Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative, Trinidad and Tobago Terms of Reference for the Development of a Reforestation Scheme for the Nariva Swamp.

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1 Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative, Trinidad and Tobago Terms of Reference for the Development of a Reforestation Scheme for the Nariva Swamp. 1.0 INTRODUCTION: In 1999, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (TT), with the collaboration with Ducks Unlimited (DU) and the USDA Forest Service (USFS) and various national experts, prepared a work plan for the Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative (Ducks Unlimited, 1999). The proposed plan aimed at implementing some of the recommendations of the Nariva Swamp Management Plan and the environmental impact assessment (Biche Bois Neuf Area) undertaken by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) for the Forestry Division of TT. The plan focused on the restoration of the hydrology, aquatic vegetation and forests, and on the implementation of a fire-fighting programme for the area. As part of the restoration of the aquatic vegetation and forests, an historical change detection analysis was undertaken to construct physical restoration scenarios and to propose an optimal restoration scenario, together with management and monitoring plans. The landscape restoration scenario contemplates a land cover baseline similar to the conditions in the early 1970 s. The recommended restoration scenario is based on analysis of six decades of information that provide an idea of the evolution of the vegetation under the different disturbance conditions. However while the suggested restoration goals reflect the early 1970 s ecosystem composition, it should be realized that vegetation communities at that time had not yet reached a new stable distribution in response to the altered hydrological conditions and water levels imposed by the Navet dam within the upper reaches of the watershed. In order to achieve a landscape that can be sustained with the present water conditions and taking into account the existing needs of local communities and their farming water requirements, it will be necessary to design a water management plan for the area, which is compatible with current agricultural plans for the area known as Sector A and the Kernahan community. Hydrological modifications to existing drainage patterns are also being considered together with the implementation of a fire management plan. The reforestation scheme will have to be compatible with these initiatives and will have to consider the requirements for carbon sequestration within damaged or destroyed areas of the wetland. 2.0 BACKGROUND: A reforestation/vegetation workplan for damaged areas within the Nariva wetland has been devised under the historic change detection analysis study. 1 The plan envisions that 1 Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative - Historical Change Detection, Restoration Scenario & Work Plans - July Report presented to the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment and the National Wetlands Committee. 1

2 about 1,000-1,500 ha will be reforested, including sections of royal palms, over a period of 3-5 years (Figure 1). The reforested areas will include the forest areas to the west of the area referred to as Sector B, which was cut down by the illegal rice farmers; the bowl to the west of Sector B; areas between the Environmentally Sensitive Area and the southwest corner of Sector A; Sandhill; clear cut areas to the west of Kernahan; and individual royal palm trees or forest that were removed for cultural or pet trade (access to the young of the blue and gold macaw) purposes. Only species or species mix native to Nariva will be used. The appropriate use of swamp forest species or rainforest species will be determined by the water level and extent of the flooding once the surveys provide soil elevation information and the hydrological conditions have been rehabilitated. The aquatic vegetation also needs to be managed. Active management and control must be used and monitoring should be an integral component of this activity in order to assist with any adjustments to original plans as the work progresses. Mechanical and chemical treatment of invasive species may be required to open areas for more natural plant communities. Local experts will have to be consulted on their experience in controlling species such as Phragmites sp. and Montrichardia sp. 3.0 OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this reforestation study is to support the restoration of damaged areas within the Nariva Swamp in order to recreate vegetation conditions similar to those of the late 1960 s. The reforestation scheme has to be compatible with the restoration scenario and various work plans as outlined in the Initiative report (Ducks Unlimited, 2005). 4.0 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES: The following is the proposed schedule of events for this project: Contractor selection September 2006 Start of Work October 2006 Interim report- December 2006 Draft Report January 2007 Final Report February

3 A2 A1 B1 B2 C1 Figure 1 Nariva Swamp restoration (source: Ducks Unlimited, 2005) 3

4 5.0 SCOPE OF WORK: The following activities are to be undertaken by the consultant: a. Prepare a detailed work plan, with a budget for the restoration efforts, which is to be executed on a phased basis by the Forestry Division in collaboration with local communities. The plan will include the identification of areas suitable for reforestation and will be compatible with those areas as outlined in the historical change detection analysis study. b. Survey, demarcate and map the following areas identified in the Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative as possible reforestation sites (Figure 1): o Forest to the west of Sector B which were cut down by the illegal rice farmers B1 o The bowl to the west of Sector B B2 o Areas between the Environmentally Sensitive Area and the southwest corner of Sector A A1 o Sandhill A2 o Clear cut areas to the west of Kernahan C1 o Royal palm forest individual royal palm trees were cut down in various parts of the swamp o Any additional areas not identified in the historical change detection analysis but requiring reforestation, previously approved by the Forestry Division and EMA. A recommended scale for mapping is 1:5,000 derived from IKONOS or Quick Bird imagery. The use of geomatics technologies is required (e.g. GIS, RS, GPS) c. Using a scale of 1:25,000 and the soil classification system of Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad and Tobago Land Capability Survey Protocol), identify soil types, soil characteristics and degree of soil erosion (where necessary) within possible reforestation sites. The consultant will need to collaborate with other studies being undertaken, in particular a hydrological study of the area. d. Define plant ecological zones using all data (soil types, hydrological regime etc.). For each ecological zone, identify native tree species that are compatible with possible reforestation areas. There will not be any use of exotic species or species that are not native to the local area. The species will have to be chosen on the basis of their ability to survive either under current local conditions or under changed 4

5 conditions as a result of hydrologic rehabilitation, and for their value and benefits to the native fauna, especially the endangered manatee and blue and gold macaw. Species will also have to be representative of the original species composition of the possible reforestation areas. In addition scenarios of community change within the ecological zones because of the impacts of climate change will have to be developed. e. Develop a planting and maintenance programme for reforested areas. Activities to be included under this programme include weeding of competing herbaceous species, monitoring and evaluation activities to evaluate seedling survival and the need to replant areas where elevated mortality has occurred. f. Produce a manual for tree planting, tending and management of trees after they have been planted in target areas. The information in the manual will also include basic ecological requirements for the successful establishment and early growth of seedlings of desired species; and required site preparation activities. g. Identify possible sources of additional plants from external nurseries in order to maintain genetic variability and keep up with demand. h. Identify and map locations of wilding collections, for first phase of project, when seedlings are in short supply. These will include identification of parent trees. i. Develop education/sensitization programme for stakeholders including local communities. j. Develop a plan for the design, establishment and sustainability of two plant nurseries, which will include the preparation of a schematic design and requirements for nursery establishment and management. The consultant will engage community groups or individuals around Nariva Swamp near target areas in this exercise and will conduct at least three training workshops (in conjunction with a social component) for community personnel involved in reforestation in areas related to wilding collection, seed collection, nursery operations and planting. The consultancy will require linkages to be made with a number of stakeholders, including the National Reforestation Project, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources and the University of the West Indies among others. In addition it will have close linkages in terms of development and execution with other components or studies of the Initiative. 6.0 PROJECT ADMINISTRATION: The consultant hired to execute the study will report to the project management unit of the EMA. The consultant shall be responsible for all the resources that may be required to carry out the project. The EMA shall facilitate meetings with key governmental agencies responsible for or associated with the Nariva system that the consultant may require from time to time on this 5

6 project. The consultant will also be expected to collaborate closely with the Forestry Division, Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment on technical matters related to the project. Receipt of proposals Interested parties are requested to submit 3 hard copies and one digital copy of their proposal, including costing and relevant resumes, together with an application letter and a copies of other supporting documents in a sealed envelope marked: "Reforestation Plan for Nariva Swamp to be deposited at the EMA and addressed to: The Corporate Secretary Environmental Management Authority #8 Elizabeth Street St. Clair Port of Spain Deadline date for proposals is the 8 September 2006, no later than 4.00 p.m. 6