Request for Proposal
DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS PLANS FOR PROPOSED MARINE PROTECTED AREAS ON NORTH AND DENIS ISLANDS
PART 1 – INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS AND PROPOSAL CONDITIONS
1.1. About Green Islands Foundation (GIF)
GIF is an environmental NGO aiming to mainstream sustainable development by finding synergies between private sector and government conservation strategies. Most recent successfully implemented projects include:
1. Modelling coastal zone management scenarios, funded by the European Union
2. Capacity building in Artisanal Shark Fishermen, funded by the Mangroves for the Future (MFF)
3. Coastal development and ecosystem modeling as a tool to enable improved local and national policy and decision-making processes, funded by the Mangroves for the Future (MFF)
4. Development of a co-management plan, designed by fishers, to minimize the impact of the Seychelles artisanal fishery on threatened species, funded by GEF-Satoyama/Conservation International
1.2. Summary of the Requirement
GIF invites you to submit a Proposal for the development of business plans for proposed Marine Protected Areas on North and Denis Islands.
The detailed Terms of Reference can be found in Part 2 of this Request for Proposal (RfP).
1.3. The procurement process
The following key dates apply to this RfP:
RfP Issue Date
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2 July 2018
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RfP Closing Date
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15 July 2018
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Estimated Contract Award Date
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30 July 2018
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PART 2 – THE REQUIREMENT
Background
The Seychelles consist of over 100 islands of granitic and coralline origin with a total land area of 455 km2 and a coastal length of 151 km. Coral reefs surround the granitic islands. Coral islands are rich in marine life and, due to their size and homogeneity, are considered part of the coastal zone. Tourism and fishing are the main industries, with light manufacturing and service sectors also contributing to the economy. Tourism employs 40% of the work force and provides the population with 60% of foreign currencies. The country’s tourism industry and socio-economic development mainly depends on its environment, more specifically its unique biodiversity and its high landscape value.
The needs to extend Protected Areas and to strengthen the Protected Areas System are stressed in the 2013 PA Policy. Seychelles is in the process of operationalizing a major PA expansion on the basis of the new PA Policy.
The Seychelles Protected Area Finance Project aims at securing the financing for protected area (PA) more sustainably, increasing and securing revenue generation for PA management. The project will improve the financial sustainability of the PA System and the individual PAs to ensure that they have adequate financial resources to cover the full costs of their management at an optimal level.
Part of the marine area surrounding Denis Island and North Island is on the verge of being proclaimed a legally protected area (PA), ensuring its inclusion within the national protected area network.
Islands owners are dedicated to take the lead in monitoring and enforcing this new protected area in collaboration with selected NGOs and with assistance of the Seychelles government. Several conservation projects undertaken on the island have resulted in unique ecosystems, the value of which warrants legal protection. Most of these activities are largely sponsored by the island itself through income generated from the luxury hotel resort on the island. Some activities are partially funded by external donors. With impending proclamation, there will be a need for increased monitoring and enforcement of the protected area, sourcing of additional equipment and various other expenses. This gap between current and future expenditures will have to be closed in order to ensure successful establishment of the protected areas.
North Island is managed by North Island Company Ltd. The development of an eco-friendly lodge on North Island aimed to generate income by providing a high-end nature based tourism venture and fund the biodiversity rehabilitation of the island. Guided by the ‘Noah’s ark’ principle North Island has invested heavily in conservation over the years. Free roaming cattle, cats, dogs and rodents were removed from the island to pave the way for habitat rehabilitation. Large areas of forest have been replaced by native forest with the help of environment NGOs like the Plant Conservation Action group (PCA), Island Conservation Society (ICS) and Green Islands Foundation which resulted in enough suitable habitat to introduce endemic white eyes which have been flourishing on the island since 2006. Black mud terrapins have been introduced and there’s a healthy population of giant tortoises roaming free around the island. Several different nature tours are provided to clients, marine monitoring is regularly performed with the assistance of GIF and a strict fishing policy is enforced by the hotel. A strict rodent prevention protocol is being enforced, with use of a rodent free room, island wide baiting and monitoring stations where additionally all approaching vessels need to be certified rodent free and are inspected accordingly.
Denis Island, a luxury resort island, is owned and managed by Denis Island Development Pty (Ltd) which focuses on promoting conservation and sustainable development within the limits of economical viability. The island has invested in cat, rat and mice eradication, extensive habitat management to facilitate translocation of four endangered endemic bird species aiding in their continued survival, a small farm supplies the hotel kitchen and the forest is managed to provide timber for building and furniture. Over the last 18 years, island management has invested significant funds and effort in creating natural and suitable habitat for endemic birds and turtles. Additionally, a strict catch and release policy is implemented whereby the coral reefs are not fished by the hotel. Regular marine monitoring has been ongoing for the last seven years. Staff fishing around the island is limited and controlled. A strict rodent prevention protocol is being enforced on all (expected) visitors to the island as well as all cargo being transported up to the island.
Green Islands Foundation (GIF) implements the PA Finance project on Denis Island and North Island with the aim of attracting revenue for the proposed marine protected area through the PA Finance project.
Business plan objective
To achieve financial sustainability of MPA management of Denis Island and North Island through analysis of existing and novel financing mechanisms and to identify and propose to management viable options to bridge the financing gap.
Statement of Work
The business plan should include the following components, at minimum:
I. Organizational Model
a. Executive summary
b. Organizational Description
i. Organization history and mission, vision, values
ii. Current business model: leadership, structure, members, partners, revenue sources, summary of services
II. Objectives of business plan
III. Current operational costs for environment /Protected area management
IV. Identification of financing gap for Protected Area management
VII. Financial Model
a. Funding mechanisms opportunity analysis and discussion
b. Revenue strategy for each revenue stream (except commercial partnership)
e. Discussion of financial risk and considerations
Key Tasks and Activities
The specific tasks to be undertaken by the Consultant include:
Task 1: Inception meeting
Inception meetings will be held with GIF and project partners to establish the:
· Methodology for establishing the operational and capital development needs of the protected area
· Methodology for reviewing various means of financing protected areas
· Proposed table of contents for the reports
· Final work plan and timetable
Compilation of information on the financial target and justification for operating and developing the marine protected areas
Task 3: Review of Financing Options
A report will be prepared and submitted to GIF, which will include:
· Current organisational and operational assessments and recommendations
· Financing options for the financing the protected areas
· Assessment of revenue to be raised to bring the financing gap required
Task 4: Draft and Refinement of Business Plan
Following the table of contents approved in Task 1, the draft Business Plan will be prepared and submitted to GIF. The draft plan will identify the full range of resources required for the implementation and operation of a protected area at Denis and North islands. The plan is to be for a period of five years with a phased approach to implementation. The Plan will include, but not be limited to, information in Tasks 2 and 3 as well as fundraising initiatives. The consultant will present the draft Business Plan to a group of stakeholders, including GIF for comment before submission of the final draft.
Task 5: Finalising the Business Plan
Following the presentation of the draft plan, the consultant will consider comments received, modify, as necessary, and submit the Business Plan to GIF.
Outputs:
· Draft reports (one for North Island and one for Denis Island)
· Final reports (one for North Island and one for Denis Island)
Reporting:
To GIF PA Finance Project Manager
Deadlines:
15th of July 2018
Starting:
30th of July 2018
Completion date:
30th of September 2018
Approximate number of days:
20 Days
Payments:
· Signature of contract (20%)
· Draft report (40%)
· Final report (40%)
PART 3 – PROFILE AND EXPERIENCE
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate specific experience and expertise in all topics targeted by the Terms of Reference.
Education: Minimum of a Bachelors degree in Business administration, economics, conservation or a similar discipline.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of practical experience, with specific demonstrable expertise in at least 4 of the following technical areas, plus at least some knowledge and experience in the other areas:
· PA management
· PA Finance
· Strategic Planning and Investment
· Public Policies
· Public-Private Partnerships
· Institutional Development
· Capacity Development and Training
· Practical experience in similar assignments, preferably with experience in PA systems in Small Island Developing States.
· Demonstrated leadership ability and technical ability to communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing.
· Languages: English, both written and oral.
Documents to be presented
· Methodological proposal on the basis of the ToR including calendar of actions;
· CV of the candidate
· Relevant experience summarizing specific expertise and results achieved in:
o Business planning and organizational strategic development;
o Tourism business and sustainable tourism/ecotourism in particular
o Experience with non-profit or association development
· Work Sample (e.g. business plan, organizational strategy, etc.)
· Financial proposal
PART 4 – INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY PROPOSERS
By participating in this Request for Proposal (RfP), Proposers are indicating their acceptance to be bound by the conditions set out in this RfP.
This Part details all the information Proposers are required to provide to GIF. Submitted information will be used in the evaluation of Proposals.
Consultant’s fee
Applicants will be invited to submit a quote in Seychelles Rupees for the proposed work. The quote should contain details of costing per the task outlined above.
Green Islands Foundation and its partners will cover costs of travel, accommodation and meals of the consultant if travel to North and Denis islands are required.
Applicable Goods and Services Taxes
Proposal rates and prices shall include Value Added Tax (VAT) and any other taxes that may apply.
