Background

The project titled: “Increasing the resilience of Seychelles’ flagship tree species coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica)” is a project funded by the Franklinia Foundation with the main objectives being to support long-term management and conservation of the coco de mer and to reduce the threat of forest fires. Thus, the activities under the project include the development of a forest fire prevention and contingency plan.

The coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica) is categorised as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is endemic to two Seychelles islands (Praslin and Curieuse). The total population consists of ca. 8200 individuals, across three subpopulations, covering a total area of <20 km2. As of 2020, more than 80% of the coco de mer adult population is managed by SIF. The population size is estimated to have declined by 30% over three generations and the population is still decreasing. A worst-case scenario of a further 30% decline over the next century is projected if threats are not mitigated. Existing and emerging threats to the species are forest fires, illegal harvesting, invasive alien species, and severe climate change impacts.

The coco de mer, as a keystone species and ecological driver of the palm forest ecosystem, is fundamental to the outstanding universal values of the Vallée de Mai. As such, our long-term vision is to halt and, if possible, reverse the decline of the coco de mer, while implementing scientific excellence for conservation assessments and management, and boosting the resilience of the species.

Specific Role

1. Thorough assessment of the current fire contingency plan for Vallee de Mai and Fond Ferdinand with gap analysis.
2. Finalise a forest fire prevention and response plan that covers approximately 220 hectares of the national park (Vallee de Mai, Fond Ferdinand and Fond Peper) including an updated command plan.
3. Plan and participate in capacity training through direct liaison with fire response training officials from Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) and inclusion of Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA).
4. Write up of a memo for management and maintenance of all firefighting equipment for both sites.

Expected outcomes

1. Finalised fire prevention and response plan along with fully trained staff and community body in place to respond.
2. Reduced threat from fires through an operationalised fire prevention system.
3. Improved organizational capacity in threatened trees conservation and protection.
4. Synergised capacity through involvement of organisations responsible for coco de mer management areas i.e., Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles (TRASS) and Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA).
5. Enhanced and maintained liaison between the project sites and respective emergency response agencies/departments i.e., Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA), Police Department, Emergency Medical Response, Department of Environment (DoE) and Biodiversity Conservation Division (Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment) and Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA).
6. Increased understanding of coco de mer conservation and protection efforts.
7. Improved use of resources for coco de mer conservation.

Project deliverables

1. Monthly updates with SIF and regular meetings as well as close liaison with the site manager.
2. Initial conception report with project plan and timeline.
3. Meetings with relevant stakeholders and parties involved e.g., SFRSA, SPGA, etc.
4. Updated fire prevention and contingency plans draft for review by all stakeholders (end of month 1).
5. Maintenance memos of firefighting equipment, communication equipment and surveillance system (included in plan).
6. Reviewed fire prevention and contingency plan (end of month 2).
7. Finalised fire prevention and contingency plan (end of month 3)
8. Final project report, including statistical details of firefighting capacity training, and recommendations for coco de mer protection against threats of fire (end of month 3).

Required qualifications and skills of candidate

1. Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in natural disaster management
2. Significant knowledge and experience in natural disaster response.
3. An understanding of forest conservation and management in Seychelles.
4. Excellent report writing skills.
5. Strong communication and presentation skills.
6. Local knowledge of Seychelles, specifically Praslin Island.
7. Excellent coordination and organisation skills and delivering on deadlines.

Contractual arrangements

The service will be overseen by SIF’s Project Officer who will provide ongoing feedback throughout the project. The SIF Project Officer will ensure that the above outputs are met in the agreed timeframe. SIF shall provide necessary support to the service provider in order to execute the assignment through the duration of the project.

Application procedure

Applicants are required to submit the following documents to Cheyenne Chang-Yunn (po1@sif.sc):

1. Letter of interest, stating why you consider your service suitable for the assignment
2. A technical proposal inclusive of a brief methodology on the approach and implementation of the assignment
3. A formal quotation for the consultancy services
4. Personal CVs of technical personnel proposed for this project highlight qualifications and experience based on the skill requirements above
5. Work references