Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697796410837.pdf (Dominica)
TERMS OF REFERENCE Project Title: Supporting Sustainable Ecosystem by Strengthening the Effectiveness of Dominica’s Protected Area System Post Title: Duration: Organization: 12 months ECU and Planning Community Resource Management Plan 2.3.1 Background Morne Trois Piton National Park (MTPNP) was proposed as a forest reserve in 1952 but later designated as a National Park under the National Parks ND Protected Areas Act # 16 of 1975.
MTPNP includes large highly scenic tracts of the most extensive almost undisturbed tropical forest in the Lesser Antilles and the headwaters of most of the major streams and rivers in the southern half of the island.

These support a high level of biodiversity.

The Park lies within a Conservation International- designated Conservation Hotspot, a WWF/IUCN Centre of Plant Diversity and a Bird Life-designated Endemic Bird Area.
In 2011 the Revised Management plan recommended the following proposed buffer zone for the MTPNP WHS consisting of the establishment of a 305m buffer in the northern area of the park in the Pont Casse’ areas where approved building development has been granted to land owners.

In other areas of the park a 200 m buffer was recommended.
Noting the challenges faced by the communities on the edge of MTPNP and the threat that poses to the protection of MTPNP, the Government of Dominica initiated the project Supporting Sustainable Ecosystem by Strengthening the Effectiveness of Dominica’s Protected Area System.
The project aims to demonstrate a model for effective integrated landscape management encompassing the strengthening of an existing PA (Morne Trois Pitons National Park) and establishment of its buffer zone in order to reduce threats to biodiversity and ecological functioning.

The project has the following two components: Component 1: Strengthening the core zone management of Protected Areas at systemic level and scale up innovative interventions at core zone of selected PAs to improve Sustainability.
Component 2: Establish and manage Buffer Zone as a key component of National Protected Area System and select experiences to be scaled up beyond the buffer zone Activity Description Activity 2.3.1. calls for the development of four (4) Community Resource Management Plans (CRMP).

This activity will be led by the Environmental Coordinating Unit (ECU) with technical support from the Planning Department.
Management plans will be developed for four local communities namely La Plaine, Petite Savanne, Pond Casse and WottenWaven/Trafalagar), all within close proximity to the MTPNP boundary.
The community Resource Management plans will be similar to those developed under the Sustainable Land Management Project that identified development priorities and established resource use plans and conservation strategies that address critical threats to biodiversity and ecological functioning including water resources and land degradation.
The CRMP developed under this project will have a strong focus on the buffer zone (and the core area of the PA as needed), and will incorporate projections of future climate change impacts Specific Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will collect the following data sets for each community (data source scientific, anecdotal and research (Forestry, Agriculture, Scientific groups like Bird Watch, Forest Research Groups etc.)
to assess the state of the major animal groupings from the NBSAP and listed above.
• Climate data – rainfall, temperature , wind and historic data on impacts from weather systems • Soil data – fertility, land use, agriculture data, erosion, soil conservation measures being undertaken • Socioeconomic data – demographics, livelihood strategic intervention, agriculture production • Physical data – topography, drainage, land subdivision structure • Data on emerging challenges, • Identify the various habitat types present in the communities (buffer zone of MTPNP) Identify any emerging challenge in the habitat that is likely to affect the organisms’ population.
• Work with the community members and groups to obtain and share data.

• Present the data in an academic format for dissemination and use by decision makers, academia and research personnel.
• Make use of the GIS and community education personnel employed by the project to prepare maps and reports Qualifications & Experience • Advanced university degree (M Sc or equivalent or better) Geography, Planning, Management or similar discipline • At least 10 years of experience in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management or Forest Management • At least 5 years’ professional experience related to Resource management and reporting • Experience and knowledge of both terrestrial and marine habitat conservation • Demonstrated leadership ability and technical ability to communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing • Knowledge of Dominica’s social structure and development challenges Skills: • Proven ability to provide technical guidance to a wide range of stakeholders to achieve stated project objectives • Strong data management, reporting and analytical skills • Knowledge of tropical forest production cycle • Excellent interpersonal skills • Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize multiple tasks • Proficiency in computer software application.
Language Requirements: • Excellent English, both written and oral