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Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS) Programme Component 2: Management of Coastal Resources and Conservation of Marine Biodiversity

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Technical Support to the Development of a Management Plan for the Proposed South Coast Marine Park (SCMP), St. Vincent and the Grenadines

1. Background

1.1. The Programme

This Consultancy is part of a regional programme between Germany and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), titled Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS), and specifically its Programme Component 2 ‘Management of Coastal Resources and Conservation of Marine Biodiversity’. CATS Component 2 focuses on improving the sustainable management of five marine protected areas (MPA) in the five CARICOM countries of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

CATS as a whole is addressing the increasing vulnerability of Caribbean SIDS and Low-lying Coastal States to climate change and the attendant negative impacts on coastal communities and economies, ecosystems (terrestrial and coastal/marine), and coastal natural resources management. In CATS Component 2, GOPA is an implementation partner of the GIZ, and is responsible for the provision of technical assistance.

CATS is being implemented jointly between the Environmental Health and Management Unit (formerly CEHI) of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). The Programme is being implemented from January 2012 until December 2015.

Despite significant efforts at establishing both marine and terrestrial protected areas in CARICOM Member States, there remain significant impediments to the full realization of a framework for managing protected areas that can protect the region's biodiversity from further degradation. Drawing from the priorities identified at the planning stage by participating Member States, the CATS Component's objective is to promote biodiversity management and conservation through the strengthening of the management of existing protected areas, in particular sustainable financial management through support in the following areas among others:

(i) Strengthening of legal and organisational frameworks relevant to biodiversity conservation and MPA management in all countries;

(ii) Identification and support to the development of sustainable financing mechanisms including enhanced revenue generation from MPAs;

(iii) Sustainable management of MPAs under agreed management plans integrating among others, Climate Change and gender aspects;

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(iv) Increasing institutional capacity in the region to manage biodiversity management areas in general and MPAs in particular;

(v) Technical, administrative and managerial capacity building in areas identified through needs assessments;

(vi) Development of CARICOM MPA Management Guidelines (up-scaling). (vii) Capacity building in integrating aspects of land based sources of pollution into

marine protected area (MPA) management; (viii) Procurement of necessary equipment and/ or infrastructure; (ix) Updating of existing or preparation of new MPA management plans; (x) Increased operational efficiency in MPA management; and (xi) Development of communication and engagement strategies.

1.3. Background and History of the Proposed South Coast Marine Park (SCMP)

In 1987, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (GoSVG) established ten (10) Marine Conservation Areas (MCAs) under the Fisheries Act No.8 of 1986 and the Fisheries Regulations (SRO No.1 of 1987). The MCAs were designated to protect critical near-shore habitats, preserve and enhance the beauty of these areas, and promote scientific study and research. Nine (9) of the legally declared MCAs are located throughout the Grenadine Islands, while one, the South Coast Marine Conservation Area (SCMCA) is sited on mainland St. Vincent.

The SCMCA encompasses the communities of Canash/Blue Lagoon, Villa, Indian Bay, Calliaqua and Ratho Mill. South Coast as the area is known locally lies within one of the largest constituencies in SVG. It is the main tourist hub on the mainland, and is home to one of the most productive fisheries landing facilities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The area’s natural resources and ecosystems include three (3) bays; coral reefs, sea-grass beds and mangroves; historical and cultural sites and popular recreational beaches.

With the multiplicity of uses and users have come a plethora of challenges, conflicts and threats to the marine and coastal ecosystems. These include Land-based and other sources of pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and ad hoc infrastructure development among others.

Given the importance of the SCMCA to tourism, recreation and fisheries; and the critical need to balance the protection and conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity with socio-economic livelihood activities, there is in train, plans to upgrade the conservation area to full Marine Park status by the end of 2015. This process and other associated processes are technically and financially supported by CATS Programme Component 2.

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2.0. Environmental and Management Issues

2.1. Environmental Issues

2.1.1. Pollution

Pollution, especially Land-based sources of pollution (LBS) is the single most significant threat to the environment generally and to the coastal and marine ecosystems of the Proposed SCMP in particular. Pollution within the Proposed Park can be viewed from the perspectives as follows:

- SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: Notwithstanding a reliable weekly garbage collection and disposal service by the Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU), improper garbage and solid waste disposal continue to plague the communities and coastal waters within the Proposed SCMP.

- LIQUID WASTE: Untreated waste (grey) water from hotels, restaurants, bars, auto-mechanic and body-repair shops, mariners, ship yards, mini-marts, other commercial and industrial entities, and from households continue to impact negatively on the environment and ecosystems within the Proposed Park.

- SEDIMENTATION: Land clearing for agriculture and housing up-slope coupled with torrential rains and run-off have resulted in sedimentation of the Calliaqua River and Bay, and the Canash/Blue Lagoon Bay. Thus the ecosystem health, the touristic and recreational appeal and the quality of the visitor experience in the area is drastically compromised.

- MARINE POLLUTION: Most yachts and other vessels that ply the waters of the SCMCA do not have holding tanks. Thus, sewerage is emptied into the bays. This situation is compounded by the discharge of waste water both from land and by ocean-going vessels into the marine environment. Both sources continue to contribute to profuse algal growth on the coral reefs and damage to the health of corals and sea grass beds in this prized touristic area.

2.1.2. Invasive Species Management

At least one floral and one faunal invasive species each has been recorded within the proposed Park. These include the Sea grass Halufilia sp. and the Red Lion Fish Pterios volitans. The Red Lion fish is of particular concern given its known negative impact on reef ecosystem. Lion Fish derby which involves capture and food preparation is a growing tourist and recreational pursuit with multiple ecological and socio-economic benefits. It is important that research, assessment and monitoring be conducted on the possible effects of these invasive species on the marine environment.

2.1.3. Infrastructural Development

Both existing and planned infrastructure including tourism-related development (e.g. mariners, jetties, coastal defence, buildings, moorings and other structures) are of concern as regards their likely impacts on the coastal and marine resources, livelihoods and resultant user conflict in the area. Other attendant issues include pollution abatement and

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management, congestion, carrying capacity, quality of the visitor experience, safety and security of divers, snorkelers and swimmers, watercraft and other property, and navigation and transport. In many instances, structures are erected in the coastal and marine space without authorization by the State agencies (e.g. the Fisheries Division, Physical Planning Department, SVG Maritime Administration, and the SVG Port Authority and others) that have jurisdiction over such spaces.

2.2. Management Issues

2.2.1. Absence of on-site management While the area was declared a marine conservation area (MCA) under the ambit of the Fisheries Division, currently, there is no established structure in place for the operation and management of the Proposed Park. The National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) is the lone State agency that maintains a presence in the Proposed SCMP; this in the form of four (4) beach attendants and a park ranger who supervises the attendants. 2.2.2. Surveillance and Enforcement In the absence of any formal management structure in the Proposed SCMP, the NPRBA personnel referred to above also have limited capacity to conduct regular, effective and efficient surveillance and enforcement within the Proposed Park. Consequently, there is a relatively high degree of incompatible and unsustainable use of the coastal and marine resources of, and conflict among different user groups in the area. For instance, spear-fishing and picnic fires are common within the area. 2.2.3. User Conflict Several areas of conflict exist among the various users of the coastal and marines resources of the Proposed SCMP. These include unauthorized installation and operation of moorings, yachts anchorage too close to shore and unregulated vending and conflict between hotels and night clubs, among others. 2.2.4. Assessment and Monitoring

Ecological and socio-economic assessment and monitoring in the Proposed Park have been infrequent and sporadic and driven primarily by academic projects. The National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) recently launched a water quality monitoring initiative to provide information to guide management planning in the Proposed SCMP. However, there is an urgent need for the establishment of a formal regime or protocol to govern the conduct of regular assessment and monitoring in the Proposed SCMP.

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2.2.5. Legal and Institutional Framework

Collectively, while the Fisheries Act No.8 of 1986, the Fisheries Regulations (SRO No.1 of 1987), the Marine Parks Act No.9 of 1997, the National Parks Act No.33 of 2002 and the National Parks (amendment) Act No. 13 of 2010 address various aspects of marine resource protection, conservation and management, none of them specifically provides for a co-management approach or framework for the Proposed SCMP. Co-management is viewed as one possible strategy to foster a sense of ownership, buy-in and support for the local leg of the CATS Project and ensure compliance and stewardship for the sustainable use and management of the Proposed Park. Further, several State agencies have overlapping jurisdiction over the Proposed SCMP. This overlap poses several challenges to the effective and efficient management of the area.

2.3. Current State of Affairs in the SCMCA

The coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves within the Proposed SCMP continue to provide essential ecosystem goods and services supporting a wide array of socio-economic livelihood to communities and businesses within the area. A large number of private-sector businesses are located adjacent to the Proposed Park. Among them are hotels, bars and restaurants, dive shops, a fisheries centre, mini-marts, mariners, auto-mechanic and body-repair shops and beach vending. The area is also the main recreation hub not only for local communities, but also for a significant portion of the urban and sub-urban areas of mainland St. Vincent.

Indeed, the quality of the experience in fishing, swimming and bathing, diving and snorkelling is dependent upon the ecological intactness and health of the coral reefs in particular and the greater marine environment in general. However, a virtual absence of on-site management, surveillance, enforcement, and monitoring, limited public education and outreach, and non-compliance to the rules and regulations governing the use of the proposed Park have all been linked to environmental degradation of the site as a result of improper solid and liquid waste disposal, sedimentation and other forms of pollution. Unauthorized mooring, unregulated vending and incompatible use of the marine and coastal space continue to result in user conflict and a compromised environmental quality and integrity of the Proposed Park.

2.3.1. On-going CEPA Programmes

Efforts at Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) in the Proposed SCMP have been spearheaded primarily by the Fisheries Division and the SVG Coast Guard and to a lesser extent by the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) and the Forestry Department. These are usually in the form of leaflets, flyers, posters, brochures, newspaper articles, videos, radio and television jingles and announcements, exhibitions, annual summer programmes, the annual Fisherman’s Day Celebrations and the NPRBA’s website. Such efforts have been national in scope and focused mostly on fisheries management with little or no direct emphasis on marine conservation areas, marine reserves, marine managed areas or marine protected areas.

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Clearly, there is need for a management and operational regime in the Proposed SCMP. Such a regime should be based on general principles of MPA planning and management including but not limited to the following: good governance; surveillance and enforcement; compliance and stewardship; communication, education, public awareness and outreach; research, assessment and monitoring; and sustainable financing; all to be designed, planned, implemented, and developed within an adaptive management framework.

2.4. Assistance to Develop an Implementable Management Plan for the Proposed South Coast Marine Park, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The CATS C2 supports inter alia, the design and development of a new and implementable management plan for the Proposed South Coast Marine Park (SCMP). This management plan is a key instrument for the effective and efficient operationalization and management of the Proposed Park.

This Consultancy will contribute to Objectives 1 and 2 of CATS Programme Component 2 (see below). Its Overall Objective is the provision of Technical Assistance for the Design and Development an Implementable Management Plan for the Proposed South Coast Marine Park (SCMP), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). The Consultant will be closely cooperating with, and will be integrated into a respective Working Group under the CATS National Project Implementation Team (PIT) in SVG.

2.4.1. Scope of Work

In keeping with the goals and objectives of the SVG National Parks and Protected Areas System Plan 2010-2014, and supported by the CATS Project, the SCMCA is proposed to be upgraded to a Marine Park. Accordingly, the Consultant will be tasked to develop an implementable Management Plan for the Proposed Park. This Plan will detail the effective and efficient management approaches and methods of the Proposed SCMP. It will set the management objectives, policies, and strategies to achieve the stated goal. The Plan will also address the Proposed Park’s administrative and managerial structures, resource use zoning and management, boundaries, sustainable financial management of the MP, staff needs, and monitoring plans. Elements of the Plan may include the following:

1. Legal and Institutional Framework

2. Operational Structure, Responsibilities and Tasks

3. Governance

4. Sustainable Financing

5. Pollution Abatement, Control and Management

6. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

7. Disaster and Emergency Management and Planning

8. Tourism and Visitor Management

9. Sustainable Fisheries

10. Sustainable Livelihoods

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11. Zoning, Boundaries and Navigational Routes

12. Moorings

13. Integrated Coastal Zone Management

14. Development within the Coastal Zone

15. Integrated Watershed Management

16. Research, Assessment and Monitoring

17. Invasive Species Management

18. Surveillance and Enforcement

19. Communication, Education, Public Awareness

20. Compliance and Stewardship

21. Adaptive Management

22. Marketing and Promotion

2.4.2. Overall Objectives: 1. To provide an adaptive management framework to conserve and protect critical coastal

and marine habitats and other resources within the Proposed SCMP in particular and throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines in general.

2. To support the creation of opportunities for stakeholders to invest in, and gain revenues from the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources while minimizing user conflict within the Proposed SCMP.

3. To foster the link between protection and conservation of coastal and marine resources

and the sustainable development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

2.4.3. Outputs and Deliverables

The following will be delivered to PIT and in copy to CATS PTA:

1. Submission of Draft Inception Report and Work Plan in keeping with the itemized list (1) to (22) in Section 2.4.1.

2. Production of successive and progressive draft versions of the SCMP Management Plan over agreed times.

3. A Final Report to CATS GOPA Team highlighting the nature of the work undertaken, noting the level of success and constraints in terms of the methodologies used, the nature and quality of stakeholder participation, limitations of the Management Plan in terms of its present scope, any potential constraints which are anticipated in its effective application and any other lessons learnt.

The reporting language for this consultancy is English. All outputs, contributions, documents, literature and data sources are to be submitted preferably in electronic format. Printed copies should be produced only if unavoidable.

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2.4.3.1. Key Tasks and Activities

The specific tasks to be undertaken by the consultant include:

Task 1: Inception Meeting and Preparation of a Detailed Work Plan

A briefing and inception meeting will be held, and respective communication and correspondence established between the Consultant, the National Project Implementation Team (PIT) and CATS C2 to

i. Review research approaches, methodologies and data and information sources; ii. Determine roles and responsibilities, in particular between the Consultant and

the PIT; iii. Identify the initial base structure and content requirements of the SCMP

Management Plan (document structure). (See Section 1.4 above). iv. Identify, collate and access all available information, studies, assessments,

evaluations (CATS and other) to be considered for, and integrated into the SCMP Management Plan, and

v. Finalize a) the Consultant’s work plan and b) the drafting-process timetable

Task 2: Information Review and Analyses of Contributing Studies, Assessments and Evaluations

Integrate relevant findings and recommendations from, among others

1. Environmental, Natural Resources and Socioeconomic Assessments and Specific Recommendations for SVG (a.o. CATS, 2014);

2. SCMP Organisational and Operational Assessments and Recommendations (a.o. CATS, 2013);

3. Assessments and Recommendations pertaining to National Organisational and Legislative Frameworks for MPA Management in SVG (a.o. CATS, 2014);

4. Livelihoods Options Assessments and Specific Recommendations for SVG (a.o. CATS, 2014);

5. International best practices in management planning for protected areas and any other relevant information regarding protected areas in SIDS;

6. Past MPA Management Plans and Strategies for the area, components of the area or for specific uses within the area.

7. Information networking with consultants currently undertaking similar work in the four other CATS C2 Programme Countries.

Task 3: Field Assessments and Consultation with Stakeholders

Whenever necessary, given the information and recommendations recently obtained (see Task 2), the Consultant is required to conduct field assessments and consult with relevant stakeholders (government and non-government, CBOs, resources and environmental services users) to verify and/ or augment existing information and in particular, recommendations stemming from above mentioned studies and assessments.

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Task 4: Drafting of the Management Plan

While accomplishing Tasks 2 and 3, the Consultant is required to successively and progressively drive forward the drafting of SCMP Management Plan at a frequency and along a timeline agreed with the PIT under Task 1. Drafting itself will be a co-production between the consultant (responsibly) and the PIT or a special PIT Working Group. The work in progress could also be stored as such in an accessible document workspace.

The Management Plan must have the structure and content form specified under Task 1. Among other aspects, it must clearly identify the full range of resources required for its implementation and operationalization (Re: Sustainable Financing, Operational Management, Revenue Generation etc.). The Plan is to be practical and time-bound with a built-in mechanism for review and update within a three-five year period. It shall however have a phased approach to implementation.

The Plan shall be drafted in a way that clearly identifies any operational component that requires special attention and/ or development (e.g. data and/or management capacity is lacking) and suggest necessary resources and action required to implement these components. Thus, over the timeframe of the CATS Project and beyond, the SCMP Management Plan is to be considered a Development Guideline.

Task 5: Finalising and Endorsement of Management Plan

In keeping with the deadline (Task 1) set by PIT, and to allow for timely endorsement of the final draft document to GoSVG, the Consultant is expected to present the final draft SCMP Management Plan to the PIT. Endorsement of the Plan by all stakeholders and by GoSVG will be undertaken by the PIT with technical support of the Consultant.

Task 6: Draft and Final Reports to CATS C2

One week before the Contract ends, the Consultant shall submit a Draft Final Report to CATS C2 PTA and the PIT and await comments.

At the end of the Contract, the Consultant shall submit the Final Report to the CATS C2 PTA and the PIT.

The Consultant’s Report (50 pages max.) is to include the level of success and constraints, the nature and quality of stakeholder participation, list of participants, a brief assessment of the limitations of the Management Plan, recommendation for its implementation, constraints anticipated in its effective implementation and lessons learnt.

2.5. Risks and Assumptions

2.5.1. Risks

Mindful of the overall objective of creating the political and socio-economic basis for the success of the MPA and the time allocated to this STE Consultancy, the stated objectives may not be achieved in totality.

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2.5.2. Assumptions

This STE Consultancy has the full support of the Fisheries Division and the NPRBA. Moreover, the participatory approach used at the commencement of the CATS project will continue throughout the drafting phase of the Management Plan. It is further assumed that all counterpart institutions will take all necessary measures to ensure the fulfilment of obligations agreed to for the effective implementation of this Project.

2.6. Indicative Activity Schedule and Allotment of Working Days

A. Indicative number of working days by Task (maximum no. of working days per calendar month is 22)

Task Indicative task Working days

1 Inception Meetings and Preparation of a Detailed Work Plan 5

2 Information, Review and Analyses of Contributing Studies, Assessments and Evaluations

22

3 Field Assessments and Consultation with Stakeholders; Information Level-off Meeting with PIT and Key-Stakeholders

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4 Drafting of Management Plan 22

5 Finalising and Endorsement of Management Plan 22

6 Draft and Final Report to CATS C2 5

Total 88

88 Working days would require a minimum contract period of 6 months. The suggested contract period however is 9 months.

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B. Indicative Activity Schedule (to be detailed and specified during inception Task 1)

An indicative schedule of 88 WD of activities distributed over 9 months of the Consultant ‘Support to the Development of a Management Plan

for the proposed South Coast Marine Park (SCMP), St. Vincent and the Grenadines, SVG’; WD – working days

Task Weeks (27 = 6 Months) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

1 Inception Meetings and Preparation of a Detailed Work Plan (5 WD)

X X

2 Information, Review and Analyses of Contributing Studies, Assessments and Evaluations (22 WD)

X X X X X X

3 Field Assessments and Consultation with Stakeholders (14 WD)

X X X

4 Drafting of Management Plan (22 WD)

X X X X X X X

5 Finalising and Endorsement of Management Plan (22 WD)

X X X X X X X X

6 Draft and Final Report to CATS C2 (5 WD) PTA and PIT

X

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2.7. Required Consultant Profile and Qualifications

A university degree or advanced professional working experience related to coastal and marine resources management (e.g. fisheries, marine biology, coastal tourism, coastal rural development, coastal economics, etc.)

5 years of experience in Protected Areas Management – Operations, design and evaluation

5 years of working experience in coastal, marine or ICZM projects

Residency and working experience in St. Vincent and the Grenadines would be a clear advantage

Working experience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Working experience in the Caribbean Region

Ability to work and interact with a wide range of national and local Coastal and Marine Resource Users/ Management Entities and MPA Stakeholders

Ability to work largely independently along set instructions (briefings) and specified time schedules towards expected outputs

Ability to work, and coordinate work efficiently within a team of experts and stakeholders with partially overlapping areas and to contribute to joint outputs

Ability to produce clear and concise reports and documentation

Ability to make use of IT and reporting software to locate, compile and analyse literature related to the expected outputs

Working-level fluency in English