WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE LAKE LIFILIKATABU REHABILITATION VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK

Table of Contents

I Locality Map 3 1.0 Introduction 4 2.0 Current Situation 5 3.0 Project Intent 5 4.0 Site Specific Data 6 -8 5.0 Execution Plan 8 6.0 Deliverables & Replenishment Benefits 9 -11 7.0 Stakeholders and Beneficiaries 11 8.0 Project Sustainability 11 9.0 Financial Proposal 12 10.0 Program of Works 13 11.0 Project Management & Administration 14

Annex –A-

Photographs 15 – 16 General Data, Precipitation to Water Shed Protection Initiative 17 - 26

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 2 -

Map

PROJECT LOCATION

Plate 1 – Google Map of Varirata National Park Project Site

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 3 -

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Water Shed Protection Project – At Lake Lifilikatabu, Varirata National Park (VNP), Sogeri CP

The degree, to which water precipitates, hits the ground, runs off and infiltrates into ground or flows directly into waterways to reach the oceans and then evaporates into the atmosphere to repeat its cycle is basically the dynamics of natural hydrological cycle. In the context of this initiative, a supply side exists within the ground water reservoir of the VNP while the demand side exists at the lower discharge end of the water shed area. Naturally people build communities near water sources which are usually at the transitional zone or at the discharge ends of water shed areas.

In this scenario, the communities located on the Transitional zone are Rauna 1 & 2, Rauna 3 & 4 while the 17Mile to 14Mile, 9Mile and Lower Laloki areas are located on the Discharge zone of this Water Shed Model. Communities located along the Transitional zone have limited space for agriculture or farming due to the rugged and steep terrain and occurrences of massive basalt boulders and hard rocky surfaces. This condition provides favourable permeability for aquifers and stream flows as evident from road side stream flows. Communities at the lower Discharge zone enjoys favourable expanse of grazing land, agricultural farming land where soil remains relatively moist almost all year round due to their close proximity to the Laloki River System.

The VNP receives very good rainfall of over 2,000mm/yr with an average annual temperature of 24.4°C at the height of 800m ASL. This climatic condition makes it less susceptible for rapid evaporation from open lake system and evapotranspiration from vegetation and exposed soil.

The evidence of natural aquifers within Recharge, Transitional Zones and the ever flowing Laloki River System within the lower Discharge Side are clear indicators of the existence of a water reservoir located at a higher altitude. More so the evidence of natural stream flows and river systems originating from the massive belt of basalt rock formation within the VNP further suggest the abundance of this renewable water source located deep within the VNP rock formation.

One of the most spectacular natural formations within the VNP is the twin natural lake system which is separated by a 15 meter wide natural dyke; with one lake system approximately 500mm above the other. This natural phenomenon allows the ebbing of higher lake system to recharge and the lower lake system and when this system reaches its overflow limit, it spills over into the natural drainage system and discharges into the streams and rivers further below.

By understanding the natural environment and habitat of this lake system and the fragile aquatic ecosystem it supports; at the water-air interface, lake-floor environment as well as understanding the geological infiltration potential of the lake’s base stratum, an intervention protocol geared towards maximising water retention could be developed.

Therefore the objective of this Project is to increase the lake retention volume, build hydraulic pressure within the lake to promote good soil infiltration and ultimately increase the underground water storage capacity of the ground water reservoir. The Scope of the exercise will be limited to dredging and de-sludging the lake floor from consolidated mud, sandy-silt sludge and tree branches and vegetation debris that have accumulated on the lake floor over a very long period.

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 4 -

2.0 CURRENT SITUATION – LAKE SYSTEM

The current situation is that the entire twin lake systems have built-up sludge levels within 500mm below their water-air interface. The sludge depth extends 1.5m below the 500mm sludge level and this equates to total sludge volume of V = 1.5m D x 200m L x 20m W = 6,000 sq.m, the total combined lake volume to be created within this project scope.

Plate 1. Photo of one of the Lake System:

3.0 PROJECT INTENT

The Intent is to increase the total volume of the combined lake system adequate to accommodate 6,000 cubic meters of fresh water which should be available at its maximum level during the high precipitation periods from December to April.

During the low precipitation period from May to November, it is expected that the lake volume will decrease by 30 – 50% of its total holding load, thus allowing a moderate ground water movement. This is necessary to keep the soil pores open until full circulation resumes when more precipitation occurs.

The project implementation strategy will comprise of a mechanised operation methodology where a stringent site operation protocol will be employed to ensure minimum harm to the environment. Agency responsible for the park shall monitor all operational aspects during the course of the project implementation period.

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 5 -

4.0 SITE SPECIFIC DATA

DEMAND SIDE

Location Varirata National Park

Sub_district Sogeri

District Kairiku

Province Central Province

VILLAGE CODE Varirata

Latitude 5° 49' 42'' S

Longitude 144° 41' 01''

Hight from Mean Sea Level (in meters) 700

Village 20 Population

Cattele Paopulation Nil

A Catchment Area in sq. km (of the watershed) 1

B Type of land use

Agriculture in sq. km 0

Industrial in sq. km 0

Domestic in sq. km 0

Public Utilities in sq. km 0.1

Others in sq. km 320

Total Sq. km. 1,063

C Average annual rain fall in mm 2,438

D Number of Rainy days 60

basaltic lava, ignious E General Geology of the area rock forms

F Attach a copy of location map (google)

G Attach a copy of location Photo

H Location of nearest Dug Well (m) 0

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 6 -

Plate 2. SUPPLY SIDE: Water Retention – Lake System

Plate 3. DEMAND SIDE – Ground Water seeping out from rock formation and used for laundry, Bathing & irrigation. Sites in Plate 4 below is located directly beneath the Twin Lake System, VNP.

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 7 -

Plate 4. DEMAND SIDE – Roadside vehicle washing using ground water to generates cash income by the Local Land Owners.

5.0 EXECUTION PLAN

The execution plan and major scope of works are as follows:

5.1 Mobilise to site and carry out Topographic survey and digital terrain modelling of the two lake systems, and then proceed to carry out civil design works for approval by CEPA,

5.2 Install temporary shoring up works to the lake edges, where dredging equipment will operate on,

5.3 Build temporary earth filled ramps into the lake and commence dredging,

5.4 Transfer and dispose all sludge material dredged from the lake floor at sites specified by the Park’s Ranger,

5.5 Strengthen Lake edges to the near-side according to the approved design,

5.6 Clean up the area, replant damaged grass/lawn section within the Visitor viewing areas,

5.7 Demobilise, and

5.8 Handover and Project Close

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 8 -

6.0 DELIVERABLES – REPLENISHMENT BENEFITS

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 9 -

The deliverables and the Demand Side are as follows:

1. Increased lake retention volume by 300% from the current estimates of 2,000 cubic meters to 6,000 cubic meters. This will result in increased hydraulic pressure exerted on the lake floor creating new flow lines in the soil pores and more so opening up clogged flow lines and ultimately recharging the ground water reservoir.

2. Tangible gains will include constant seepage through aquifers at low altitudes, within the transitional and discharge zones. See Plate 5 and 6 below, examples of what to expect when the proposed underground reservoir increases in hydraulic pressure within the reservoir:

The ground water exiting from the rock formation is located directly under the Lake System

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 10 -

3. The calculated Potential Lake Retention Volume per year is 14,000 cubic meters of fresh renewable water.

4. Other beneficiaries from this Water Shed Protection Initiative at the Demand Side includes:

Plate 7. Grazing land – Located at Adventure Park 14-Mile

Plate 8. Laloki River – Flowing down at 17-Mile

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 11 -

7.0 STAKEHOLDERS & BENEFICIARIES

Stakeholders to this project are:

7.1 Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA),

7.2 Local and International Visitors to the Varirata National Park,

7.3 Local population of Varirata, Sogeri, and Koiari (The Local Land-Owners) people within the Transitional and Discharge Zones of this Water Shed, and

7.4 The City Residents.

8.0 PROJECT SUSTAINABLITY

Renewable Fresh water retained within the underground reservoir is safe from evaporation, pollution, contamination from industrial activities and from any uses other than for human and livestock consumption and for soil moisture and vegetation growth.

As the lake system acts as a natural conduit to transfer surface precipitation into the safe underground storage for future use, this conduit must remain functional to serve this very purpose for the long haul.

CEPA with its new mandate will embrace this initiative and move further to feature this new product locally and internationally to attract more scenic tourism, bird watchers and others so that they bring in foreign exchange to sustain the continued upkeep of this magnificent lake system.

The current VNP visitor fees are; National Tourist K2/person, Expatriate Tourist K5/person. With the inclusion of this new Product, ‘The rehabilitated twin lake system’ and a good marketing strategy in place, cost recovery on this investment within the short timeframe is promising.

.

9.0 FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

Financial Proposal – Using Annex 2C only to provide quotation. Note no major change is permitted.

10.0 PROGRAM OF WORKS

The Program of Works to be detailed in MS Project for clarity.

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 12 -

Table 2. Program of Works

Procurement of Materials 5d Mobilising and Site Establishment 2d Topographic and DTM Survey 3d Implement Shoring Up activities 3d Commence clearing and dredging of lake floor 30d Strengthening lake shore line 5d Replacing & Replacing damaged lawn within lake 3d Clean up and demobilise 1d Hand over and Project Close 0d

Total project duration is 35 x days, starting from the date when site clearing commences.

Additional activities with regards to Project Handover Ceremony will be provided separately as it is not part of the Works Program.

11.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION

UNDP will managed the Project from inception through to completion and handover with technical support from the locally engaged Engineer who will oversee the overall technical aspect of the project including liaising with appropriate local, private entities and Government Agencies.

12.0 REQUIRED QUALIFICATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE OF THE TEAM

The implementation team should include at minimum the following key professionals – Team Leader/Project Manager, Hydrologist, Civil/Structural Engineer and GIS Specialist.

The qualifications listed for each specialist are given as an orientation of the minimum competencies but the evaluation team will consider, when justified according to the methodology proposed and other suggestions for the Offeror.

a) Required Information from Potential Bidders

• Provide Company Profile and profile of Project Director/Owner, • Provide evidence of past experiences in similar project scoping undertaken within the last five years, • Provide listing of Key Personnel and listing of major pieces of equipment including age, ownership and operating weight, and • Methodology on how to implement the project.

b) Demonstrated knowledge in areas of:

• Site clearing, dredging, excavation & haulage of saturated sludge materials comprising soft to sticky silty mud and decaying matters from natural lake floors, • Installation of Lake embankment retaining rock-wall structure, • Concrete footpath works and associated walkways within the lake embankment, • Experience in bathymetric/ hydrographic surveying and topographic/DTM surveying,

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 13 -

• High level of communication skills, work progress/status reporting, • High level of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at Project Site, • Adherence to CEPA Advise on minimum destruction to soil surface, flora and fauna within the protected National Park project site, • Engage/Promote local village participation on labour intensive tasks and minimise use of heavy equipment, thus minimising collateral damage to environment, • High level of Risk Mitigation skills for work engagements within environment and culturally sensitive areas.

c) Team Leader/Project Manager

The team leader/project manager is expected to possess the following:

• Master Degree in Sciences, Management or related field (PhD is an advantage); • At least 10 years of project management experience; • A good understanding and experience on water issues and construction of water support systems including emerging challenges of environment and climate change impacts, and community development; • Proven organizational, interpersonal and communication skills needed for effective team management and coordination; • Strong record including experiences in selection, mobilisation and monitoring delivery of construction deadlines; • Ability to work under pressure in a difficult multi-cultural environment on a wide range of tasks and delivery quality outputs on time; and • Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement.

d) Hydrologist

• Bachelor Degree in hydrology or related (Masters is an advantage); • At least 7 years of experience in hydrology assessments; • A good understanding of climate change impacts, environmental issues and community development; • Experience in working on development projects that encompasses resource use and management involving gender consideration and landowner management; • Ability to work under pressure in a difficult multi-cultural environment on a wide range of tasks and delivery quality outputs on time; • Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate; and • Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement.

e) Civil/Structural Engineer

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering with at least 7 years of experience in Civil/Structural Engineering (Masters is an advantage); • A good understanding of climate change impacts, environmental issues and community development; • Experience in working on development projects that encompasses resource use and management involving gender consideration and landowner management; • Ability to work under pressure in a difficult multi-cultural environment on a wide range of tasks and deliver quality outputs on time; • Demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience in research, conducting analysis and reporting writing;

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 14 -

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to community to communicate; and • Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement;

f) GIS Specialist

• Bachelor Degree in Geography, Geology, IT or related fields (Masters is an advantage); • At least 7 years of mapping, GIS and Remote Sensing Experience; • A good understanding of climate change impacts, environmental issues and community development; • Experience and knowledge of products and tools of GIS for Landuse Planning and establishment of water supply systems; • Ability to work under pressure in a difficult multi-cultural environment on a wide range of tasks and deliver quality outputs on time; • Good interpersonal skills and ability to community to communicate; and • Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement;

Language requirements

• Fluency in written and spoken English and .

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 15 -

ANNEX –A- to Project Report 1

PHOTOGRAPHS: RECHARGE SIDE – VNP

Plate 9. On assignment to confirm the existence of Ground Water within the Water Shed – VNP

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 16 -

Plate 10. SUPPLY SIDE – Ground Water seeping out into the natural drainage path, Main Look Out Point, VNP.

Plate 11. DEMAND SIDE at Transitional Zone - Ground Water flowing out from the rock formation and used by locals to generate small income at the rural village setting. Location of this site is just below the Twin Lake

UNDP PARTNERSHIP| WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NAT. PARK - 17 -

General Data on Project Site

Location Varirata National Park

Sub_district Sogeri District Kairiku Province Central Province VILLAGE CODE Varirata Latitude 5° 49' 42'' S Longitude 144° 41' 01'' Hight from Mean Sea Level (in meters) 700 Village Population 20 Cattele Paopulation Nil A Catchment Area in sq. km (of 1 the watershed) B Type of land use Agriculture in sq. km 0 Industrial in sq. km 0 Domestic in sq. km 0 Public Utilities in sq. km 0.1 Others in sq. km 320

Total Sq. km. 1,063

C Average annual rain fall in 2,438 mm D Number of Rainy days 60

E General Geology of the area basaltic lava, ignious rock forms F Attach a copy of location map (google) G Attach a copy of location Photo H Location of nearest Dug Well 0 (m) UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 18

UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 19

GENERAL INFORMATION - WATER REPLENISHMENT METHODOLOGY

UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 20

PRECIPITATION DATA

UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 21

WATER ACCESS INTERVENTION

UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 22

PROJECT PROPOSAL OUTLINE Ser Project Summary Project Detailing 1 Project Name Varirata National Park (VNP) Water Shed Protection

2 Project ID # EPC 2

3 Description of Activity Dredging and desludge of existing Natural Lake System

4 Location VNP

5 Locally engaged engineer Albert Nawara

To increase the Lake's water retention volume, leading to increased 6 Objectives ground water reservoir

Background and Activity The natural lake system located at 700m ASL at the VNP is at the 7 Description Recharge End of the local water hydrology, offering a potential gate into which surface water can stored to create hydraulic pressure sufficient to force water into the underlying ground water reservoir. The geology of VNP is volcanic and therefore holds large pores and spaces within interlocking fast cooling lava masses, forming natural reservoirs deep within the rock formations. This natural condition create opportunities for man to assist mother nature in storing water during the five months of good rainfall for reuse during the seven months dry spell. The main activities will be dewatering and dredging of the lake bottom to increase its volume.

Summary of Replenish The stored water deep within the water shed reservoir is void of 8 Benefit evaporation, direct transpiration

UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 23

from trees and evapotranspiration, since water loss to the atmosphere is disadvantageous to the local habitat and vegetation. Since VNP has heavy vegetation canopy coverage, direct transpiration through the vegetation, from the sub-surface soil water is inevitable and this may have caused a marked decrease in the volume of ground water. Therefore artificially assisting the nature in recharging and replenishing the water storage has much greater benefit to the local environment in a long term. This stored water, by gravity, will eventually seep out from natural aquifers, water wells, streams or rivers at lower altitudes. This creates benefits to people, livestock and vegetation located below at the intermediate and discharge ends of the natural water shed.

A careful and environmentally friendly dredging methodology will 9 Activity Time Line be employed and this task is estimated to take 90 x days to accomplish.

Total Project Cost inclusive of labour, materials, equipment hire and 10 Financial Details Project Supervision/Fees

Calculation of Water Replenish 11 Benefits

Appreciate and investigate the local surroundings, interview Park Approach Rangers to determine behaviours of surface rainfall runoffs and subsurface drainage patterns within VNP water shed. Identify potential water retention intervention strategy for possible development and study design practices. The rehabilitation of the lake system was assessed to be a practical undertaking as a pilot UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 24

project as it falls within the scope of the 'Intent'. Project Sponsor's decision to be secured A complete project formulation document will be forwarded to the Office of the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) for their vetting and sanctioning prior to project go-ahead. Project commences, through to completion and handover to CEPA as the Custodian.

Research the Demand Side to assess the potential beneficiaries; Methodology people, livestock and vegetation. Assess the Supply Side to determine the potential water retention capacity within the proposed Lake system. Appreciate design limitations including recharging potential and potential risks. Design to increase total lake storage capacity and estimate net lake water retention capacity Seek specific approvals from CEPA for compliance issues relating works within Protected Area Commence works to completion and Handover

Delivery a lake system with increase water storage capacity to Results increase hydraulic pressure at the base of the lake.

Data Sources CEPA

1. Bottom surface of lake system is clogged with heavy mud, silt Assumptions material and debris from surface runoff, creating an impervious layer, preventing efficient recharging of the ground water system, 2. Permeability of underlying soil stratum is good, and good ground water drainage path exists

UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 25

beneath the natural lake system, 3. Direct lake evaporation and evapotranspiration will continue naturally occur before, during and after the lake rehabilitation works,

Rehabilitation works will increase VNP Visitor count to the lake 12 Non-quantified benefits scenery

13 References if any CEPA

UNDP PARTNERSHIP | WATER SHED PROTECTION INITIATIVE, VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK 26