REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
DIRECTORY OF EU INTEGRATION AND PROJECTS COORDINATION
KUNE -VAINI PROJECT
Address: Rruga e Durrësit, Nr. 27, Tiranë, - Tel: 2 259900, Fax: 2 270 627
www.moe.gov.al
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CALL
Date: 7 July 2014
Albania: Building the resilience of Kune-Vaini lagoon system through Ecosystem-based
Adaption (EbA)
1. Background
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) includes sustainable management, conservation and
restoration of ecosystems as part of an overall adaptation strategy. This strategy takes into
account the multiple social, economic and cultural co-benefits for local communities.
The use of EbA to build the resilience of the Kune-Vaini Lagoon System aims at
strengthening the capacity of this Protected Area (IUCN Category IV),which is
particularly vulnerable to biodiversity loss. The strengthening of ecosystem resilience will
reduce the vulnerability of communities living near the Kune-Vaini Lagoon System.
The estuaries and lagoon of Kune-Vaini Protected Area are among the most intensely
modified and threatened aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, these systems are vulnerable to
the consequences of global climate change. From a management point of view, there is a
lack of knowledge regarding the functioning of lagoon ecosystems and the socioeconomic relations that bind the various actors to these environments. In that context,
suitable management, governance and restoration approaches should address both
ecological and social aspects.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD), as “the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services to help people adapt to the
adverse effects of human intervention on biodiversity loss”. This definition was elaborated
by the CBD COP 10 Decision X/33 on Climate Change and Biodiversity as including
“sustainable management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems, as part of an
overall adaptation strategy that takes into account the multiple social, economic and
cultural co-benefits for local communities”.
2. The project
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The project is funded by the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) and will be
implemented by the Albanian Ministry of Environment (MoE).
Climate change is already affecting the functioning and integrity of several coastal
ecosystems in Kune-Vaini Lagoon System and is adding to the stress resulting from other
anthropogenic interventions such as unsustainable land use practices and and fishing. The
project objectives and targeted ecosystems have been identified as particularly vulnerable
to global change impacts. A multitude of communities depend upon the services provided
by these ecosystems.
The Kune-Vaini Lagoon system is located in the northern Albanian coastal region, within
the Drini-Mati River Delta (DMRD) area, on both sides of Lezha Drini River. The area is
characterized by diverse flora and fauna. It harbors globally significant biodiversity values
and provides a range of ecosystem goods and services that are of great benefit to the
communities living nearby.
The buffer zone surrounding the Kune-Vaini Lagoon System consists mainly of open
fields where traditional agriculture is commonly practiced. The population of the area,
which is among the poorest in the country, has increased rapidly as a result of the internal
migration processes during the 1990’s. The population density is almost double the
density of that at country level. This has led to expansion of settlements into the coastalplain zone, and has widely exposed these communities to floods and storm surges.
A rapidly growing population – resulting in intensive use of coastal, marine and estuarine
resources – added to intensive coastal erosion and frequent inundation is causing
irreversible consequences. These consequences include inter alia; loss of natural
ecosystems, loss of coastal, marine and estuarine habitats and species, removal of
important geomorphologic features, saltwater intrusions, and eutrophication.
The main threats that could lead to decreased adaptive capacities of local communities are
future damage or loss of coastal habitats resulting from beach-dune erosion, limited water
exchange through lagoon tidal inlets and increased coastal inundation as a consequence of
Sea Level Rise.
The project will support: (i) the development of methodologies and tools for socioeconomic evaluation of adaptation options of coastal ecosystems; (ii) the application of
the above tools and methodologies; (iii) assessment and selection of Ecosystem based
Adaptation (EbA) measures for Kune-Vaini lagoon restoration (iv) implementation of
EbA measures`including alternative livelihoods, in at least three selected sites of the
lagoon system (v) training of the local community to implement, use and sustain the
selected EbA measures piloted at the ecosystem level.
The project will create new opportunities for experimental learning between regions
within the country, through parallel and cooperative development and application of
methodologies and tools and the implementation, transfer of knowledge and experience in
relation to building ecosystem resilience.
3. Objectives
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The overall objective of the project is to increase the resilience of the Kune-Vaini Lagoon
system and communities living nearby it through implementation of a portfolio of
adaptation measures focused on the ecosystems.
4. Scope of the service
The Ecosystem-based Approaches for adaptation activities will include:
 Coastal defense through the restoration of the Ceka lagoon to reduce coastal flooding
and coastal erosion and improve ecosystem goods and services.
 EbA interventions include:
o Reforestation and conservation of riparian forests to stabilize land slopes and
regulate water flows, thereby improving natural barriers to coastal flooding
o Opening a new tidal exchange channel between the Ceka lagoon and the Adriatic
Sea. This will include the construction of terminal groynes at the mouth of this
newly opened channel.
o Opening of new artesian wells at selected sites within the Ceka lagoon.
o Stabilization of coastal dunes adjacent to the Ceka lagoon by planting climate
resilient pioneer dune plants.
5. Reports
In undertaking the above-mentioned tasks, the team of consultants shall work under the
direct supervision of the Ministry of Environment (MoE) to the following timeline:
• Day : A first draft of the technical report for review
• Day :A first draft of a set of recommendations with practical methodologies for
review
• Day : A second draft that integrates the set of recommendations with practical
methodologies along with the revised technical report for review and consultation
• Day : Final draft of recommendations with practical methodologies and technical
report; in parallel the testing phase could be implemented.
6. Duration
The period of the consultancy is 1month, from the date of signing the contract.
7. Responsibilities
A consultancy is being tasked with the development of a common reporting approach to
monitor and evaluate changes in coastal ecosystems of the KVLS, A team of consultants
will be responsible for:
(1) a technical report on indicators and associated datasets and methodologies for
monitoring and evaluating coastal ecosystem-based adaptation to the negative impacts on
Biodiversity; and based on this report;
(2) a set of recommendations with practical methodologies on the options for the adoption
of a common “indicator” to be used in their reporting processes;
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(3) a set of further recommendations for the implementation of a potential testing phase or
pilot projects on monitoring and evaluation in Kune-Vaini Protected Area affected by
coastal ecosystem degradation.
The report and recommendations will focus on options for the introduction of land-related
data as a means of gauging the results of biodiversity change adaptation measures and
practices in coastal ecosystems. The report and recommendations would also facilitate the
growing efforts on enhanced reporting on progress made.
8. Qualifications
The consultant(s) should hold an advanced university degree in biology / ecology /
environmental sciences or social sciences, with a strong conceptual understanding of the
biodiversity adaptation; practical field experience in ecosystem-based adaptation projects
and programs; excellent English-language writing and editing skills; attention to detail and
respect for timelines; the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and
working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect
for diversity; and an in-depth understanding of multilateral environmental agreements and
conventions.
More specifically:
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Postgraduate degree in environment/natural sciences, social sciences, rural
development, and/or a related field.
At least 10 years of work experience in the above-mentioned specialization, of
which part has preferably been in biodiversity and ecosystem restoration
Five years of experience in a leading or management position, preferably in a
multi-cultural environment
Experience in managing and coordinating projects especially with donors such as
EU, World Bank, SIDA, EFEM, GEF, REC and other international organizations.
9. Core skills
 Technical knowledge and understanding of Biodiversity, climate change and
adaptation, as well as community-based natural resource management,
 Technical knowledge in monitoring and evaluation indicators of Biodiversity,
 Comprehensive Knowledge in Vulnerability Impact Assessments
10. Remuneration
Applicants are expected to indicate the level of remuneration expected. Payments will be
made in installments based on the satisfactory completion of drafts and the final
document.
Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are competitive compared to other regional
organizations; remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
11. Budget
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12. Submission of applications
Applications should contain the following:
a) Cover/motivation letter
b) Personal history form
c) CV(s) and company or institution profile
d) 1-2 page initial outline and schedule for conducting the work including a description of
the general approach proposed for completing the tasks.
Interested candidates can send the CV and other relevant abovementioned documents
electronically to the following address:
Attn. Mrs. Ardiana Sokoli
Director of EU Integration and Projects
Ministry of Environment
Email: Ardiana.Sokoli@moe.gov.al
Deadline for submission of application: 21th of July 2014.
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