Background:

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park (MBNP) is a pristine ecosystem that has been under the management of a Community Based Organization since 2003. The park is located in the midst of ever-expanding logging, commercial agricultural operations, and a growing rural population. These developmental activities have placed pressures on the park in recent years. The Park’s management has identified these threats, and will be redoubling conservation efforts for this critical ecosystem. Additionally, the park serves as an accessible destination for local and foreign tourists to observe native flora and fauna, and to engage in recreational activities. These eco- tourism activities contribute to the economy of the host village Silk Grass and the wider southern economy by creating jobs and economic opportunities for tour guides and tour companies alike. The National Park is co-managed by Mayflower Bocawina Environmental and Development Group (MBEDG) since 2015.

MBEDG has received funding from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) to finance a project entitled “Strategic Development of Mayflower National Park”. The project aims to increase awareness of the benefits provided by the park to the buffer communities, improve ecosystem protection and management, establish a biodiversity research program and improve financial sustainability of the park. In order to achieve the project objectives, MBEDG seeks to develop an emergency and disaster management system for the management and mitigation of environmental risks and emergencies for the enhanced and effective management of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park.

General Goal:

The goal of the manual is to reduce the effects of natural and other types of hazards on the staff members and property of MBNP.

Objective:

The objectives of the manual are:

1. Ensure that functions of the MBEDG are clearly defined and become operational as expeditiously as possible during and after an emergency or disaster.

2. Provide guidelines which will facilitate the collaboration with key partners (APAMO, NEMO, Police Department, MOH and others) in preventing, mitigating, and responding to emergencies or disasters that may affect the MBNP.

Scope of work:

In close consultation with the MBEDG Park Manager and BOD, the consultant will be required to complete deliverables no later than 2 (two) months after contract signing.

Main responsibilities of the consultant:

1. Develop a detailed inception report for the term of consultancy.

2. Conduct a risk assessment to review hazards/ threat scenarios to MBNP.

3. Assess the availability and capabilities of resources for incident responses including people, systems, and equipment available within the park and external sources.

4. Consult with public emergency services (e.g., fire, police, and emergency medical services) to determine their response time to the park, knowledge of the park and its hazards and their capacities to stabilize an emergency at the MBNP.

5. Determine if they are any regulations pertaining to emergency planning at the MBNP; address applicable regulations in the plan.

6. Develop an inclusive budget guide for the emergency and disaster preparedness

7. Conduct trainings in Emergency and Disaster Response to MBNP Staff, Board of Directors, and relevant partners.

Expected products:

·       Submission of comprehensive inception report

·       Conduct trainings on preparedness, activation and post disaster and emergency response

·       Minimum two (2) site visits.

Qualification and skills:

Master’s (Graduate) degree is desirable, or Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) Degree in Disaster and Risk Management, Health, Social or Earth Sciences or any other related disciplines

Three (3) years of national experience in disaster and risk management, public health, social services, planning or public administration.

Remuneration: Based on experience and qualifications.

MBEDG invites interested consultant or consulting firms to submit expressions of interest indicating competence and relevant experience within the conservation sector and similar consultancies. Package such include:

·       Letter of interest

·       Curriculum Vitae

·       Bid

Bid Interested consultant or consulting team should submit soft copies via email to: parkmanagermayflowerbocawina@gmail.com, CC rdaley@socialsecurity.org.bz, projectofficer@apamobelize.org or hard copies to: Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Silk Grass, and Stann Creek District, Belize.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS January 30, 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL parkmanagermayflowerbocawina@gmail.com OR CALL US AT 672-2001