THE ECONOMICS OF ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY (TEEB) INDIA INITIATIVE Call for Case Study Concept Notes 1.

. Introduction The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, in partnership with GIZ, has initiated a Technical Cooperation project Incentives for Sustainable Management of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, referred to hereinafter as TEEB India Initiative. The broad objective of the collaborative project is: Economic value of ecosystem services and biodiversity are used to enhance effectiveness of conservation and management of three priority ecosystems (viz, Forests, Inland Wetlands and Coastal and Marine Ecosystems) The specific objectives of the TEEB India Initiative are as follows: Synthesis of the latest ecological and economic knowledge to structure the evaluation of ecosystem services under different scenarios. To conduct targeted research and pilot projects on the assessment and economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, for representative sites and ecosystems. Providing recommendations at national, state and local levels to foster sustainable development and better conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. This may include, but not limited to, a detailed consideration of subsidies and incentives, environmental liability, national income accounting, cost-benefit analysis, and methods for implementing various economic instruments. Identify information and tools for improved biodiversity-related business practices from the perspective of managing risks, addressing opportunities, and measuring business impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. Provide recommendations for raising public awareness of the contribution of ecosystem services and biodiversity towards human welfare, and on human impact on biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as identifying areas where action can make a positive difference.

In its initial phase, the TEEB India Initiative focuses on three ecosystems: i. ii. iii. Forests Inland wetlands Coastal and marine

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In addition to the existing knowledge on ecosystems values, the TEEB India Initiative envisions establishing new evidence for ecosystems values and their relation to human wellbeing through field based primary case studies in each of the three ecosystems (viz. forests, inland wetlands and coastal and marine ecosystems).

2. Eligibility Academic and research institutes, non-governmental organizations, private companies and individual experts are eligible to submit concept notes. The proposed study should be sitespecific and focusing on valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. It should also attempt to address relevant policy or management challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

3. Funding Concept notes will be screened by an expert group and selected applicants will be invited to develop a detailed case study proposal. For development of the detailed proposal, an initial support of up to Rs. 1,00,000 (Rupees one lakh only) will be provided. The detailed case study proposals will be further evaluated by an expert group for their technical merit and feasibility. Each selected case study proposal shall receive maximum funding of up to Rs. 20,00,000 (Rupees twenty lakh only) and run for a period of one year. Funds will be made available in three installments, scheduled as follows: i. ii. iii. 40% at the start of the project 30% on receiving the draft report 30% upon receipt of a satisfactory final report

4. Screening Criteria The concept notes (and detailed proposals) will be appraised along the following criteria: i. Policy relevance Relevance of the study for addressing pressing concerns/issues related to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services Identification of end users of the results and actions

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ii.

Societal relevance Relevance for designing and implementing economic instruments / incentives for promotion of local stewardship for conservation and sustainable management of ecosystem services at the site level Approach to stakeholder engagement

iii.

Scientific excellence Scientific quality of the proposed study Novelty / Originality and innovation Clarity of the objective, hypothesis and/or research questions Quality and suitability of the research team Level of inter/multi-disciplinarily approach

iv.

Feasibility and risks Doable targets/milestones, corresponding timelines and well defined outputs Feasibility of budget estimates Institutional capacity and support available to the proponents

5. Closing date The concept notes must be prepared and submitted in the prescribed format given in Annex-I by email to biodiv.india@giz.de latest by Friday, 14th February 2014. Theconcept note must be accompanied by a letter of support from host institution/ organization endorsing that all institutional support, facilities and amenities shall be extended to the investigators for successful implementation of the project.

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Annex-I Application Format for Concept Note Note: The Concept Note submitted must adhere to the word limit indicated below and not exceed 6 A4 pages. Part-A 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Part-B 6. 7. 8. 9. Study objective (max 50 words) Policy and Management Context: Describe how the study would inform specific policy or management actions (max. 200 words) Current state of knowledge: Review of literature most pertinent to the study(max.200 words) Research hypotheses / questions: (max. 100 words) Study Title Ecosystem(s) and sub-theme(s) to be addressed Principal Investigator (name and contact details) Co- Investigator (name and contact details) Project Summary (max. 300 words)

10. Study site: Summarize the bio-physical and socio-economic characteristics of the site, status and trends in ecosystem services and biodiversity, stakeholders, etc.(max. 200 words) 11. Ecosystem services and indicators: Which ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, supporting, cultural) are subject of the study. List biophysical and socioeconomic indicators for measuring ecosystem services and benefits they provide for human well-being (max. 200 words) 12. Research methodology: Describe analytical framework for the study and research methodology. Elaborate the tools and methods that will be applied for valuation of ecosystem services (max. 200 words) 13. Data requirement, source and data collection method (max. 100 words) 14. Proposed analysis (max. 200 words) 15. Work Plan and Time line 16. Estimated budget

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