ORGANIZATION/ENTITY: Department of Sustainable Development (Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development)
SOLICITATION TITLE: Invitation for Tenders for a consultancy to undertake an Assessment of Terrestrial Resources in the South East Coast
SUMMARY:
The IFT outlines the scope of work, deliverables, timeframe, submission requirements, and qualifications for a consultancy project focused on conducting a Baseline Assessment of the terrestrial Biological Resources on the South East Coast of Saint Lucia to improve the framework for protected areas management, with specific tasks outlined for conducting a biophysical inventory, identifying terrestrial protected areas, and exploring sustainable financing mechanisms.
SDG 15 AND TARGETS:
- 15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
- 15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
- 15.3 By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world
- 15.4 By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development
- 15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
- 15.6 Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed
- 15.7 Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products
- 15.8 By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species
- 15.9 By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts
- 15.A Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems
- 15.B Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation
- 15.C Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.
HOW DOES THE PROCUREMENT SOLICITATION ALIGN OR CONTRIBUTE TO SDG 15?
The scope of work and requirements outlined in the IFT support SDG 15 by addressing the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the conservation of biodiversity.
The required consultancy services aim to undertake a comprehensive baseline assessment of the terrestrial ecosystem in the South East Coast of Saint Lucia, develop costed activities for the establishment of an overarching biodiversity/protected areas management plan, identify and determine management mechanisms for terrestrial areas, and identify possible sustainable financing modalities for the region. These activities directly align with the objectives of SDG 15, which focuses on the sustainable management of forests, combating land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss.
Furthermore, the solicitation emphasizes the use of a participatory approach, engaging stakeholders and beneficiaries in the formulation and description of the assessment report. This approach aligns with SDG 15's emphasis on inclusive and participatory management of terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, the consultancy aims to establish a foundation for effective management of existing and new protected areas in the South East Coast through participatory research and the development of sustainable management options in terrestrial and forest ecosystems.
The focus on identifying sustainable financing mechanisms for conservation and socio-development in the South East Coast is also in line with SDG 15's targets, as it addresses the need for innovative financing modalities to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.
Overall, the scope of work and requirements of the IFT contribute to the objectives of SDG 15 by addressing the challenges related to terrestrial ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use in the South East Coast of Saint Lucia.
IS THE SOLICITATION IN ALIGNMENT WITH OTHER SDGs?
While the solicitation does not explicitly mention alignment with other SDGs, the activities and objectives of the consultancy have the potential to contribute to several other SDGs beyond SDG 15, particularly those related to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
For instance, the participatory approach employed in the consultancy project aligns with the principles of inclusive and sustainable development, which are central to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Additionally, the identification of sustainable financing modalities for conservation and socio-development in the South East Coast could contribute to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable economic activities and resource management.
Furthermore, the emphasis on developing sustainable management options in terrestrial and forest ecosystems aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), as healthy terrestrial ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and supporting marine biodiversity.
In summary, while the solicitation primarily focuses on the objectives related to SDG 15, the scope of work and requirements have the potential to contribute to the broader agenda of sustainable development encompassed by the SDGs.
VISUAL REPRESENTATION:
Figure 1: Case study mind map
