “Coastal ecosystems and landscapes” in English. It is expected that the Consultant will prepare three documents:
o Information document on existing targets for the Ecological Objective 8 “Coastal ecosystems and landscapes”, regarding relevant references within the framework of UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention, its Protocols and other Regional conventions, strategies and as such; Working document on approaches for definition of GES and setting targets for the Ecological Objective 8 “Coastal ecosystems and landscapes” in the framework of the Ecosystem Approach; and
o The Final Report of the Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group Meeting (jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology);
• Co-facilitating the Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster meeting together with the Thematic Expert on Hydrology and if necessary, providing support to the UNEP MAP Coordinating Unit and PAP RAC during Correspondence Group meetings or any other additional consultation that may take place;
• Drafting the minutes of the meeting of Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group and compiling the outputs, deliver the final report to UNEP MAP Coordinating Unit and PAP RAC for clearance (jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology);
• Facilitating the email discussions that might be needed as a follow-up consultation process towards reaching consensus on the list of core targets to meet the Ecological Objectives (jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology);
• Jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology, and with the support of UNEP MAP Coordinating Unit and PAP RAC, preparing the documents for submission to EcAp Coordination Group, MAP FPs and COP 18.
1.2 Qualifications / special skills or knowledge
• Postgraduate degree in coastal zone management, environmental sciences, land-use planning, economics, engineering or another related field.
• Very good command of both written and spoken English. Knowledge of French is an asset.
• At least 5 years of professional working experience.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in coastal zone management (with specific knowledge on natural dynamics of coastal areas, coastal ecosystems and landscapes) with additional knowledge on Mediterranean and EU processes (MSFD and similar related EU directives).
• Working experience with government agencies, civil society, local administrations, and international organizations in subjects related to coastal issues (including natural dynamics of coastal areas, coastal ecosystems and landscapes).
1.3 Outputs (Final results)
• The Information Document prepared on existing targets for the Ecological Objective 8 “Coastal ecosystems and landscapes”, regarding relevant references within the framework of UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention, its Protocols and other Regional or Global conventions, strategies and as such;
• The Working Document prepared on approaches for definition of GES and setting targets for the Ecological Objective 8 “Coastal ecosystems and landscapes” in the framework of the Ecosystem Approach;
• The Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group meeting successfully facilitated (jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology);
• The Draft Meeting Report of Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group prepared (jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology);
• The email discussions that might be needed as a follow-up consultation process towards reaching consensus on the list of core targets to meet the Ecological Objectives successfully facilitated (jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology);
• The Final Meeting Report of Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group prepared (jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology); and
• A document on GES and targets (for those that data would be available and subject to agreement by the Contracting Parties) prepared, submitted to the EcAp Coordination Group for its approval before submission to the Contracting Parties meeting in 2013 (Jointly with the Consultant on Hydrology and with the support of UNEP MAP Coordinating Unit and PAP RAC).
1.4 Ultimate result of services
The consultant’s support will facilitate the process towards an agreement on definition of related GES and targets through consultations, and, contribute to the preparation of relevant documents and reports to UNEP/MAP bodies.
1.5 Legislative authority reference
• UNEP/MAP Programme of work 2012-2013
• Decision IG.20/4 “Implementing MAP ecosystem approach roadmap”
• The activities detailed in the project document of the “EcAp MED - Implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (EA) in the Mediterranean by the Contracting parties in the context of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal region of the Mediterranean and its Protocols”, approved by EU in April 2012. (The implementation of the programme of work on the Ecosystem Approach has been supported by EU through DG Environment, which falls under the Project of the ENRTP Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) between UNEP and EU.)
1.6 Title and identification number of programme / project
“EcAp MED - Implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (EA) in the Mediterranean by the Contracting parties in the context of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal region of the Mediterranean and its Protocols”, ECL-2322-2G70-2664-1210
1.7 Duration
The consultancy services will be provided in part-time basis. Total duration of the consultancy is 20 man/day over a period of 12 months of Correspondence Group work, starting upon signature of the Contract.
2. Funding
ECL-2322-2G70-2664-1210
Indicative level of remuneration
The consultancy services will be at P3 level. Total duration of the consultancy is 20 man/day over a period of 12 months of Correspondence Group work, starting upon signature of the Contract.
3. Travel involved
Travel will be undertaken in accordance with the needs identified in the course of project implementation in line with the work plan and upon written approval (authorization). The consultant will follow the UNEP travel guidelines for travel arrangements (where the cheapest economy class and most direct routes should be adopted). The Official duty station will be considered as Consultant’s town of residence. Itineraries will be determined from the consultant’s town of residence to the identified meeting venue. The travels will be subject to adjustment upon the clarification of the town of residence of the selected consultant, the mission to countries and approval of UNEP/MAP administration. Travel is covered separately.
Travel will be organized by Substantive Office
4. Workplan
Outputs
1 The Information Document prepared on existing targets regarding coastal ecosystems and landscapes (4 days)
2 The Working Document prepared on approaches for definition of GES and setting targets (4 days)
3 The Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group meeting successfully facilitated (3 days)
4 The Draft Meeting Report of Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group prepared (2 days)
5 The email discussions that might be needed as a follow-up successfully facilitated (2 days)
6 The Final Meeting Report of Coastal and Hydrological Conditions Cluster of Correspondence Group prepared (2 days)
7 A proposal on GES and targets prepared, to be submitted to the EcAp Coordination Group (3 days)
Installments
• Upon completion of # 1 and 2 of workplan – 25%
• Upon completion of # 3, 4, 5 and 6 of workplan – 50%
• Upon completion of # 7 of workplan – 25%
Reporting lines
The contractor will report to EcAp-MED Project Manager and UNEP/MAP Programme Officer, under the general guidance of the Executive Secretary.
To Apply:
To apply, please submit the following documents on or before 23 November 2012, by email to sylvie.fortin@unepmap.gr with cc to natalie@unepmap.gr:
1. CV in the United Nations standard form – Personal History Form - P11 (and Employment Record Supplementary sheet, if needed),
2. academic certificates,
3. the completed "Fields of Expertise" form,
4. any other document which is relevant
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
