Request for Proposals (RfP)
Consultancy to assess the feasibility and design of an IPLC conservation trust fund and to evaluate the economic value of LMMAs in the Western Indian Ocean to inform investment and business plans.
IUCN ESARO, WIO LMMA ALLIANCE, Coastal and Ocean Resilience Team
RfP Reference: IUCN-25-08-P05126-03.
Welcome to this Procurement by IUCN. You are hereby invited to submit a Proposal. Please read the information and instructions carefully because non-compliance with the instructions may result in disqualification of your Proposal from this Procurement.
1. REQUIREMENTS
1.1. A detailed description of the services and/or goods to be provided can be found in Attachment 1.
2. CONTACT DETAILS
2.1. During the course of this procurement, i.e. from the publication of this RfP to the award of a contract, you may not discuss this procurement with any IUCN employee or representative other than the following contact. You must address all correspondence and questions to the contact, including your Proposal.
IUCN Contact: jolly.chemutai@iucn.org
3. PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE
3.1. This timetable is indicative and may be changed by IUCN at any time. If IUCN decides that changes to any of the deadlines are necessary, we will publish this on our website and contact you directly if you have indicated your interest in this procurement (see Section 3.2).
DATE-ACTIVITY
3 September-Publication of the Request for Proposals
8 September-Deadline for expressions of interest
11 September-Deadline for submission of questions
13 September-Planned publication of responses to questions
17 September-Deadline for submission of Proposals to IUCN (“Submission
Deadline”)
19 September-Clarification of Proposals
22 September-Planned date for contract award
23 September-Expected contract start date
3.2. Please email the IUCN contact to express your interest in submitting a Proposal by the deadline stated above. This will help IUCN to keep you updated regarding the procurement.
4. COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL
4.1. Your Proposal must consist of the following four separate documents:
Signed Declaration of Undertaking (see Attachment 2)
Pre-Qualification Information (see Section 4.3 below)
Technical Proposal (see Section 4.4 below)
Financial Proposal (see Section 4.5 below)
Proposals must be prepared in English.
4.2. Your Proposal must be submitted by email to the IUCN Contact (see Section 2). The subject heading of the email shall be [RfP Reference – bidder name]. The bidder name is the name of the company/organisation on whose behalf you are submitting the Proposal, or your own surname if you are bidding as a self-employed consultant. Your Proposal must be submitted in PDF format. You may submit multiple emails suitably annotated, e.g. Email 1 of 3, if attached files are too large to suit a single email transmission. You may not submit your Proposal by uploading it to a file-sharing tool.
IMPORTANT: Submitted documents must be password-protected so that they cannot be opened and read before the submission deadline. Please use the same password for all submitted documents. After the deadline has passed and within 12 hours, please send the password to the IUCN Contact. This will ensure a secure bid submission and opening process.
Please DO NOT email the password before the deadline for Proposal submission.
4.3. Pre-Qualification Criteria
IUCN will use the following Pre-Qualification Criteria to determine whether you have the
capacity to provide the required goods and/or services to IUCN. Please provide the necessary information in a single, separate document.
Pre-Qualification Criteria
1.3 relevant references of clients similar to IUCN / similar work
2.Confirm that you have all the necessary legal registrations to perform the work
3.State your annual turnover for each of the past 3 years
4.Solid finance background with a minimum 15 years of experience in conservation trust funds and in establishing innovative financing tools.
4.4. Technical Proposal
The Technical Proposal must address each of the criteria stated below explicitly and
separately, quoting the relevant criteria reference number (left-hand column).
Proposals in any other format will significantly increase the time it takes to evaluate, and such Proposals may therefore be rejected at IUCN’s discretion.
Where CVs are requested, these must be of the individuals who will actually carry out the work specified. The individuals you put forward may only be substituted with IUCN’s approval.
IUCN will evaluate Technical Proposals with regards to each of the following criteria and their relative importance:
Description-Information to provide-Relative weight
1. Methodological approach-20 pts
A complete, well-structured proposal with all required annexes; clear presentation of objectives, deliverables, timeline, and budget; annexes provide supporting evidence of experience and qualifications (10 pts)
A robust and realistic methodology that demonstrates understanding of the consultancy objectives; clear steps for feasibility analysis, trust fund design, LMMA/SERBZ valuation, and investment strategy; integration of gender equality, social inclusion, and participatory approaches; use of GIS/mapping and data analysis as supporting tools. Includes a feasible workplan with milestones and outputs (10 pts)
2 Operationalisation of the approach and Methodology-35 pts
Ability, proven by the experience/previous assignment, of the consultant to implement the proposed methodology (10 pts.)
Working programme / working schedule for delivery of outputs (10 pts.),
Staffing schedule and task assignment descriptions aligned with team members expertise/experience (10 pts.),
Quality control of deliverables (5 pt.)
3 Consultants’ competencies-45 pts
Evidence of a strong finance/investment expert as team lead, with proven experience in conservation trust funds and sustainable financing mechanisms (must be clearly identified in proposal). Additional team members (GIS specialist, ocean conservationist/LMMA expert, and communication/advocacy specialist) are encouraged to complement the lead’s expertise and demonstrate relevant regional knowledge and technical skills. CVs should highlight complementarity of skills and value-add to the lead expert. (25 pts)
Demonstrated experience working directly with, or conducting research on, IPLCs and LMMAs in Africa or the Western Indian Ocean; understanding of governance structures, socioeconomic dimensions, and livelihood dependencies; ability to integrate community priorities into investment and business planning; sensitivity to local contexts and commitment to participatory processes (20 pts)
TOTAL 100%
4.5. Financial Proposal
4.5.1. The Financial Proposal must be a fixed and firm price for the provision of the goods/services stated in the RfP in their entirety.
4.5.2. Prices include all costs
Submitted rates and prices are deemed to include all costs, insurances, taxes (except
VAT, see below), fees, expenses, liabilities, obligations, risk and other things necessary for the performance of the Terms of Reference or Specification of Requirements. IUCN will not accept charges beyond those clearly stated in the Financial Proposal. This includes applicable withholding taxes and similar. It is your responsibility to determine whether such taxes apply to your organisation and to include them in your Financial Proposal.
4.5.3. Applicable Goods and Services Taxes
Proposal rates and prices shall be exclusive of Value Added Tax
4.5.4. Currency of proposed rates and prices
All rates and prices submitted by Proposers shall be in USD
4.5.5. Breakdown of rates and prices
For information only, the price needs to be broken down as follows:
Description-Quantity-Unit Price-Total Price
1 Finance lead daily rate-40 days
2 Daily rate of additional team needed (LMMA specialist, GIS, communication, gender)-NA
4
6
TOTAL
4.6. Additional information not requested by IUCN should not be included in your Proposal and will not be considered in the evaluation.
4.7. Your Proposal must remain valid and capable of acceptance by IUCN for a period of 90 calendar days following the submission deadline.
4.8. Withdrawals and Changes
You may freely withdraw or change your Proposal at any time prior to the submission deadline by written notice to the IUCN Contact. However, in order to reduce the risk of fraud, no changes or withdrawals will be accepted after the submission deadline.
5. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS
5.1. Completeness
IUCN will firstly check your Proposal for completeness. Incomplete Proposals will not be considered further.
5.2. Pre-Qualification Criteria
Only Proposals that meet all of the pre-qualification criteria will be evaluated.
5.3. Technical Evaluation
5.3.1. Scoring Method
Your Proposal will be assigned a score from 0 to 10 for each of the technical evaluation
criteria, such that ‘0’ is low and ‘10’ is high.
5.3.2. Minimum Quality Thresholds
Proposals that receive a score of ‘0’ for any of the criteria will not be considered further.
5.3.3. Technical Score
Your score for each technical evaluation criterion will be multiplied with the respective
relative weight (see Section 4.4) and these weighted scores added together to give
your Proposal’s overall technical score.
5.4. Financial Evaluation and Financial Scores
The financial evaluation will be based upon the full total price you submit. Your Financial Proposal will receive a score calculated by dividing the lowest Financial Proposal that has passed the minimum quality thresholds (see Section 5.3.2) by the total price of your Financial Proposal.
Thus, for example, if your Financial Proposal is for a total of CHF 100 and the lowest Financial Proposal is CHF 80, you will receive a financial score of 80/100 = 80%
5.5. Total Score
Your Proposal’s total score will be calculated as the weighted sum of your technical score and your financial score.
The relative weights will be:
Technical: 70%
Financial: 30%
Thus, for example, if your technical score is 83% and your financial score is 77%, you will receive a total score of 83 * 70% + 77 * 30% = 58.1% + 23.1% = 81.2%.
Subject to the requirements in Sections 4 and 7, IUCN will award the contract to the bidder whose Proposal achieves the highest total score.
6. EXPLANATION OF PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
6.1. IUCN is using the Open Procedure for this procurement. This means that the contracting opportunity is published on IUCN’s website and open to all interested parties to take part, subject to the conditions in Section 7 below.
6.2. You are welcome to ask questions or seek clarification regarding this procurement. Please email the IUCN Contact (see Section 2), taking note of the deadline for submission of questions in Section 3.1.
6.3. All Proposals must be received by the submission deadline in Section 3.1 above. Late Proposals will not be considered. All Proposals received by the submission deadline will be evaluated by a team of three or more evaluators in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in this RfP. No other criteria will be used to evaluate Proposals. The contract will be awarded to the bidder whose Proposal received the highest Total Score. IUCN does, however, reserve the right to cancel the procurement and not award a contract at all.
6.4. IUCN will contact the bidder with the highest-scoring Proposal to finalise the contract. We will contact unsuccessful bidders after the contract has been awarded and provide detailed feedback. The timetable in Section 3.1 gives an estimate of when we expect to have completed the contract award, but this date may change depending on how long the evaluation of Proposals takes.
7. CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS PROCUREMENT
7.1. To participate in this procurement, you are required to submit a Proposal, which fully complies with the instructions in this RfP and the Attachments.
7.1.1. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have submitted a complete and fully
compliant Proposal.
7.1.2. Any incomplete or incorrectly completed Proposal submission may be deemed noncompliant, and as a result you may be unable to proceed further in the procurement
process.
7.1.3. IUCN will query any obvious clerical errors in your Proposal and may, at IUCN’s sole discretion, allow you to correct these, but only if doing so could not be perceived as giving you an unfair advantage.
7.2. In order to participate in this procurement, you must meet the following conditions:
Free of conflicts of interest
Registered on the relevant professional or trade register of the country in which you
are established (or resident, if self-employed)
In full compliance with your obligations relating to payment of social security
contributions and of all applicable taxes
Not been convicted of failing to comply with environmental regulatory requirements or
other legal requirements relating to sustainability and environmental protection
Not bankrupt or being wound up
Never been guilty of an offence concerning your professional conduct
Not involved in fraud, corruption, a criminal organisation, money laundering, terrorism,
or any other illegal activity.
7.3. You must complete and sign the Declaration of Undertaking (see Attachment 2).
7.4. If you are participating in this procurement as a member of a joint venture, or are using subcontractors, submit a separate Declaration of Undertaking for each member of the joint venture and sub-contractor, and be clear in your Proposal which parts of the goods/services are provided by each partner or sub-contractor.
7.5. Each bidder shall submit only one Proposal, either individually or as a partner in a joint venture. In case of joint venture, one company shall not be allowed to participate in two different joint ventures in the same procurement nor shall a company be allowed to submit a Proposal both on its behalf and as part of a joint venture for the same procurement. A bidder who submits or participates in more than one Proposal (other than as a subcontractor or in cases of alternatives that have been permitted or requested) shall cause all the Proposals with the bidder’s participation to be disqualified.
7.6. By taking part in this procurement, you accept the conditions set out in this RfP, including the following:
It is unacceptable to give or offer any gift or consideration to an employee or other
representative of IUCN as a reward or inducement in relation to the awarding of a contract. Such action will give IUCN the right to exclude you from this and any future procurements, and to terminate any contract that may have been signed with you.
Any attempt to obtain information from an employee or other representative of IUCN
concerning another bidder will result in disqualification.
Any price fixing or collusion with other bidders in relation to this procurement shall give IUCN the right to exclude you and any other involved bidder(s) from this and any future procurements and may constitute a criminal offence.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION
8.1. IUCN follows the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The
information you submit to IUCN as part of this procurement will be treated as confidential and shared only as required to evaluate your Proposal in line with the procedure explained in this RfP, and for the maintenance of a clear audit trail. For audit purposes, IUCN is required to retain your Proposal in its entirety for 10 years after then end of the resulting contract and make this available to internal and external auditors and donors as and when requested.
8.2. In the Declaration of Undertaking (Attachment 2) you need to give IUCN express permission to use the information you submit in this way, including personal data that forms part of your Proposal. Where you include personal data of your employees (e.g. CVs) in your Proposal, you need to have written permission from those individuals to share this information with IUCN, and for IUCN to use this information as indicated in 8.1. Without these permissions, IUCN will not be able to consider your Proposal.
9. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
If you have a complaint or concern regarding the propriety of how a competitive process is or has been executed, then please contact procurement@iucn.org. Such complaints or concerns will be treated as confidential and are not considered in breach of the above restrictions on communication (Section 2.1).
10. CONTRACT
The contract will be based on IUCN’s template in Attachment 3, the terms of which are not negotiable. They may, however, be amended by IUCN to reflect particular requirements from the donor funding this particular procurement.
11. ABOUT IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society
organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the
knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature
conservation to take place together.
Headquartered in Switzerland, IUCN Secretariat comprises around 1,000 staff with offices in more than 50 countries.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,300 Member organisations and some 10,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
www.iucn.org
https://twitter.com/IUCN/
12. ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 Specification of Requirements / Terms of Reference
Attachment 2 Declaration of Undertaking (select 2a for companies or 2b for self-employed as
applicable to you)
Attachment 3 Contract Template
Terms of Reference for IUCN Consultancy
Consultancy to assess the feasibility and design of an IPLC conservation trust fund and to evaluate the economic value of LMMAs in the Western Indian Ocean to inform investment and business plans.
Objective of the Consultancy
The objective of this consultancy is twofold and interconnected. First, it aims to conduct a feasibility analysis for establishing a Conservation Trust Fund for Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs) in Africa and propose the design of the IPLC Conservation Trust Fund. Second, it seeks to assess the economic value and investment potential of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in the Western Indian Ocean, including the development of Special Economic Regenerative Blue Zones (SERBZs), and to develop an investment strategy and business plan that responds to the specific needs of IPLCs engaged in the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.
A key underlying premise of this consultancy is that understanding and clearly
communicating the economic value of LMMAs can contribute to their legal recognition at the national level. Legal recognition not only strengthens the legitimacy of LMMAs but also enhances their eligibility for funding and investment, particularly by offering formal assurances to potential donors and investors. It also enables mechanisms such as trust funds to operate more effectively, with clear governance frameworks and accountability pathways. By demonstrating their value and aligning with national policy priorities, LMMAs and SERBZs can be positioned as credible, investable, and impactful conservation models.
To support these objectives, the consultant will develop simple infographics and visuals to present key findings in an accessible way. This piece will summarize the main findings through infographics, visual summaries, and narrative highlights, and include a dissemination plan aimed at sharing the results with relevant audiences. The goal is to advance the development, formal recognition, sustainable financing, and blue economybased livelihood entrepreneurship of LMMAs and SERBZs in the region.
Background
Project Reference: P05126
Donor reference: DR05126.03, DR05126.04
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the
knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 15,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
www.iucn.org
https://twitter.com/IUCN/
About the Project
In September 2024, the first Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Locally Managed Marine Area
(LMMA) Forum was held in Mahajanga, Madagascar, bringing together over 200 participants from nine countries. The forum resulted in the adoption of the WIO LMMA Declaration and a strong collective call to establish a regional LMMA Alliance. This Alliance aims to address key regional challenges, including the absence of a shared definition of LMMAs, uneven development across countries, and limited representation of LMMA communities in regional and global platforms. It also seeks to promote gender equity and inclusivity in LMMA management
The Alliance will build on existing networks and initiatives in the region, avoiding duplication of efforts and working as an umbrella platform to foster collaboration. It will also rely on Madagascar’s leadership and the lessons learned from MIHARI, the largest LMMA network in Africa to support the replication of successful models across the region. The broader vision is to establish a Pan-African LMMA Alliance, beginning with the WIO as a pilot region.
The Great Blue Wall initiative is built around four key pillars that align with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Pillar 1: Blue Planet focuses on scaling and improving the management and governance of protected and conserved marine areas, with a strong emphasis on equity, gender-responsiveness, and local stewardship—supporting countries to achieve target 3 of the GBF. Pillar 2: Blue Nature aims to restore and conserve critical ecosystems through gender responsive Nature-based Solutions (NbS), aligned with GBF Target 2, and guided by the IUCN Global Standard for NbS. Pillar 3: Blue People promote a regenerative and inclusive Blue Economy by empowering local communities especially women and youth in nature-based value chains for climate adaptation, aligned with GBF Target 9. Pilar 4: Blue Partnerships which is a crosscutting pillar focussing on strengthening connectivity at all levels and of all nature, i.e. social, ecological, institutional, local, national, regional, international, cross-sectorial, etc. These pillars support the broader goal of establishing the WIO LMMA Alliance to drive transformative and inclusive ocean governance in the region, including the development of communication and advocacy campaigns to support LMMA development, recognition and expansion in the region.
One of the missions of the Alliance is to support direct access to funding for marine IPLCs, as well as to promote the development of alternative livelihoods and businesses that can attract investment in these areas. Despite their significant contributions, IPLCs often face barriers in accessing direct funding to support their initiatives and to secure their rights to manage and protect natural resources.
To address these challenges and empower IPLCs with greater control over financial
resources, the Alliance seeks to better understand the landscape of funding mechanisms that support the development priorities of IPLCs, particularly those that enable direct and reliable access to funding. The review will examine how these mechanisms are structured to prioritize IPLC needs, how access to financing is streamlined, and how such mechanisms have supported or are currently supporting community-led solutions.
As part of this effort, evaluating the economic value of LMMAs is a strategic component of the project. Demonstrating how LMMAs contribute to broader, cross-sectoral economic development can help strengthen stakeholder support and recognition of their importance. This broader acknowledgment may, in turn, accelerate the formal recognition of LMMAs and unlock more direct funding opportunities for communities, especially from investors seeking initiatives with clear, measurable impact and legal standing.
Description of the Assignment
The consultant is expected to work on the following tasks:
A. Conduct a feasibility analysis for establishing a Conservation Trust Fund for marine African IPLCs and propose the design of the IPLC Conservation Trust Fund based on the current economic context of Locally Managed Marine Areas in the Western Indian Ocean region.
1. Conduct a meticulous review of existing financing mechanisms supporting ocean conservation initiatives, with a particular focus on those empowering IPLCs. This review should identify best practices, valuable lessons learned, and potential challenges that may arise. Among the stakeholders to consult are, among others, the Conservation Finance Alliance, CLARIFI, CAFÉ, BIOFUND, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), Blue Ventures, and SEYCAT.
2. Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including donors, foundations, government, NGOs, private sector at regional an international level and IPLCs networks and Alliances in Africa and in the WIO, regarding the challenges, the opportunities and their interests in the establishment of the trust fund as well as their potential roles in the systems. Among the IPLC and LMMA platforms to consult are, among others, AICA, MIHARI Network, Mwambao coastal communities, ensuring participation and perspectives of women, youth, and marginalized groups are included.
3. Based on the comprehensive review, recommend 2-3 viable and innovative financing options for IPLCs. This includes:
o Identifying potential funding sources such as philanthropic foundations, government grants, impact investment instruments (e.g., blue bonds), and private sector contributions.
o Share recommendations on clear and transparent criteria for how funding will be allocated to IPLCs, ensuring equitable access and supporting a diverse range of IPLC-led ocean conservation and ocean-linked livelihoods initiatives, ensuring equitable access for women, youth, and marginalized groups.
o Provide recommendations on ways to involve IPLCs in the development of the fund
process.
o Highlight examples of suitable, transparent and accountable institutional and governance structures for an IPLC fund, based on best practices and lessons ensuring gender and social inclusion in governance structures.
o Feature transactional pathways from the primary donor to the fund and eventually to the IPLCs, noting the requirements, timelines and amount of funding to IPLCs.
4. Propose a strategy for how an IPLC financing mechanism and a trust fund can be established, noting specific research or consultation gaps that need to be addressed.
The strategy should feature among other, not limited to:
o Identifying potential partners, e.g. of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat under the United Nations Environmental Programme, given its mandate and membership, and the recently adopted decisions pertaining to sustainable financing.
o Recommendations on fund registration or legalization, hosting locations or potential hosting partners.
o Suggestions for fundraising and or partnership establishment that can aid in capitalizing and setting up a financing mechanism.
B. Produce an analysis of the economic value of LMMA and propose a business and
investment strategy
1. Review existing literature and data (satellite data for ecosystem services, community generated data, or national statistics) on the economic contributions of LMMAs,
including ecosystem services, livelihood benefits, and socio-economic indicators relevant to IPLCs, with attention to gender roles and the inclusion of marginalized groups.
2. Develop a valuation framework for assessing the economic value of LMMAs and propose a business and investment strategy tailored to IPLC priorities and LMMA contexts ensuring gender and social inclusion are integrated into the analysis and strategy.
3. Collect and analyse data from selected LMMA sites to evaluate economic benefits
such as fisheries revenue, ecotourism income, and coastal protection.
4. Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including NGOS and private sectors, already involved in similar activities with LMMA ensuring women, youth, and marginalized groups are represented in the consultation process.
5. Assessment and development of LMMAs as Special Economic Regenerative Blue
Zones (SERBZs)
Map and analyze a representative sample of existing LMMAs across selected WIO countries (e.g., Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius), ensuring diversity in ecological, socio-economic, and governance contexts.
Assess ecological, socio-economic, and governance conditions of LMMAs.
Evaluate the potential of LMMAs to attract private sector investment and support regenerative blue economy ventures such as sustainable fisheries, ecotourism, aquaculture, renewable energy, and blue carbon.
Propose the concept of SERBZs tailored to the WIO context.
Identify enabling legal, policy, and institutional frameworks at national and regional levels to support the SERBZ approach.
Align recommendations with AU Agenda 2063, SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Develop concrete recommendations for operationalizing the SERBZ model.
Identify innovative financing mechanisms (e.g., blended finance, blue bonds, impact
investment, conservation trust funds).
Provide a roadmap for scaling SERBZs regionally, ensuring inclusivity of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and emphasizing gender equity and the participation of youth and marginalized groups.
6. Quantify the value of ecosystem services provided by LMMAs, including cultural ecosystem services, and assess their contribution to national and regional development goals, highlighting benefits to women and marginalized groups
7. Develop one case study per country in the WIO region that illustrates the economic value and livelihood impact of well-functioning LMMAs or marine IPLC initiatives in different national contexts. This could also include examples from protected area managers or private sector actors that have successful models of collaboration with communities.
8. Formulate recommendations to support advocacy, resource mobilization, and integration of LMMA economic value into relevant policy and planning frameworks, including their legal recognition
9. Design a comprehensive investment and business plan framework tailored to LMMAs, with the aim of enhancing their financial sustainability and attractiveness to potential investors, ensuring gender and inclusion considerations are embedded throughout. The framework should include the following key components:
Outline how the plan will be developed, including the participatory process, stakeholder involvement, how local knowledge and economic analysis will be integrated to ensure the plan is inclusive and community driven.
Identify and propose approaches for measuring the economic benefits provided by LMMAs. This should include guidance on assessing the value of ecosystem services such as fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, and other existing or potential services.
Identify viable income-generating activities linked to LMMAs. The section should explore business models that are scalable, sustainable, resilient and appealing to impact-oriented investors.
Develop a financial framework that includes estimated costs and projected revenues
over time. The analysis should include multiple financial scenarios to assess longterm sustainability.
Identify key risks that could affect the success of the LMMA business plan and propose practical strategies to mitigate or manage these risks.
Propose approaches for attracting and engaging investors and donors. This should include strategies for presenting investment opportunities and aligning them with global sustainability and impact investment standards.
C. Develop infographics and visuals to present key findings and propose a concise communication and advocacy strategy demonstrating how the consultancy results,
such as LMMA/SERBZ economic valuation or the IPLC Trust Fund model can be used to support advocacy, policy recognition, and engagement with funders and partners.
Duration of the Assignment
The duration of the assignment will be a 50 day period, starting from September 2025 until 31 December 2025, including an additional two weeks for feedback/editing
Deliverables and Activities
The consultant will provide the following deliverables and carry out the following activities:
Deliverable/Activity-Description-Deadline
1. Deliverable 1-30 September
A comprehensive workplan and methodology outlining how the consultancy will be carried out, including key stakeholders to consult and relevant case studies to examine.
Activity 1 A
Develop a detailed timeline and step-by-step methodology for the consultancy, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Activity 1 B
Identify and map key stakeholders to consult, including IPLC networks, government agencies, NGOs, donors, and private sector actors.
Activity 1 C
Select relevant case studies of existing IPLC conservation trust funds, LMMAs, and innovative financing mechanisms for comparative analysis, ensuring inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
2. Deliverable 2-30 October
A full report detailing the feasibility analysis and the proposed design of an IPLC conservation trust fund mechanism that enables direct access to funding for IPLCs. The report should outline the pros and cons, the proposed structure, governance model, eligibility criteria, and potential funding sources, as well as lessons learned from relevant case studies or existing mechanisms. The report should also assess how the trust fund ensures equitable access and benefits for women, youth, and marginalized groups, and recommend ways to integrate gender and social inclusion into fund governance, decision-making, and allocation processes.
Activity 2 A
Conduct a review of existing financing mechanisms for IPLCs, including philanthropic, government, and impact investment models.
Activity 2 B
Organize consultations with stakeholders to assess opportunities, challenges, and potential roles in the trust fund, ensuring that gender and social inclusion considerations are integrated into governance and fund allocation processes, and that equitable benefits are highlighted for women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Activity 2 C
Develop proposed governance structures, eligibility criteria, allocation mechanisms, and fund management options. Integrate gender and social
3. Deliverable 3-10 November
A full report presenting an analysis of the economic value of LMMAs and a proposed business and investment strategy, including the development of Special Economic Regenerative Blue Zones (SERBZs). This should include valuation of ecosystem services, identification of viable revenue models, cost and risk assessments, and recommendations for attracting sustainable investment aligned with IPLC needs and priorities. The report should also evaluate how women, youth, and marginalized groups benefit from LMMAs and SERBZs, and provide recommendations for ensuring that business and investment strategies are inclusive, equitable, and support broad community participation.
Activity 3 A
Conduct a literature review and data collection on LMMA ecosystem services, livelihoods, socio-economic contributions, and potential for SERBZ development. Include case studies of LMMAs that could serve as Special Economic Regenerative Blue Zones in the WIO.
Activity 3 B
Develop a valuation framework and financial modelling for LMMAs including potential revenue streams, cost structures, risk assessments, and regenerative blue economy opportunities (e.g., sustainable fisheries, ecotourism, aquaculture, blue carbon).
Activity 3 C
Identify viable investment opportunities and business models for LMMAs and SERBZs that are aligned with IPLC priorities, ensuring that benefits are inclusive for women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Activity 3 D
Conduct stakeholder consultations to validate findings and co-design operational recommendations for SERBZs, refining sustainable investment and community-driven business strategies.
4. Deliverable 4-20 November
Develop a concise 10–15 page communication and advocacy strategy with supporting infographics and visuals to present key findings, showing how the results, such as LMMA/SERBZ economic valuation or the IPLC Trust Fund model can be used to engage funders, partners, and stakeholders, support policy or legal recognition, and highlight the social, economic, and environmental benefits, including inclusive benefits for women, youth, and marginalized groups. The strategy should outline approaches to promote the IPLC Conservation Trust Fund, the LMMA business and investment plan,= and the development of SERBZs, with practical recommendations on engaging key stakeholders, attracting donors and investors, and ensuring effective communication of outcomes.
Activity 4 A
Identify key audiences (donors, investors, governments, stakeholders, communities) and prepare simple advocacy messages about LMMAs, SERBZs, and the IPLC Trust Fund..
Activity 4 B
Create clear communication materials, including infographics, to show the economic, social, and environmental benefits of LMMAs and SERBZs, highlighting inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Activity 4 C
Propose practical advocacy actions to support LMMA/SERBZ recognition and promote the IPLC Trust Fund, including engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
5. Deliverable 5-20 December
A comprehensive final report covering the two key outcomes outlined in Deliverables 2 and 3. The report must incorporate all feedback from the IUCN team and relevant stakeholders. It should also include the 10-15page communication material, outlining how the findings will be disseminated and used to support the development of LMMAs in terms of recognition and attracting investors at regional and national levels.
Activity 5 A
Integrate all feedback from IUCN and stakeholders into the final report for accuracy, completeness, and relevance.
Activity 5 B
Consolidate findings from deliverables 2 and 3, including the trust fund feasibility study and LMMA economic valuation/business strategy.
Activity 5 C
Include the 10-15page communication and advocacy document as part of the final report.
Activity 5 D
Develop a dissemination plan to share findings with relevant stakeholders and guide investment, policy recognition, and sustainable financing for LMMAs.
Payment Schedule
The Timetable below summarises the chronological order of deliverables and indicates
milestones at which IUCN will pay the Consultant.
Deliverable-Milestone payment
Deliverable 1-10%
Deliverable 2-25%
Deliverable 3-25%
Deliverable 4-15%
Deliverable 5-25%
Skills and Experience
The ideal group of consultants for this consultancy should demonstrate a strong combination of technical expertise, regional knowledge, and practical experience aligned with the objectives of the WIO LMMA Alliance and the development of sustainable financing mechanisms for IPLCs and LMMAs. The following qualifications are required:
Technical skills
Solid finance background with minimum 15 years of experience in conservation trust
funds and establishing innovative financing tools.
Proven experience in designing and assessing financing mechanisms for ocean and environmental conservation, including trust fund development and capitalization, with a focus on community-based approaches and sustainable livelihoods.
Demonstrated expertise in investment and business planning, particularly in developing financial strategies, investment frameworks, or business models for natural resource management, conservation, or sustainable development initiatives.
Relevant academic qualifications (e.g., finance, economics, environmental economics, business, conservation finance) or equivalent professional competencies in financial modelling, investment strategy, or conservation finance.
Solid understanding of ocean conservation and community-based marine resource management, including practical knowledge of LMMAs, IPLCs, and associated governance structures.
Knowledge of LMMA management and governance, including ecosystem services and socio-economic contributions.
Proven experience in economic valuation of ecosystem services, especially in marine and coastal contexts, and translating these values into actionable investment strategies.
Strong grasp of impact investing, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and familiarity with private sector investors, philanthropic foundations, and multilateral donors, with the ability to align conservation priorities with investor expectations and sustainability standards.
Technical skills in GIS and mapping, for spatial analysis and production of maps for LMMAs and SERBZs.
Excellent communication skills to synthesize and present complex financial, ecological, and conservation information clearly for diverse audiences (community stakeholders, donors, policymakers).
Experience working directly with IPLCs, including LMMAs, in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region or more broadly in Africa is highly desirable.
Ability to work in a participatory and inclusive manner, ensuring local communities’ voices are reflected in all phases of analysis and planning.
Proven expertise in gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), including applying gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches in project design, implementation, and monitoring.
Strong understanding of, and proven experience in applying, cross-cutting ethical and safeguarding principles, including protection and safety of all participants and communities, prevention of exploitation and abuse, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), do-no-harm approach, conflict sensitivity, and data protection and privacy across field activities, capacity-building processes, and stakeholder engagement.
Communication skills:
Skilled in transforming technical and scientific information (financial data, ecological
data, LMMA valuation) into accessible, engaging, and visually compelling
communication materials for communities, donors, policymakers, and investors
Familiarity with communication strategies to support advocacy, stakeholder
engagement, and promotion of conservation initiatives, including multi-country or
regional contexts.
Supervision and coordination
The consultant will report to and work under the supervision of IUCN’s Regional coastal and ocean governance Manager. They additionally will have coordination with the other Regional pilar leads of IUCN – Coastal and Ocean Resilience (COR) and the 5 seascape governance officers of the COR program in Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, Mozambique and Madagascar.
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<Date and Signature of authorised representative of the Proposer>
< Name and position of authorised representative of the Proposer >
DECLARATION IN RELATION TO < IUCN-25-08-P05126-03>
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I hereby authorise IUCN to store and use the information included in the attached Proposal for the purpose of evaluating Proposals and selecting the Proposal IUCN deems the most favourable, including Personal Data as defined by the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I acknowledge that IUCN is required to retain my Proposal in its entirety for 10 years after then end of the resulting contract and make this available to internal and external auditors and donors as and when reasonably requested.
I further confirm that the following statements are correct:
1. I am legally registered as self-employed in accordance with all applicable laws.
2. I am fully compliant with all my tax and social security obligations.
3. I am free of any real or perceived conflicts of interest with regards to IUCN and its Mission.
4. I agree to declare to IUCN any real or perceived emerging conflicts of interests I may have concerning IUCN. I acknowledge that IUCN may terminate any contracts with me that would, in IUCN sole discretion, be negatively affected by such conflicts of interests.
5. I have never been convicted of grave professional misconduct or any other offence concerning my professional conduct.
6. I have never been convicted of fraud, corruption, money laundering, supporting terrorism or involvement in a criminal organisation.
7. I acknowledge that engagement in fraud, corruption, money laundering, supporting terrorism or involvement in a criminal organisation will entitle IUCN to terminate any and all contracts with me with immediate effect.
8. I am not included in the UN Security Council Sanctions List, EU Sanctions Map, US Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions List, or the World Bank listing of ineligible firms and individuals. I agree that I will not provide direct or indirect support to firms and individuals included in these lists.
9. I have not been, am not, and will not be involved or implicated in any violations of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, or injustice or abuse of human rights related to other groups or individuals, including forced evictions, violation of fundamental rights of workers as defined by the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, child labour, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment.
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<Date and Signature>