10043822-Implementation Support National Ecosystem Assessments in Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

GIZ and government partners will agree on governance and operational arrangements. The CARIBIO project team will act as the Technical Support Unit, coordinating experts, providing technical support and organising stakeholder meetings and workshops. UNEP-WCMC"s Global NEA Initiative will provide expert support and tailored training. Preparatory work includes organising relevant online and offline resources in a suitable repository and holding launch events in both countries. The events will introduce ecosystem services and their relevance to development planning, help identify priorities and policy entry points and prepare stakeholders for the scoping phase.

Support to the completion of two National Ecosystem Assessments (NEAs), one for Saint Lucia and one for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including technical reports and government-reviewed Summaries for Policymakers. The work contributes to CARIBIO"s objective of improving regionally harmonised biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in selected CARICOM member states. It supports the use of NEAs in government development planning and the integration of nature"s value into policy decisions.

Technical expertise is required as well as advice and facilitation in close cooperation with GIZ, the Technical Support Units (TSUs) in both countries and UNEP-WCMC"s Global NEA Initiative. Work will be carried out in English and will build on existing results, particularly the Grenada NEA, and use participatory, gender-sensitive approaches.

Capacity development will be integrated into the process, potentially covering environmental data management, interoperability, spatial analysis, ecosystem-service valuation, scenario modelling and decision-support tools. The assessments will take account of existing projects, data and national monitoring and reporting systems.

Work package 1 - Scoping: In each country, relevant policies, biodiversity information, literature, databases, partnerships and knowledge holders will be reviewed. Key policy questions, ecosystems and ecosystem services, information needs, stakeholders, methods, capacity-building needs and relevant lessons from other NEAs will be identified. Two national kick-off workshops and, where needed, further consultations will help define the scope and stakeholder engagement approach, including ethical considerations and the inclusion of Indigenous and local knowledge. Preparation and finalizing of two scoping reports, with proposed report structures, methods, data sources, operational arrangements and work plans. Milestones: kick-off workshops, award; stakeholder analysis and engagement plan; capacity-needs and capacity-building plans and finalized scoping reports.

Work package 2 - Technical assessments: Coordination of authors and experts, delivery of relevant training and engagement activities, and synthesizing evidence addressing the agreed policy questions. If agreed during scoping, this may include collecting primary data or using fellows to compile background information. Each assessment will address relevant biodiversity and ecosystem-service status and trends, drivers of change, plausible scenarios and implications for human well-being, monetary and non-monetary values, and response options. Drafts will undergo stakeholder engagement and peer review. The final technical reports should also identify gaps in data and knowledge.

Milestones: chapter outlines and authors agreed; training and workshops; first-draft reviews; both final technical reports.

Work package 3 - Summaries for Policymakers: Translation of assessment findings into concise, accessible policy messages linked to the questions defined during scoping. Draft summaries will be presented to stakeholders and policymakers, highlighting opportunities to incorporate findings into national policy. Support to the review, government approval and finalization of both summaries. Milestones: draft summaries presented for government approval; final summaries.

Work package 4 - Additional advice and knowledge sharing: Short advisory assignments, each of up to two expert days, on mainstreaming NEA findings, policy uptake, communication, training and regional knowledge sharing. Activities may include advice to governments, participation in working groups, webinars, outreach products, workshops and networking. Supporting the sharing of lessons through CARICOM"s Sub-regional Technical and Scientific Cooperation Centre and relevant NEA networks. Three communication or training products should be available by month 15.

Contributions to the project"s results-based monitoring., accounting and invoicing in line with GIZ requirements; monitoring shall cover implementation, progress against objectives and milestones, results, risks and relevant external developments.Contributions to CARIBIO progress and final reports, share updates in coordination meetings and attend monthly meetings with the project coordinator. Support to knowledge management, relevant contributions to the Sub-Global Assessment Network and project evaluation.

Digital tools and AI may be considered to improve efficiency, but their use must support the credibility, integrity and inclusiveness of the assessments and follow the IPBES Code of Practice on AI. Gender measures must ensure meaningful participation of women, including Indigenous and local women, in decision-making. Women experts and representative organisations shall be engaged, gender differences in knowledge and participation recognized, and practical barriers such as meeting times, transport and childcare be addressed. Diverse methods should be used to ensure that different voices are heard, and that Indigenous and local knowledge receives appropriate recognition.