Location: Remote, with potential field visits to the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) in Armenia
Fee: Up to £3,000 (inclusive of all taxes)
Duration: 1 month
Reporting to: Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)

BACKGROUND

The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) operates at the intersection of wildlife protection, environmental education, awareness-raising, and sustainable development, involving rural communities in the sustainable growth of their regions. FPWC promotes mutual respect among people, natural resources, and cultural heritage, emphasizing the protection of fragile ecosystems and safeguarding vulnerable wildlife throughout Armenia.

FPWC’s flagship conservation initiative, the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR), was established in 2010 and encompasses 30,000 hectares of communal lands stretching from central to southern Armenia. The CWR is critical for habitat protection and biodiversity conservation, providing refuge to species such as the Persian leopard, brown bear, Eurasian lynx, bezoar goat, Armenian mouflon, and bearded vulture. FPWC’s dedicated patrolling and monitoring of sites, migration pathways, and flyways ensure the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this consultancy is to revise and update the CWR management plan, integrating ecological, social, legal, economic, and cultural considerations to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the area.

SCOPE OF WORK

1. Assessment of Current Plan

   • Review the existing management plan, as well as relevant laws, policies, and stakeholder input.
   • Identify gaps, outdated practices, and areas for improvement.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

   • Consult with FPWC team members, rangers, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
   • Incorporate additional information gathered by FPWC from community members and other stakeholders through various projects.
   • Reflect stakeholder insights in the revised plan.

3. Ecological and Socioeconomic Analysis

   • Integrate updated ecological data (e.g., species population trends, habitat conditions, climate change impacts).
   • Assess socioeconomic factors influencing the area, such as tourism, agriculture, and local livelihoods.

4. Drafting the Updated Plan

   • Develop clear conservation objectives, management strategies, and action plans.
   • Outline monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
   • Propose sustainable financing mechanisms.

5. Compliance and Alignment

   • Ensure the plan aligns with relevant national and international conservation standards and commitments, including:
     • Armenia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
     • BirdLife International recommendations
     • IUCN guidelines
     • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
     • Bern Convention agreements

6. Finalization and Capacity Building

   • Present the draft for review and incorporate feedback.
   • Conduct training sessions for FPWC staff and other stakeholders to facilitate effective implementation.

DELIVERABLES

1. Inception report detailing the consultant’s methodology and work plan.
2. Interim report summarizing initial findings and stakeholder consultation outcomes.
3. Draft management plan for stakeholder review.
4. Final management plan incorporating all feedback.
5. Materials and summary report for a capacity-building workshop.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with Armenia’s or the Caucasus region’s ecological and conservation context.
• Strong understanding of IUCN Protected Area Categories, biodiversity conservation standards, and relevant legal frameworks.

CONSULTING FEE

The consultant will receive a fee of up to £3,000, inclusive of all taxes.