| Overview :
Project Description
The Philippines has high biodiversity, being among the mega-diverse countries of the world. It has prolific and highly diverse marine and coastal resources which makes it the third highest in marine biodiversity in the world. For example, it hosts a total of 464 reef-building coral species or nearly half of all known coral species. The country also has 1700 reef species and 9% of the total known global coral reef area at 25,060 sq. km. Philippine marine fisheries produced a total fisheries volume of 5 million metric tons in 2009 valued at PhP 215.58 billion. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) estimates the fishing industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP at 2.2% (PhP 170.3 billion) and 4.4% (PhP63.2 billion) at current and constant prices, respectively. Marine mollusks have high medicinal value and the Philippines teems with them. It must be noted that marine organisms are the source of 60% of new anti-cancer agents currently on trial. Aside from this, they also hold potential for possible central nervous system, anti-microbial drugs and enzymes for cellulosic biofuels production. Philippine waters are estimated to harbor an estimated 10,000 species or approximately one fifth of all known species. The country’s marine waters are also widely regarded by marine biologists as the epicenter of marine biodiversity.
The Philippines is home to an estimated 53,500+ species of plants and animals. Recent reviews have recognized 105 species of amphibians (79% endemic) and 264 reptiles (68% endemic), while recent summaries of birds have recognized 593 species (32% endemic). Mammal diversity is currently estimated at 175 native terrestrial mammals (65% endemic). Total country estimates include as many as 15,000+ plants (and their relatives) and 38,000+ animals (vertebrates and invertebrates). These numbers are considered conservative considering that recent studies have shown that terrestrial biodiversity of the Philippines is substantially under estimated. The Philippines has one of the highest rates of species discovery in the world (sixteen new species of mammals have been discovered in the last ten years alone). New species are being discovered at a remarkable rate and this pattern shows no sign of slowing. Current taxonomic estimates show that the Philippines has the highest level of endemism in the Indo-Malayan Realm on a per unit-area basis and the highest concentration of biodiversity on earth .
However, “leakage” in revenue generation is happening from the environment sector through bio-piracy of the country’s genetic pool. As stated above, the Philippines’ marine waters alone hold untold economic potential for drugs and fuels. Marine sponges, mollusks and sea squirts, for instance, have been the subject of many biomedical studies as potential sources for anti-microbial and anti-cancer drugs. The recent study done by the UP Marine Science Institute in partnership with the Oregon Health and Science University, University of Utah, the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia and Ocean Genome Legacy showed that marine mollusks found in the Philippines have unusual bacteria strains that have utility as drugs for central nervous system disorders, anti-cancer agents and anti-microbial treatments .
However, despite discoveries made by local scientists or the fact that some of these genetic materials, plants and biological resources have long been identified, developed and used by communities and indigenous peoples, many large corporations make huge profits from patenting these knowledge and biological materials without properly recognizing and rewarding the sources.
The examples above prove that Philippines should have claimed some benefits from the use of its resources. Though some of this are not endemic to the Philippines, but nevertheless, it prove the point that the country has many more resources which if used wisely can generate wealth and would be more than enough to trigger economic development and alleviate poverty in the country. Continuing bio piracy might be happening unknowingly and this may continue to result to opportunity lost for the country in tapping its genetic resources for income generation. Hence, DENR will undertake to assess the potential of its genetic resources in generating income. It will seek the assistance of a resource economist to study the forgone and/or potential monetary benefits from bio-piracy or bio-prospecting.
Responsibilities
The following are the tasks and responsibilities to be performed by the Resource Economist:
1. Assess the forgone monetary benefits of bio-pirated species/traditional knowledge in the country;
2. Work with the other consultants, especially with the Genetic Resource Expert, on the list of genetic researches in advance stage with commercialization potential;
3. Assess the potential monetary benefits of these genetic researches with commercialization potential;
4. Propose a fair and equitable benefit sharing scheme taking into account the real economic/monetary value of the resource under study;
5. Work closely with the Genetic Resource Expert on valuing the genetic resources with commercial potential
6. Collaborate with other consultants and provide inputs to the Lead Integrator/Project Development Consultant on possible interventions needed for a fair and equitable benefit sharing scheme and protocol;
Expected Outputs and Deliverables
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Deliverables/ Outputs
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Target Due Dates
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Review and Approvals Required (Indicate designation of person who will review output and confirm acceptance)
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Inception Report
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1 week after contract signing
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DENR and UNDP-CO
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1st draft of the report on the 1) forgone benefits of bio-pirated species in the country
2)potential monetary benefits of genetic resources; and 3) proposed benefit sharing scheme on genetic resources
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10 December 2014
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DENR and UNDP-CO
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Final draft of the report
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15 February 2015
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DENR and UNDP-CO
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Institutional Arrangement
He/She shall coordinate and work closely with the DENR and its relevant bureaus (BMB and ERDB) and UNDP to ensure that the project activities are undertaken and relevant and quality information are gathered. He/she shall also work with the other consultants dealing on this matter too.
The DENR-FASPO in coordination with the Focal Person of BMB and ERDB shall directly supervise the Resource Economist and his/her output shall be approved and accepted by the DENR FASPO with endorsement from BMB and ERDB;
The DENR-FASPO in coordination with BMB and ERDB shall provide administrative and logistical support particularly in convening meetings/round table discussions/focus group discussions and or in visiting sites.
Duration of the Work
The expected duration of work is estimated at 40 days spread over 6 months. The target date for the start of work is 15 August 2014 and the completion date is 15 February 2015.
Duty Station
The Resource Economist is not expected to report on a daily basis to DENR nor to UNDP. S/he shall be notified within a reasonable period of time of pertinent meetings where his/her presence is necessary. All consultation venues will be chosen according to accessibility, availability of appropriate facilities and peace and order.
Qualifications of the Successful Individual Contractor
· A degree in economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics;
· At least 5-7 years of experience in the field of environmental economics especially in resource valuation;
· Working experience with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector in the Philippines;
· Familiarity with national and local policies relevant to bio-prospecting and/or access and benefit sharing, intellectual property rights, etc.;
· Good in word processing, preferably Word, Excel, Power-point
Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments
The financial proposals from possible candidates should be expressed in lump sum amount inclusive of all financial costs related to this engagement (i.e. transportation/travel to and from residence-Manila and/or within Metro Manila, supplies & materials, reproduction, communications including internet). However, travel costs (eg. fares and DSAs) to sites outside of Metro Manila shall be borne by DENR. DSA rates will follow the NIM prescribed rates.
Payment terms are as follows:
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Percentage
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Description
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Deadline
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20%
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Inception Report
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1st week after signing of contract
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40%
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1st draft of the report on the 1) forgone benefits of bio-pirated species in the country
2)potential monetary benefits of genetic resources; and 3) proposed benefit sharing scheme on genetic resources
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30 September 2014
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40%
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Final draft of the report
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15 October 2014
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Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer
The combined scoring method where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a maximum of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30% shall be adopted.
Please submit CV and financial proposal, using the template attached in this notice, on or before 28 August 2014.
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