Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment Biodiversity Secretariat Inviting Proposals for IAS Gap Filling Studies GEF-UNDP Project on “Strengthening Capacity to Control the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Alien Species in Sri Lanka The project aims at strengthening capacity to control the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (IAS) in Sri Lanka with the financial assistance of GEF-UNDP One key aspect of the project is to fill knowledge gaps related to invasive species control and management in the country. In this context the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment wishes to involve the scientific community through targeted studies that lead to build up the knowledge base on IAS in Sri Lanka. The Study proposal should be on one or more of the thematic areas identified below. Thematic Areas: (1) Socio-economic impacts of IAS (2) Interactions with wildlife and /or native species; (3) Effects on ecosystem and /or human health; (4) Impact of development projects on introduction and spread of IAS; (5) Establishment of baseline of marine planktons on newly established harbors; (6) Early detection and prediction of IAS distribution (7) Utilization of IAS in thermal power generation, industries and pest & disease control and others Note: Under the Thematic Areas 1, 2 and 3, priority will be given for proposals focusing on at least one of the following IAS. Invasive Alien Flora: Eichhornia crassipes, Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora, Mimosa pigra Invasive Alien Fauna: Oreochromis mossambicus, Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, Lissachatina fulica, Chitala ornata Guidelines: (1) The maximum time duration for conducting Studies and reporting is 6 months (2) The budget allocated for a given proposal ranges from Rs. 0.4 – 0.5 million (3) The project will not fund purchasing equipment or computers (4) The deadline for submission of proposals: 16th February 2015 (5) Notification of the selected of proposals for funding: 28th February 2015 (6) Finalization of the contracts: 10th March 2015 (7) Commencement of the research project: 10th March 2015 (8) The final report of the project is due on 10th September 2015 (9) The detailed proposal should be provided in the following format: a). Title of the Proposed project b).Name, affiliation and qualifications of the Principle Scientist and collaborating Scientists (if any) c). Thematic area(s) under which the proposal is submitted d). Introduction e). Problem Identification f). Study Issues / Objectives (main and specific) g). Detailed Methodology (clearly indicate the equipment and other facilities in possession to conduct the study) h). Expected Outputs and potential benefits to the project scope i). Related references j). Detailed breakdown of the budget - payment for research assistant/technical assistants, consumables (including chemicals and stationary), travelling, food and refreshments k). Project time line (Gannt chart) (10) Please submit the Study Proposals to reach the following address on or before th 16 February 2015. Director, Biodiversity Secretariat Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment 5/980, Wickramasinghe Place, Ethulkotte Please contact the Director, Biodiversity Secretariat [email protected]) for further information. Secretary, Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment 82, “Sampathpaya”, Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla. (Tel: 0112883374, Email -