Literature review and initial assessment of traditional and cultural knowledge, expressions and practices associated with seabirds in the Pacific Islands Region. (Service-based Consultancy)

Tender Number: PBS 2024 – 002

Tender Name: Contract for Services - Literature review and initial assessment of traditional and cultural knowledge, expressions and practices associated with seabirds in the Pacific Islands Region. (Service-based Consultancy)

Description: 
The objective of this consultancy is to bring together traditional knowledge, cultural approaches and Western science to improve the conservation of seabirds across the Pacific, in targeted countries
This consultancy is targeted to review existing literature around seabirds and traditional knowledge, use and cultural traditions in the Pacific, followed by initial discussions with targeted communities, researchers and navigation societies’ on their engagement with seabirds through interviews and dialogue. Also, identify areas for future research which might assist with identifying locations where priority seabirds are thought to breed but for which there is
no scientific evidence of location. For example, Heinroth’s shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi) is a poorly known endangered seabird; its breeding grounds have not been discovered. It is believed to be breeding on Kolombangara Island and possibly Rendova Island in the Solomon Islands.

SPREP is seeking the services of a researcher to conduct a literature review and undertake initial discussions with TK holders in targeted countries (to be agreed). To achieve the following outputs /deliverables;
1. Literature review of TK and culture associated with seabirds.
2. A report on discussions with TK holders about seabirds
3. A final report summarising findings and recommendations for future research.
4. A presentation on the findings at the Oceania Seabird Symposium

Duration: 6 months