Call for concept notes for development of a resource kit on building resilience through an eco-based disaster risk management under the changing climate

To sustain the commitment for an integrated approach to coastal zone management in the context of climate change adaptation, Malteser is currently implementing a mangrove reforestation and climate change adaptation project from 2013-2018 supported by the German Government. The objective of the project is to develop a community-based, replicable model to strengthen local capacities for climate change adaptation through the development of disaster preparedness plans and the introduction of early warning systems in combination with the reforestation of mangroves for improved coastal protection. The project links disaster risk reduction with income-generating activities and the conservation of the ecosystem. Communities’ capacities are built to protect their livelihood from the consequences of climate change and to prepare for potential extreme climate-events and natural hazards. Particularly, the project aims to achieve the following results:

Result 1: Local authorities are better informed about duties and responsibilities in risk management for climate change adaptation and can provide inputs to the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) process.
Result 2: The coping mechanisms of the participating communities in disaster management are strengthened and their vulnerability is reduced through the reforestation of mangroves and a community-based coastal resources management system for climate change adaptation.
Result 3: The publication of case studies further adds to the already existing knowledge on options for successful climate change adaptation in Myanmar.

In order to fully realize the expected results, Malteser is launching a call for concept notes for developing a Resource Kit on Building Resilience through Climate Change Adaptation and Eco-based Disaster Risk Management (From Theory to Practice), which will contain the following components:

• Component 1: Study on Coastal Community Resilience in Rakhine State
• Component 2: Study on Climate-based Epidemic Early Warning Systems in Myanmar
• Component 3: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Study for the Coastal Areas of Rakhine State (link to component 1)
• Component 4: Development and Conduct of a community-based climate change adaptation training manual

Targeted areas

• Coastal communities in Sittwe, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Myebon and Kyaw Phyu Townships, Rakhine State

Overall methodology

• In developing the resource kit, the process will be participatory in nature and will include consultation with Malteser senior staff, specific project staff, partner and key stakeholders (local authorities at various levels, DRR Working Group, I/NGOs, UN bodies, donors agencies and vulnerable groups in target communities)
• Stakeholders at the national level (Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology among others) will be enabled to give their input via scheduled meetings.
• Field visits will be necessary to observe the community activities
• Interaction with field staff, community facilitators, community members and participants of the various trainings
• Focus group discussions and interviews with local stakeholders (village disaster management committee, community task forces, village head, and tract leaders)
• Both qualitative and quantitative data and information from both secondary and primary sources will be collected and reviewed.

Content of the concept note

All concept notes should not exceed 10 pages conforming to the prescribed content below. Malteser will only accept one concept note for all four components of the resource kit.

• Part 1: Introduction of the Organization
• Part 2: Demonstrated Capacity (Past and Ongoing Initiatives)
• Part 3: Proposed approach to developing and implementing the project components
• Part 4: Indicative budget (estimated at 52,000 Euros for all four components)
• Part 5: Indicative Workplan

All interested parties should be able to demonstrate their capacity to fulfill the requirements of all the components of the resource kit. Each component is described below but not limited to the stipulations of the brief description. The concept note should also present an indicative workplan from 15 August 2013 to 30 July 2014.

• Component 1: Study on Coastal Community Resilience in Rakhine State

This study outlines a method for measuring community resilience capabilities using process and outcome indicators in coastal communities in Rakhine state. An adapted index should be developed using process and outcome indicators, selected on the basis of the steps of the Community Based Risk Management (CBRM) process, and key characteristics of disaster resilient communities can be considered from various literatures. The tool could be developed with an assumption that both the process and outcome indicators are equally important in building disaster-resilient communities. The combination of both sets of indicators can be a catalyst for quality change in the community under a resilience framework. It is envisaged that the process indicators are important for community understanding, ownership and the sustainability of the programme; whereas outcome indicators are important for the real achievements in terms of community empowerment and capacity development.

• Component 2: Study on Climate-based Epidemic Early Warning Systems in Myanmar

The study contributes to identifying potentials for establishing climate-based epidemic early warning systems in Myanmar and thus improves opportunities for prevention and containment of epidemics. Based on existing early warning systems, concepts of the use of climate data against the spreading of relevant infectious diseases (Malaria, Cholera, Dengue) will be further developed. These concepts shall be applied in future interventions in the public health system. Though, first approaches were already developed in the beginning oft he 90s, application-oriented concepts in Myanmar have not been implemented so far. In cooperation with WHO, health authorities, DRR working groups and the Environment Working Group with this approach (developed by the WHO) existing results and mechanisms will be gathered for Myanmar and their relevance for the most important infectious diseases described. With this innovative approach a closer networking between the public health system and the DMH will be enabled. It will also leave its mark on the cooperation with the health and government authorities in Rakhine State. The objective is to provide a tool for monitoring and timely reaction to outbreaks of infectious diseases to the local health authorities. The communities will be enabled to integrate respective emergency plans in their DRR plans.

• Component 3: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Study for the Coastal Areas of Rakhine State

A well-founded vulnerability assessment will examine in detail relevant factors for climate change and its consequences and therefore contribute to the development of a climate vulnerability concept for the region. The study will further contribute to the development of a national adaptation plan as well as define the final focus of the implementation of this project. The study will be in cooperation with the Department of Meteorology and the Department of Relief and Resettlement of the Ministry of Social Welfare, among others. This component can possibly combined with component 1.

• Component 4: Development and Conduct of a community-based climate change adaptation training manual/curriculum.

The party should demonstrate the capacity to develop/adapt a training curriculum and implement three training of trainers on concepts and strategies for climate change adaptation, which will be conducted on national level (Yangon) as well as township level. In cooperation with experts, local authorities and national working groups for DRR a manual will be developed that defines standards for preparation of climate relevant risk analyses and DRR plans. The manual will be the reference for the implementation of all community-based activities in result 2. It will be provided to all other interested actors. Overall, training reports, manual with facilitation guide in English and Myanmar languages should adapted for Myanmar will be the final outputs.