Antecedentes

GEF has recently approved a project proposal concept for an allocation of USD $2.777 million for the implementation of a project to support the Government of Seychelles in developing and implementing sustainable financing measures for the country’s expanding protected areas system.

The Seychelles PA system currently consists of 25 PAs (terrestrial, marine and combined) totaling 55,769 ha. In 2011, Government announced its intent to gazette 7 new areas in the Outer Islands; the gazetting of three new areas in the Inner islands (2 of them privately owned) is underway; the only privately owned island group in the Outer Islands is also seeking PA status. This expands the PA system to 149,045 ha, almost tripling the gazetted area.  In addition, 15% of the marine area (a further 200,000 sq km) is to be protected as a no-take zone, mostly in near-shore areas. This major expansion is to be financed at least in part through a Debt-for-Nature Swap agreement. However, while the expansion of the PA system creates the potential for improved protection of the Seychelles terrestrial and marine biodiversity, the financial implications of the expansion and the needs for sustainable management of the existing and expanded system have not been properly considered.

In order to achieve even basic management goals in the current PA system, the annual financing gap, calculated at around $1.6M ought to be closed; for optimal management this gap is at least $5 million. With respect to the new areas, the capacity and financing for even basic management is simply not there. This project will therefore put in place a consolidated framework for the financial, operational efficiency and coherency of the current disconnected assemblage of PAs. It will design an integrated new National System of Protected Area, with aligned management standards and efficiencies across its constituent PAs. This will ensure sustainable financing for PAs in the short- and medium-term, and provide the basis for the expansion of Seychelles’ protected area estate in the future. Within a rapidly shifting economic and financial environment for Seychelles, two complementary streams of action will be part of this intervention: improving the ‘generation’ of PA finance through a suite of mechanisms, and improving the ‘delivery’ of conservation benefits through a more effective use of this finance at the system’s level.

The main stakeholders for the project are the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE), Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA), Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) and Ministry of Finance.

Deberes y responsabilidades

• Review the legal basis for PES arrangements in Seychelles and needs for including new elements within the PA Act or accompanying legislatio;
• Analyze progress in the application of CSR taxes and the effectiveness of use of funds so raise;
• Based on definitions in Global Canopy Programme (2010), The Little Biodiversity Finance Book, A guide to proactive investment in natural capital (PINC) explore the feasibility of introducing or enhancing different mechanisms for improving the financial standing of Seychelles PA System;
•  Using available information on the extent of forests and seagrass beds, and international models on carbon sequestration in these ecosystems, make preliminary assessments of the green and blue carbon stocks in Seychelles;
• Based on knowledge of and contacts in international carbon markets, assess whether the full project should pursue the potential for carbon marketing.

• Analysis of the potential for PES based on water user fees to contribute to the financing of terrestrial PAs on Mahe and Praslin islands;
• Analysis of green and blue carbon stocks in Seychelles and the potential for carbon marketing;
• The above to be summarized and consolidated within the Project Document.

Competencias

• Ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder project environments;
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
•  Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies

• Ability to build strong relationships with national consultants and stakeholders, to focus on impact and results for the client, to respond positively to critical feedback, and a consensus-oriented approach to work;
•  Highly developed inter-personal, negotiation and teamwork skills, and a networking aptitude;
•  Fully computer literate;
•  Excellent English writing and communication skills.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

• At least 10 years’ international experience in environment and natural resources management projects;
• Specific experience in the assessment of the potential for PES and the design of PES schemes is required;
• Specific expertise in coastal and marine carbon assessments (blue carbon) is required;
• Proven past experience in UNDP-GEF project formulation/design is an advantage;
• Ability to conduct research and analysis, with strong synthesis skills;
• Experience working with international organizations, including UNDP, is preferred but not required;
• Previous experience working in Small Island Development States (SIDS) is an advantage;
• Regional (Western Indian Ocean) and national (Seychelles) experience is highly desirable.

• Fluency in English is required.