Consultant for Assessment of Forest Pests, Diseases and Invasive Plants

Vacancy number: FVAC18.009

Terms of Reference for Consultant Category A

Name:

Consultancy for Assessment of Forest Pests, Diseases and Invasive Plants

Job Title: Consultant in Forest Insects, Pests and Diseases

Division/Department:

Smart Adaptation of Forest Landscapes in Mountain Areas

Programme/Project Number:

GCP /LEB/027/SCF

Duty Station:

Beirut, Lebanon

Expected Start Date of Assignment:

ASAP

Duration:

180 working days (Spread over 24 months)

Reports to:

Name:

Fady Asmar

Title:

Project Manager

* Please note: If this TOR is for Consultant / PSA.SBS contract, the minimum relevant experience required for the assignment is as follows:

1 year for a category C

5 years for a category B

12 years for a category A

General Description of task(s) and objectives to be achieved

The principal objectives of the proposed terms of reference are to: identify the potential insect pests, diseases and invasive plant species; through a survey identify current status of insect pests and invasive plants in the Lebanese forests; assess the potential risk (likelihood of entry spread and establishment and impact) in Lebanese forests of insects pests, diseases and invasive plants; and propose pest risk management options for their management including biological control methods.

Forests in Lebanon are mainly divided into two types of forests: the conifer forests and the broadleaves (mainly oaks) forests. Recently, outbreaks of many forest insect pests were recorded, some of them having caused important economical, ecological, social and cultural losses. The lack of personnel and experts and the limited capacities at the national level on the management of such pests are contributing to the epidemies currently witnessed.

On another level, climate change is a key factor contributing to the appearance, outbreak and dissemination of new pests and pathogens. 

The outbreak of Cephalcia tannourinensis in Lebanon is linked to climate change, in addition to changes in land-use and sylvicultural practices.

The outbreak of Thaumetopea species during some years is also directly linked to climate change

The recent discovery of an alien invasive species Leptoglossus occidentalis causing serious damage on several species and mainly on Pinus pinea stands, is a clear demonstration of the globalization problem combined to the lack of efficient quarantine and management measures.

Other problems and insect outbreaks are also witnessed such as the wood and bark beetles which are causing the death of hundreds of trees in Lebanon. Such outbreaks could also be directly linked to and exacerbated by drought conditions and climate change. There are many invasive species which could enter and establish in Lebanon through international trade and movement of people. The study will identify the potential pest risk for major forest trees and management options for existing pests

The status of invasive plants (including parasitic plants) is not studied yet

In light of the above, an expert (or a team of experts) is required to undertake the following:

 A. Conduct a literature review to identify the major forest invasive species which could enter and establish and damage different forest types in Lebanon  

 1. Prepare a list of major pests which are likely to enter and establish in Lebanese forests

2. Conduct a pest risk assessment for each major pest – (Likelihood of entry establishment and their impact)

3.  Suggest pest management options for each pest including invasive plants

4. Develop a final report with pest risk assessment and management options should be included for all potential forest invasive species

IPPC pest risk assessment methodology (or EPPO assessment methodology) to be used

B. Conduct a literature review of existing and ongoing studies on insects, pests, disease and invasive plants

C. Conduct a survey to determine the current status of forest insect pests, diseases and invasive plants in Lebanon forests

The activity will be covering selected sites in the North, South, Mount Lebanon and Bekaa. The total number of sites is 30 including some of the protected areas, nature reserves and Beirut Pine Forest (Table A).

Table A. Selected sites:

Region

Sites

Beirut

Beirut Pine Forest

North

Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve (Conifers and broadleaves)

Tannourine Nature Reserve (Cedars)

Qammouaa- Karm Chbat nature reserve (Conifers)

Becharry cedars (Cedars)

Kfifane (Pines and Oaks)

Ehden (Cupressus)

Wady Qannoubin (Mixed)

Mount Lebanon

Arsoun (Pines)

Broumana / Beit Meri (Pines)

Ain Saade (Pines)

Chnaniir Nature Reserve (Broadleaves)

Bentael Nature Reserve (Broadleaves and pines)

Shouf Cedar Forest (Cedars mainly)

Jabal Moussa Biosphere (Broadleaves and pines)

Chahtoul (Broadleaves)

Bnabil (Pines)

Bekfaya (Pines)

South

Bkassin (Pines)

Machmoucheh (Pines)

Quaytouli (Pines)

Wady el Houjair Nature Reserve (if possible)

+ 2 sites to be determined

Bekaa

Ammiq (Mixed)

Deir el Ahmar (Yammouneh) (Mixed)

Saghbine (Mixed)

Anjar (Mixed)

Kfar Zabad (Mixed)

+1 site to be determined

  The survey will specifically determine the spread of the following insect pests:

• Leptoglossus occidentalis (pine, cedar, juniper and other coniferous forests)
• Tomicus sp. and other bark beetles (conifer and broadleaves forests)
• Cephalcia tannourinensis (cedar forests)
• Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni (pine forests)
• Lymantria dispar (broadleaves forests)

The survey will also include the identification of natural enemies of insect pests

Invasive plants, diseases and other pests will also be covered by the study

 Survey Methodology Different techniques should be used for this task:

1. One Malaise trap in each of the selected sites (30)
2. Other traps if necessary (mainly for fungus and other parasites)
3. Pheromone traps when the pheromones are available for the insect pest
4. Direct scouting visits

The final report should include:

A survey report of identified insects, pests, diseases and invasive species

An assessment of likelihood of spread and establishment of existing pests and their impact and pest management options 

Pest risk Management Options 

Based on the data collected and the identification of insect pests and other diseases, appropriate management guidelines should be developed taking into consideration the site.

All past and proposed sylvicultural practices should be analyzed and integrated in a proper management plan for the site including monitoring, preventive and curative management tactics.

Deliverables:

1. A list and a description of potential insect pests and diseases and other invasive species in the major Lebanese forest ecosystem types
2. A compilation of pest risk assessments for all major pests, potential and existing 
3. A guideline on sustainable forest management practices aiming at reducing the vulnerability of the forests and the stands to pests and diseases. This also includes management options of invasive insect pest species and parasitic plant species
4. A forest health strategy, including a practical approach to the prevention, spread and management of potential and existing pests and diseases.
5. A holistic monitoring methodology for the forest insect pests and diseases, in the country.
6. A training material including identification keys for the main insect pests including invasive species to be used by forest guards, engineers and local communities in the field.
7. A map showing current and past insect pests outbreaks. This map will include the potential spreading risk of the pests to the heathy stands.
8. A training workshop for concerned stakeholders on monitoring and control of insect pests, invasive and parasitic plants in the Lebanese forests.

Duration:

This study is expected to be delivered 14 months following the signature of the contract. Ideally the study should cover two consecutive years and the final report is delivered after 26 months.

Implementation Plan and time frame:

Activities

Month 1-Month 6

Month 7- Month 24

Activity 1

Conduct a literature survey on  potential pests which could enter and establish in  different forest type sin Lebanon  and conduct pest risk assessment for each potential pest

A compiled pest risk assessment and management options for potential forest pests of key forest trees in Lebanon

Activity 2

Sites selection

Mapping current forest insect pest, pathogens and invasive plants status

Activity 3

Traps are purchased and installed; and data is collected on a regular basis to be used in the action plan

Activity 4

A description of insect pests and diseases found in 30 selected sites representing the major Lebanese forests including their distribution

Activity 5

A guideline on sustainable forest health management practices aiming at reducing the vulnerability of the forests and the stands for pests and diseases

Activity 6

A forest health strategy and management guidelines for invasive insect pest species and parasitic plant species, including a practical approach to the prevention, spread and management of these pests and diseases.

Activity 7

A holistic monitoring methodology for the forest insect pests and diseases, in the country.

Activity 8

A training material including identification keys for the main insect pests including invasive species to be used by forest guards, engineers and local communities in the field.

Activity 9

A map showing current and past insect pests outbreaks. This map will include the potential spreading risk of the pests to the heathy stands.

Activity 10

A training workshop for concerned stakeholders on monitoring and control of insect pests, invasive and parasitic plants in the Lebanese forests.

Minimum Qualifications and experience of Consultants

The successful Consultant/firm will have the following minimum requirements:

1. Education: PhD in Forest Entomology, phyto-pathology or any related field with proven experience in research and in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
2. Experience in conducting entomology and phytopathology surveys.
3. Good understanding of livelihoods and conservation of natural resources.
4. Fluency in English.
5. Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
6. Proactive and able to work with minimal supervision and high degree of initiative, reliability, flexibility, and self-motivation.

Professionalism: flexibility to make ad-hoc changes as and when the need arises; ability to perform under stress; willingness to keep flexible working hours.

key performance indicators

Expected Outputs:

Required Completion Date:

1. A list and description of potential insect pests and diseases and other invasive species in the major Lebanese forest ecosystem types including their current and potential distribution
2. A compiled pest risk assessment for all major pests, including present and potential pests, pathogens and invasive plants   
3. Contribution to the Forest, Tree and Range Resources Assessment
4. A guideline on sustainable forest management practices aiming at reducing the vulnerability of the forests and the stands for pests and diseases, including options for management of invasive insect pest species and invasive plant species
5. A forest health strategy, including a practical approach to the prevention, spread and management of these pests and diseases.
6. A holistic monitoring methodology for the forest insect pests and diseases, in the country.
7. A training material including identification keys for the main insect pests including invasive species to be used by forest guards, engineers and local communities in the field.
8. A map showing current and past insect pests outbreaks. This map will include the potential spreading risk of the pests to the heathy stands.
9. A training workshop for concerned stakeholders on monitoring and control of insect pests, invasive and parasitic plants in the Lebanese forests.

24 Months as of start date.