Biodiversity Expert for Comparative Analysis and Management Planning of Key Biodiversity Features (KBFs) in Hima Sites

TOR – Biodiversity Expert for Comparative Analysis and Management Planning of Key Biodiversity Features (KBFs) in Hima Sites: Assessing Trends, Advising on Management Plans, Enhancing Landscape Connectivity, and Abating Threats

Project Background

The number of and area covered by protected areas (PAs) in the country is way below international standards, currently at 2.18%^[1] from the 17% target for terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems by 2020^[2]. Moreover, some existing PAs cannot ensure effective biodiversity conservation due to insufficient resources for management and enforcement, and inadequate engagement of local populations. The current economic crisis is also having serious impacts on biodiversity. The scarcity of State’s human and financial resources are undermining PA management, so that basic managerial activities have to be undertaken by NGOs and local stakeholder themselves such as in Himas. In addition to little protection coverage and insufficient management, pressures to insufficiently protected and undermanaged biodiversity are escalating. Widespread economic needs are pushing plenty of Lebanese people to make a living, and even survive, out of exploiting the country’s natural resources such as berries, mushrooms or fuelwood, cultivating new areas which worsens land clearing, soil erosion and water use, and increasing wildlife fishing and hunting. As a result, the status of Lebanese biodiversity is deteriorating, with serious consequences for species, ecosystems and humans²⁰. Biodiversity conservation is especially challenging in Southern Lebanon, given its critical geo-strategic importance between Israel and Syria, its demographic diversity, and its sensitive socioeconomic context. Thus, conservation efforts are particularly needed in this region.

The proposed Action seeks to address this challenging situation to the greatest possible extent, in line with the Call’s objectives and priorities. Actually, the Action’s Overall objectives align fully with the overall aim of Lot 1: “To protect biodiversity and ecosystems through enhancing the management and governance of sites of ecological importance and encouraging the creation of Protected Areas (Local)”. Thus, the two Overall objectives of the proposed Action are:

1) Enhancing the management and governance of sites of ecological importance in southern Lebanon; and 2) Creation of new Protected Areas and OECMs^[3] for broader landscape conservation in southern Lebanon.

The Action’s Specific objectives develop the overall Lot 1’s objectives in a comprehensive and coherent manner in 10 protected areas (PAs) or Sites of Ecological Importance in Southern Lebanon^[4] while addressing the major objective of Lot 1: “Tackling the root causes of threats to diversity and forest ecosystems in regions classified as natural sites of national interest”. Four Specific objectives linked to the Overall objective 1 are proposed: 1.1) Design and implement rigorous, regular and consistent monitoring and evaluation schemes for key biodiversity (endangered species/ecosystems) and pressures; 1.2) Ensure effective, equitable site management, including appropriate management plans/guidelines for the sites; 1.3) Abate the main pressures on key biodiversity; and 1.4) Enhance sites' regulation enforcement. Three Specific objectives linked to the Overall objective 2 are proposed: 2.1) Identify and assess suitable new PAs or OECMs; 2.2) Ensure sound management plans/guidelines for the new sites; and 2.3) Improve landscape connectivity among existing and new PAs/OECMs.

The project will address 7 Himas in specific; namely: Hammana, Ras Al matn, Kherbet Anafar, Ain Zebdeh, Qoleileh, Mansouri, and Ebel es-Saqi. The project builds on scientific assessments in order to develop management plans and address relevant conservation action; in collaboration with local community. Thus, the need for scientific biodiversity assessments including mammals & Herpetofauna species. Further, we need to assess the impact of conservation efforts of the project; thus the need for biodiversity assessment at end of the project.

1. Tasks to be performed by the Consultant/Contractor:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review (if needed) on the mammals and aquatic species of the four regions: Hammana/Ras el Maten; Kherbet Qanafar/Ain Zebde; Qleileh/Mansouri; and Ebl El Saqi, with a focus on the identified KBFs and any related features.
• Prepare habitat mapping, including habitat types and extent, using Google Earth and available information to identify potential habitat types and aid in planning field surveys for mammals and aquatic species.
• Collect information on local knowledge of biodiversity through focal group discussions and individual interviews with community members in the four regions.
• Conduct general surveys and map habitat types for mammals, dividing each region into different zones based on habitat types and potential mammal species, while prioritizing KBFs.
• Perform direct inspections of various habitats within the area, recording encounters, taking photographs, and noting GPS points.
• Carry out aquatic species and mammal assessments using transect surveys, road kills, nocturnal flashlight searches, searching for signs such as footprints, hairs, scats, dens, and caves while prioritizing KBFs.
• Record and photograph data describing direct and indirect animal signs encountered, including GPS locations, habitat types, and relevant details.
• Prepare a comprehensive report comparing the findings of the previous assessment with the current assessment, highlighting changes, impacts, and trends in biodiversity, particularly related to the KBFs.
• Advise for the effective establishment of habitat connectivity, while considering species status, population assessment, and conservation status of the detected species, focusing on the KBFs agreed upon in the project.
• Provide advice for management planning guidelines for specific species found in the selected site and provide recommendations for their conservation, considering the comparative analysis between the assessments.
• Validate and enhance citizen science Hima monitoring protocol, tools, and procedures based on lessons learned from the previous assessment.
• Collaborate on developing scientific articles in reputable journals, highlighting the impacts and recommendations resulting from the comparative analysis.

1. Material to be provided by the organization:

• Previous biodiversity assessment report conducted in 2022-2023.
• Developed Citizen Science Manual.
• Biodiversity data (plants, mammals, herpetofauna, and birds) from the previous assessment.
• Contacts for focal points in the targeted Hima sites.
• Forms and data sheet templates developed and used by the organization.
• Access to the organization's GIS online account.
• Hima maps (boundaries, land use, land cover).
• Data on the ecological importance of existing Hima sites.

1. Qualifications:

• PhD in Ecology, Zoology, Biodiversity management, or equivalent.
• Previous experience in biodiversity monitoring and comparative assessments. (10+ years)
• Previous experience in data analysis and visualization. (10+ years)
• Previous experience in developing and/or implementing citizen science protocols for biodiversity monitoring. (5+ years)
• Proficiency in GIS, Excel, and statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS).
• Excellent writing skills in English.

1. Deliverables:

• Comprehensive report comparing the findings of the previous assessment with the current assessment, highlighting changes, impacts, and trends in biodiversity, particularly related to the KBFs.
• Providing expert assistance and support to further strengthen landscape connectivity implemented by SPNL, while considering species status, population size, and well-being in comparison with the previous assessment.

• Assessment of the conservation status of the detected species, focusing on the KBFs.
• Management guidelines for specific species found in the selected site, incorporating recommendations based on the comparative analysis.
• List of recommendation towards an enhanced citizen science Hima monitoring protocol, tools, and procedures.
• Developed and published scientific articles in reputable journals, highlighting the impacts and recommendations resulting from the comparative analysis. (If possible)

For this consultancy, we require:

1.A brief portfolio/CV showing experience in similar work, especially with EU projects

2.A detailed technical proposal.

3.A price quotation for the above services for a period of 12 months

Kindly send the above documents to Stephanie Ferando [email protected] and Bassima Khatib [email protected] by maximum 25 September 2024.