Terms of Reference (ToR) for Early Warning System (EWS) Development in the Kakheti Steppes Project

Introduction:

SABUKO (Society for Nature Conservation), a Georgian conservation NGO, is committed to promoting sustainable pasture management within the Kakheti Steppes Project.

This Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the development and implementation of an Early Warning System (EWS) to achieve this goal. This initiative is part of the project “Kakheti Steppes – Balance between Living Landscape or Future Desert, ” implemented by Society for Nature Conservation-SABUKO.

Study Area:

The study area covers the territories of Dedoplistskaro, Akhmeta, and Sighnaghi municipalities in the Kakheti region. The total area of the study region is 103, 031.35 hectares.

Project Background:

Maintaining healthy grasslands is crucial for the Kakheti Steppes` ecological balance and the well-being of species. Traditional methods of monitoring grassland health can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. An EWS will address this challenge by providing real-time data and insights for informed decision-making and assess potential threats to grassland health within the project area.

EWS Objectives:

Develop an automated EWS utilizing remote sensing data, climate models, and existing baseline data.
Monitor and assess potential threats to grassland health within the project area.
Improve informed decision-making on grazing practices and conservation efforts for long-term sustainability.

EWS Components:

Remote Sensing: Sentinel-2 satellite imagery will be used to identify and map suitable grazing areas and analyze changes in vegetation cover over time.
Climate Data: Integrate readily available climate data (rainfall, temperature, wind speed, evaporation rates) to predict potential droughts or weather events impacting pastures.
Ground Truthing: Conduct periodic field assessments to validate and calibrate remote sensing data using baseline ground truth data from 2023 supplied by SABUKO.

Scope of Work:

Stage 1: EWS Design and Development:

** Selection of a qualified service provider through a competitive bidding process.
** Collaborative development of the EWS, incorporating SABUKO`s requirements and existing data sets.
** Integration of remote sensing data analysis (including semi-annual supervised classification using SAVI or NDVI), climate data modeling, and ground-truthing procedures.
** System testing and refinement based on collected data.

Stage 2: EWS Implementation and Training:

** Installation and deployment of the EWS within the project area.
** Development of user manuals and training materials for EWS users on operating and interpreting EWS outputs.
** Capacity building workshops and training sessions for stakeholders on EWS utilization.

Stage 3: Pilot Application and Evaluation:

** Pilot application of the EWS in selected areas for a designated period.
** Utilize EWS outputs to refine recommended stocking rates based on grassland degradation rates.
** Monitor the effectiveness of the EWS in informing grazing management decisions.
** Evaluation of the pilot program and identification of potential improvements.

Deliverables:

A fully functional and user-friendly EWS tailored to the Kakheti Steppes Project.
Comprehensive user manuals and training materials for EWS users.
Project reports detailing EWS design, implementation, pilot application results, and recommendations.

Timeline:

A detailed project timeline will be established following the selection of a service provider.

Responsibilities:

SABUKO:

** Project oversight and guidance.
** Facilitation of communication.

Service Provider:

** Provision of baseline data and collaboration for field assessments.
** EWS development, implementation, and training.
** Delivery of project deliverables.

Budget:

A detailed budget proposal must be included in the submission, covering all aspects of the EWS development, implementation, training, and data management.

10. Data Sharing and Confidentiality:

SABUKO is committed to responsible data management practices. All data collected and used within the project will be handled confidentially.

Reporting:

Regular progress reports will be submitted by the service provider to SABUKO. A final project report will be delivered upon completion of the project.

Submission Requirements:

Interested service providers should submit a proposal that includes:
A technical approach and methodology for the EWS development, including expertise in remote sensing analysis platforms and ecological modeling tools.
A project timeline with key milestones.
A detailed budget proposal.
CVs of key personnel who will be involved in the project, including the qualifications and experience of the service provider, along with relevant case studies.

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

** Technical approach and methodology.
** Experience and qualifications of the service provider.
** Feasibility and clarity of the proposed timeline.
** Cost-effectiveness of the budget proposal.
** Quality and relevance of previous work and case studies.

Submission Process:

Proposals must be submitted electronically by 9 August, 2024 to alex.mikeladze@sabuko.org Late submissions will not be considered.

Next Steps:

Following the proposal evaluation, SABUKO will select a service provider and collaborate to finalize the project details and timeline.

We look forward to receiving your proposal.