Annex I
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Position:
Expert on ornithofauna monitoring program
development
Project number and title:
№82920 - Development and Introduction of the
Information System on Monitoring of Biodiversity at
Pilot PAs in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Contract type:
Individual contract
Location:
Almaty city, 20 days trip to Almaty SNR
Duration:
05.08.2013 - 06.10.2013
Background information:
The "Development and Introduction of Information System on Monitoring of Biodiversity
(hereinafter — IS BD) at Pilot PAs" Project is aimed at the improvement of the biodiversity
monitoring system through creation of an information system using of GIS-technologies. This
activity will be based on ecosystem approach at which biodiversity species are considered as an
integral part of the habitat. The approach will allow assessing both the habitat ecological potential
and the nature of flora and fauna species diversity distribution as well as defining the extent and
nature of anthropogenic impact and existing threats for biota existence. The proposed monitoring
system will allow creating the basis for economically and scientifically informed decision-making in
the field of flora and fauna resources management and conservation.
The main project results will be:
1) Creation of a uniform automated information system on the biodiversity of Kazakhstan
PAs based on the development and systematization of their databases and introduction of an
ecosystem approach;
2) Implementation of the provisions specified in the Law of the RK "On Especially Protected
Natural Areas" (Articles 39, 41, 44, 45, 50 and 52) regarding implementation of one of important
types of main activity by PAs – organization and conducting of research and monitoring of ecological
systems;
3) Capacity building for PA and FHC MA RK employees in the field of software and databases
use for monitoring of biodiversity.
According to "Development and Introduction of the Information System on Monitoring of
Biodiversity at Pilot PAs” project document signed by the parties,
the Almaty SNR was selected as a pilot area.
The research on a monitoring program conducted in autumn at ASNR allowed defining the
condition of monitoring objects in the autumn season, which need addition with the results of
biodiversity objects condition in the spring and summer seasons.
1
Objective: Development of methodical recommendations on monitoring of birds in the
Almaty State Natural Reserve.
Main tasks to be performed by the expert
Scope of work:
The expert in the development of a monitoring programme for birds shall be responsible for
the development of proposals on defining and establishment of monitoring sites (itineraries) taking
into account autumn monitoring sites (itineraries) for ornithofauna in the Almaty State Natural
Reserve worked out in 2012. When working on this subject, an integrated assessment of studied
sites for ornithofauna should be provided. The obtained data will be used for writing a final
monitoring program for 2013.
Within the framework of the terms of reference the expert will perform the following works:
Visits the project site in the planned periods and carry out field works on earlier selected sites
using agreed techniques and required technical equipment. Establish additional monitoring sites and
itineraries for the monitoring program with detailed descriptions of habitat quality and BD species in
them;
By the results of field works finalizes / supplements monitoring sites and itineraries in project
PA ecosystem maps indicating geographical coordinates;
Develops and coordinates formats of tables for accounting bird monitoring species including
all monitoring parameters;
Defends and agrees methodical recommendations on monitoring taking into account the
additions;
Provides accounting, cameral processing and analysis of the received materials, writes a
thematic section of the monitoring program;
Provides ornithofauna inventory. All main ecosystems and whenever possible the fullest set
of key and indicator species on the main seasons should be covered within the area under study;
The research materials should include illustrations (photos, drawings) of birds and the
habitats typical for them and justification of the proposals for the improvement of ornithofauna
biodiversity conservation;
According to the obtained data fills in the general registration ornithological forms for
databases and makes out a scheme map on the basis of map M1:100000 indicating accounting
points (on GPS coordinates);
Based on the map data and research analysis, develops recommendations on PA expansion,
as well as on required activities on the conservation of rare and endangered species;
Provides detailed recommendations on conducting long-term monitoring indicating the
periods, locations, the required equipment, etc.;
Defends and agrees methodical guidelines on monitoring taking into account additional
results of field works carried out in the summer season. The final monitoring program should be
developed after summer field works, taking into account the monitoring field works carried out in
autumn and the training conducted according to an approved training activity plan developed by the
capacity building expert.
Field works and collection of information on ornithofauna of Almaty SNR:
2
Carries out field works on the territory of Almaty SNR using approved techniques and the
required technical equipment;
Fixes coordinates of registration points by means of GPS, notes the areas of the most
important summer habitats, makes pictures of birds, biotopes, etc.;
Identifies the areas of expected gatrhering of birds on field itineraries.
Defines key reserve areas, which are the most important habitats for birds in terrestrial
ecosystems of Almaty SNR;
Defines model bird species and groups as indicators for subsequent monitoring of the
condition
of their seasonal number and distribution;
Defines accounting points and provides recommendations on further monitoring of
ornithofauna in the summer and autumn periods, as well as develops the principles of monitoring of
indicator and key bird species on the project site.
The section on bird monitoring sites should include:
1. Seasons and periods of observations;
2. Monitoring species;
3. Optimum periods and an area for observation over monitoring species;
4. Monitoring sites with link to ecosystems;
5. Required devices and equipment;
6. Cameral processing and systematization of field observation data;
7. Received data analysis;
8. Monitoring results;
9. Assessment of monitoring species condition;
10. Conclusions and recommendations, development of a detailed report;
11. Distribution of monitoring results for concerned persons.
Expected results and payments:
#
1
2
3
Results
Field works on monitoring sites on the territory of
ASNR - 20 days - is conducted
A monitoring report is developed
A brief review on printed and archive materials on
the ornithofauna of Almaty SNR is developed
An information report on the field studies
developed and approved by the Project
Coordinator
The methodical guide on the monitoring of ASNR
ornithofauna presented at the Research and
Technical Council (NTS) of the reserve on
October,1
A training in monitoring of birds for ASNR
employees conducted
A final report: Methodical Recommendation on
Monitoring of Birds at ASNR in the Spring and
Summer Seasons is completed and approved by
3
Deadline
05.0825.08
Amount
20%
05.09
15.09
30%
01.10
02.10
06.10
50%
the Project Coordinator
Note: The contract amount includes the expenses on the services on the development of
ornithofauna monitoring program and the costs for trip over the reserve area with motor transport rent
to achieve the above mentioned results.
A trip: in the course of fulfillment the tasks, the expert should leave for field studies for the
territory of Almaty Reserve on rented motor transport for 20 days from August 05 to August 25, 2013.
Responsibilities:

Reports to the National Project Coordinator;

Secures qualitative performance of the Terms of Reference in due time;

Secures unconditional fulfillment of the requirements under the Contract;

All information should be submitted in a hard copy and electronic format in Russian;
 The consultant should submit a full list of documents and other information sources used
within the framework of the assignment. The consultant should bear in mind that he/she bears full
personal responsibility for the validity and reliability of the data and information used.
Required skills and knowledge:

Higher education in the field of ornithology / biology with, at least, 5 years work
experience in biodiversity and nature conservation. Experience of work at PAs.

Knowledge of research techniques.

Development and organization of monitoring sites.

Ability to work in a team.

Ability to work at demonstration areas for a long time, sometimes at difficult
ecological conditions.

Experience in participation in field studies, cameral processing of materials and
development of reports on completed research.

Experience in the development and editing of printed editions. Computer skills (MS
Office, Internet, etc.).

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Russian and Kazakh languages is an asset.
Reporting requirements:
The reports will be submitted upon achievement of each result according to schedule. They
should be approved by the National Project Coordinator and shall be the basis for payment. Upon
the completion of the assignment, at unsatisfactory work performance by the consultant, the UNDP
reserves the right to terminate the contract unilaterally.
COA (SHOULD BE INDICATED IN FIGURES)
Project
ID
82920
Activity
Activity 1, 2
Account
Amount
71300
Total:
4
Fund
Dep ID
30071
B0552
Impl.
Agency
001101
Donor
00142
Job description endorsed by:
Project Coordinator
Talgat Kerteshev
Programme Associate
Victoria Baigazina
Signature
Signature
5
Date
Date