|
Expression of Interest are invited for Natural Capital Accounting for Forest Ecosystem Services in selected countries in West Africa The Upper Guinean Forests of West Africa are globally recognized biodiversity hotspots, spanning Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte dIvoire, Ghana, and Togo. These forests provide critical ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and climate stabilization, while supporting local economies and livelihoods. However, these ecosystems are under severe threat due to agricultural expansion, illegal logging, urbanization, and weak governance systems. Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving sustainable development and climate resilience in the region. Significance of the Upper Guinean Forests: · Biodiversity Conservation: The forests are home to unique flora and fauna, including endemic species and critically endangered wildlife. · Carbon Sequestration: As significant carbon sinks, these forests play a vital role in mitigating climate change. · Livelihood Support: Forest resources contribute to the economic well-being of local communities, particularly through agriculture, forestry, and ecotourism. · Water Regulation and Soil Stabilization: These forests regulate water cycles and reduce soil erosion, benefiting both rural and urban populations. The World Bank has been instrumental in addressing these challenges through its Analytical and Advisory Services (ASA) and technical assistance programs. The current ASA initiative for the Upper Guinean Forests aligns with: · Global Priorities: The World Banks Global challenge program on Forests, Climate Change Action Plan, the Global Program on Sustainability (GPS), and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). · Regional Priorities: Enhancing ecosystem services integration into national accounts, promoting sustainable forest management, and facilitating access to climate finance. Côte dIvoire, Guinea and Togo have made significant progress in advancing Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) and addressing deforestation, but challenges remain. The World Banks Environment Global Practice invites expressions of interest from qualified firms to support the development and integration of Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) within the Upper Guinean Forests region, with a focus on Côte dIvoire, Guinea, and Togo. This initiative will contribute to national and regional efforts to enhance sustainable forest management, promote climate finance readiness, integrate forest ecosystem services into national accounts and development planning frameworks. The required expertise will support the World Bank to provide technical support for developing systems of Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) and building capacity in Côte dIvoire, Guinea, and Togo. The initiative focuses on the specific accounts detailed in subsequent sections, utilizing proven global approaches and methodologies, including those applied under the Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES), as part of the World Banks Global Program on Sustainability (GPS). Tender Link : https://wbgeprocure-rfxnow.worldbank.org/rfxnow/public/advertisement/4583/view.html
|
