The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) intends to engage the services of a Consultancy Firm for the Validation of Connectivity Studies and Preparation of MPA/MPA Network Design under the Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS) Project.
The primary objective of this consultancy is to engage a qualified Academic Institution to:
- Validate and refine the results of the connectivity studies of fish resources using hydrodynamic data at the MPA level in Kepulauan Togean and Kepulauan Wakatobi. This includes back tracking trajectories of larval dispersal to locate spawning sites, forward tracking to locate sink areas, identifying pathways of important marine corridors with aid of local knowledge and undertaking field observations to determine pulses of new recruits within and adjacent areas of the MPAs.
- To examine the ecological linkage between terrestrial and marine ecosystems to support decision-making related to monitoring, management and control. This entails investigating how land-based activities—such as land use and land cover changes, pollution, and watershed alterations—affect marine ecosystem, include the coral reefs and other necessary habitats for fisheries.
- Facilitate scientific discussions among experts and stakeholders to assess and improve design for effective MPA networks based on the results and validation of the connectivity study. and possibility being the basis of review the zonation of the National Park.
- Engage local stakeholders in discussions to socialise the results and validation of the connectivity studies and collect information towards the collaborative design of MPA network plans that reflect both scientific insights and community needs.
- Based on the scientific analyses and modelling, rapid socio-economic assessments and institutional reviews from stakeholder consultations, prepare recommendations to a) improve MPA plans (specially the zonation) on both National Parks and b) conceptual designs for the proposed MPA networks and associated marine corridors; disseminating the proposed concepts through stakeholder workshops.
- To identify and recommend relevant regulations that can serve as the legal basis to support the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the development of MPA networks. This includes a comprehensive review of existing national and sub-national policies, laws, and regulations related to MPA management, fisheries, and environmental protection.
- Prepare draft of a policy recognizing the MPA networks and associated corridors in K. Togean and K. Wakatobi.
The academic institution will collaborate with the National Fisheries Consultant engaged by the NIU Indonesia, and local technical experts and community facilitators to convene the necessary scientific and stakeholder discussions to achieve this goal. The institution will deliver the necessary reports and list of attendees to each of the discussions convened.
Interested consultant firm should have the following qualifications:
The academic institution should demonstrate:
- Expertise in Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, or related fields: Proven experience in conducting and validating fisheries connectivity studies and hydrodynamic modelling, socio-economic assessments, and institutional reviews
- Experience in MPA Management Planning: A strong track record in developing management plans for MPAs and marine biodiversity corridors; background in gender-responsive management plans is an advantage.
- Experience in Stakeholder Engagement: A strong track record of facilitating scientific and stakeholder discussions, particularly in the context of marine conservation and MPA management.
- Collaborative Approach: The ability to work effectively with local communities, technical experts, and government agencies.
- Knowledge of Indonesian Marine Environments: Familiarity with the specific ecological and socio-economic contexts of Kepulauan Togean and Kepulauan Wakatobi.
Interested firms may obtain further information from the ACB Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Secretariat and may download the Terms of Reference and the Consultant’s Pre-Qualification Form on the ACB website.
Firms should prepare the following and send all to acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org:
- Letter of Intent of no more than two pages addressed to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) through the BAC Secretariat, elaborating how their qualifications and experiences make them qualified for the position Consultancy Firm for the Validation of Connectivity Studies and Preparation of MPA/MPA Network Design should be indicated in the aforesaid letter;
- Accomplished Consultant’s Pre-qualification Form.
Deadline for submission of completed application is on 17 September 2025. Only applications with complete documentary requirements will be processed. Applications received beyond this date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be given due notice.
(signed)
GRACE ANNE R. PALIS
Chairperson
Bids and Awards Committee
