Background | |
The Eastern African Coastal Forests (Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique) have been recognized as a distinct Global Hotspot for the Conservation of Biodiversity on account of high levels of both endemism (plants and several animal taxes) and species richness, both within and between the many constituent small forest patches. This fragmentation into many (>100) distinctive (in terms of substrate, moisture and so diversity) patches, averaging <500 ha compounds the conservation challenge for this region. The lack of timber, distance from tourism routes, and limited water catchment function, prevents the use of most existing PES mechanisms (although carbon via REDD does offer some opportunity). Forest patches support soil development and hence there is conversion pressure to cultivate forest soils instead of the sandy low clay and low fertility soils elsewhere in the coastal area. Government and WWF in the region have prioritized the Coastal Forest Eco-Region, developed an approved Conservation Strategy at national levels, and created a functional Coastal Forest Task Force to oversee the Strategy. GEF supports this Conservation Strategy in Kenya (PIMS) and has funded the development of this FSP, covering both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar (note they have totally different forest institutions with separate and different legal frameworks). Coastal closed forest patches are surrounded by a matrix of different woodland, wooded grassland and cultivation areas. Woodlands (eastern dry miombo / coastal savanna) have valuable timber trees which led to massive external logging pressure earlier this decade. This problem led to strengthening forest management, and especially local community involvement through Participatory Forest Management (PFM). Woodlands offer connectivity and buffer zone functions within forest landscapes. Historically Coastal Forests with little or no timber or water values have been low priority for government investment, and reserve management, which was transferred to district mandates in the 1970’s is grossly underfunded and understaffed. Despite the large number of reserves, several large forest patches with important biodiversity values remain unprotected. This project works with Government, largely through the forest sector, WWF and other NGOs; to strengthen overall conservation and management of the Coastal Forests of Tanzania, focusing on both Zanzibar and three priority landscapes in south-eastern Tanzania. The project is designed to run for four years through National Execution Modalities, with government sub-contracting WWF to undertake some specific functions. The project will increase the extent of Protected Areas, upgrade key areas to higher status and seek innovative funding mechanisms for the Hot-Spot. Carbon offers some opportunity for such funding | |
Duties and Responsibilities | |
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Competencies | |
Functional Competencies for the National consultant:
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Required Skills and Experience | |
Education:
Language:
How to submit proposals:
Proposals should be submitted to the following e-mail address not later than 15 April 2014. icprocurement.tz@undp.org:
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CONSULTANT - EXTENDING THE COASTAL FOREST PROTECTED AREA SUBSYSTEM IN TANZANIA
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