Country:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

Title of project:

Improving management of migratory and other locusts in the Caucasus and Central Asia

Project symbol:

TCP/INT/3202 (D)

Starting date:

March 2009

Completion date:

February 2011

Ministry responsible for project implementation:

Ministries of Agriculture

FAO contribution:

USD 322 000

Signed: ............................................. (on behalf of the Government)

Signed: ............................................................. Jacques Diouf Director-General (on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - FAO)

Date of signature: .............................

Date of signature: ...............................................

1. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION Locust in the Caucasus and Central Asia and impact on food security and national stability Locusts and grasshoppers are the most important threat to agriculture in the Caucasus and Central Asia. During infestations and outbreaks, the three main locust pests, the Migratory, the Italian and the Moroccan locusts1, attack cereal crops, sunflowers, vineyards, vegetable, orchards and rangelands and cause severe damage at agricultural, economic and social levels. They jeopardize food security and livelihood in both regions as well as in adjacent areas of Afghanistan and the Russian Federation, with which the Caucasian and the Central Asian countries share very long borders (and to a lesser extent, with China). The most affected populations are often the most vulnerable communities living in the concerned rural areas, whose health and environment can moreover suffer from negative impacts of locusts control operations. Agricultural production systems are particularly vital to the viability and growth of the young republics of the Caucasus and the Central Asia, which increasingly rely on agriculture. Their stability is prone to disturbances by several external pressures, including locust outbreaks. This is particularly true in the current context of soaring food prices. The threat to the Caucasus, Central Asia and bordering areas of the Russian Federation is all the more serious as the locust situation has worsened since the eight former Soviet Republics (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) gained their independence in 1991; indeed significant areas of formerly arable land were abandoned and became weedy fallows whose vegetation cover and plants favors locust breeding and subsequent increases in numbers. In addition, because of their bio-ecological characteristics (adaptability, flexibility and reactivity), locust species are becoming even more dangerous in the context of exceptional weather events associated with climate change. In particular, locust situations deteriorated with recurrent droughts in the beginning of the twenty-first century (mainly in 2006-2007). For instance, there was a significant increase of the infested areas in Uzbekistan, from 190 000 hectares treated in 2005 to 450 000 hectares in 2006 and 2007, and 559 000 hectares in 2008. Neighbouring countries face similar situations. A problem shared at regional level Locusts are migrant pests, able to fly over up to 100 km by day and settle new areas, which enhances their pest status. In the Caucasus and Central Asia, the context is largely complicated by countries’ geographical configuration, which results in frequent locust back and forth movements as well as swarm flights across political boundaries. In the Caucasus, permanent breeding areas of Italian and Moroccan locusts are located along the borders. In Central Asia, Moroccan locust outbreaks often originate along borders between Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, while traditional Italian locust breeding areas are located between Kazakhstan and Russia and, to a minor extent, China. Permanent migratory locust habitats are rivers, lakes and internal sea banks and coasts, often acting as borders between countries (see Annex 1). Although movements of locust populations are not common between the Caucasus and Central Asia, both are affected by the same three locust pests and have large borders with the Russian Federation. FAO assistance and initiatives to support Caucasian and Central Asia countries In the past, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), provided assistance to several countries in the two regions. Georgia received support for controlling the 1

Locusta migratoria migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758); Calliptamus italicus (Linnaeus, 1758); Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg, 1815).

2

Italian locust in 1997-1998, through the project TCP/GEO/6712 (USD1 94 000), while Armenia, following a significant Italian locust outbreak in 2003, was assisted for a smooth implementation of the two next locust campaigns (TCP/ARM/3002 of USD 345 000). Both projects provided equipment and technical assistance, including on-the-spot training. In Armenia, Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) technology2, which is recognized as the most efficient one for locust control, was also introduced with related training. In Afghanistan, where Moroccan and Italian locust outbreaks can last several years, FAO assistance was provided during the last major Moroccan locust outbreak, which started in 2002 in the northern part of the country, with some remaining infestations until the spring of 2005. Over this period, six emergency projects (one TCP and five OSRO) were implemented. The two first (TCP/AFG/2801, of USD 391 000, and OSRO/AFG/202/USA, of USD 260 000) contributed to the implementation of the 2002, 2003 and 2004 locust campaigns by providing equipment and technical assistance. Environmentally friendly new control technologies like Insect Growth Regulator Pesticides (IGR)3 were also introduced. In 2004-2005 three additional OSRO projects were approved, for a total amount of USD 400 000, funded by Norway, Sweden and the United States of America (OSRO/AFG/406/NOR, OSRO/AFG/407/SWI and OSRO/AFG/411/SWI). They provided pesticides and related training. Finally, in 2005-2006, the project OSRO/AFG/502/USA, which concerned both locust and sunnpest control (USD 1 979 919), provided vehicles, training and information awareness at a village level. Kazakhstan received FAO assistance through three TCP projects for locust control, mainly the Italian locust, (TCP/KAZ/6711 in 1997/98, TCP/KAZ/8921 in 1999 and TCP/KAZ/0065 in 2000-2002), for a total amount of USD 615 000. They provided survey, control and office equipment, training and technical assistance and allowed introduction of ULV technology as well as realization of comparative studies on pesticides efficiency. In Tajikistan, two TCP projects were implemented against Moroccan locust in 1996 (TCP/TAJ/5611) and 2003-2004 (TCP/TAJ/2902), for a total amount of USD 724 000, and contributed to procure equipment and technical assistance. IGR was well accepted (now registered) while ULV technology was unsuccessfully introduced. In 2007, due to a new Moroccan locust outbreak following the 2006-2007 drought, a three-month Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)4 grant (project OSRO/TAJ/702/OCHA, of USD 120 000) provided assistance to the locust campaign, mainly through pesticide delivery. Another CERF project, of USD 410 163, was approved in April 2008 for another three-month period to fund procurement of equipment, general operating expenses, training and awareness campaign. Final recommendations of the above described national emergency projects, called for a longterm locust management system and regional cooperation (including cross-border operations), training, improved monitoring and further introduction or development of new environmentally friendly control technologies. In addition, following serious Italian and Moroccan locust crisis in Kazakhstan (8.5 million hectares controlled in 2000) in 1999-2000, four Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation requested the FAO assistance in formulating proposals for the establishment of a regional coordination body for locust management in Central Asia (August 2000). A Technical 2

Formulation of pesticides. I.e. chemical compounds disturbing the moulting process during the hopper instars, which eventually kills the hoppers. 4 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 3

3

Cooperation Programme (TCP) project was implemented in 2001-2002 (TCP/RAS/0167) and proposals were formulated, as originally planned. The purpose of the present TCP is not to establish a FAO Commission but to improve national and regional locust management through effective and immediate technical cooperation. The Caucasian and Central Asian countries are well aware of the necessity to develop a common regional approach in addition to strengthen and update their national capacities; they have recently stressed their interest in this regard. Over the past two years, FAO has indeed received official requests for assistance from all nine concerned governments, which raise concerns about the national locust context and highlight the transboundary nature of the pests and their impact at regional level. It should also be noted that the Russian Federation has expressed and reiterated verbally its willingness in participating in a regional approach. Considering the transboundary nature of the three concerned locust pests as well as the Caucasian and Central Asian countries’ geographical configuration, any long-term solution to these locust issues can only result, in addition to adequate preparation by each single country, from concerted joint efforts by all countries. This is demonstrated by FAO’s experience in other geographical areas with other transboundary pests, including locusts and mainly the Desert locust in the framework of the Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases (EMPRES) programme. The fact that locust infestations and outbreaks become more frequent and intense in the two regions confirms the urgency to define and implement a regional strategy for better locust management, both in terms of preventive control and joint efforts during outbreaks and upsurges. Consequently, it is essential to launch effective regional cooperation as well as to build capacities, better anticipate and mitigate locust disasters, and improve response mechanisms to locust outbreaks. Special emphasis should be given to promoting more economical, actualized and less environmentally hazardous locust control practices based on effective monitoring and efficient control strategies such as more targeted spraying and use of alternative to conventional pesticides, thus mitigating environmental impact. This can be achieved through the establishment of a regional network, training, policy advice and on-the-spot technical assistance, data flow and information exchange among countries, development of common strengthened strategies for locust management, transboundary policy, joint activities (i.e. cross border operations), intraregional assistance, early warning systems, introduction or development of environmentally friendly control practices and techniques (high-precision global positioning system [GPS]; controlled ULV, spraying, IGR, biopesticides), development of recent monitoring technologies and tools for early detection (remote sensing imagery, geographic information systems [GIS], etc.), preparation of contingency plans, access to background documentation and literature, information awareness amongst national and local communities and enhanced visibility on migratory and other locusts situation and management in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

II.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSISTANCE

The strategic long term objective is to reduce the occurrence and intensity of locust outbreaks in the Caucasus and Central Asia, thus preventing damage to crops and rangeland as well as related impact on food security and livelihood of the most vulnerable rural communities. The immediate objective is to improve national and regional locust management in the Caucasus and Central Asia through regional cooperation.

4

III.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The immediate project beneficiaries are the national control units and plant protection services of the concerned countries, whose technical capacities will be strengthened and updated through intra-regional exchanges, joint activities and the FAO technical assistance. The ultimate beneficiaries of this approach are the communities living in locust outbreak and invasion areas of the Caucasus and Central Asia, including the most vulnerable ones in rural areas, whose food security will be preserved through improved crop and rangeland protection. Expected outputs: • an analytic report is produced, which provides a clear picture of current locust situation and of its management in the Caucasus and Central Asia, with detailed information on common issues, gaps, constraints and challenges, especially in areas near/across the borders, and of countries’ needs and expectations regarding the main features of regional cooperation; • a report is produced following the regional consultation, in which ways and modalities for regional cooperation, as discussed and agreed on by countries, as well as the resulting implementation schedule are presented; • standard forms for survey and control operations are discussed, agreed on and used by countries for national collection of locust information; • consistent national bulletins, whose format is discussed and agreed on by countries, are issued on a monthly basis from April to October 2009 and 2010 and despatched at regional level; • a technical document is produced following a regional technical workshop, which reports on countries’ discussions on technical issues, national locust situations, latest developments regarding environmentally friendly control strategies/techniques, etc. and include an inventory of existing technical and scientific documentation on locusts; • assessment of locust situation is conducted in at least two countries (beneficiaries from the TCP project having required specific assistance or facing a critical situation); • on-the-spot technical advice is delivered to countries and relevant equipment is procured for better locust monitoring and control, thus contributing to strengthen and update technical capacities of national control units and plant protection services; • information and communication material on current locust situations and management in the Caucasus and Central Asia (including webpage, articles, etc.) is produced and despatched to media and other stakeholders.

IV.

WORK PLAN AND PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The project will have a two-year duration. It will include the activities described hereafter, aiming at launching regional cooperation and implementing immediate technical actions, both at national and regional levels, while building capacities in the Caucasus and Central Asia: a) Analyse data on locust situations and management in all countries and identify nature and extent of cooperation desired by countries. Following collection of information on locust situations and management in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as in the Russian Federation (July 2008 and September 2008), similar information will be collected for the remaining countries, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia through a round mission in the Caucasus (beginning of 2009) as well as in Afghanistan. A detailed questionnaire will be transmitted to the countries to facilitate information collection. The mission in the Caucasus will allow FAO

5

experts to meet officials from ministries (mainly agriculture, environment and foreign affairs) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)/FAO representations, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research centres, traditional partners and potential donors, etc. Afterwards, a detailed and analytical report will be prepared, bringing to light shared background knowledge and experience, common features, constraints and challenges on locust situations and management in the nine concerned countries, especially in areas near/across the borders, and presenting conclusions/findings and recommendations/proposals. b) Propose to countries, for their discussion and agreement, ways and modalities for immediate regional cooperation and related implementation schedule. After completion of the round trip missions and analysis of information gathered, a four day regional consultation will be organized in the spring 2009, with representatives of each of the nine concerned countries. The meeting will discuss ways and modalities for regional cooperation, on the basis of the main findings and recommendations resulting from national information analysis. Countries shall indicate their preferences regarding the establishment of an informal network (specific agreements for targeted activities may be retained adequate) and related technical activities to be implemented. In this regard, a list of immediate technical actions/activities will be discussed and agreed on, with related implementation schedule. c) Facilitate information sharing and exchange at regional level to monitor and manage locust issues. In order to allow each country to monitor regional situations and adopt timely and appropriate measures when required, it is essential to establish and maintain regular information sharing and exchanges of standardized data on locust situations, activities undertaken and results obtained. This can be achieved through the design, agreement and use by all countries of standardized specific forms for survey and control operations and issuance of consistent and standardized national bulletins on a monthly basis. This activity will start in the spring 2009, immediately after the regional consultation mentioned above, fitting with the beginning of the locust campaign. d) Allow direct experience exchange and constructive discussion on technical issues. A regional technical workshop, attended by experts from the nine concerned countries, will be organized during the spring 2010 with the purpose of initiating concrete technical cooperation between staff involved in locust survey, monitoring, management and control operations. Technicians will exchange experience to their mutual benefit and discuss ongoing and forthcoming locust campaigns, implementation of joint activities, format of survey and control forms as well as national monthly bulletins, latest developments regarding, for instance, more environmentally friendly pesticides and formulations, etc. At this occasion, they will receive an inventory of existing relevant publications (in English and Russian) as well as the Russian version of the last Pesticide Referee Group (PRG) meeting report held in 2004 (the report of the penultimate meeting held in 1998 being already available in Russian and highly appreciated by countries).

e) Assess locust situation in project beneficiary countries having requested specific assistance or facing a critical situation, and provide related technical assistance. Locust situation will be assessed in at least two beneficiary countries, which have required specific assistance or in whose locust situation is critical in July/August 2008, during

6

spring/summer 2009 or spring 2010. Basic equipment, such as GPS, entomological kits, laptops and digital cameras, will be procured for these countries. During project implementation, standard procedures and guidelines as well as on-the-spot technical advice will be delivered or provided by FAO headquarters experts and consultants as and when required by countries, including during round trip missions, regional consultation and technical workshop. Such assistance may regard preparation and/or implementation of the 2009 and 2010 locust control campaigns, facilitation of exchanges between countries, new technologies, etc. It will contribute to strengthen national capacities and improve survey and control operations with the longer view of better mitigating locust disasters and improving response to outbreaks. f) Enhance visibility of locust issues and management in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Migratory and other locusts’ situations and management in the Caucasus and Central Asia will be better advertised to all stakeholders during the duration of the project, with focus on transboundary nature and regional response, through preparation and despatch of information and communication material (Web page, leaflets and articles for media, etc.).

V.

FAO INPUTS

1. Personnel services International consultants: • locust expert with outstanding knowledge and experience of locusts and grasshoppers in the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Russian Federation (analysis of locust situations and management, regional consultation, technical workshop and preparation of an inventory of existing technical/scientific documentation on locusts): nine weeks, including three field missions for a total of 24 days; • locust expert, locust situation assessment: 11 weeks, including two field missions for a total of 60 days. FAO Technical Support Services (TSS): • officers of the FAO locust group: 15 weeks (of which four at headquarters for desk work), including three missions (including round missions). National consultants: • two national consultants, meeting arrangements (regional consultation and technical workshop): 15 days each; • nine national consultants (one for each country), information collection, standardization and sharing: 37 days each; • two national consultants, plant protection specialist (locust situation assessment): 50 days each. Administrative support: • interpreters; • translators. 2. Contracts: • four day “Regional Consultation on Cooperative Locust Management in the Caucasus and Central Asia” (USD 27 000);

7

•

five day “Regional Workshop on Locust Control Practices” (USD 19 000).

3. Non-expendable equipment: • GPS (15); • entomological kits (15); • laptops (three); • digital cameras (three). 4. General Operating Expenses (GOE) Administrative expenses related to the implementation of the project at local level. 5. Direct Operating Expenses (DOC) Administrative expenses related to the implementation of the project at the headquarters level.

VI.

REPORTING

During and after the project implementation, several reports will be issued as follows: • following collection of related information, issuance of a technical report on locust situations and management in the Caucasian and Central Asian countries will be prepared under the FAO Locust Officer’s supervision (spring 2009); • following regional consultation, a report on ways and modalities for regional cooperation will be produced by the FAO experts on the basis of countries’ decisions, and include the agreed implementation schedule; • at the end of the technical workshop, a final document will be issued, reporting on countries’ discussions on technical issues, national locust situations, latest developments regarding environmentally friendly control strategies/techniques, etc, and include an inventory of existing technical and scientific documentation on locusts; • a mission report with main results, conclusions and recommendations will be provided by each international and national consultant (i.e. on 2008 locust situation in the visited countries, etc.) within one month after completion of each single mission; • the project terminal statement, prepared by the FAO locust group, Plant Protection Service (AGPP), will present the main results and conclusions of the project, in addition to the FAO recommendations to the governments.

VII.

GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION

As part of their contribution to the project, the governments of the nine beneficiary countries will facilitate the project implementation. This includes in particular nomination of a national programme coordinator, who will liaise with FAO experts and make available the requested information. The governments will also designate the most appropriate representatives to participate to the regional consultation and the technical workshop. In addition, the governments of the countries hosting the regional consultation and the technical workshop will facilitate their organization and provide facilities as requested in close collaboration with national consultants, UNDP/FAO Representations and FAO headquarters.

8

The concerned governments shall also assist in the identification of national consultants (proposing suitable candidates) for collecting information and preparing national monthly bulletins on the one hand and for assisting the international consultant responsible for locust situation assessment on the other. Overall, subject to any security provisions in force, the governments shall furnish to FAO experts any relevant reports, tapes, records and other data as may be required for the execution of the project.

VIII. SUSTAINABILITY AND KEY FOLLOW-UP PROCEDURES Several points will contribute to ensure sustainability. First, there is a growing awareness that only a regional approach allows dealing with locusts on a satisfactory way. This is particularly true in the current context in which infestations and outbreaks become more frequent and intense in the regions and in which it appears necessary to find quickly a common and sustainable longterm solution to locust issues. Both high level officials and technicians know that the creation of a regional technical network is a prerequisite for any successful approach. Another key point in terms of sustainability is, more generally, that the concerned countries are today more open to regional and international collaboration than a few years ago and they now request and welcome external expertise; it is significant that all of them have become FAO members over the past years. Then, good theoretical and field locust knowledge exists in the Caucasian and Central Asian countries, as well as good basic education of technical staff. The scientific locust knowledge as well as GIS and field experience available in some countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as well as in the Russian Federation, are also of great interest for other countries of the two regions (for better locust monitoring and management, further training and production of scientific and extension material, etc.). What needs to be done will therefore not be starting from scratch but concerns updating, harmonizing and disseminating knowledge, widely introducing the latest available techniques for survey and control operations and allowing technical exchanges and common activities between countries. In this regard, it is worth mentioning that gathering the two regions in a single approach will allow each region to benefit from the experience of the other. Finally, this project, as expected, has a catalytic potential since donors recognize the need for a regional approach; several of them already expressed interest in funding such approach in the Caucasus and Central Asia. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), together with FAO (Regular Programme), has already contributed financially to its very first step, i.e. collection of information on locust situations and management in July and September 2008 in six of the nine countries covered by the project. Overall, a large number of donors were contacted, in particular those already involved in locust issues in the Caucasus and Central Asia (currently or in the past) and meetings were held with their representatives in the beneficiary countries, as follows: representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Secretariat of Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land Management (CACILM), the European Commission (EC), including its Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), the European Union TACIS Programme, France, Japan Embassies and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the German Agency for Technical cooperation (GTZ), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank.

9

IX.

RISKS AND CONSTRAINTS

Risk Major CIT/ DMA/LMI outbreaks in at least two countries of the Caucasus or Central Asia.

Impact Poor information on population dynamics to feed the information network and unavailability of technicians to participate in regional activities, which could hamper exchange of information/ regional network.

Probability Medium

Major LMI outbreak elsewhere.

FAO Locust Officer no more available for the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Low

Major desert locust upsurge in West or North-west Africa.

FAO Locust Officer partially available for the Caucasus and Central Asia. Change of focus from nationals and traditional partners.

Low

Identification of funding to recruit consultant.

Low

More visibility given to locust issues through all available means.

Technical assistance would not be provided as planned by international consultants. Unavailability of national experts could also hamper exchange of information/ regional network. No data from insecure areas. Withdrawal of one country from the project.

Low

Identify the relevant persons/institutions and find an agreement with them well in advance.

Low as project concentrate on technical aspects.

Historical data and data from neighbouring areas that still allow establishing regional strategy.

Exceptional weather events, not suitable for locust (drought, cold winter, etc.) Unavailability of human resources, including experts, translators and interpreters.

Conflicts between countries.

10

Mitigation Further facilitate immediate and extensive exchange of information between countries and with donors; obtain data on control operations from infested countries and more detailed information from other countries to have an overview of regional locust situation. Identification of funding to recruit consultant.

PROJECT BUDGET (FAO contribution in USD)

Country:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

Title of project:

Improving migratory and other locusts management in the Caucasus and Central Asia

Project symbol:

TCP/INT/3202 (D)

Comp.

Component Description

Sub Comps.

Kazakhstan,

Main Comp.

5013 5542 5543 5544 5545

Consultants Consultants - International Consultants - National Consultants - TCDC/TCCT Consultants - Retired Experts

5014

Contracts

5650

Contracts Budget

5020 5652

Overtime Casual Labour - Temporary Assistance

5021 5661 5684 5685 5686 5687 5694 5692 5698

Travel Duty travel others (only FAO staff) Consultants - International Consultants - National Consultants - TCDC/TCCT Consultants - Retired Experts Travel - Training Travel TSS Travel - Non staff (e.g. counterparts)

5023

Training

5920

Training Budget

-

5024 6000

Expendable Equipment Expendable Equipment

-

5025 6100

Non Expendable Equipment Non Expendable Equipment Budget

18 450

5027 6111 6120

Technical Support Services Report Costs Honorarium TSS

1 950 53 550

5028 6300

General Operating Expenses General Operating Expenses Budget

10 625

5029 6118

Support Cost Direct Operating Costs

21 065

97 260 50 960 46 300 46 000 46 000 11 000 11 000 62 100 500 37 800 1 500 21 800 500 -

18 450 55 500

10 625 21 065

Grand Total

11

322 000

Annex 1

DISTRIBUTION AREAS OF THE ITALIAN, THE MOROCCAN AND THE MIGRATORY LOCUSTS IN THE CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA

Figure 1: Outbreak and distribution areas of the three main locust pests in the Caucasus

12

Figure 2: Distribution areas of the three main locust pests in Central Asia

Annex 2

TERMS OF REFERENCE FAO Technical Support Staff

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Locust Officer, the Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP), will supervise and, with other Locust Group staff, contribute to the project implementation, including collection and analysis of technical information on locust situation and management in the nine concerned countries, preparation and presentation of a related analytic report to countries; organization of a technical workshop and preparation of material for increased visibility of locust management activities in the Caucasus and Central Asia. More specifically, the locust group staff will perform the following tasks in the framework of the present project: • following similar missions organized in Central Asia and the Russian Federation in July and September 2008, supervise, prepare and participate in a round trip mission in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, at the beginning of 2009, to meet relevant staff of appropriate ministries (mainly agriculture and environment), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/FAO Representations and Offices, traditional or potential donors and any other relevant bodies/intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to: a) collect updated information on national locust situations and management; b) provide information on FAO procedures as well as on FAO experience of other pests in other regions; and c) identify needs and expectations of the different governments, regarding nature and extent of intended cooperation; • ensure liaison with the FAO Representation in Afghanistan in order to obtain relevant information on national locust situation and management; • supervise and contribute to preparation of a detailed and exhaustive report gathering and analysing the huge amount of diversified information collected in the nine concerned countries, bringing to light common features as well as gaps in national locust management, and presenting mission conclusions and recommendations; • supervise and organize the regional consultation which will be held in the spring 2009, and present the above-mentioned report to countries, including main findings and recommendations, for discussion. Following consultation, finalize its proceedings and the above mentioned report; • as an output of the regional consultation, also prepare a medium/long-term multidonor regional project on locust management in the Caucasus and Central Asia, propose it to donors and ensure follow-up with the FAO Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia in Budapest; • supervise, organize, and participate in a regional technical workshop bringing together technical representatives from the nine Caucasian and Central Asian countries, prepare the related preparatory technical documents, and report on countries’ discussions on technical issues, national locust situations, latest developments regarding environmentally friendly control strategies and techniques, etc. in the minutes/report of the workshop; • prepare and despatch material for increased visibility of locust management in the Caucasus and Central Asia (including a webpage dedicated to locust pests other than the desert locust, extension documents, leaflets and articles for media, etc.); • prepare official correspondence for the FAO national and regional counterparts, countries, donors, experts, etc, and supervise preparation of any other relevant documents.

15

Duration Fifteen weeks (of which four at headquarters for desk work), including three missions (including one round-trip mission). Duty station FAO headquarters, with a round trip mission in the Caucasian countries and visit to the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

16

Annex 3 TERMS OF REFERENCE Locust Expert International Consultant

Under the supervision of the Locust Officer and in collaboration with other staff of the locust group of the Plant Protection Service (AGPP), the international consultant, locust expert, will contribute to: a) collect and analyse technical information on locust situations and management, b) prepare a related analytic report and provide related technical inputs during the regional consultation, c) lead the technical workshop as moderator and resource person, and d) ensure the preparation of an inventory of existing technical and scientific documentation on locusts (in English and Russian). More specifically, he/she will: • participate in a round trip mission scheduled for the beginning of 2009 in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, to meet staff of relevant ministries (mainly agriculture and environment), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/FAO representations, donors and any other relevant bodies/intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to: a) collect updated information on national locust situations and management, with focus on technical aspects, especially regarding development of locust situation over the past five to ten years, b) provide updated information to countries on latest technologies for locust control and c) contribute to identify needs and expectations of the different governments regarding nature and extent of intended cooperation; • contribute to prepare a detailed and exhaustive report gathering and analysing information collected in the nine concerned countries, with particular focus on technical aspects, bringing to light common features as well as gaps in national locust management, and presenting mission conclusions; • during the regional consultation (spring 2009) in which the above mentioned joint report will be presented and discussed with and between countries, provide technical information and updates as well as any relevant comments on main findings and recommendations; • lead debates as moderator and resource person during the technical workshop which will be held during the spring 2010 (which includes, among others: opening and closing speeches, participants introduction, brief summary of debate for each item, provide updated information on latest technical developments, etc.); • prepare an inventory of existing technical and scientific documentation and literature on locusts present in the Caucasus and Central Asia (in English and Russian), and provide full references (including web links when available); • provide executive summaries in English of documents made available by countries in Russian; • prepare correspondence to countries, donors, experts, etc, and any other relevant documents, also in Russian; • upon completion of the mission, submit a final report to FAO headquarters giving a brief description of activities undertaken, results and recommendations. Duration Nine weeks, including three missions for a total of 24 days in the field. Duty station Home station, round trip missions in three countries and briefing/debriefing in FAO headquarters. 17

Qualifications Ph.D. in agronomy or plant protection. Outstanding knowledge on bioecology of locusts and grasshoppers in the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Russian Federation. Theoretical and field experience (ten years minimum) of locust campaigns, i.e. locust surveying and related monitoring, use of control techniques, including environmentally friendly ones (Ultra-Low Volume technique, insect growth regulators, biopesticides, etc.) and related field trials. Knowledge of new tools and technologies in particular of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). Ability to lead workshops as well as educational ability. Working knowledge of English and Russian, including ability to work on locust related issues in both languages. Experience with United Nations agencies desirable.

18

Annex 4 TERMS OF REFERENCE Locust Expert (Locust Situation Assessment) International Consultant

Under the supervision of the Locust Officer, Plant Production and Protection Service (AGPP), and in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representation in the country or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office, the national consultant, the plant protection specialist and the international consultant(s), the locust expert(s) will assess current locust situation in at least two countries, provide technical advice and on-the-spot training, and assist in preparation/implementation of a locust campaign. In particular, he/she will: • assess the current locust situation including the ecological conditions, and gather relevant data (status of the locust populations [phase, stage of development, average size of the hopper groups and/or swarms, density], development speed, size of infested areas, damage [percentage], affected crops [nature and development stage], etc.) to get a full picture and be in a position of establishing forecast on the likely development of this situation over the next weeks (and months) and the threat it can pose at short and medium-terms, and of advising on areas to be treated and how; • identify areas under immediate threat which would justify control operations and provide recommendations on the control techniques to be used; • provide on-the-spot training to the accompanying national consultant, plant protection specialist, and to the Ministry of Agriculture, AGPP and/or Locust Unit staff, in particular during the field assessment surveys; assist national staff if required, in particular in data management (collection, analysis, transmission, etc.), training and awareness of local populations; • promote the use of the “FAO Guidelines for Desert Locust” in particular volumes two, three, four and six (survey, information management, control, safety measures) as reference manuals for good practices; • after having checked the available national capacity in terms of trained staff and suitable equipment, list the items to be procured. Tentatively, USD 18 450 have been budgeted for GPS, entomological kits, laptops and digital cameras; • inform FAO headquarters and the local authorities of any findings in order to allow quick decision/action; • ensure that all data related to survey and control operations (i.e. precise location with global positioning system [GPS] coordinates, exact nature of targets, size and density of the infestations, spraying parameters, weather and environmental conditions, non-target fauna observed, etc.) are transmitted to FAO headquarters on a timely basis; • prepare a technical report describing in detail each point listed in the Terms of Reference: activities undertaken, problems encountered and achievements, lessons learned, emerging issues, conclusions and recommendations. This report should be submitted to FAO at the completion of the consultancy; • if applicable and justified by the field situation, prepare a draft project proposal to be discussed with FAO headquarters.

19

Duration Eleven weeks, including at least two missions for a total of 60 days in the field, during the project duration according to the intensity of locust infestations, during spring/summer 2009 and/or spring 2010. Duty station Any Caucasian and Central Asian country where the development of the locust situation has to be technically assessed, with in-country field trips. Qualifications University degree or equivalent education in agronomy or plant protection. Good knowledge of bioecology of locusts and grasshoppers including in the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Russian Federation. Good theoretical and field experience (ten years minimum) in implementing locust campaigns, carrying out surveys and applying control techniques, including environmentally friendly ones (Ultra-Low Volume technique, insect growth regulators, biopesticides, etc.) and related field tests. Working knowledge of English and Russian. Previous experience with United Nations agencies desirable.

20

Annex 5 TERMS OF REFERENCE Meeting Arrangements National Consultants (two)

Under the supervision of Plant Production and Protection Service (AGPP), Locust Officer and in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representation in the country or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office, the national consultants will assist in the preparation and organization of a four day regional consultation and a five day regional technical workshop, for a total of 15 working days each. In particular, the national consultants will: • identify and prepare facilities for regional consultation/technical workshop (venue, including equipment for interpreters, lunch, coffee/tea breaks, etc.) and ensure timely availability of stationery (including advertising streamers, flags, badges, etc.); • identify appropriate interpreters or translators for recruitment; • ensure timely print-out of documents; • provide FAO headquarters and participants with flight timetables; • assist in visa obtaining for participants; • organize payments of DSA to participants; • organize transfer and accommodation of participants; • organize, if relevant, visit of national locust centre, research centre, etc.; • assist in formatting and preparing minutes/reports of the meeting/workshop; • upon completion of the mission, submit a final report to FAO headquarters giving a brief description of activities undertaken, results and recommendations; • provide evidence of all incurred cost for financial statement. Duration Fifteen working days each, in spring 2009 (regional consultation) and spring 2010 (technical workshop). Duty station Location of regional consultation and technical workshop still to be identified. Qualifications Ability to organize workshops and computer skills. Working knowledge of English and Russian. Experience in plant protection or pest management. Experience with the United Nations agencies desirable.

21

Annex 6 TERMS OF REFERENCE Information Collection, Standardization and Sharing National Consultants (nine)

Under the supervision of Plant Production and Protection Service (AGPP), Locust Officer and in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representation in the country or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office, the nine national consultants (one for each concerned country) will assist in gathering and standardizing information on locust situation and management and facilitate preparation of national bulletins, regional information exchange, technical activities implementation and preparation of events (regional consultation and technical workshop). In particular, each national consultant will: • complete information gathered by the round-trip mission team if required, including through research in national archives (i.e. additional data on past locust infestations), and ensure that such data fit with the format proposed by the round-trip mission team; • ensure availability of appropriate background and summarize information for his/her national attendees to regional events (consultation and technical workshop); • contribute to preparation and dispatch of monthly locust bulletins; • investigate in national research centres, universities, etc. on projects or studies concerning locusts, and on interest demonstrated to implement them or related activities; • contribute to list and prioritize relevant national locust research activities; • upon completion of the consultation, submit a final report to FAO headquarters giving a brief description of activities undertaken, main features and possible recommendations as well as list of people met. Qualifications Substantial background in plant protection or pest management. Knowledge of locust and grasshopper bioecology in his/her own country. Working knowledge of English and Russian. Experience with United Nations agencies desirable. Duration Thirty-seven working days each, including 19 days for collection and standardization of relevant information and preparation of regional events, and 18 days for preparation of national monthly locust bulletin (three days per month during six months). Duty station Home station with in-country trips if needed.

22

Annex 7 TERMS OF REFERENCE Plant Protection Specialist (Locust Situation Assessment) National Consultant (Two)

Under the overall guidance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Locust Officer and the direct supervision of the international consultant(s), locust expert (locust situation assessment), and in close collaboration with the FAO Representation in the country or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office, the national consultants, plant protection specialists (at least two), will contribute to activities related to locust situation assessment as follows: • assist the international consultant, locust expert, in carrying out activities at national level, in particular locust situation assessment and on-the-spot training to the Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Protection Service and/or Locust Unit staff, using his/her knowledge of the project area to enhance the appropriate and timely completion of this task; • assist in visa obtaining, transfer and accommodation for international consultant; • if relevant, identify appropriate interpreters for recruitment; • establish, by email and phone, a regular flow of information between the field and FAO (incountry Representation if relevant and headquarters) in order to ensure timely transmission of technical data related to locust situation and management, and any other relevant information; • ensure an effective dialogue and close coordination with the relevant national authorities; • assist the international consultant in the compilation of locust and locust related data for the preparation of reports to be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO headquarters; • carry out any other duty as may be assigned by the international consultant or FAO headquarters in the framework of the above described assignment; • upon completion of the mission, submit a final report to FAO headquarters giving a brief description of activities undertaken, results and recommendations. Duration Fifty days each, during the project implementation period (summer 2008, spring/summer 2009 and/or spring 2010). Duty station Home station with internal trips if needed. Qualifications University degree or equivalent education in agronomy, plant protection or rural development. Experience in plant protection or pest management. Working knowledge of English and Russian.

23

Annex 8 PROJECT REGIONAL CONSULTATION AND REGIONAL WORKSHOP (CONTRACTS)

Tentative budget for budget line “Contract” is composed as mentioned hereafter. The final budget will be determined in accordance with FAO rules and regulations. • One four day “Regional consultation on Cooperative Locust Management in The Caucasus and Central Asia” for 18 participants to discuss ways and modalities of regional cooperation (USD 27 000). This includes participation (international travel) of two persons per country (nine countries, out of which eight will be travelling): •

• • •

target participants: 18 staff, including nine decision makers directly involved in locust management, and nine locust specialists expected to take direct part in locust national and regional management; objective: countries discuss and agree on ways and modalities of regional cooperation and approve related implementation schedule; duration: four days; cost estimate (in USD): materials, supplies and miscellaneous 12 600 travel (16 participants × USD 500) 8 000 allowance (16 × five days × USD 80) 6 400 Total 27 000

• One five-day “Regional Workshop on Locust Control Practices” for 18 participants to initiate immediate concrete cooperation on locust related technical issues (USD 19 000). This includes the participation (international travel) of one person per country (nine countries, out of which eight will be travelling): •

• • •

Target participants: 18 staff, including nine technicians directly involved in locust management and other experts and officers expected to take direct part in locust national and regional management; objective: allow technicians to improve mutual knowledge of national locust situation and management, exchange experience and discuss technical locust related issues; duration: five days; cost estimate (in USD): materials, supplies and miscellaneous 11 160 travel (eight participants × USD 500) 4 000 allowance (eight × four days × USD 80) 3 840 Total 19 000

24