Natural resources in marine and coastal areas are of high economic importance for Pacific island countries and sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, the need to conserve and use marine resources sustainably is not sufficiently reflected in national planning processes, due in part to a lack of information regarding their economic value. Existing marine protected areas (MPAs) have often been developed opportunistically, lack a clear design and spatial planning process, and are not managed in a way to secure associated biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Improved management of marine and coastal biodiversity on volcanic islands (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu) and atolls (Kiribati, Tonga) will help countries to meet their commitments under the CBD Strategic Plan 2011–2020 and the relevant Aichi targets, including the Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) and the Programme of Work on Island Biodiversity (PoWIB).

The project will undertake economic assessments of marine and coastal ecosystems in the five project countries on a national and regional level compatible to the global TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) program in order to contribute to national development plans. The project aims to mainstream and extend re-designed MPA networks using seascape-level planning and will demonstrate effective approaches to site management, including payment for ecosystem services. Tried and tested concepts and instruments will be adopted throughout the Pacific community and disseminated internationally.

Enhanced ecosystem-based management and more effectively managed marine resources will lead to more resilient coastal and marine ecosystems, more effective conservation of marine biodiversity, and will contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as to securing and strengthening local livelihoods.

The Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific Island Countries and Atolls (MACBIO) will be implemented by GIZ with the support of SPREP and the IUCN Oceania Regional Office.

Scope of Responsibilities:

To provide technical support on all aspects of project implementation to ensure the achievement of the following project outcomes:

1.Consideration of the economic value of marine and coastal ecosystem services (TEEB) in national development planning.

2.Support for the establishment of an EEZ-wide spatial planning framework that provides the basis for aligning national marine and coastal protected area systems with the requirements of ecosystem conservation, allowing further expansion of these systems.

3.Demonstration of best practices for the management of marine protected areas, including payments for environmental services, and the resulting benefits.

4.Regional and international dissemination of tried and tested concepts and instruments for the sustainable management of marine and coastal biodiversity.

Duties:

1.Provide technical support on the implementation of the project activities undertaken in the five participating countries, including liaison with national governments, delivery of training activities, supporting national and regional workshops, and the development of awareness materials and activities.

2.Assist in the monitoring, and regularly reporting on the progress of the project against the MACBIO annual plan of implementation, and agreed milestones for the project and in each country, and identify issues that need urgent attention.

3.Liaise with technical experts and contribute to the production of knowledge products.

4.Represent the MACBIO project at relevant meetings as required.

5.Assist the Senior Programme Officer in the preparation of workplans, internal IUCN reports, and donor reports.