Project objective: To undertake an interdisciplinary study on CITES and forests in support of the implementation of Decision 19.32 adopted by the CITES Conference of the Parties at its 19th meeting (Panama, November 2022).
Project background: The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between states. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). This project will support the CITES Secretariat in the implementation of Decision 19.32 on CITES and forests by Parties to CITES at the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP19, Panama City, 2022).
Project description: The project responds to Decision 19.32 on CITES and forests whereby Parties instruct the Secretariat to prepare an interdisciplinary study to assist decision-making processes on the future of any initiative relating to CITES and forests.
The study is expected to result in, or contribute to three main outputs as outlined in Annex 2 to PC26 SR, and which are further summarized below:
a) Output 1: a report on an interdisciplinary study (see Activity 1);
b) Output 2: a report on the scope of a new initiative on CITES and forests (see Activity 2); and,
c) Output 3: a consolidated report of the Secretariat for consideration of CITES Committees in preparation for CoP20 (see Activity 3).
Activities: The activities that should be included in the project proposal are detailed in Annex 2 of PC26 SR, a summary of which is detailed below (associated outputs specified in brackets):
a) Activity 1 (output 1): In consultation with the Secretariat:
1.1. Map the intersections and complementarities between the CITES Strategic Vision: 2021-2030 (Resolution Conf. 18.3) and that of the global forest commitments and develop recommendations to enhance the timely and effective implementation of the CITES forest compendium (see Annex 1 to PC26 SR);
1.2. Assess the contribution of the Convention in the conservation and sustainable use of forests, with particular focus on tree species during the period from CoP16 to CoP20;
1.3. Assess the contributions to the conservation of sustainable use of forests made by relevant CITES Secretariat-managed projects, using as a starting point those showcased in the CITES and forests webpage;
b) Activity 2 (output 2): In consultation with the Secretariat, define the potential scope of an initiative on CITES and forests that will enhance the implementation of the Convention as it relates to forests (tree species) while contributing to the achievement of other international commitments. Special considerations to undertaking this are outlined in Annex 2 of PC26 SR;
c) Activity 3 (output 3): In consultation with the Secretariat, develop an executive summary and extended report on the findings of activities 1 and 2; which will serve as a basis for the Secretariat’s reporting to the Plants and Standing Committees, in accordance with Decisions 19.33 and 19.34.
Proposals should include the preparation and submission of draft reports to the CITES Secretariat on key elements of the project as well as the preparation of a final report.
The maximum budget is USD 80,000. Please note that all funds must be allocated to specific activities/time of specific experts allocated tasks to be carried out to deliver on the activities. Administrative cost for running the project must be described in detail; no general overhead costs should be included in the proposed budget.
Project requirements: The call for proposals is open to technically competent research- and academic institutions and non-profit organizations. Proposals must focus on the implementation the outputs and activities outlined in Annex 2 of PC26 SR, which are also summarized above.
Proposals should be submitted in accordance with the application template provided below. Applying institutions should demonstrate:
- approach and methodology to be used to implement activities,
- extensive knowledge of:
- the global framework on forests and relevant multilateral environmental agreements;
- CITES processes and its contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of forests, with particular focus on tree species;
- experience in implementing or managing forest-related programmes;
- experience in strategic partnerships and resource mobilization strategies relating to the implementation of CITES mandates, such as those included in the ‘CITES forest compendium: CoP19-CoP20’ (see Annex 1 to PC26 SR),
- experience in undertaking global-level work and similar interdisciplinary studies,
- capacity to undertake the required assessments, and
- capacity to interpret findings and to transform results into user-friendly narrative reports with supplementary materials.
Applying institutions are invited to outline perceived challenges to implement activities and to deliver the required reports described supra, how they suggest addressing these challenges, and whether they suggest any amendments to the proposed activities and deliverables.
Implementation start date: 02.01.2024
Implementation end: date: 02.12.2024
Submission deadline: 05.12.2023
Posting / notification date: 01.11.2023
Detailed call for proposals: Link to the detailed call for proposals document, SEA Declaration
Who can apply: Technically competent research- and academic institutions and non-profit organizations
How to apply: Please send the project proposal using the application template provided to [email protected] with the term “CITES and forests” in the subject line.