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The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) intends to engage the services of a Consultancy Firm for Establishing the Scientific Basis for Enhanced MPA and MPA Network Management 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 contract is for the selected institution to conduct supplementary scientific and socio-institutional assessments to contribute information in updating the MPA management plans, and define MPA network boundaries and ecological linkages in the Andaman Sea, focusing on four key MPAs. This will support evidence-based management planning for MPA networks that will be identified in the course of the study and advise national commitments to biodiversity conservation under the 30×30 GBF target.

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. C.1.1.1 TH2 Conduct supplementary scientific analyses on ecological connectivity across selected Andaman MPAs (Muko Surin National Park, Muko Similan National Park, Ranong Biosphere Reserve, and Tarutao National Park), focusing on:
   • Active connectivity: e.g. sharks, groupers, snappers, and migratory marine species
   • Passive connectivity: e.g. coral larvae, bivalves
2. C.1.1.1 TH3 Refine previous connectivity assessments by integrating updated data and models, particularly for:
   • Northern Andaman: Muko Surin National Park, Muko Similan National Park, and Ranong Biosphere Reserve
   • Southern Andaman: Tarutao National Park and surrounding areas
3. C.1.1.1 TH2 Collect primary ecological, socio-economic, and institutional data to complement existing site- and LME-level assessments.
4. C.2.1.1 TH 1 Update biodiversity and resource inventories of the four MPAs to inform development of enhanced management plans and provision for sustainable resource use especially in small-scale fisheries
5. C.1.1.1 TH4 Define biological and spatial boundaries of MPA networks and associated marine corridors (e.g., no-trawl areas within 3NM), including Muko Petra NP and proposed Muko Sarai MPA.
6. C.1.1.1 TH 5 Identify management and governance gaps in the proposed MPA networks and corridors in close coordination with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, local governments, and stakeholders.
7. C.1.1.1 TH 5 Provide recommendations on suitable governance, coordination, and cooperative mechanisms for effective implementation of the MPA networks and marine corridors based on the analysis of results of the ecological, socio-economic and institutional assessments conducted and resources available to the consultant.
8. C.1.1.1 TH 6 Develop a strategic advocacy document to support the formal recognition of the proposed MPA networks and marine corridors in Thailand’s 30×30 roadmap.

Interested Firm should have the following:

• Must be a legally registered academic institution, research institute, or scientific consultancy firm in Thailand
• Demonstrated expertise in marine ecology, fisheries science, and ecological connectivity analysis.
• Proven experience working with MPAs in Thailand, including in the Andaman Sea region, and interest in MPA networks
• Technical capacity to conduct marine resources inventories and assessments and integrate field data with spatial modeling tools (e.g., GIS, hydrodynamic models). Familiarity with GEF/UNDP projects is an asset
• Experience in stakeholder consultation, governance analysis, and policy engagement.
• Multi-disciplinary team with expertise in marine biodiversity, oceanography, socioeconomics, and institutional analysis.

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:

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 for Establishing the Scientific Basis for Enhanced MPA and MPA Network Management should be indicated in the aforesaid letter;
2. 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

Pre-Qualification Form

REI – Consultancy Firm for Establishing the Scientific Basis for Enhanced MPA and MPA Network Management