DocuSign Envelope ID: 2F56B9FF-288D-4F3B-ABE2-7E09CBF0A921
Initiation Plan / GEF PPG
Project Title: Conservation and sustainable management of wetlands with focus on high-nature value areas in the Prut River basin
Country: Republic of Moldova
UNDAF Country Programme Outcome: Outcome 3: The people of Moldovan especially most vulnerable, benefit from enhanced environmental governance, energy security, sustainable management of natural resources, and climate and disaster resilient development
UNDP Country Programme Document: Output 3.2: Improved national capacities for environmentally sound management practices in ecosystems, waste and chemicals
Gender Marker rating: GEN 2
SESP Pre-Screening Categorization: Moderate
Total budget: US$ 75,400 ATLAS Award ID: 00131156
ATLAS Project/Output ID: 00124273 Allocated resources: GEF US$ 50,000 PIMS number: 6551 Government US$ 0 Management Arrangement: DIM UNDP US$ 25,400
AGREED BY
Ms. Dima Al-Khatib Day/Month/Year
03-Nov-2020
UNDP Resident Representative Signature Date
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TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Brief Description of the Initiation Plan/GEF PPG...... 3 II. Stakeholder Engagement, public disclosure and other requirements ...... 5 III. GEF PPG Activities ...... 6 Component A: Preparatory Technical Studies & Reviews ...... 6 Component B: Formulation of the UNDP-GEF Project Document, CEO Endorsement Request, and Mandatory and Project Specific Annexes ...... 11 Component C: Validation Workshop and Report ...... 13 IV. Total Budget and Work Plan for GEF PPG ...... 14 V. GEF PPG Activities timeframe and budget ...... 16 VI. Mandatory Annexes ...... 17 Annex 1: GEF CEO PIF/PPG Approval Letter ...... 17 Annex 2: Draft Terms of Reference (TORs) of Consultants Financed by the Project Preparatory Grant (GEF PPG) ...... 18
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I. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INITIATION PLAN/GEF PPG
Objective & Final Outputs The objective of the GEF PPG is to develop the project concept into a full project: Conservation and sustainable management of wetlands with focus on high-nature value areas in the Prut River basin As described in the project concept (PIF), this project aims to facilitate an enabling environment that provides for effective wetlands protection and management based on an integrated river basin management approach that ensures the continuity of wetland ecosystem services sustaining livelihoods in Moldovan Prut River Basin. The project idea has been shaped within the available GEF and co-financing framework to address drivers of biodiversity degradation and to improve biodiversity management and mainstreaming across production zones in the Moldovan Prut River Basin. The project’s four components are closely aligned and linked to facilitate an enabling environment that provides for effective wetlands protection and management based on an integrated river basin management approach that ensures the continuity of wetland ecosystem services sustaining livelihoods.
Component 1 of the project contributes to a better regulatory framework to ensure conservation and sustainable management of wetlands biodiversity. Work under this component includes the revision of existing legislation in order to address legal inadequacies and loopholes that hamper the full protection of wetland ecosystems and compliance with EU Water Framework Directive, MAB UNESCO and Ramsar guidelines. The project will further support work on the amendments of existing norms and regulations in order to ensure the minimum ecological flow to lakes, wetlands and riparian ecosystems located downstream of the Stanca Costesti cross-border Dam with Romania, and in this regard the project will support the capacity of the “Moldovan Waters” Agency and its cooperation with the Romanian counterparts for the revision and amendment of the Stanca Costesti Dam Agreement. Increased revenues directed towards wetlands resilience are expected through the project’s envisaged support to the National Ecological Fund of Moldova and a better biodiversity mainstreaming into the production zones of three districts hosting the most important Prut River wetlands are planned through this component.
Component 2 focuses on improved protection of KBAs/IBAs and species populations through increasing the management effectiveness of existing wetland protected areas. This will enable stable population dynamics of key species (Outcome 2.1) and planning and budgeting for strategic restoration activities to improve wetland habitats and ecosystem services (Outcome 2.2). The project’s work under this component will create the prerequisites for improvements in wetland protection in targeted protected areas, will facilitate international designation and will provide for the necessary basic management tools such as a management plan (and revision of the existing one), key habitats mapping and zoning, species inventory, identification of indicator species, monitoring protocols and species conservation activities, strengthening enforcement and patrolling capacities, planning and budgeting for key restoration activities.
Component 3 will demonstrate biodiversity friendly rural entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture and tourism initiatives in the buffer and production areas involving local communities in the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve. The activities under this component will be implemented in close coordination with the EU funded initiative EU4Cahul, and will focus in particular on the nine local communities in the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve while, in addition, a smart eco-tourism application will facilitate a “biodiversity passport” ( a downloadable smart phone app) promoting all the Prut River Basin wetlands as worthwhile and safe ecotourism destinations.
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Component 4 will focus on raising awareness on wetlands and their main problems, using digital channels, and local partnerships, targeting decision makers, NGOs, the public and local resource users. An online awareness campaign will be designed to grab attention and elevate the issues related to wetlands threats on the political agenda. The campaign will also seek to raise the public’s awareness on the importance of wetlands ecosystem services and the threats to their fragile balance. Social media, blogs, a dedicated website, networking and direct targeted messages will be used as the main digital channels. The main messages to the decision makers will be related to the drivers of biodiversity degradation water pollution, water scarcity and lack of resources. The project will use GEF resources and will work together with the Ministry of Regional Development, Agriculture and Environmental Protection’s and will organise several workshops with representatives of economic operators involved in mining and extractive industries located in the Prut River basin with negative impact on wetlands, to raise awareness and encourage adoption of ISO 14001 and EU ECO Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) environmental management systems. The project’s results and lessons learnt will be disseminated through online channels and the local seminars, as well as through the support of the Bilateral Committees and Trilateral Committees that are active in the Prut-Danube basin. Synergies with other initiatives such as the EU funded EU4Cahul programme and close coordination the projects implemented by environmental NGOS such as WWF, Eco- contact, Verde e Moldova will capitalize on joint activities to raise awareness on climate resilient wetland ecosystems and the importance of healthy ecosystems and ecosystems services to resilient livelihoods. Knowledge Management (KM) approach used will be in line with the GEF requirements to foster learning and sharing from relevant projects and initiatives and evaluations and contribute to the project’s overall impact and sustainability.
The following information is to be consulted as background for the GEF PPG phase: • PIF cleared for WP inclusion or GEF Council approved PIF (PFD and child project concept note for projects that are part of a program) • SESP pre-screening (of PIF) • Comments from GEF Secretariat, Council, STAP • Annotated UNDP-GEF Project Document Template and associated guidance included therein • UNDP policies and procedures • UNDP-GEF guidance notes on GEF project development (which will be provided by the RTA) and • GEF policies, in particular GEF polices on: Project Cancellation; Fee Policy for GEF Partner Agencies; Project and Program Cycle; and Minimum Fiduciary Standards for GEF Partner Agency (in particular sections dealing with the required separation of oversight and execution support services). All GEF policies are available here.
The final outputs of the GEF PPG are: 1. UNDP-GEF Project Document (ProDoc). 2. Mandatory annexes to the ProDoc listed in the Annotated UNDP-GEF Project Document Template. 3. GEF CEO Endorsement Request and all mandatory annexes; and 4. Validation Workshop report
Any additional studies and other reports produced under the GEF PPG and not included in Annex to the project document will be submitted to UNDP and saved for future reference.
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Key Dates for the GEF PPG Milestone Date Notes Internal submission date for 1 October 10 months of PIF approval for FSPs and 6 months for UNDP-GEF review and clearance 2021 MSPs. Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all outstanding GEF projects pending submission and endorsement have been extended for a total of six months. First GEF Submission Deadline 1 First submission must be within 12 months of PIF for CEO Endorsement December approval for FSPs and 8 months for MSPs. Failure to 2021 submit a ProDoc and CEO ER to the GEF Sec by this date will lead to the automatic cancellation of the project by the GEF Sec. Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all outstanding GEF projects pending submission and endorsement have been extended for a total of six months. CEO Endorsement Deadline 1 April Endorsement must be within 18 months of PIF after which the project will be 2022 approval for FSPs and 12 months for MSPs. If the cancelled if not endorsed project has not been CEO endorsed by this date, then it will be automatically cancelled by the GEF Sec. Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all outstanding GEF projects pending submission and endorsement have been extended for a total of six months.
Management Arrangements The UNDP Moldova will lead the project development process and manage the GEF PPG budget in full consultation with the BPPS/GEF Technical Adviser. The GEF PPG Atlas budget is presented in Section IV: Total Budget and Work Plan.
The GEF PPG team will be guided by a Working Group consisting of: UNDP-GEF RTA, UNDP CO Environment & Energy Program Specialist and responsible personnel within the Ministry of Regional Development, Agriculture and Environment. The Working Group will be responsible for ensuring that the deliverables outlined in this GEF PPG are completed on time and in line with UNDP and GEF requirements, and respond to country programme priorities and stakeholder expectations from the PPG process.
The GEF PPG team will be composed of the following: 1. International GEF Project Development Specialist (GEF PPG Team Leader) 2. Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist 3. Legal, Policy and Institutional Capacity Development Specialist 4. Hydrologist/National Water Management Specialist 5. Protected Area Planning and Management Specialist 6. Forest and Pastures Management Specialist 7. Local livelihoods and Community Outreach Specialist 8. GIS Specialist
Draft Terms of Reference (TORs) for each team member is included in Annex 2 of this Initiation Plan.
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II. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, PUBLIC DISCLOSURE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
To ensure strong country ownership, and in line with the stakeholder engagement requirements outlined in UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards (SES), the SES Guidance Note of Stakeholder Engagement, the GEF’s Guidelines on the Implementation of the Policy on Stakeholder Engagement and the GEF Policy on Gender Equality, the development of the project to be undertaken during this GEF PPG phase will be done in full consultation and close engagement with government, CSO and other relevant stakeholders – in particular those who will benefit from and be directly involved in the implementation of the project (i.e. direct project beneficiaries) and those who may be impacted (positively or negatively) by the project. Stakeholder Engagement and analysis must be conducted in an inclusive and gender-responsive manner, so that the rights of women and men and the different structural barriers, knowledge, needs, roles and interests of women and men are recognized and addressed.
Careful and complete documentation of stakeholder engagement is vital. Detailed evidence of all consultations will be prepared and submitted to UNDP. A list of the consulted stakeholders and details of the associated meetings will be included in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (see section B-d below).
If the fully designed project has an overall Social and Environment Screening Procedure (SESP) categorization of moderate or high, then the following disclosure requirements apply: 1. A final validation workshop report will be prepared summarizing the outcomes of the validation workshop and other consultations undertaken during the PPG phase. This report will become a key reference document should an environmental and social complaint/grievance be filed during project implementation. This is mandatory for high risk projects and recommended for moderate risk projects. 2. The UNDP-GEF project document, SESP and related draft management plans, and other relevant information/documents, will be made available to the public on the UNDP Country Office website or open.undp.org. It is recommended to make these documents available for 30 days in advance of the LPAC meeting for moderate risk projects, and 120 days in advance for high risk projects.
See the SES Supplemental Guidance on Disclosure for more information.
III. GEF PPG ACTIVITIES
Component A: Preparatory Technical Studies & Reviews The following technical studies and reviews will be conducted.
a. Desktop and field-based studies and data collection This research should produce the background information required to prepare the ProDoc (including its Annexes) and CEO Endorsement Request, including but not limited to: Development challenge and strategy (including threats, problems and barrier assessment); Review of national policy and legislative frameworks; Problem and solution trees, assumptions and risks, developed in consultation with project stakeholders, for a robust Theory of Change, Results Framework and solid M&E plan; Review of relevant past and ongoing projects for lessons, including project evaluations; and Any other analyses required to address all comments on the PIF received from GEF Secretariat, GEF Council members and STAP
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b. Gender Analysis A gender analysis will be prepared to fully consider the different needs, roles, benefits, impacts, risks, differential access to and control over resources of women and men (including considerations of intersecting categories of identity such as age, social status, ethnicity, marital status, etc.) and to identify appropriate measures to address these and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. See guidance available here.
c. Social and Environmental Standards: Screening and Assessments The social and environmental safeguards pre-screening (pre-SESP) prepared during the PIF design phase has initially determined the overall risk categorization of this project as Moderate and highlighted potential safeguard risks to be further assessed during the PPG phase.
The required targeted assessment of the different risks rated as Moderate at pre-screening (such as Risk 4 in particular related to Principle 3, Standard 1; q 1.1; q. 1.2, q.1.3, q.1.4, q.1.6, q. 1.8) will be undertaken. The assessment will identify ways to avoid negative environmental and social impacts where possible and if risk avoidance is not possible, then mitigation and management measures must be identified. The PIF pre-SESP will be reviewed during the PPG phase. The national PPG team will facilitate dialogue with target communities, identify areas where their rights might be threatened, ensure respect for the existing legislation related to socio-cultural rights. In case some of the required assessments cannot be undertaken or finalized during the PPG, they must be completed during the first phase of project implementation.
d. Identification of project sites Based on the above reviews, and through consultation with stakeholders, the targeted project demonstration sites will be identified and detailed, ensuring that geo-referencing is clearly presented for all targeted project areas and surrounding landscapes. This should include providing geographic coordinates, maps and shapefiles for inclusion in the ProDoc.
The project is focusing on two important wetland ecosystems located in protected areas in the mid and lower section of the Prut River Basin.
Padurea Domneasca (Royal Forest) Nature Reserve was officially designated as a scientific reserve in 1993 (Law 409/1993). It includes a strictly protected core area of 261 ha and a buffer zone of 5771 ha. The area is situated in the middle section of the Prut River Basin, between Prut River and its tributary Camenca River. Of the total area (6032 ha), approximately 4,830 ha are forests, among the oldest European floodplain woodlands, largely at risk of drying out due to past river engineering. A larger area, extending over 15,407 ha, is proposed (by scientists) to be covered by the international Ramsar designation. This includes a core area of 5,736 ha (which is represented largely by the existing scientific reserve IBA/KBA) and an additional buffer zone of 9,671 ha. Beyond that, in the surrounding transition zone, there are hayfields, pastures and 10 villages that belong to two districts (Glodeni and Falesti) with a total population of 19,000 people.
The Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve with a total area of 14,771 ha, includes the former Lower Prut River Scientific Reserve which was founded in 1991 and had covered 1691 ha, basically just Beleu Lake and its immediate surroundings. The area is managed by the Administration of the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve, which is the former Lower Prut Scientific Reserve’s management unit. The biosphere reserve’s management plan has been drafted and submitted for formal approval to the Ministry of Regional
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Development, Agriculture and Environment. The newly designated Biosphere Reserve includes both Beleu and Manta lakes (which are IBAs/KBAs and Ramsar sites), and its zoning system is aligned to MAB UNESCO criteria and delineates a core area of 302 ha, a buffer area of 1310 ha and a transition area of 13,159 ha. The Biosphere Reserve includes 9 villages and communes that belong to Cahul district: Crihana Veche (4661 ha), Manta (2911 ha), Vadul lui Isac (928 ha) Colibasi (986 ha), Brinza (359 ha), Valeni (1199 ha), Slobozia Mare (2861 ha), Cislita Prut (314 ha), Giurgiulesti (546 ha). The MAB/UNESCO dossier of the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve is listing 34 mammal species ( of which 9 species included in the red Book), 203 bird species ( 27 included in the Red Book), 15 reptiles and amphibia species (3 species in the Red Book) , 41 fish species (with 6 species in the Red Book), 580 plant species (25 species in the Red Book).
The Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve’s Lakes Manta and Beleu are the largest natural lakes of Moldova. Lake Beleu (1700 ha) is situated close to Slobozia and Valeni localities. Originally a Danubian lake, it remained connected to the River Prut. Lake Manta (2100 ha) is situated between the city of Cahul and Brinza village and has been formed after the merge of several smaller surrounding lakes. Both lakes are designated Ramsar sites.
The PPG team of consultants will further identify the location of planned restoration work under Outcome 2.2 (Output 2.2.1):
The PPG team will select the location of several areas where the project will plan restoration of riparian forest strips on approximately 50 ha around the Manta and Beleu lakes ecosystem, in strategic locations, with the aim of not only restoring degraded land and reducing soil erosion but also acting as a barrier against domestic waste and agriculture run-offs entering 3000 ha of lakes ecosystems in Manta-Beleu lakes network and increasing siltation.
The PPG team will identify the area for restoration work on Camenca River in the Padurea Domneasca Reserve, focusing on reviving the old Camenca River course. This planned hydrological restoration work is aiming at increasing regular flooding and increased groundwater level at key wetland habitats of approximately 3,000 ha of elms, willows, ash, poplar galleries and swamps and the rich biodiversity of the Royal Forest Nature Reserve, on the verge of being lost, as wetlands are drying out due to the absence of flooding. Preliminary discussions and assessments at the PIF stage indicated that a possible solution would be to build a small size lock on Camenca to prevent waters flowing back into the Prut river (between the villages of Balatina and Pruteni), and to redirect the river back to its old course - which used to flood the riparian meadows and forests. The PPG team will therefore validate the PIF assessments and identify the exact location of the planned work and will realistically assess the estimated flooded area as a result of these works by developing a pre-feasibility study and an overall cost analysis of such an intervention. Further financing for the implementation of the works will be sought from the National Ecological Fund.
e. Financial planning, co-financing and investment mobilized Co-financing and investment mobilized – as defined in the GEF Policy and Guidelines on co-financing - will be confirmed, and additional sources identified through a series of consultations with partners to ensure a coherent and sustainable financing package for the project, including post-GEF grant phase to the extent possible. The GEF is seeking high co-financing/investment mobilized to GEF grant ratios with a preference for grants, loans and other public investments over in-kind co-financing. The GEF also expects the Government to significantly support the costs associated with project execution (i.e. PMC).
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f. Stakeholder analysis Building on the initial identification of stakeholders in the PIF, an appropriately scaled analysis of project stakeholders will be undertaken. This stakeholder analysis will provide the foundation for development of the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan and will facilitate prioritization of engagement activities with particular stakeholder groups and individuals. See the UNDP SES Guidance Note on Stakeholder Engagement.
g. Appraise and formulate the most appropriate project implementation and execution modality
The design of the project will comply with the UNDP’s Program and Operations Policy and Procedures (POPP), Financial Regulations, and Programme and Project Management and Quality Standards, and UNDP-GEF guidance (which will be provided by the RTA). A full assessment of the most appropriate project implementation and management arrangements will be carried out in full consultation with the RTA, UNDP Country Office, Resident Representative (or their Deputy), the relevant government coordinating agency, and the GEF OFP.
Where possible and feasible, UNDP should in general not have a role in project execution as project execution is the primary responsibility of the selected Implementing Partner (see UNDP-GEF Guidance Note for further information). Therefore, an assessment and the selection of the most appropriate Implementing Partner and/or third parties (Responsible Parties) with full capacity to execute the project must be carried out.
Project management arrangements need to be discussed and agreed early in the PPG phase. During the first two months of the PPG phase. During the PPG phase, the following guidance should be followed:
For all potential Implementing Partners, carry out capacity assessments to assess their capacity to implement the project and assess all related risks. This must include HACT and PCAT assessments. Discuss the level of co-financing the Government and Implementing Partner are able to commit to this project. As per GEF Policy, the GEF is seeking high co-financing to GEF grant ratios and expects the Government to significantly support the costs associated with project execution (i.e. PMC) for this project. Based on these assessments, select and confirm the Implementing Partner for the project in consultations with all relevant stakeholders. The selected Implementing Partner must express willingness to serve as the Implementing Partner for the Project and the concerned government must agree to use the selected Implementing Partner for the Project. (Please see UNDP’s Policy on Selecting Implementing Partners). If the Implementing Partner does not have full capacity to execute the project, and execution support is likely to be needed, discuss with the UNDP Resident Representative whether the choice of Implementing Partner is the correct choice. If not, select another Implementing Partner, if possible. If that is not an option, explore alternative options for the provision of execution support via Responsible Parties (see UNDP Policy on Selecting Responsible Parties). Discuss with the Implementing Partner the role of the responsible parties in project execution, and the execution support these parties could provide. Consult with the RTA on the latest guidance regarding UNDP providing support services to the Implementing Partner. If the costs for UNDP to provide support services is to be charged to the
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GEF project budget, the UNDP support services must be approved by the GEF Secretariat before CEO endorsement.
Following the guidelines above, the UNDP Moldova CO will carry out (during the first two months of the PPG) the required capacity assessments for the proposed NIM Implementing Partner, The Ministry of Regional Development, Agriculture and Environment which is the government institution responsible for the implementation of the project and which will act as the Executing Agency. UNDP Moldova Country Office will ensure that proper review of project implementation capacity has been completed for the selected implementation partner, which entails a mandatory UNDP capacity assessment of the proposed NIM Implementing Partner, using the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT), as well as the micro- capacity assessment for Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) of the chosen Implementing Partner in relation to the particular project1. In case that none of the cash transfer modalities is either applicable at all or respond to the required level of transparency and adherence to international fiduciary standards, financial rules and procedures, a Responsible Party option will be considered during the PPG process, in order to outsource some of the execution functions to a national institution; the cost- effectiveness of the outsource option(s) will be analyzed.
h. Other required studies The national experts will conduct the necessary assessments: (i) Detailed description of each targeted PAs and KBAs/IBAs will be compiled and biodiversity assessments in support of the design of project activities (ii) analysis of the threats to key habitats and species in the targeted PAs including the assessment of the negative impact of the disturbed water regime on lakes and wetlands ecosystems and (iii) identification and delineation of the planned areas to be included under higher protection regimes (MAB/UNESCO and Ramsar) and (iv) identification of areas for restoration works; (v) land use assessments; (vi) review of exiting reports on the water resource assessment in Prut and Camenca river basins, analysis of water use pattern among multiple sectors, analysis of water availability for the natural ecosystems (taking into consideration potential available conclusions of existing water assessments and models) (vi) forest and pasture management in the PAs buffer and production zones, (vii) any existing climate change scenario analysis. These assessments will be needed for justification of the baseline and target indicator values for the project and to inform project relevant sections and tailored activities. The national legal/policy expert will review the national policy and institutional frameworks related to protected areas/biodiversity management , environment and the regulations and legal framework within which the National Ecological Fund is functioning. The analysis will build on the former GEF deliverables (legal amendments and reports) developed under the GEF/UNDP project Environmental Fiscal Reform. The analysis and assessment twill provide a basis for the design of project activities under Component 1. A pre-feasibility study on the proposed hydrological work on Camenca will be developed. A full assessment of the risks highlighted in the pre-SESP will be conducted, and will include recommendations of safeguards to be mainstreamed into the project design and strategy and an Environmental and Social Management Framework ( ESMF). The targets for incremental support to strengthened management capacity and increased coverage for the protected area system in the Prut River Basin will be re-confirmed Analysis of previous METT under similar GEF funded projects will be performed, to inform tailored proposed project activities; preparation of METT for the existing PAs under the project’s focus;
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Baseline describing Moldova’s cooperation in the international environmental programming for the Danube and Prut River Basins will be collected. Gender and stakeholders’ analysis will be developed, including action plan and relevant indicators; Analysis of the potential for local businesses and rural entrepreneurship The PPG team will hold in person bilateral meetings, on-line meetings (using available platforms) and a final validation workshop with key project partners and will conduct field missions to the project sites.
Data collection and studies conducted during the PPG will serve as basis for development of Theory of Change and project strategy. The PPG team will be responsible for the development of detailed content for the three outcomes of the proposed project and will consult with the national stakeholders for the identification, design and consensus on project activities. The Results Framework will be further defined with appropriate Objective-level and Outcome-level quantitative and qualitative SMART indicators and mid-term and end-of-project targets.
Component B: Formulation of the UNDP-GEF Project Document, CEO Endorsement Request, and Mandatory and Project Specific Annexes
Based on the technical studies and reviews undertaken under Component A, the UNDP-GEF Project Document will be developed (following the annotated UNDP-GEF Project Document as of July 2020) and the GEF CEO Endorsement Request (available here) will be prepared. See additional guidance notes below. The GEF PPG Team Leader will be responsible for the consolidation and finalization of all required materials.
a. Stakeholder Engagement Plan: At a minimum, the Plan must include the following elements: Stakeholders who have been and will be engaged (based on stakeholder analysis), including potentially marginalized or disadvantaged groups/individuals (the ‘who’); Key stakeholder objectives and interests (the ‘why’); Steps and actions to achieve meaningful consultation and inclusive participation, including information dissemination and any special measures required to ensure inclusive participation of marginalized disadvantaged groups/individuals the dissemination of information (the ‘how’); Breadth and depth of stakeholder engagement throughout the project cycle, and decisions that need to be made through stakeholder engagement (the ‘what’); Timeline for engagement activities and how they will be sequenced, including information disclosure (the ‘when’); Indicators of stakeholder engagement and monitoring plan; Roles and responsibilities for ensuring effective stakeholder engagement through implementation of the Plan; and Resource requirements and associated budget. For fully designed projects with a SESP rating of Moderate and High: A project-level Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) will be described in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and established in the first year of project implementation. See the UNDP guidance on GRM and sample TOR. A comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan is required.
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See the UNDP SES guidance on Stakeholder Engagement, the standard SEP template, and the GEF guidelines on stakeholder engagement.
b. Gender Action Plan and Budget The gender analysis conducted in Component A along with relevant findings from the stakeholder analysis and background studies, will form the basis of a Gender Action Plan to guide gender mainstreaming during project implementation. The Gender Action Plan must include indicators, targets, timeframe, responsible party and budget which are linked to the project’s components/outputs, outcomes and activities. As part of the work of preparing the Gender Action Plan, indicators should be proposed for inclusion in the Results Framework to facilitate the monitoring of the proposed gender mainstreaming actions.
See guidance available here.
c. Social and Environmental Standards: Screening and Management Measures In line with the assessments conducted during Component A (above) and UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards (SES) policy and all associated SES Guidance Notes, the SESP will be updated and all risks identified in the SESP will be reflected in the risk table and risk section of the ProDoc.
Based on the required targeted assessment(s), the relevant stand-alone management plan(s) will be prepared: A Gender Mainstreaming Plan and a Comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan (as outlined above). The PPG will validate if a Livelihood Action Plan is required. An ESMF will be developed. Per the pre-SESP, all other risks can be managed through the design of the project.
See the SES Guidance Note on Assessment and Management for further guidance. Please contact UNDP for additional information as needed.
d. GEF Core Indicators The CEO endorsement-stage data for the relevant Core Indicators and sub-indicators will be prepared. The completed Core Indicators worksheet—with both the original PIF-stage data and the CEO endorsement-stage data—will be annexed to the ProDoc.
As part of the GEF Core Indicators requirement, the required METTs will be prepared in the GEF-7 Excel template; the relevant details will be included in the Core Indicators template; and the final Excel METT file will be submitted to UNDP (not be annexed to the ProDoc).
The Core Indicators will be used in the project’s Results Framework, at the Objective level, where appropriate. See the GEF policy and guidance.
e. Completion of the required official endorsement letters These letters include the official letters on co-financing guarantee(s) from participating government institutions, bilateral development partners, multilateral development partners, NGOs, private sector, or others who wish to provide cash or in-kind contributions to the project.
A GEF OFP endorsement letter will also be required for any new participating countries to a global or regional program/project that was not included with the PIF/PFD submission.
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Updated GEF OFP endorsements letters are also required if the requested GEF grant amount has changed since PIF/PFD approval.
f. Mandatory Annexes In addition to the documents listed above, the following Annexes should be prepared by the GEF PPG team: Project map and Geospatial Coordinates of project sites Multi Year Work Plan Monitoring Plan UNDP Risk Register Overview of Technical Consultancies GEF 7 Taxonomy Initial Project Team Procurement Plan and TORs for key Project Team staff
Upon a request from the UNDP Regional Technical Adviser during the PPG implementation, the PPG team may be required to prepare additional annexes.
g. Project Management Arrangements
Based on the stakeholder analysis and consultations undertaken in Component A above, agreement(s) on project management and governance arrangements—including roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of lead and partner Agencies—will be secured early in the project development phase and will be fully detailed in the ProDoc. Standard text from the governance and management arrangement from the GEF-7 template should never be removed.
Component C: Validation Workshop and Report A validation workshop will be held with relevant stakeholders to present, discuss and validate the project activities, and the final draft of the UNDP-GEF project document if possible. A validation workshop report will be prepared for projects with an overall safeguards risk rating of moderate or high.
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IV. TOTAL BUDGET AND WORK PLAN FOR GEF PPG
Atlas Award ID: 00131156 Atlas Project/Output ID: 00124273 Award Title: PPG Sustainable wetland Prut River Project ID 00124273 Business Unit: MDA10 Project Title: UNDP PPG “Conservation and sustainable management of wetlands with focus on high-nature value areas in the Prut River basin” PIMS number: 6551 Implementing Partner: UNDP Moldova
Atlas GEF Outcome/Atlas Responsible Fund Donor Budgetary ATLAS Budget 2020 Budget 2021 Budget Budget Amount US$ Activity Party ID Name Account Description US$ US$ Notes Code Project preparation grant 71200 International 10,000 29,950 39,950 A to finalize the UNDP-GEF GEF Consultants 62000 project document for TRUSTEE 71300 Local Consultants 0 10,050 10,050 B project Total GEF 10,000 40,000 50,000 Conservation and sustainable 71300 Local consultants 0 17,000 17,000 C
management of 72100 Contractual Services- 0 5,000 5,000 D wetlands with focus on UNDP Companies high-nature value 04000 UNDP 71600 Travel 0 2,000 2,000 E areas in the Prut River TRAC 74,500 Miscellaneous 0 270 270 F basin expenses 75700 Training, Workshops 0 500 500 G and Confer 64300 Staff Mgmt Costs - IP 0 630 630 H Staff Total UNDP 0.00 25,400 25,400
PROJECT TOTAL 75,400
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Budget notes:
Budget Items Total Budget Budget Note Note estimated US$ person weeks GEF Trust Fund A1 International Project 17 39,950 Development Specialist / PPG Team Leader B1 Social and Environmental 5 3,750 Safeguards Specialist B2 Legal policy and institutional 4 3,000 capacity Specialist Please see Annex 2 for key B3 Hydrologist/Water management 4.4 3,300 responsibilities and qualifications. Specialist UNDP TRAC C1 Hydrologist/Water management 3.6 2,700 Specialist C2 Protected Areas Specialist 7 5,250
C3 Forest and Pasture Management 6 4,500 Specialist
C4 Local livelihood and Community 4 3,000 Outreach Specialist C5 GIS expert 3 2,250
D Contractual Services-Companies 2 5,000 HACT micro-assessment E Travel - 2,000 Travel costs to project sites
F Miscellaneous - 270 Services to project including longlisting, shortlisting, contract management, payments, reconciliations etc. Direct costs of programme, administrative and operational support activities, that are part of the project input. G Training, Workshops and Confer - 500 Stakeholder consultations, Validation Workshop H Staff Mgmt Costs - IP Staff - 630 Services to project including longlisting, shortlisting, contract management, payments, reconciliations etc. Direct costs of programme, administrative and operational support activities, that are part of the project input.
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V. GEF PPG ACTIVITIES TIMEFRAME AND BUDGET
Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PPG Activity Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June July August September 2020 2021 PPG team recruitment (UNDP CO)
Component A: Desktop and field-based studies and data collection Technical studies, assessments, community engagement
Financial Planning, co-financing and investment mobilized (including securing co-financing letters) Component B: Formulation of ProDoc and Annexes
Component C: Validation Workshop
Delivery of final outputs (Internal submission to UNDP/GEF)
Final Submission to the GEF Secretariat
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VI. MANDATORY ANNEXES
Annex 1: GEF CEO PIF/PPG Approval Letter
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*****Corresponcende with GEF Sec confirming that this project engjoys a 6 months PPG extension
From: Ulrich Apel
Hi Maxim – to confirm: Yes, the extension granted by the previous CEO applies to this MSP project.
Best, Ulrich
From: Maxim Vergeichik
[External] Thank you Ulrich,
So, in other words we do have an extension in the case of this project, right?
I was not sure since my understanding was that the extension was granted to those projects approved in the previous 2 councils; and since this is an MPS, and just approved last week - it is not related to the last council, but months after it - so I was not sure if the 6 m extension granted by the previous CEO extends for project approvals as far as today,
If I get your point correctly it seems it does apply, but grateful for your final confirmation, and sorry for my possible lack of understanding,
Kind regards
Maxim
From: Ulrich Apel
Dear Maxim,
The 6-months extension granted by the previous CEO overrides the standard sentence in all CEO letters. The extension is directly linked to the Cancellation Policy, meaning that it provides an exception to the cancellation policy.
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Please note that the CEO letters are mainly a vehicle to formalize and inform all (Agencies, OFPs and Trustee) about the financial commitments – it is not a vehicle to enforce the compliance of any policy (such as the cancellation policy).
Hope this is clear.
Best, Ulrich
From: Maxim Vergeichik
[External] Dear Ulrich,
For the Moldova MSP 10650 recently CEO approved for the PPG phase, the CEO letter contains a standard phrase that the project needs to be approved by CEO 12 months from the PIF approval.
With respect to the COVID-19 situation, would you clarify if this project would not enjoy any leeway? The GEF granted 6 months extension for PPGs previously.
Kind regards
Maxim ****************************************
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Annex 2: Draft Terms of Reference (TORs) of Consultants Financed by the Project Preparatory Grant (GEF PPG)
Position, Type Role, Deliverables and Qualifications and Cost Consultant 1: Role International The International Project Development Specialist will be the GEF PPG Team Leader and will Project be responsible for quality assurance and timely preparation of all reports and Development documentation, including the finalized UNDP Project Document (ProDoc) and CEO Specialist (GEF Endorsement Request, with all mandatory and project specific Annexes and supporting PPG Team Leader) documentation. 1) Management of the GEF PPG Team Type: IC a. Define and submit a detailed methodology and work plan in consultation with the other consultants with clear delegation of responsibilities among the team Cost per person members; week: US$2,350 b. Ensure that project development is participatory, gender-responsive and based on extensive stakeholder engagements; and Number of person c. Verify and ensure that all project components are technically sound and cost weeks needed: 17 effective. 2) Preparatory Technical Studies and Reviews (Component A): With inputs from the national consultants, as detailed in their respective TORs: a. Compile baseline/situational analysis for the Medium-Size Project (MSP). This will include a precise definition of baseline projects, activities, budgets, goals and co-financial links to GEF outcomes; definition of GEF incremental value per outcome and output; and presentation of results of the incremental cost- analysis in matrices as appropriate; b. Oversee the stakeholder analysis and consultations and ensure that they are complete and comprehensive; c. Write the Stakeholder Engagement Plan; d. Assess the existing gender analysis and prepare the Gender Action Plan; e. Develop the Total Budget and Work Plan; f. Develop the Overview of technical Consultancies ; g. Develop the Indicative procurement Plan for the first year of implementation; h. Develop Multiyear Work Plan; i. Develop Monitoring Plan; j. Ensure that action points, including risk assessments, from the UNDP Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP) at the PIF stage (“pre-screening”) and the findings of the Safeguards Expert assessments are fully implemented during the PPG, ensure that SESP is updated and the safeguards and risk mitigation measures are fully integrated in the project strategy, as appropriate; k. Oversee the identification of the project sites, with documentation of selection criteria, as applicable; l. Oversee the preparation of partner capacity assessments and discussions on management arrangements early in the PPG process; m. Advise on the consultations with partners regarding financial planning; and n. Ensure completion of any additional studies that are determined to be needed for the preparation of the ProDoc and all other final outputs.
3) Formulation of the ProDoc, CEO Endorsement Request and Mandatory and Project Specific Annexes (Component B): With inputs from the national consultants, as detailed in their respective TORs, and based on international best practice: a. Develop, present and articulate the project’s theory of change;
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b. Develop the Results Framework in line with UNDP-GEF policy; c. Develop a detailed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and Budget; d. Oversee the preparation of the Validation Workshop Report e. Preparation of Gender Action Plan and Budget; f. Oversee the updating of the SESP based on the and ensure the development of required environmental and/or social management plan(s) for all risks identified as Moderate in the SESP, as required; g. Oversee the preparation of the required GEF tracking tools (METT); h. Revise the GEF Core Indicators Worksheet to reflect the agreed results framework and ensure these are supported by robust and validated data; i. Secure and present agreements on project execution and management arrangements and ensure that the project aligns to UNDP-GEF guidance on UNDP execution support; j. Synthesize all analyses, studies, etc. that are prepared under Components A and B to produce the draft UNDP-GEF ProDoc, GEF CEO Endorsement, and all mandatory and project specific Annexes, using the templates.2
4) Validation Workshop (Component C): a. Lead the validation workshop to present, discuss and validate the final draft ProDoc and mandatory and project specific annexes, with a special focus on the SESP and any management plans; b. Oversee all necessary revisions that arise during the workshop; and c. Ensure completion of Validation Workshop Report.
5) Final Deliverables: a. Consolidation of all technical and consultation inputs and comments including from national stakeholders, UNDP, GEF Secretariat, STAP and GEF Council, into a well written and concise UNDP ProDoc with all required sections and Annexes, in line with the standard UNDP-GEF ProDoc template and annotated guidance b. Completion of the GEF CEO Endorsement Request c. Finalized SESP (and stand-alone management plans as required); d. All documentation from GEF PPG (including technical reports, meeting minutes, etc.) e. Validation Workshop Report. Qualifications • Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as environmental management, economics, public administration, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Natural Sciences, Agriculture, Development Studies or another closely related field; • Minimum 7 years of demonstrable experience in the technical area of Biodiversity conservation/Protected areas/Land degradation and in preparing and overseeing the preparation of high-quality project documents, particularly for UNDP and GEF projects; • Excellent coordination and leadership skills, as well as relationship management skills • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; • Demonstrated understanding of the GEF rationale and procedures, and demonstrated experience with formulation of GEF-funded project proposals, using the logical framework and the results-based management approaches; • Prior experience in working with METT
2 Please verify with the UNDP-GEF team that the correct templates are being used.
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• Experience working in the region on related initiatives highly desired.
Consultant: Social Role and The Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist will develop an Environmental and Environmental Social Management Framework (ESMF) related to application of social and environmental Safeguards safeguards and support adherence of project development to UNDP’s SESP and specific Specialist requirements, as appropriate.
Type: NC Under the PPG Team Leader’s guidance, the consultant is expected to conduct the following activities: Cost per person week: US $750 Coordinate with and support the PPG Team Leader. a. Review the pre-screening (SESP) of the project concept (PIF) Number of person b. Agree to a project-specific safeguards approach, workplan and mission schedule weeks needed: 5 (as needed) with the UNDP Country Office, UNDP-GEF Regional Technical Adviser and the PPG Team Leader. c. Support the application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for the PPGs with that requirement. d. Familiarize other PPG team members with UNDP’s SES and specific requirements, as appropriate.
Update the SESP and prepare an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the project, shortly after the mission. a. Conduct initial assessment, including a field mission report. b. Assist and/or advise the PPG Team in securing initial FPIC, where required. c. Develop the draft ESMF, in line with UNDP’s Guidance Note on Assessment and Management. d. Finalize the ESMF in coordination with the PPG Team Leader, based on stakeholder consultations and close engagement.
Update and finalize the pre-SESP, based on the ESMF, including responding to any initial comments from UNDP and UNDP/GEF Regional Technical Advisor.
Provide inputs, advice and/or feedback on relevant sections of the ProDoc to ensure alignment with and consideration of safeguards, including responding to any comments from UNDP GEF Regional Technical Advisor and/or the GEF Secretariat to the following:
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan. • Gender Analysis and Action Plan. • Risk Table and “Risks and Assumptions” section. • Relevant project Outcomes and/or Outputs. Qualifications Academic degree related to social and environmental sustainability. At least 5 years of experience related to social and environmental standards and impact assessment in an international development context. Fluency in Romanian and/or Russian and good working knowledge of English Familiarity with the UN System, in particular UNDP. Specific technical expertise in the SES thematic area of Social and Environmental Screening and Assessment. Consultant: Legal Role: The consultant will provide substantive input for the justification and design of policy and project interventions under project Output 1.1.1, 1.1.2 and Output 1.1.3 as well as design
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institutional of the project interventions for the designation of Ramsar and MAB UNESCO areas under capacity Specialist the projects Output 2.1.1.
Type: NC Responsibilities: Under the PPG Team Leader’s guidance, the consultant is expected to conduct the Cost per person following activities: week: US $750 a. Document and review the relevant Protected Areas (PAs) legal and regulatory Number of person framework, and develop legal amendments to eliminate potential legal loopholes weeks needed: 4 and render the PAs related legislation more relevant to Ramsar and MAB/UNESCO required level of protection; b. Provide concrete recommendations for the development of Ramsar and MAB/UNESCO dossiers and the necessary steps for the legal designation of the proposed protected areas, as described under Output 2.1.1; c. Provide legal advice related to the planned project activities to develop amendments of the current Stanca Costesti Agreement (working together with the Water management specialist) ; d. Design feasible activities (measures) needed to optimize the activity of the Stanca Costesti Bilateral Hydrotechnical Commission Romania-Moldova and strengthen the Biodiversity sub-Commission; discuss and validate the proposed measures with the Ministry of Regional Development, Agriculture and Environment relevant representatives and the Moldovan Waters Agency; e. Analyze the existing reports and assessments and proposed legal amendments developed under the GEF/UNDP project Environmental Fiscal Reform and develop (and/or update) relevant legal amendments in order to increase the efficiency of the National Ecological Fund to collect environmental taxes f. Design feasible institutional frameworks/policy amendments that will enable redirecting an increased percentage of revenues from the fees and environmental taxes collected by the National Ecological Fund, towards projects and restoration works in the Protected Areas and Wetlands in particular; discuss and validate the proposed measures with the Ministry of Regional Development, Agriculture and Environment relevant representatives and the Moldovan Waters Agency; g. Describe how the project will work with partners to achieve results under Component 1; h. Identify and describe other relevant legal/policy/institutional changes necessary to optimise the management and financing of wetlands and protected areas; i. Identify and describe similar on-going initiatives (of the government or other donor funded interventions ) relevant to the project; j. Contribute to re-assessment of risks that prevent the project results from being achieved, and the SESP social and environmental risks in the field of relevance; k. Assist in preparation of risk management plans and Grievance Redress Mechanism if required; l. Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan
Final Deliverables: a. Legal/policy analysis (as described above) relevant to the protected areas in general and wetlands in particular, with the description of legal inadequacies and loopholes (the analysis should put an emphasis on the legal inadequacies that perpetuates the danger posed by the extractive industries and unsustainable agriculture and risk of water pollution) b. Legal and policy amendments proposed (as described in the section above) for increased wetlands protection and a better compliance with MAB UNESCO and Ramsar guidelines;
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c. Legal and policy amendments proposed (as described in the section above) for increased efficiency of the National Ecological Fund and increased wetlands financing; d. Input to the Stakeholder Engagement Plan; e. Participation into validation workshop, supporting necessary revisions which may arise during the workshop, as appropriate; f. Appropriate inputs provided to the Final Project Document and Annexes, as agreed with the PPG Team Leader.
Qualifications and experience: • Master’s degree in Law and/or public administration or another related field is required; • Minimum 5 years of demonstrable experience related to environmental law and policy making, especially related to protected areas; • Proven experience in policy review and legal drafting; • Previous experience with direct contribution of public institutional reforms, central and local government services and on socio economic issues; • Working knowledge of English and fluency in Romanian/Russian; • Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks work under pressure and deliver assignments on time; Hydrologist/Water Role: The consultant will provide substantive input for the justification and design of management project interventions under project Component 1 and 2 as well as cross-cutting activities Specialist focused around sustainable management of water resources for multiple land use and improved water management infrastructure.
Type: NC Responsibilities: Under the PPG Team Leader’s guidance, the consultant is expected to conduct the Cost per person following activities: week: US $750 a. Document and review all available reports and data on water resource Number of person assessments in Prut and Camenca River Basins, in the project area, identify data weeks needed: 8 gaps, collect additional information; b. Analyze water use patterns, availability of river flow to lakes and wetlands ecosystems and assess vulnerability of these ecosystems to climate change in the project sites from the point of view of increased drought and water scarcity c. Analyze water sector legal and institutional framework, analyze the operations of the Stanca Costesti Dam including the impact on downstream natural ecosystems; d. Design the project actions (activities) that are deemed necessary to support the project partners (e.g Moldovan Waters Agency) engage in the on-going work on revising the Stanca Costesti Agreement. The project activities should lead to consensus over a new revised Agreement that will provide for the minimum ecological flows to the downstream lakes and wetlands (Output 1.1.); e. Analyze existing water regime predictive computer models for estimation of climate change impact on the water availability in Prut River Basin and Camenca River under different climate change scenarios; discuss water availability and vulnerability impacted by climate change; f. Prepare a pre-feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the old Camenca river course in order to increase flooding in the lower Camenca reaches (in line with the proposed restoration works under Output 2.2.1) ; g. Describe the planned interventions and results to be delivered under the Output 2.2.1 ;
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h. Describe how the project will work with partners to achieve results under Component 1 (Output 1.1.) and Component 2 (Output 2.2.1); i. Map the key stakeholders and similar initiatives relevant to the project, consult with key stakeholders for validation of findings, as necessary; j. Contribute to re-assessment of risks that prevent the project results from being achieved, and the SESP social and environmental risks in the field of relevance; k. Assist in preparation of risk management plans and Grievance Redress Mechanism if required; l. Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
Final Deliverables: a. Based on the water use assessments (as explained in previous sections), it is expected that a strategy for project Component 1 (Output 1.1- interventions related to amendments of the Stanca Costesti Agreement) will be delivered; b. A Pre-feasibility of the Camenca river restoration works planned under Output 2.2.1 c. Draft ToR for full Feasibility Study (to be developed during the project implementation prior to the restoration works) d. Input to the comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan; e. Participation into validation workshop, supporting necessary revisions which may arise during the workshop, as appropriate; f. Appropriate inputs provided to the Final Project Document and Annexes, as agreed with the PPG Team Leader.
Qualifications • Master’s degree or higher in water resources engineering/ irrigation, hydrobiology or closely related field; • At least 10 years of demonstrable experience with water management issues related to land-use; experience with hydrological studies including experience with irrigation systems, • Experience with government entities and organizations in the field of water resource management; Fluency in written and spoken Romanian/Russian and the knowledge of English would be an asset.
Protected Areas Specialist Role: The consultant will provide substantive input for the justification and design of project interventions under project Component 2 as well as cross-cutting activities focused around sustainable management of water and biodiversity resources. Type: NC Responsibilities: Cost per person Under the PPG Team Leader’s guidance, the consultant is expected to conduct the week: US $750 following activities:
Number of person a. Provide baseline description of the targeted protected areas; Document and weeks needed: 7 review all available reports and data on wetland assessments in the Prut and Camenca River Basins, in the project area; b. Conduct a desktop study to develop an overview of biodiversity distribution and status in KBAs/IBAs as well as actions that are being undertaken to monitor/protect key endangered and endemic species;
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c. Analyze the threats to key habitats and species in the targeted PAs including the assessment of the negative impact of the disturbed water regime on lakes and wetlands ecosystems and induced climate change droughts and water scarcity (in coordination with the Water management expert); In cooperation with other experts suggest interventions for the establishment of optimised ecological water flow requirements for maintenance and conservation of KBAs at new sites; and for biodiversity friendly sustainable use regimes in PA buffer zones; d. Analyze the climate change impacts on wetlands in the project area, and highlight the negative impact on the availability of river flow to lakes and wetlands ecosystems and assess vulnerability of these ecosystems to climate change; e. Obtain baseline data on management effectiveness in the targeted protected areas (PAs), capacity scores or former METT, suitable (proxy) indicator species and threat reduction; baseline PAs system financing levels and gaps; carry out in- depth capacity needs assessments aligned with the project focus; f. Provide a brief analysis of the local communities’ livelihoods around targeted PAs and KBAs, with focus on existing tourism infrastructure and other alternative income generating activities; g. Describe (based on these assessments) the technically feasible interventions and targeted investments, under the Component 2 (Output 2.1.1; Output 2.12) and link those to the theory of change; Assessment of the costs and needed co- financing of the proposed measures must be included in the designed strategy; h. Based on findings of the assessments, support the establishment of baseline and target indicators of the project; identify/validate the key biodiversity indicator species and values, to demonstrate management efficiency and non- deterioration of globally threatened species; i. In coordination with the Legal/policy Specialist, design concrete project interventions (activities) for the development of Ramsar and MAB/UNESCO dossiers and describe the necessary steps for the legal designation of the proposed protected areas, as described under Output 2.1.1; j. In coordination with the Water management Specialist and Forest/Pastures Specialist, describe the project interventions under Component 2, explain the expected results and benefits as a result of the interventions and describe how the project will work with partners to achieve results under Component 2; provide advice and support to PPG National Team Leader in assessing institutional, operational and individual capacity development needs for key stakeholder groups on biodiversity issues; k. Finalise the METT assessment for the targeted PAs where project plan direct input for improved management capacities; l. Establish baselines (and targets) for Outcome 2 on indicator species; m. Map stakeholders and parallel initiatives relevant to the project; n. Analyse other donor projects for synergies; o. Describe private sector engagement scenarios for Component 3; p. Contribute to re-assessment of risks that prevent the project results from being achieved, and the SESP social and environmental risks in the field of relevance; q. Assist in preparation of risk management plans and Grievance Redress Mechanism if required; r. Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan. s. Conduct any further research and data collection required to confirm or define suitable objective-level and outcome-level indicators and their baseline values and end-of-project targets.
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Final Deliverables: a. A detailed narrative summarizing the technical assessments as described above (including description of PAs biodiversity key values and threats in the targeted PAs/wetland areas; Analysis of the Climate Change impact on key species and habitats in targeted areas; Analysis of PAs management capacity and financing gaps; validation of baseline and target indicators under Component 2) b. A project strategy with technically feasible interventions and targeted investments, under the Component 2 (Output 2.1.1; Output 2.12). Assessment of the costs and needed co-financing of the proposed measures must be included in the designed strategy c. Clear indication/validation of the number of hectares of the area proposed for new legal international designations (Ramsar designation in Padurea Domneasca and MAB/UNESCO in Lower Prut-Danube Delta) d. METT with the baseline and target scores for the pilot PAs; the baseline METTs will be completed for each of the targeted PAs, e. Based on METT analysis, an in-depth capacity needs assessment will be completed in order to prioritize a narrow and realistic set of activities to most significantly improve PA management f. Input to the comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan; g. Participation into validation workshop, supporting necessary revisions which may arise during the workshop, as appropriate; h. Appropriate inputs provided to the Final Project Document and Annexes, as agreed with the PPG Team Leader.
Qualifications and experience: • Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as biological science, ecology, nature conservation, forestry, environmental management, conservation and natural resources management or another closely related field; • Minimum 5 years of demonstrable experience in the technical area of biodiversity conservation and protected areas management ; • Strong knowledge of biodiversity and protected areas issues in Moldova • Working experience with national and local stakeholders on biodiversity issues, NGOs and local community representatives as well; • Fluency in written and spoken Romanian/Russian; knowledge of English would be an asset.
Forest and Role: The Forest and Pasture Management Specialist will prepare a series of relevant Pasture assessments and provide technical input into the project document preparation where it Management concerns sustainable pasture and forest management and proposed afforestation Specialist interventions under Component 2.
Type: NC Responsibilities: Under the PPG Team Leader’s guidance, the consultant is expected to conduct the Cost per person following activities: week: 750 a. Document and Review existing studies, maps, reports assessing the state of pasture and forest land in the targeted protected areas, including the correct Number of person assessment of the total areas covered by reed (Phragmites australis) in the Lower weeks needed: 6 Prut Biosphere Reserve; b. Describe the existing local development plans and economic/development priorities at district level including any on-going policy work that exist at the level of the three districts hosting the targeted PAs (Cahul, Falesti, Glodeni) and in the
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nine (9) settlements within the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve, assessing to what degree the Protected Areas and biodiversity management related measures are represented in these local policies; provide recommendations for mainstreaming of sustainable forest and pasture management/use in local policies and development plans; c. Describe the threats and causes of pastures and forest degradation within the targeted PAs ( Lower Prut Biosphere Reserves and Padurea Domneasca Nature Reserve) and assess the scale of the reed-burning practices of the local population highlighting potential negative impact on the natural ecosystems; d. Describe the socio-economic context in the districts hosting the targeted PAs (Cahul district; Glodeni district and Falesti district) and assess the state of local communities’ livelihoods (in close coordination with the local stakeholders’ engagement and livelihoods experts) and patterns of pasture management and forest management practices; e. Describe the forest and pasture use patterns and degree of degradation due to overgrazing or another unsustainable agriculture practices in the project areas; f. Propose possible economic incentives for sustainable use of pasture, agriculture land, and forest resources; g. Suggest interventions (activities) recommendations to be included in the PAs management plans for promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the buffer zones
h. Describe institutional and legal framework, state and public administration, coordination, monitoring and control over pastures and forest land (at national and local levels); i. Organize/participate into local roundtables and preliminary discussions of these issues with local community representatives; j. Liaise with national stakeholders related to forest and pasture management, including donor organizations and NGOs; k. Describe the planned interventions and outputs to be delivered under Outcome 2 (Output 2.2.1) related to assessment of riparian forest and pastures in Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve ; assess costs and describe co-financing of the proposed measures; l. Identify the strategic afforestation areas (degraded riparian forest strips) such that the afforestation works on these areas will act as barriers, filtering soil and pollutants, preventing further lake siltation and water pollution around Manta and Beleu Lakes. m. Assess the accuracy/feasibility of the estimated area ( 3,000 ha of lake and wetlands) that will benefit from reduce/avoided pollution as a result of the afforestation works; work with the GIS expert and clearly delineate these areas on the map; n. Advise the Water Expert and participate in the drafting of pre-feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the Old Camenca River water course (Output 2.2.1) by providing forest/pasture preliminary assessments in the area estimated to be subject to increased flooding, as a result of the planned hydrological intervention. o. Assess if the estimated wooded floodplain area (approximately 3,000 ha) that will be flooded as a result of the hydrological works on Camenca River is feasible. p. Describe how the project will work with partners and local communities to achieve results under Component 2 where it concerns sustainable management of forests and pastures; q. Map stakeholders and parallel initiatives relevant to the project; r. Analyse other donor projects for synergies and lessons learned; s. Describe private sector engagement scenarios for Component 2;
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t. Contribute to re-assessment of risks that prevent the project results from being achieved, and the SESP social and environmental risks in the field of relevance; u. Assist in preparation of risk management plans and Grievance Redress Mechanism if required; v. Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan
Final Deliverables: w. Assessment of local development plans and economic/development priorities at district level including any on-going policy work (in the three districts hosting the targeted PAs) and at the local level in the nine (9) settlements within the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve, including the indication of the reflection of Protected Areas and biodiversity management related aspects in these local policies or lack thereof; Recommendations for inclusion of measures related to sustainable forest and pasture use and management in the targeted PAs buffer and production zones. x. A detailed strategy for project Component 2 (afforestation works) and the cross- cutting interventions focused around sustainable use of pastures and forests; Assessment of the costs and needed co-financing of the proposed measures must be included in the designed strategy; y. Input to the comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan; z. Draft ToR for key outputs under Component 2; Participation into validation workshop, supporting necessary revisions which may arise during the workshop, as appropriate; Appropriate inputs provided to the Final Project Document and Annexes, as agreed with the PPG Team Leader.
Qualifications and experience: Master’s degree or higher in natural resource management, agriculture, silviculture, environment, or related disciplines e.g. livestock breeding; Minimum 5 years of demonstrable experience in forest and pastures management issues; Strong knowledge of forest management issues in Moldova, with focus on agricultural practices, pasture and forest management; Working experience with ministries, national institutions in Moldova, NGOs and local authorities and communities’ representatives on land/pastures/forest issues; Ability to work independently and coordinate with other team members on devising cross-cutting project interventions; Fluency in written and spoken Romanian/Russian; knowledge of English would be an asset.
Role: The Local and Community Outreach Consultant will prepare a series of relevant Local livelihoods assessments and provide technical input into the project document preparation where it and community concerns the design of the interventions for improved livelihoods under Component 3. outreach Specialist Responsibilities and Deliverables: the list below outlines key responsibilities and deliverables of this contract. The PPG Initiation Plan for this project provides further and Type: NC more detailed guidance regarding the responsibilities of the prospective PPG team and must be consulted accordingly. Cost per person week: US$ 750 Under the PPG Team Leader’s guidance, the consultant is expected to conduct the following activities:
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Number of person a. Compile a detailed landscape profile for the assigned pilot sites, including socio- weeks needed: 4 economic aspects; b. Assess the economic opportunities in the targeted project areas that local rural entrepreneurs could pursue, highlighting opportunities such as (i) fruits and vegetables processing (fermented vegetables and fruit products, fruit juices, jams; dried fruits etc) (ii) milk and wool processing (iii) organic agriculture (iv) reed/biomass pelleting (v) ecotourism (vi) waste management; or others; c. Reach-out to the representatives of local communities and in cooperation with the Local Action Group Lower Prut (LAGLP) discuss integrated land/water and biodiversity management issues as it relates to their livelihoods, and obtain their views on the challenges and possible solutions, including means to generate alternative sources of income; describe the challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs to access financing sources; d. In coordination with the EU4Cahul Project (EU Focal Regions) and based on these assessments and discussions, design project interventions (including project cost estimates) to support rural entrepreneurs access to grant opportunities under the EU Focal Project and other financing sources; e. Design project interventions that will support the development of local ecotourism initiatives; describe the activities necessary for the development of an integrated tourism package that will (possibly) link tourism in Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve (Moldova) with Danube Delta (Romania)” and the development of a “Biodiversity passport/ Smart Phone App” facilitating increased visibility of, and access to, local tourism destinations in the targeted PAs; f. In collaboration with the representatives of Moldova’s Association of Inbound Tourism (ANTRIM) , design project interventions for the development of Safe Tourism Standards, to be piloted by the project with the participation of the agro- touristic clusters in the targeted project areas; g. Map other similar initiatives relevant to the project; h. Analyse other donor projects for synergies; i. Describe private sector engagement scenarios at the local level; j. Contribute to re-assessment of risks that prevent the project results from being achieved, and the SESP social and environmental risks in the field of relevance; k. Determine if a Livelihood Action Plan is required; l. Assist in preparation of risk management plans and Grievance Redress Mechanism if required; m. Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
Final Deliverables:
Factual assessment of the economic opportunities in the targeted project areas that local rural entrepreneurs could pursue, such as (i) fruits and vegetables processing (fermented vegetables and fruit products, fruit juices, jams; dried fruits etc) (ii) milk and wool processing (iii) organic agriculture (iv) reed/biomass pelleting (v) ecotourism (vi) waste management; (or others, as discussed and validated with the local communities and local authorities) Detailed strategy for the Component 3 of the UNDP/GEF Project. Assessment of the costs and needed co-financing of the proposed measures must be included in the designed strategy; The Strategy will describe (i) identification of feasible rural entrepreneurship ideas/initiatives of the local communities within the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve and preparation of proposals and application for financing (the calls for proposals will be organized and funded by the EU4Cahul
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project) and (ii) the development of two local ecotourism initiatives (including “integrated tourism packages” and a “Biodiversity passport/ Smart Phone App” facilitating increased visibility of, and access to, local tourism destinations in the targeted PAs); Appropriate inputs provided to the Final Project Document and Annexes, as agreed with the PPG Team Leader. Participation into validation workshop, supporting necessary revisions which may arise during the workshop, as appropriate; Qualifications Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as natural resources management, agriculture, forestry, economics, public administration; Proven experience related to land and nature resource management in the pilot areas; At least 5 years of experience in undertaking livelihoods assessment in rural communities; rural livelihoods programes including micro-finance, entrepreneurship building, community development etc Experience with similar assignments, and prior experience with UNDP or other international organization is an asset; Fluency in written and spoken Romanian/Russian; knowledge of English would be an asset. National GIS Role: The GIS Specialist will support the identification and geo-referencing of targeted Specialist project sites and clear presentation for all targeted project areas and surrounding landscapes. Type: NC Responsibilities and Deliverables: The National GIS Specialist will work with the national Cost per person expert team and support the delineation and description of landscapes that are targeted week: US$ 750 by the project.
Number of person Under the PPG Team Leader’s guidance and in coordination with the other national experts weeks needed: 3 the consultant is expected to conduct the following activities:
a. Undertake a brief GIS-based assessment of the extent to which the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are represented within Moldova’s Protected Areas system (in consultation with the Protected Area expert); b. Analyze thematic maps, satellite images and represent the targeted project areas on the map, highlighting different land use categories; c. Work with the Protected Area expert, Pasture and Forest expert, Water management expert for a clear delineation and zoning of buffer and productive zones around Protected Areas and as clearly as possible indicate the targeted areas for restoration works (hydrological works and afforestation); d. Create one general map with all the targeted project sites with multiple information, as approved and discussed with the other technical experts, on which the boundaries of targeted sites should be marked manually and these sites should include (i) the targeted wetlands in Prut Basin(ii) the additional areas proposed to be covered by the international designation (i.e. Ramsar designation in the Padurea Domneasca National Reserve and MAB-UNESCO designation of Romania-Moldova-Ukraine protected areas encompassing Lower Prut and Danube Delta) (iii) targeted lakes, wetlands and riparian corridors (iv) targeted forest strips in the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve selected for afforestation works
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(v) clear location of proposed hydrological works on Camenca River and a delineation of the restored floodplain in Camenca lower reaches. e. Support the PPG team with other requests as needed.
Final Deliverables:
The deliverables will include: geographic coordinates, maps and shapefiles for inclusion in the GEF Project Document (as described in the Section above).
Qualifications:
University Degree in natural sciences with postgraduate GIS or another GIS related certification At least 10 years of experience on GIS and its application in nature resource management. Previous experience on projects related to GIS applications in protected areas and land management is an advantage, particularly under GEF, UNDP, or other international projects; Experience with similar assignments, and prior experience with UNDP or other international organization is an asset; Fluency in written and spoken Romanian/Russian; knowledge of English would be an asset.
32 Certificate Of Completion Envelope Id: 2F56B9FF288D4F3BABE27E09CBF0A921 Status: Completed Subject: Please DocuSign: Initiation Plan PIMS 6551 Moldova Wetlands PPG final_26 Oct 2020 Source Envelope: Document Pages: 32 Signatures: 1 Envelope Originator: Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 1 Elena Olaru AutoNav: Enabled One United Nations Plaza EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled New York, NY 10017 Time Zone: (UTC+02:00) Athens, Bucharest [email protected] IP Address: 188.237.77.28
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