The consultancy shall maximise existing datasets and assessments produced by relevant national agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), NAMRIA, and DENR, ensuring that new analyses complement rather than duplicate previous efforts.

Current management plans may be insufficiently responsive to climate risks, livelihood pressures, and governance constraints, limiting their effectiveness in sustaining fisheries and ecosystem services. The conduct of updated habitat and coastal marine resource assessments and threat mapping remains essential to establish a strong ecological baseline. However, ecological assessments alone cannot capture the differentiated vulnerability of fishing communities and resource users, which ultimately determines compliance, resilience, and sustainability outcomes.

To address this, the consultancy will incorporate structured vulnerability assessments (e.g., VA-TURF, FishVool, or equivalent methodologies) as a core analytical component. These approaches enable:

• Evaluate the vulnerability of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, and each of the sectors (e.g., artisanal fishers, women, Indigenous Peoples) in the selected study sites to climate and socio-economic stressors.
• Analysis of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of fisheries and coastal livelihoods;
• Mapping of tenure systems/ territorial use rights for fisheries (TURFs), access rights, and dependence on specific ecosystems, habitats, or species;
• Integration of climate risks (e.g., coral bleaching, storm impacts, shifting fish stocks) into planning.

Results from these studies will directly inform the improvement and enhancement of the following: (i) zoning decisions, (ii) fisheries management measures, (iii) livelihood diversification strategies, and (iv) enforcement prioritisation.

The participatory multi-stakeholder processes will therefore be expanded to include community-based vulnerability diagnostics, ensuring that management plans are grounded in both ecological and socio-economic realities. This aligns with UNDP SES requirements and strengthens Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes by making consultations more analytical and yet grounded, and decision-oriented rather than procedural.

The third component, which is the presentation to stakeholders and pertinent governance bodies and iterative validation, becomes even more critical in this context. Vulnerability findings, particularly those relating to fisheries, tenure rights, and climate risk, often have direct policy implications, including zoning trade-offs, restrictions on fishing effort, prioritisation of enforcement areas, and safety nets and provisions for support for affected communities.

By engaging PAMBs, LGUs, and national agencies in reviewing both ecological and vulnerability analyses, the process ensures that management plans are:

• politically informed,
• socially acceptable, and
• Feasible and practical under existing governance conditions.

When combined, these approaches can strengthen governance:
Science (Ecology + Fisheries + Vulnerability) → Stakeholder co-production → Governance Uptake

This integrated approach reflects the ASEAN ENMAPS framework, where multi-dimensional assessments (ecological, socio-economic, institutional, and vulnerability) inform MPA network design and management planning.

Implementation of this activity across five Philippine sites aims to:

• Strengthen the science and socio-economic basis of MPA and MPA network planning;
• Improve the climate resilience of fisheries and coastal communities;
• Enable targeted, equitable management interventions;
• Reduce conflict by aligning conservation measures with livelihood realities and tenure systems;
• Support national commitments to GBF Target 3 (30×30) and climate adaptation priorities.

Scope of Work

1. Conduct Resource Assessments and Threat Mapping. This activity involves undertaking field-based assessments of: (i) Coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves; and (ii) fisheries resources and exploitation patterns, conducting spatial threat mapping using GIS and other remote sensing tools, and identifying critical habitats, ecological linkages, and priority intervention zones. Threat mapping shall be informed through consultation with relevant enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP Maritime Group), and other appropriate enforcement institutions, to validate spatial threats, enforcement issues, and illegal activities. Where feasible, the Consultancy Firm shall develop Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps integrating ecological sensitivity, coastal resources, and priority protection areas to support spatial planning, emergency response, and management decision-making.
2. Conduct Vulnerability Assessments. This activity involves the application of methodologies such as VA-TURF, FishVool, or similar frameworks to assess fisheries vulnerability across three dimensions: exposure to climate and environmental stressors, sensitivity based on dependence on fisheries and resources, and adaptive capacity, including livelihood options and governance support. It involves mapping fisheries dependence and effort distribution, tenure and access systems (such as TURFs), and identifying the vulnerability of sectors like small-scale fishers, women, and Indigenous Peoples. Using participatory, community-level assessments, the process ensures local insights are captured and integrates these findings with ecological and fisheries data to support informed and inclusive planning. The assessment shall also include a stocktaking and synthesis of existing coastal vulnerability studies, including those undertaken by the MGB, to avoid duplication, establish baseline conditions, and strengthen the analysis of climate and coastal hazards.
3. Facilitate Participatory Multi-Stakeholder Processes. This component focuses on designing and implementing consultations, workshops, and writeshops to support participatory planning processes. It applies a range of methodologies, including PCRA or perception mapping, socio-economic monitoring, and vulnerability and risk assessments, to generate well-rounded insights. The process ensures inclusive participation from key stakeholders such as local government units, fishers, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, while adhering to FPIC requirements where applicable. It also integrates SESA findings and aligns with UNDP Social and Environmental Standards (SES). All outputs are then consolidated into draft enhanced management
4. Support Governance Review and Plan Finalisation. The Consultancy Firm is expected to present integrated ecological and vulnerability findings to key stakeholders, including PAMBs, and relevant project bodies such as the PMU, NIU, SLTWG, and NTWG. Through aniterative process of review and validation, it facilitates stakeholder engagement in refining results and building consensus. The process supports evidence-based decision-making on zoning, fisheries management measures, and climate adaptation strategies. Concise policy briefs highlighting key findings, recommended policy actions, and priority management interventions for consideration by PAMBs, LGUs, DENR-BMB, and other relevant agencies shall be prepared. Final outputs must be packaged into actionable recommendations toenhance MPA management plans, including the core components

Qualifications

The following are the requirements and qualifications for the consultancy:

• Must be a duly recognised Philippine institution/organisation that’s permitted to carry out consultancy and research services
• At least seven years in environmental and socio-ecological assessments, including but not limited to vulnerability and threat mapping, resource inventory, climate risk and impact analysis, and application of relevant tools such as VA-TURF, FishVool, or similar frameworks
• Proven track record in marine conservation and fisheries management, particularly in the design, assessment, or management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and/or MPA networks in the Philippines
• Experience in the use of GIS, spatial modelling tools, and analysis is preferred
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, local government units, and coastal communities, with strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and participatory planning skills
• Strong understanding of Philippines’ coastal and marine ecosystems and interrelated governance frameworks
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs in complex and dynamic environments
• Familiarity with ASEAN regional frameworks, the role of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), and relevant multilateral environmental agreements is an advantage

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. 

Applicants should prepare the following and send all to acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org:  

1. 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 – Integrated Resource and Vulnerability Assessments and Stakeholder Consultations to Enhance MPA and MPAN Management Plans should be indicated in the aforesaid letter; 
2. Accomplished Consultant’s Pre-qualification Form. 

Deadline for submission of completed application is on 3 September 2026 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.  

Pre-qualification Form

TOR – Consultancy Firm – Integrated Resource and Vulnerability Assessments and Stakeholder Consultations to Enhance MPA and MPAN Management Plans

The ACB, through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites bids for the Supply and Delivery of 2 units Vehicles for the ACB.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the ACB Procurement Guidelines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the ACB Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents uploaded on the ACB website.

A complete set of the Bidding Documents may be obtained by interested Bidders starting 7 August 2026 upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Pesos (PHP 5,000.00). The Bidding Documents may also be downloaded from the ACB website. Payment for the Bidding Documents may likewise be made through online bank transfer. Upon request, the ACB will provide the necessary bank account details to facilitate the payment.

The ACB will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 20 August 2026, 2:00 PM through video conferencing, which shall be open to prospective bidders. Prospective bidders are advised to send interested participants’ names and email addresses via email on or before 20 August 2026, 10:00 AM. Kindly coordinate with the BAC Secretariat before the said date for further details and instructions.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 4 September 2026 at exactly 10:00 AM. Late bids shall not be accepted.  All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the Invitation to Bid.

Bid opening shall be on 4 September 2026, 10:01 AM in-person and through video conferencing at the ACB Conference Room, Domingo M. Lantican Avenue, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Prospective bidders are advised to send through email containing the names and email addresses of interested participants on or before 4 September 2026, 9:00 AM.

The ACBreserves the right to reject all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031
Telephone/Fax Nos.: +6349 536 2865 / +632 8 584 4210
Email: acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org

(signed)
GRACE ANNE R. PALIS
Chairperson
Bids and Awards Committee

• Invitation to Bid – Supply and Delivery of 2 units Vehicles for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

• Bidding documents for the Supply and Delivery of 2 units Vehicles for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

The ACB, through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites bids for the Supply and Delivery of Supply and Delivery of Laptops for the ACB.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the ACB Procurement Guidelines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the ACB Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents uploaded on the ACB website.

A complete set of the Bidding Documents may be obtained by interested Bidders starting 7 August 2026 upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Pesos (PHP 5,000.00). The Bidding Documents may also be downloaded from the ACB website. Payment for the Bidding Documents may likewise be made through online bank transfer. Upon request, the ACB will provide the necessary bank account details to facilitate the payment.

The ACB will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 20 August 2026, 3:00 PM through video conferencing, which shall be open to prospective bidders. Prospective bidders are advised to send interested participants’ names and email addresses via email on or before 20 August 2026, 10:00 AM. Kindly coordinate with the BAC Secretariat before the said date for further details and instructions.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 4 September 2026 at exactly 11:00 AM. Late bids shall not be accepted.  All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in Invitation to Bid.

Bid opening shall be on 4 September 2026, 11:01 AM in-person and through video conferencing at the ACB Conference Room, Domingo M. Lantican Avenue, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Prospective bidders are advised to send through email containing the names and email addresses of interested participants on or before 4 September 2026, 9:00 AM.

The ACBreserves the right to reject all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031
Telephone/Fax Nos.: +6349 536 2865 / +632 8 584 4210
Email: acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org

(signed)
GRACE ANNE R. PALIS
Chairperson
Bids and Awards Committee

• Invitation to Bid – Supply and Delivery of Laptops for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

• Bidding documents for the Supply and Delivery of Laptops for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

The conduct of law enforcement training is a critical intervention to strengthen Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) systems, improve rule enforcement, and ultimately secure ecological and fisheries outcomes. Trainings shall be tailored to the governance, operational context, and priorities of each site, recognizing the varying needs and gaps at the local level: 

• Agoo–Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape (ADPLS): Enforcement is constrained by the absence of a coherent operational framework; hence the focus on strategic patrol planning, paralegal capacity, and mobilization of Bantay-Dagat to improve structured enforcement and community participation 
• Bani–Bolinao–Burgos-Infanta-Dasol-Agno (BBBIDA) Marine Protected Area Network: With multiple LGUs and high fishing pressure, the key gap lies in consistent application of fisheries laws, necessitating focused training on legal provisions, apprehension procedures, and case documentation. 
• Ticao–Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS): Governance fragmentation across municipalities requires harmonization of legal instruments, thus the emphasis on training and mentoring toward the formulation of a unified environmental and fisheries code. 
• Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS): Given its transboundary and biodiversity significance, enforcement requires multi-layered capacity building, including paralegal training, wildlife enforcement, and deputization of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs), aligned with both national laws and international conservation commitments. 

Scope of Work

The Firm is expected to undertake the following: 

1. Training Design and Program Development 

1. Conduct a rapid capacity needs assessment per site; 

2. Develop cross-cutting and site-specific training modules aligned with: 

• National laws (Fisheries Code, Wildlife Act, NIPAS/ENIPAS, etc.) 
• Environmental Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (ELEMO) 
• Local ordinances and governance structures; 

3. Integrate practical enforcement components, including: 

• Apprehension procedures 
• Evidence handling and documentation 
• Case filing and prosecution 
• Inter-agency coordination 

4. Prepare or update an existing operational manual that can be utilized by the trainees; 

5. Ensure alignment with UNDP SES, gender equality, and stakeholder inclusion. 

2. Delivery of Site-Specific Training Programs 

ADPLS: Facilitate development of a Strategic Patrol Plan and Conduct: 

1. Paralegal training 
2. Deputization processes
3. Bantay-Dagat mobilization workshops 

BBBIDA: Conduct training on fisheries laws, including: 

1. Legal provisions
2. Enforcement protocols
3. Case documentation 

TBPPS: Provide training and mentoring on: 

1. Development of a unified environmental and fisheries code 
2. Legal harmonization across LGUs 

TIWS: Conduct comprehensive training including: 

1. Paralegal training 
2. Wildlife law enforcement
3. Environmental laws
4. Training and support for Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) 

The Consultancy Firm is expected to deliver trainings to at least 300 participants across project sites on community-based monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS), IUU fishing threat reduction, and the prevention of destructive fishing activities. 

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Strengthening 

1. Facilitate participation of: 

• PAMB members 
• LGUs 
• Enforcement units 
• Bantay Dagat and community representatives 

2. Promote co-management and community-based enforcement approaches; 
3. Strengthen coordination between national agencies and local enforcement bodies. 

4. Documentation and Knowledge Products 

1. Document all training activities, including: 

• Training modules and materials 
• Attendance (sex-disaggregated) 
• Key insights and recommendations 

2. Develop guide or toolkits for sustained use by site-level enforcement teams. 

Qualifications

The Lead Consultant from the Firm should possess the following: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Fisheries, Marine Science, Environmental Law/ Management, Marine Policy, Public Administration, or related fields. 
• At least 12 years of experience in fisheries law enforcement, natural resource governance, coastal and marine management, or related fields. 
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering capacity building or training programs on fisheries, environmental laws, or enforcement systems.  
• Strong familiarity with Philippine fisheries, environmental laws, and coastal governance frameworks, including MCS systems and community-based enforcement mechanisms. 
• Strong communication, facilitation, coordination, and technical report writing skills. 

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. 

Applicants should prepare the following and send all to acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org:  

1. 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 – Fisheries Law Enforcement Trainer and Training on Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) should be indicated in the aforesaid letter; 
2. Accomplished Consultant’s Pre-qualification Form. 

Deadline for submission of completed application is on 19 August 2026 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.  

Pre-qualification Form

TOR – Consultancy Firm – Fisheries Law Enforcement Trainer and Training on Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS)

The ACB, through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites bids for the Supply and Delivery of Outboard Motors for Wakatobi National Park in Indonesia.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184 and ACB Procurement Guidelines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the ACB Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents uploaded on the ACB website.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders starting 3 August 2026 upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Eighty-Five US Dollars (USD 85) or its local currency equivalent. The documents may also be downloaded from the ACB website. Payment for the bidding documents may likewise be made via online transfer to the ACB bank account. The bank details will be provided upon request.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 2 September 2026 at exactly 10:00 AM. Late bids shall not be accepted. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 2 September 2026 at exactly 10:01 AM through video conferencing. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Prospective bidders are advised to send through email containing the names and email addresses of interested participants on or before 20 May 2026.

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) intends to apply the sum of Sixty-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred Twenty-Two US Dollar (USD 67,722.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply and Delivery of Outboard Motors for Wakatobi National Park in Indonesia.  

The ACB, through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites bids for the Supply and Delivery of Outboard Motors for Wakatobi National Park in Indonesia.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184 and ACB Procurement Guidelines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the ACB Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents uploaded on the ACB website.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders starting 3 August 2026 upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Eighty-Five US Dollars (USD 85) or its local currency equivalent. The documents may also be downloaded from the ACB website. Payment for the bidding documents may likewise be made via online transfer to the ACB bank account. The bank details will be provided upon request.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 2 September 2026 at exactly 10:00 AM. Late bids shall not be accepted. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 2 September 2026 at exactly 10:01 AM through video conferencing. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Prospective bidders are advised to send through email containing the names and email addresses of interested participants on or before 2 September 2026.

The ACBreserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031
Telephone/Fax Nos.: +6349 536 2865 / +632 8 584 4210
Email: acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org

(signed)
GRACE ANNE R. PALIS
Chairperson
Bids and Awards Committee

• Invitation to Bid – Supply and Delivery of Outboard Motors in Indonesia

• Bidding documents for the Supply and Delivery of Outboard Motors in Indonesia

The consultancy shall maximise existing datasets and assessments produced by relevant national agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring that new analyses complement rather than duplicate previous efforts.

Current management plans may be insufficiently responsive to climate risks, livelihood pressures, and governance constraints, limiting their effectiveness in sustaining fisheries and ecosystem services. The conduct of updated habitat and coastal-marine resource assessments and threat mapping remain essential to establish a strong ecological baseline. However, ecological assessments alone cannot capture the differentiated vulnerability of fishing communities and resource users, which ultimately determines compliance, resilience, and sustainability outcomes.

To address this, the consultancy will incorporate structured vulnerability assessments (e.g., VA-TURF, Fish Vool, or equivalent methodologies) as a core analytical component. These approaches enable:

• Evaluate the vulnerability of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, and each of the sectors (e.g., artisanal fishers, women, Indigenous Peoples) in the selected study sites to climate and socio economic stressors;
• Analysis of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of fisheries and coastal livelihoods;
• Mapping of tenure systems/ territorial use rights for fisheries (TURFs), access rights, and dependence
  on specific ecosystems, habitats, or species; and
• Integration of climate risks (e.g., coral bleaching, storm impacts, shifting fish stocks) into planning.

Results from these studies will directly inform the improvement and enhancement of the zoning decisions, fisheries management measures, livelihood diversification strategies, and enforcement prioritisation.

The participatory multi-stakeholder processes will therefore be expanded to include community-based vulnerability diagnostics, ensuring that management plans are grounded in both ecological and socio-economic realities. This aligns with UNDP SES requirements and strengthens Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)
processes by making consultations more analytical and yet grounded, and decision-oriented rather than procedural.

The third component, which is the presentation to stakeholders and pertinent governance bodies and iterative validation, becomes even more critical in this context. Vulnerability findings, particularly those relating to fisheries, tenure rights, and climate risk, often have direct policy implications, including zoning trade-offs, restrictions on fishing effort, prioritisation of enforcement areas, and safety nets and provisions for support for affected communities.

By engaging PAMBs, LGUs, and national agencies in reviewing both ecological and vulnerability analyses, the process ensures that management plans are politically informed, socially acceptable, and feasible and practical under existing governance conditions.

When combined, these approaches can strengthen governance:
Science (Ecology + Fisheries + Vulnerability) → Stakeholder co-production → Governance Uptake

This integrated approach reflects the ASEAN ENMAPS framework, where multi-dimensional assessments
(ecological, socio-economic, institutional, and vulnerability) inform MPA network design and management planning.

Implementation of this activity across five Philippine sites aims to:

• Strengthen the science and socio-economic basis of MPA and MPA network planning;
• Improve the climate resilience of fisheries and coastal communities;
• Enable targeted, equitable management interventions;
• Reduce conflict by aligning conservation measures with livelihood realities and tenure systems;
• Support national commitments to GBF Target 3 (30×30) and climate adaptation priorities.

Scope of Work

1. Conduct Resource Assessments and Threat Mapping. This activity involves undertaking field-based assessments of (i) Coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves; and (ii) fisheries resources and exploitation patterns, conducting spatial threat mapping using GIS and other remote sensing tools, and identifying critical habitats, ecological linkages, and priority intervention zones. Threat mapping shall be informed through consultation with relevant enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP Maritime Group), and other appropriate enforcement institutions, to validate spatial threats, enforcement issues, and illegal activities. Where feasible, the Consultancy Firm shall develop Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps integrating ecological sensitivity, coastal resources, and priority protection areas to support spatial planning, emergency response, and management decision making.
2. Conduct Vulnerability Assessments. This activity involves the application of methodologies such as VA TURF, Fish-Vool, or similar frameworks to assess fisheries vulnerability across three dimensions: exposure to climate and environmental stressors, sensitivity based on dependence on fisheries and resources, and adaptive capacity, including livelihood options and governance support. It involves mapping fisheries dependence and effort distribution, tenure and access systems (such as TURFs), and identifying the vulnerability of sectors like small-scale fishers, women, and Indigenous Peoples. Using participatory, community-level assessments, the process ensures local insights are captured and integrates these findings with ecological and fisheries data to support informed and inclusive planning. The assessment shall also include a stocktaking and synthesis of existing coastal vulnerability studies, including those undertaken by the MGB, to avoid duplication, establish baseline conditions, and strengthen the analysis of climate and coastal hazards.
3. Facilitate Participatory Multi-Stakeholder Processes. This component focuses on designing and implementing consultations, workshops, and writeshops to support participatory planning processes. It applies a range of methodologies, including PCRA or perception mapping, socio-economic monitoring, and vulnerability and risk assessments, to generate well-rounded insights. The process ensures inclusive participation from key stakeholders such as local government units, fishers, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, while adhering to FPIC requirements where applicable. It also integrates SESA findings and aligns with UNDP Social and Environmental Standards (SES). All outputs are then consolidated into draft enhanced management
4. Support Governance Review and Plan Finalization. The Consultancy Firm is expected to present integrated ecological and vulnerability findings to key stakeholders, including PAMBs, and relevant project bodies such as the PMU, NIU, SLTWG, and NTWG. Through an iterative process of review and validation, it facilitates stakeholder engagement in refining results and building consensus. The process supports evidence-based decision-making on zoning, fisheries management measures, and climate adaptation strategies. Concise policy briefs highlighting key findings, recommended policy actions, and priority management interventions for consideration by PAMBs, LGUs, DENR-BMB, and other relevant agencies shall be prepared. Final outputs must be packaged into actionable recommendations to enhance MPA management plans, including the core components

Qualifications

The following are the requirements and qualifications for the consultancy:

• Must be a duly recognised Philippine institution/organisation that’s permitted to carry out consultancy and research services
• At least seven years’ experience in environmental and socio-ecological assessments, including but not limited to vulnerability and threat mapping, resource inventory, climate risk and impact analysis, and application of relevant tools such as VA-TURF, Fish-Vool, or similar frameworks
• Proven track record in marine conservation and fisheries management, particularly in the design,
  assessment, or management of MPAs and/or MPA networks in the Philippines
• Experience on the use of GIS, spatial modelling tools, and analysis is preferred
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, local government units, and coastal
  communities, with strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and participatory planning skills
• Strong understanding of Philippines coastal and marine ecosystems and interrelated governance
  frameworks
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs in complex and dynamic environments
• Familiarity with ASEAN regional frameworks, the role of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and
  relevant multilateral environmental agreements is an advantage

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.

Applicants should prepare the following and send all to acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org:

1. 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 – Integrated Resource and Vulnerability Assessments and Stakeholder Consultations to Enhance MPA and MPAN Management Plans should be indicated in the aforesaid letter;
2. Accomplished Consultant’s Pre-qualification Form.

Deadline for submission of completed application is on 6 August 2026 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.

Pre-qualification Form

TOR – Consultancy Firm – Integrated Resource and Vulnerability Assessments and Stakeholder Consultations to Enhance MPA and MPAN Management Plans

The effective management of Marine Protected Area Networks (MPANs) and associated marine corridors in the Philippines requires coordinated governance and sustainable financing beyond the capacities of individual LGUs. Currently, funding is largely LGU-dependent, which is often inadequate and inconsistent across jurisdictions. Strengthening governance mechanisms through inter-LGU cooperation and exploring financing options such as environmental user fees, pooled funds, and trust mechanisms is essential for long-term management. Recognizing marine corridors as Other Effective
Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) may provide additional institutional and financial leverage. This consultancy will help identify and recommend viable governance and financing models to support resilient and functional MPANs and marine corridors.

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Review existing legal and institutional arrangements for MPANs and OECMs in the Philippines.
• Identify governance models used in other regions or globally relevant to MPAN/corridor-scale management.
• Analyze current sources of funding, challenges, and gaps in sustaining MPAN operations.
• Recommend governance and financing schemes applicable to Philippine marine corridors, particularly those aligned with the ASEAN ENMAPS demonstration sites.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis or financing scenarios to assess potential return on conservation investments.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing workshops with BMB and project stakeholders.
• Reporting and Recommendations: Prepare a detailed report outlining the findings, methodologies, and recommendations

Interested applicants shall have the following minimum qualifications:

Qualifications and Experience

● Master’s degree or higher in Environmental Economics, Marine Policy, Public Administration, or related fields.;
● At least 7 years of experience in natural resource governance, environmental policy, conservation investments & financing, or marine/coastal management;
● Demonstrated experience in designing or evaluating sustainable financing mechanisms for protected areas or resource management
● Knowledge on ASEAN regional frameworks (preferable).
● Familiarity with Philippine marine and coastal governance frameworks.
● Strong communication and report writing skills

Interested applicants may obtain further information from the ACB Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Secretariat and may download the ToR on the ACB website.

Applicants should prepare the following and send all to acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org:

1. 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 Consultant – Review of Governance Mechanisms and Financial Sustainability for the Management of MPA Networks and Marine Corridors in the Philippines should be indicated in the aforesaid letter;
2. Comprehensive curriculum vitae; and
3. Completed Personal History Form.

Deadline for submission of completed application is on 26 May 2026, 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

Personal History Form

TOR – Consultant for the Review of Governance Mechanisms and Financial Sustainability for the Management of MPA Networks and Marine Corridors in the Philippines

REI – Consultant for the Review of Governance Mechanisms and Financial Sustainability for the Management of MPA Networks and Marine Corridors in the Philippines