Arctic Migratory Birds Initiative (AMBI) Administration Assistance

This funding opportunity is directed to support administration, implementation and reporting functions under the Arctic Migratory Birds Initiative (AMBI) with emphasis on the Americas Flyway. AMBI is a project of the Arctic Councilâ¿¿s Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Working Group. Work proposed here under the AMBI advances the strategic goals of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior by seeking to have a positive impact on people and communities for whom migratory birds are a source of livelihood, recreation and inspiration. In particular, this will include helping to advance informed conservation stewardship through developing and utilizing the best available science, engaging with local communities to better understand and address local conservation concerns, and utilizing our natural resources with long-term sustainability in mind as it relates to Arctic migratory birds. Funding under this project is being made available for a new program of work over the next 5 years. It continues support for some ongoing AMBI efforts under the existing work plan, with some new areas of focus and specific funding opportunities to assist in implementing U.S. priorities under the Initiative. Eventual success under this agreement will be judged based on timely reporting, level of cooperation with multiple stakeholders (including at the community or local level) and ultimately whether activities and outputs contribute to improved understanding and management of Arctic migratory birds consistent with the work plan. The activities supported under this agreement will follow from existing mandates approved by the Arctic Council and by the CAFF Working Group, specifically those included in the AMBI Work Plan 2015-2019. Coordination of work being done under the flyways is a central deliverable of this funding agreement. Flyway coordinators must convene regular (e.g. monthly) teleconference meetings between the flyway groups (including observers). The coordinator will also host the meetings, take minutes and provide reporting. They should also develop performance metrics and complete evaluations for implementation of activities identified in the work plan. Fundraising for flyway activities and follow-up on specific results from the implementation meetings is also an important aspect of the work the recipient will be responsible for. In addition, support is expected to be provided to assist in the development of a new work plan for AMBI after 2019, with direction from the AMBI Steering Committee and the CAFF Working Group.