The Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Marine Turtle Conservation
Program in Nicaragua (based in Pearl Lagoon), in collaboration with FHI
360, are implementing an eco-tourism project in partnership with
artesanal fishermen from an indigenous community on Nicaragua’s
Caribbean Coast. The overall goal of this project is to reduce threats
to biodiversity and habitats in the Pearl Cays Wildlife Refuge, as well
as contribute to the strengthening of an ethic of conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity. The project will focus on observing
reef-associated biodiversity in the Pearl Cays Wildlife Refuge (PCWR)
and aims to reduce fishing of green turtles and poaching of hawksbill
eggs, and the killing of nesting and foraging hawksbills by 1)
facilitating the development of an alternative source of income by
developing a non-consumptive use of biodiversity, and 2) building
fishermen’s capacity to provide eco-tourism services. The WCS Pearl
Lagoon Office requires the services of a Tourism and Reef Biodiversity
Expert to assist local staff in developing a coral reef biodiversity
snorkeling tour in the PCWR.
BACKGROUND
The Pearl Cays Wildlife Refuge was officially declared by the Nicaraguan
National Assembly (Law No. 738) in November 2010. The protected area is
composed of 22 coralline cays and/or outcroppings, fringed with
mangroves, sandy beaches, and an aquatic area with sea grass and coral
reefs, covering an area of approximately 700 km2. In addition to the
hawksbill turtle, the Pearl Cays are also important for green turtles
(Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles. The Wildlife
Conservation Society (WCS) has achieved major advances in the field of
marine turtle conservation, such as: a) the reduction of hawksbill egg
poaching from 97% in 1999 (prior to the implementation of conservation
activities) to an average of 12% per year in the past 3 years, b) an
almost doubling in the number of hawksbill clutches laid, c) a reduction
in hawksbill mortality, and d) the declaration of the Pearl Cays as a
protected area. To build on this, WCS will help to provide economic
alternatives with potential for sustainability as part of a long- term
strategy.
PURPOSE
The objective of the consultancy is to:
1. Work with local staff to identify and select suitable sites for a reef biodiversity tour in the Pearl Cays Wildlife Refuge,
2. Buildup knowledge and interpretation capabilities in 8 local
fishermen to carry out the Pearl Cays coral reef biodiversity tours.
3. Develop maps of snorkeling sites to be used in promotional and other materials
The results from this consultancy will help provide the community of
Kahkabila with opportunities to increase their income through
diversified ecotourism activities, as incentive to shift from sea turtle
fishing to sustainable use of biodiversity in the PCWR.
TASKS
a. Conduct a reef site assessment of the Pearl Cays to determine the
best sites to be included in a reef tour that will be conducted by local
fisherman.
b. Based on the site assessment, develop the content (provide a clear
and detailed description of the assets of every site), detailed map, and
itinerary (a detailed plan of the route) for a “coral reef biodiversity
snorkeling tour”.
c. Based on the developed contents and itinerary of the “reef tour”
resulting from the consultancy, develop and conduct a short course for
guides training, including reef structure, community composition, reef
ecology, snorkeling safety and security and interpretation.
DELIVERABLES
1. A written report on the findings from the site assessment.
2. Reef biodiversity watch tour content (clear and detail description of the site assets) and itinerary.
3. Tourism training short course for community fishers; course curriculum and instruction materials.
4. A report on the implementation and evaluation of the tourism training short course.
DURATION
This consultancy is expected to be executed over a period of (3) weeks beginning the first week in February 2013.
WORK RELATIONSHIPS
• The consultant will report to the WCS Reef Biodiversity Watch Ecotourism Project Manager.
• The consultant will be generally accompanied by a WCS staff member to provide translation and local knowledge of the site.
• Meetings and interviews with locals will be arranged by WCS staff in Pearl Lagoon.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Degree in tourism, marine biology or related fields with experience in
coral reef tourism, or commensurate years of experience.
• Good knowledge and experience in preparing and conducting tourism
guide training, with preference for specialist in reef tourism guide
training.
• Basic knowledge about wildlife conservation scheme.
• Willingness to travel to remote locations.
• Team spirit and excellent communication skills.
• Familiarity with indigenous and ethnic cultures (Miskitu and Afrodescendant).
• Strong computer skills.
• Good English and Spanish (writing and speaking) are required.
COMPENSATION
Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience, and
will be in Córdoba based on the following schedule: 50% of the total
amount after approval of 50% of the deliverables and the reminder once
all deliverables have been approved.
APPLICATION
• Technical and financial proposal (no more than 4 pages excluding appendices)
• CV of expert(s)
The technical proposal must describe how the objectives of the
Consultancy will be met, including methods and timetable for each
deliverable. The budget must include line items for technical services,
travel costs to Pearl Lagoon (including international travel if
required, room & board and other materials if needed).
SUBMISSION
Please submit your application by January 21 to Rodolfo Chang, WCS Nicaragua at caribstyle25@yahoo.co.uk.
For questions contact Rodolfo Chang at +11 505-25720506 or caribstyle25@yahoo.co.uk
Please submit your application by January 21 to Rodolfo Chang, WCS Nicaragua at caribstyle25@yahoo.co.uk.
For questions contact Rodolfo Chang at +11 505-25720506 or caribstyle25@yahoo.co.uk