1. ACTIVITIES:

In order to achieve the objectives above, the following specific activities, inter alia, shall be undertaken during the Consultancy:

Phase 1: Assessment and Consultation

1. 1. Conduct an Inception meeting with stakeholders and the Forest Department to present the approved detailed workplan, methodology and timeline for the review process within three weeks of contract signing.
   2. Conduct a stakeholder mapping considering government agencies, NGOs, private sector, academia, local communities, and experts on forest fire management and climate change.
   3. Prepare and submit Inception Report, to include summary of feedback from stakeholders, list of participants, improved/adjusted workplan, methodology and timeline.
   4. Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing Forest Fire Protection Act, the Wildland Fire Policy and Strategy, Forests Act and Forest Rules, Forest Policy, National Protected Areas System Act, the Agriculture Fire Act, National Fire Service Act & any other relevant fire laws. Prepare an in-depth assessment of the current Forest Fire Protection Act and related legislation, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement based on interviews with Forest Department leads and key stakeholders, a thorough desk top review of relevant documentation, national and regional and international legislative records and any other relevant materials obtained through independent research using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
   5. Conduct Public and Stakeholder Consultations to present the first findings of analysis of policy and legal framework with a view to obtain inputs, feedback, concerns and recommendations on areas of mutual interest pertaining to review of the Forest Fire Protection Act, including a possible name change for the new Act. Consult with relevant stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, private sector, academia, local communities, and experts on forest fire management and climate change.
   6. Gather data and information on recent wildland fire incidents, their causes, and the impacts on ecosystems, communities, and the economy.
   7. Prepare and submit a comprehensive report(s) on the assessment or review of the forest laws and policies, the stakeholder consultations and the research on recent wildland fire incidences.

Phase 2: Draft amendments

1. 1. Prepare a Cabinet Paper for the Forest Department informing Cabinet regarding the drafting of the new Fire Act requesting endorsement on the revision process.
   2. Develop new provisions to the Forest Fire Protection Act, incorporating the findings from the assessment and consultation process.
   3. Th revision process shall also consider, but not limited to, the following key areas:

• • • • Jurisdiction and Authority: For avoidance of doubt, ensure the new Bill/Act provides clear jurisdiction and authority of the Belize Forest Department from those other government agencies with fire management responsibilities. Ensure consistency with other land-use and protected areas legislation and harmonize with other fire legislations and regulations.
      • Expanded Definitions: formalize fire management definitions such terms as “prescribed burning,” “fire suppression,” “fire prevention,” “fuel management,” “fire breaks,” and “fire danger ratings” to reflect modern fire management concept and current practices.
      • Prevention: Enhance public awareness, early warning systems, and regulations for land use and fire management practices.
      • Prescribed Burns and Fuel Management: Provide a clear legal framework for authorized prescribed burning, outlining procedures, permits, safety measures, fire line requirements, weather conditions, supervision and responsible agency. Managing fuel is vital in preventing catastrophic fires.
      • Integrated Fire Management & Community Involvement: Provide legal framework to support multi-agency coordination and community-based fire management. This could include provisions for training, equipment, and other forms of assistance.
      • Inter-agency Collaboration Mechanism: formalized within the law clear roles, responsibilities, and protocols for collaboration, policy development, mutual aid, joint training and capacity building initiatives among various government agencies (Forest Department, National Fire Service, Police, Department of Environment, NEMO) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in fire management to ensure coordinated and effective management and response.
      • A National Fire Management Committee: Provide framework to convene and establish from representatives of all relevant agencies and stakeholders to facilitate coordination and policy development.
      • Prohibited Burning Periods: Legally define “fire seasons” or periods of high risk where certain burning activities are restricted or prohibited, especially during prolonged droughts and high temperatures.
      • Response: Improve fire suppression capabilities, emergency response protocols, and resource allocation.
      • Climate Change: Incorporate climate change considerations into the Act, addressing increased risks and vulnerabilities.
      • International Agreements: Ensure the Act aligns with Belize’s obligations under relevant international agreements related to forest protection and climate change.
      • Sustainable Forest Management: Align the Act with broader sustainable forest management principles.
      • Research: Mandate and support research on causes, changes, effects and impacts to inform policy decisions and adaptive management strategies.
      • Fees: Explore and analyze the current provisioning of fire management services, identify associated costs, benchmark or existing fees in the region, and formalize in law a robust, equitable, and sustainable fee structure for these services.
      • Penalties: Review and significantly increase penalties for negligent use of fire, arson, and other fire-related offenses to serve as a stronger deterrent. Penalties should be commensurate with the damage caused, including environmental and economic losses.
      • Liability: Given the inherent risk of fires, liability ought to be considered particularly in cases of escaped fires and duty of care owed to firefighters by the entities responsible for fire management.

1. 4. Draft Regulations to support the new Act that ensures the Act is further strengthened and affording appropriate authority and enforcement provisions. To include a provision for regular review and amendment of the Act to adapt to changing environmental conditions, scientific understanding, and socio-economic contexts.
   5. Conduct and facilitate validation workshop(s) with stakeholders on Draft Revisions/Provisions to the New Forest Fire Protection Act. Prepare a stakeholder analysis that demonstrates support, rejection or reservations on new provisions., Analysis to present alternative provisions that could substitute for those provision rejected or placed on reservations.
   6. Consistently seek input and feedback from stakeholders through workshops, public hearings, and online consultations for continuous improvement in the drafting process.

Phase 3: Legal Process

• • • • Submit the validated modernized Forest Fire Protection Bill & Regulations to the Forest Department for review and approval.
      • Engage with the legislative process to ensure that the modernized Forest Fire Protection Bill and corresponding Regulations are considered and enacted.
      • Draft cabinet paper to submit to present and support the finalized draft or version of the modernized Forest Fire Protection Bill & Regulations with drafting notes and any relevant supporting documentation.
      • Provide technical support to legislative process as needed.
      • Throughout the revision process, work closely with the Solicitor General’s Office to ensure the outputs are consistent drafting of legislation standards or procedures.

Phase 4: Implementation and Monitoring 

1. 1. Develop a plan for the implementation of the revised Forest Fire Protection Act & Regulations.
   2. Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and identify challenges.
   3. Provide training and capacity-building to relevant government agencies, NGOs, and local communities on the revised Bill/Act & Regulations in its implementation.
   4. Develop and print a summarized and user-friendly version of the law – for educational & outreach program.

2. DELIVERABLES

The following deliverables will be submitted by the Consultants to the Forest Department:

1. 1. A Finalized Inception Report with feedback and input from Project Manager and other stakeholders incorporated.
   2. A Finalized Situational Assessment Report of the legal and policy framework, inter alia:
      • • Strengths, weaknesses and gaps, and areas that need strengthening
        • Includes input and recommendations from stakeholders
        • Comparison of other model laws in the region
        • Drafting notes developed during the review process
   3. A Final Revised Forest Fire Protection Bill & Regulations with Cabinet paper to submit to present and support the finalized version of the modernized Forest Fire Protection Bill with drafting notes and any relevant supporting documentation
   4. Implementation plan for the revised Forest Fire Protection Bill/Act & Regulations and a monitoring and evaluation plan to track progress and identify strengths and challenges of the modernized law.
   5. Printed approved version of the user-friendly revised Bill/Act & Regulations.
   6. Consolidated reports on Stakeholder Consultations, Validation Meetings and Trainings regarding the revised Bill/Act & Regulations with Stakeholder, including:

• • • • Attendance sheet, methodologies used, inputs, feedback and recommendations obtained from the stakeholders on substantial components of the review process including alternative provisions, those rejected and on reservation.

The Consultant shall submit all reports in electronic copy to the Forest Department. All documents must be submitted in Word format (digitally in Times New Roman 12) in English. 

3. DURATION OF CONSULTANCY:

The total duration of the Consultancy should not exceed a nine (9) month period as per the schedule below: