REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR A CONSULTANT TO
ASSESS FEASIBILITY AND ESTABLISH BUSINESS MODEL FOR PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (PES) SCHEME IN VIDUNDA MOUNTAINS WATER CATCHMENT AREA
1. INTRODUCTION:
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961, with a country office in Arusha, Tanzania. AWF's works in Tanzania extend back to its creation in 1961, with a primary focus on improving the capacity of African institutions and individuals to manage wildlife, enhancing wildlife habitats, upgrading Protected Areas infrastructure, fostering Community Natural Resources Governance frameworks, and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
AWF in partnership with IUCN is implementing a project called SUSTAIN Eco in Kilombero landscape which addresses ecosystem degradation and enables the sustainable and inclusive management of natural resources through improved governance and rights, sustainable management practices by catalyzing investment in protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems. This project is funded by Swedish International Development Agency.
The intervention of SUSTAIN Eco in Vidunda sub catchment is designed to support the establishment of participatory and integrated water resource management and adjacent forests in ways that promote climate change resilience amongst adjacent communities and foster equitable partnerships between communities, government and the private sector. As part of this initiative, AWF has committed resources to assess the feasibility and appetite for PES schemes and thereafter establish business models for a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme.
The project is a response to reduced dry season river flows in the Ruhembe River, assumed to be linked to land cover/land use change in the Vidunda mountains catchment, and exacerbated by climate change with concomitant negative impacts on downstream water users including small- and large-scale farmers. The priority ecosystem service intended to benefit from the scheme is therefore the dry season flows of the Ruhembe river.
2. OBJECTIVES:
The objective is to conduct a comprehensive feasibility assessment and formulating viable business models for the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme. The objective involves evaluating the economic impacts of catchment forest protection on water provision ecosystem services within the Vidunda Mountains and comparing the economic consequences of watershed protection versus non-protection scenarios. The assessment will be conducted in which villages and in which district? These assessments will serve as a basis for determining the feasibility and interest in PES schemes. Furthermore, the consultant will develop PES models that ensure long-term financial sustainability beyond the project's duration and explore potential replication and scaling-up opportunities.
SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant's scope of work will include, but not be limited to:
Determine the baseline condition of ecosystem services provided by the local communities.
Assess the feasibility of implementing a PES scheme in the Vidunda Mountains Water Catchment Area.
Develop business models that outline the structure, payment mechanisms, and economic viability of the PES scheme.
Evaluate the legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks that would support the establishment and implementation of the PES scheme in the Vidunda sub-catchment.
Provide recommendations for designing community engagement strategy within the PES scheme in the Vidunda sub-catchment.
Identify key stakeholders, partners, and resources required for successful establishment of PES model and its implementation in Vidunda sub-catchment.
Prepare a detailed presentation of the proposed PES model and present to key relevant stakeholders.
Undertake water provision ecosystem services valuation of catchment forests in Vidunda Mountains and determine the economic consequences of watershed protection versus non-protection values.
Establish a monitoring plan to track changes in the catchment’s water provisioning and other services.
Use the collected data to assess feasibility and appetite of key players in the Vidunda sub-catchment for PES scheme.
4. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Interested consultants are requested to submit comprehensive proposals addressing the following elements:
4.1. Cover Letter: A brief introduction including the consultant's contact information and an acknowledgment of the receipt of this RFP.
4.2. Executive Summary: A concise summary of the proposed approach, methodology, and expected outcomes.
4.3. Consultant Qualifications: Provide details of the consultant's qualifications, experience, and expertise in natural resources management, natural resources economics, ecosystem services, sustainable development, community engagement in natural resources management and development of PES schemes.
4.4. Methodology: Outline the proposed assessment methodology, data collection techniques, and analytical tools to be used during the feasibility assessment.
4.5. Work Plan and Timeline: Present a detailed work plan with milestones and a proposed timeline for completing the consultancy.
4.6. Budget: Include a comprehensive budget proposal that outlines all costs associated with the consultancy.
4.7. References: Provide references from previous clients for whom similar work has been conducted.
5. REVIEW AND SELECTION:
AWF will evaluate all proposals based on the quality of the proposed methodology, relevant experience, cost-effectiveness, and team composition. Shortlisted consultants may be invited for an interview or presentation of their proposal.
6. CONTACT INFORMATION:
For inquiries or further information, please contact LMakoga@awf.org copying procurement@awf.org and AWF Landscape Manager, cmsafiri@awf.org
7. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Interested and qualified consultants are invited to submit their application clearly stating how they meet the requirements, methodology, and a financial proposal to: LMakoga@awf.org copying procurement@awf.org and AWF Landscape Manager, cmsafiri@awf.org by 23:29 on 15th of June, 2024. The title of the consultancy should be clearly stated in the email subject.
Note: AWF reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to modify the terms of reference as needed. The selected consultant will be expected to comply with all relevant regulations and AWF's ethical standards.