Consultant, Vulnerability of forest sector in Montenegro to pests and plant diseases

The immediate objective of the “Capacity building for integration of global environment commitments in investment/development decisions” project is to analyze, identify, and pilot advanced tools and practices for environmental information management and compliance monitoring of the national implementation of the Rio Conventions.  Specifically, the project would develop national capacities collect and analyze data and information against the metrics of global environmental indicators, and integrate these within national sustainable development and environmental decision-making processes.  The expected outcome of this project is that a systematic and sustainable approach to assessing global environmental achievements through the implementation of  national policies, programmes and plans has been initiated.  This project will aso be an important contribution to the national experiences in developing and implementing tools and practices for measuring, reporting, and verifying the cost-effectiveness of official development assistance to implementing multilateral environmental agreements, in particular the Rio Conventions. Further more, the project “Enabling activities for preparation of the Second National Communication of Montenegro to UNFCCC”  aims to enable Montenegro to prepare, produce and disseminate its Second National Communication (SNC) to the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) according to Decision 17/CP8 and other guidance provided. The SNC will update and strengthen information provided regarding national circumstances, greenhouse gas inventories, climate change mitigation, vulnerability to climate change and steps taken to adapt to climate change, and information on public awareness, education, training, systematic research and observation, and technology transfer. The project will also increase the capacity to produce subsequent NCs that meet CoP guidelines and inform policies in Montenegro. In line with the main objective of the “Capacity building for integration of global environment commitments in investment/development decisions” project, the national list of environmetnal indicators has been prepared in 2012. One of the environmental indicators is the indicator for biodiversity described with 7 indicators, addressing among others representation and status of selected species, invasive and alochtone species, drying out of trees and forest fires. The dataset supporting monitoring of these sub-indicators is good however additional data will be needed to supplement the baseline data and for further monitoring of the sub-indicators.  Furthermore, Montenegrin forests and forest land are an extremely important ecosystem and economic resource with multiple role: they are important producers of biomass, sources of healthy and high-quality forest fruits, medicinal herbs and mushrooms, an important habitat for wild plant and animal species, the main factor for the maintenance and regulation of hydrological regime, provide protection from landslides and erosion, absorb significant volumes of carbon and represent the main air-purifying system. Due to the fact that they were mainly established by natural regeneration, as well as because of the characteristics of climate and terrain, forests in Montenegro are characterized by high. Regarding ownership structure, 67% of the forests and forest land or 500,041 hectares is owned by the state, while the remaining 243,568 hectares is private property. Out of the state-owned area, commercial forests (intended for wood harvesting) cover about 81%, protective forests approximately 16%, while the forests in national parks cover 3% of the total area. High and the most commercially valuable state-owned forests cover about 212,000 ha (71.2% of commercial forests) extending mainly in the northern and north-eastern part of the country. The total timber stock in Montenegrin forests is estimated at around 72 million m3, of which 29.5 million m3 or 41% are conifers and 42.5 million m3 or 59% are broadleaves. Climate change and air pollutants are the initial predisposing factors that operate over a longer period of time and that lead to physiological weakening of the plants. The forests of reduced vitality are highly subject to the attacks by parasites, weaknesses and secondary insect pests. The infectious potential and aggressiveness of the pathogens is often enormously increased by warmer climate, so that these become the dominant factor in the spread of disease. Secondary pests can also multiply quickly, resulting in their gradation, so that they become primary and attack healthy trees. Adverse factors operate simultaneously, or occur in succession. The Initial National Communication of Montenegro to UNFCCC report identified that drying of forests has a global character with a trend of further increase of intensity; it is somewhat selective with respect to individual tree species, their structural form, stand age and site quality, which leads to progressive degradation of forest ecosystems, and reduces the production potential of forests. In Montenegro, general health and drying of forests has been monitored according to the adjusted ECE methodology from 1988 until 2003, with minor interruptions. The most intense investigations were carried out from 1988-1992, after which this data was collected partially and at a smaller number of bioindicative points. In assessing the parameters that determine the viability of samples of trees on bioindicative counts, the greatest importance is attributed to the symptoms of defoliation, decolourization and necrosis. Current data (up to 2003) show that 30% to 35% of forests in Montenegro are in various stages of degradation. It is therefore necessary to understand better the basic characteristics of forest ecosystems and the basic threatening factors, as well as to find solutions to overcome the existing problems. It is a general conclusion that conifer forests are getting much more damaged compared to the broadleaf stands. Projected weather characteristics (temperature and precipitation) will initiate numerous negative impacts on forest ecosystems and positive impacts on the distribution and physiological state of insects (such as defoliators, bark beetles) and phytopathogenic fungi (e.g. powdery mildew, causers of diseases of fungal assimilation organs and polypore mushrooms). An indirect effect of temperature increase is reflected in the fact that the insects are poikilothermic organisms so that as the temperature is increasing the conditions for their development become closer to an optimum. Pests will also extend to the north. Mild winters will provide additionally favorable conditions for their survival through the winter. The INC correctly notes that there is insufficient data on NPP/ecosystem health in order to carry out any quantitative assessment of climate change’s likely impacts on the forest sector. EPA Montenegro developed this year the final national list of environmental indicators where these issues are addressed by indicators for foreign/ invasive species and indicator for drying the trees. Therefore it is recommended that prevention of adverse effects of climate change to the forest sector in Montenegro that are inevitable due to changes on the value of climatic factors it is necessary to implement measures such as application of forest management system that support and protect sustainable forest management, etc. Objectives of the assignment: The purpose for engaging an international consultant is to conduct analyses of vulnerability of Montenegrin forest ecosystem to pests and plant diseases due to climate change with focus at endemic tree species such as the Bosnian pine and Macedonian pine (Pinus Heldreichii, and Pinus Peuce), at foreign/invasive species such as Acacia and Ash ( Robinia Pseudacacia,  and Ailanthis altissima) and commercial interesting species such as Oak and Beech (Quercus sp. and Fagetum sp.). The data collected and generated will be further considered to be used for supplementing the dataset supporting the environmental indicator for biodiversity. Furthermore, the consultant will be responsible to conduct analyses of economic impact of forest vulnerability to pests and plant diseases and related negative impacts to the Montenegrin economy and environment and provide recommendations for forest management plan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Job content:   Under direct supervision of the UNDP programme manager and in close cooperation with, representative of Climate Change and International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism (MSDT), EPA Montenegro, Ministry of forestry and rural development, and together with Hydro-meteorological and Seismology Institute, the International consultant will be responsible to deliver the following tasks: Review available forest sector related GIS data / maps in Montenegro, with focus at next tree species,  Bosnian pine, Macedonian pine, Acacia, Ash, Oak and Beech and analyze their area of distribution, provide information what size of the stock is under state and private ownership, and assess value of these tree species from the environment and economic point of view. Gathered data may be used for updating the environmental indicator for biodiversity; Identify most common/ probable pests and plant diseases which may impact forests and trees dying out due to climate change and provide analyzes how the identified pests and plant diseases will/ may impact the six tree species in relation to their health, biomass, area of distribution. Gathered data may be used for updating the environmental indicator for biodiversity; Conduct economic analyses of direct and indirect damage from pests and plant diseases to these six tree species Based on available information on Montenegro’s forest sector and conducted analyses in task 2 and 3, assess risk from drying out of trees and the related damage and conduct analyses of economic impact of forests vulnerability to pests and plant diseases on Montenegrin economy. Identify and elaborate links between climate change, pests and diseases and economic impact to Montenegrin economy Gathered data may be used for updating the environmental indicator for biodiversity; Based on results of tasks 1, 2, 3 and 4 provide recommendation for defining adaptation measure in the process of preparation forest management plans at the national levell; Key Outputs:  Analyses of the available data on the six tree species  conducted; Analyses of pests and plant diseases impacting health of the six tree species and related economic analyses conducted; Analyses of forests vulnerability to climate change and related economic impact to Montenegrin economy conducted; Dataset supporting the National Environmental indicator for Biodiversity supplemented; Recommendations for defining adaptation measures in the process of preparation forest management plans at the national level Timing of the work:  The Consultant will be engaged on short-term base (up to 30 working days) under Individual Contract immediately following the selection process of the best candidate. The selected Consultant will be responsible to deliver tasks set in these terms of reference no later than February 15th 2013. The consultant will be engaged in the period from mid-November 2012 to February 15th, 2013. During the 30 consultancy days, the consultant is required to undertake two missions to Montenegro. The first, 3-day mission will be mid November 2012, and the second, 3-day mission end of January, 2013.

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Ability to collect and analyze data from a quantitative and qualitative perspective; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback and different points of view; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: An advanced degree in forestry or biology. Experience: Minimum five (5) years of experience in forest sector and activities related to forest management in Western Balkan region; Minimum three (3) years of working experience in vulnerability of forests on climate change, (desirable on impact of pests and plant diseases on forests) and in conducting related economic analyzes on impact of forest vulnerability to countries economy; Previous working experience on environmental indicators related to biodiversity (focus at forests);  Previous work experience with UN/UNDP or other international organizations will be considered as an advantage; Competent in computer skills and in the use of databases and Geographic Information System;  Capability to work effectively under deadline pressure and to take on a range of responsibilities; Ability to work in team, good decision-making skills, communication and management skills; Demonstrated ability of preparation of analytical, clear and readable reports; Language Requirements: Fluency in English (written and spoken) and knowledge of local language will be an advantage Application Process: Interested offerors are requested to submit their applications to UNDP Office in Podgorica by e-mail to consultancy.me@undp.org  by November 7th, 2012. The application should contain: Duly completed Personal History Form (P11) can be downloaded from http://www.undp.org.me/files/jobs/index.html Cover/Motivation Letter The short-listed offerors only would be requested to submit a letter of interest including a price quotation indicating the lump sum (in EUR) requested for the work and travel envisaged in the section "Duties and Responsibilities". UNDP is an equal opportunity employer Procurement note related to this vacancy can be found on: http://www.undp.org.me/files/jobs/2012/12-083%20notice.pdf

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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