Request for Proposal – Reference No. UNDP-NPL-00359: Revision of Management Plan of Makalu Barun National Park.

Term of Reference

Revision of Management plan of Makalu Barun National Park and its Buffer zone for Fiscal year

(2081/82 to 2085/86)

Type: National Service Provider/Company

Location: Makalu Barun National Park/Kathmandu

Unit: Resilience and Environment

Starting date: October 2024

Expected contract period: October 2024 spread over 30 May 2025 with field missions.

Reports to: Programme Analyst, Resilience and Environment Portfolio

1. Background

Protected areas serve as the foundation for conservation efforts, providing a sustainable approach to managing natural resources. These areas are crucial in mitigating biodiversity loss and addressing global challenges. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines protected areas as clearly delineated geographical spaces, recognized and managed through legal or other effective means, with the aim of long-term conservation of nature, associated ecosystem services, and cultural values. When managed effectively and governed fairly, these areas can safeguard nature and cultural resources, protect human health and well-being, provide sustainable livelihoods, and thus support sustainable development.

In Nepal, the management of protected areas began with the establishment of a Wildlife Section within the Department of Forest in 1973. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) was created in 1980 and has since played a pivotal role in establishing a network of 20 protected areas covering nearly 24% of the country’s landmass.

A comprehensive management plan is essential for addressing emerging issues and challenges, and for translating legislative provisions into action. This plan is not just for the Park Authority; it is  a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders who play a role in managing and caring for precious and fragile landscapes and ecosystems. It aims to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use principles of natural resources including wetlands, regulate eco-tourism, and fulfill the development aspirations of local communities. Nepal’s National Adaptation Plan of Actions (NAP) also recognizes the need for mainstreaming climate adaptation actions in the PAs.

In this context, UNDP is providing technical support to DNPWC to renew the management plan of Makalu Barun National Park and its buffer zone (MBNP) for making the park management plan more climate change responsive and equip itself and people living in the buffer zone to become more resilient from climate change induced disasters. A Task force has been formed under the leadership of the chief warden of Makalu Barun National Park to initiate the reformulation process for the management plan of MBNP. UNDP will provide technical support to MBNP through DNPWC.

The plan will be have to be prepared according to protected Area Management plan preparation procedure (2073) using a scientific and participatory approach that takes into account climate change and disaster risk management. The objective of plan should be to enhance the biodiversity of the park, promote tourism while maintaining a delicate balance between conservation and tourism, support local communities’ livelihoods through effective management of natural and cultural heritages, and provide a brief framework for climate-induced disaster risk management.

Overview of Makalu Barun National Park

Established in 1992, the Makalu Barun National Park and Buffer Zone Area, previously known as a conservation area, is managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation under the Government of Nepal. This innovative conservation model, supported by The Mountain Institute’s initiative, integrates community development with protected area management. It encourages local communities to actively participate in protecting the forests and natural resources they rely on, as well as preserving their rich cultural heritage. Traditional resource management systems like community controlled grazing and forest guardianship are being reinforced, and suitable low technologies are being introduced.

The Makalu-Barun National Park and Buffer Zone in Nepal spans from the tropical forests along the Arun River to the icy mountain summits. Covering an area of 1500 and 830 sq. km respectively, it is the only protected area in the world that boasts an elevation gain of 8,000 m. The park offers a panorama of rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu (8,463m), the world’s fifth highest mountain and Nepal’s fourth highest, along with Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), Mt. Baruntse (7,129m), and Mera Peak (6,654m). Located in the eastern Himalayan climatic regime, the Makalu-Barun area experiences an early monsoon season starting in June and lasting until late September. The climate is predominantly monsoon type with over 70% of the annual precipitation occurring between June and September. Pre-monsoon rain is common during April and May, contributing significantly to biomes production.

The area’s climate data is not uniformly represented due to variations in altitude, slope, and aspect. However, it is renowned for its incredible diversity of plants, animals, and people. It is home to 25 species of rhododendron, 47 types of orchids, 56 rare plants, and a variety of wildlife including snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar.

Click on the link below for a detailed TOR:

TOR for Revision of Management plan of Makalu Barun National Park and its Buffer zone for Fiscal year

Deadline: 27-Sep-24 @ 07:15 AM (New York time)

For additional information and documents and for further application procedures, click on the link below:

Procurement | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)