International expert to support the preparation of Guidance Factsheets, including GES definition, targets & assessment method for the Candidate Common Indicators on forest fires & flooding (Level B)

Result of Service

The ultimate result of this assignment is to deliver: (a) Guidance Factsheets for cCI 42 and cCI 43 (b) A draft regional definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) for cCI 42 and cCI 43; (c) Proposed GES targets associated with cCI 42 and cCI 43; (d) Technical inputs to support IMAP/EcAp governance discussions, in particular within CORMON on Coast and Hydrography to be held in 2026/2027.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Within UNEP, the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) supports the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in the protection of the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment, including through the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp), as adopted by COP 15 Decision IG.17/6. To support the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach, the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme of the Mediterranean Sea and Coast (IMAP) was adopted in 2016 through COP 19 Decision IG.22/7, providing a coherent regional framework for monitoring and assessment. Building on national IMAP implementation and the findings of the 2023 Mediterranean Quality Status Report (MED QSR), a revised Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) policy and an updated version of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) were developed following the mandate of the Contracting Parties at COP 23, with a view to strengthening monitoring and assessment capacities, improving data quality and ensuring reliable regional assessments. COP24 Decision IG.27/6 Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) Policy and Roadmap 2026-2035, and Third Cycle of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme for the Mediterranean Sea and Coast (IMAP), included the addition of 10 new biodiversity and 5 new climate-change indicators. Within this context, the new climate change indicators have been identified as a priority area requiring further development. The development of Guidance Factsheets and the definition of Good Environmental Status (GES), targets and assessment method has to be prepared Candidate Common Indicators (cCIs) 42 Extent and frequency of coastal flooding and cCI 43 Changes in burnt forest areas. However, due to data limitations and knowledge gaps in the Mediterranean region, further scientific and technical work is required. In order to move from Candidate common indicators to operational IMAP Common Indicators, there is now a clear need to develop Guidance Fact Sheets, as well as to advance the definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) and the associated thresholds and targets for cCI 42 and cCI 43. This consultancy is implemented within the framework of the SEMPA Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNEP/MAP. It contributes directly to the SEMPA Project O...