Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to conduct biodiversity assessments for communities adjacent to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The assessments aim to evaluate the ecological value of identified sites to support the biodiversity stewardship programme, facilitate land expansion efforts, and promote community participation in conservation and biodiversity economy development under the GEF 7 project.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Desktop analysis of proposed sites, including satellite imagery, land use, topography, vegetation, ecosystems, and species distribution maps.
• Field biodiversity data collection through vegetation assessments and wildlife surveys (birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, invertebrates).
• Assessment of ecological functions, threats, and land features, including cultural and heritage significance.
• Evaluation of biodiversity threats, habitat conditions, and potential impacts from development activities.
• Data analysis to identify conservation value, ecological integrity, and stewardship categorization of sites.
• Preparation of comprehensive biodiversity reports, GIS maps, and stewardship application documentation.
• Assessment of sites within the total area of approximately 10,000 hectares, including sites like Nibela, Tembe, Ngwenya, Nsinde, and Hlabisa.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements encompass:

• Review of existing literature, reports, and GIS data relevant to biodiversity in the study area.
• On-site vegetation and wildlife assessments using sampling methodologies such as quadrants, transects, camera traps, and audio recordings.
• Threat and impact assessments, including threats to ecosystems and species, land features, and potential development impacts.
• Data analysis to determine ecological significance, conservation priority, and stewardship category.
• GIS mapping of biodiversity hotspots, species distribution, ecosystems, and sensitive habitats.
• Preparation of detailed biodiversity assessment reports, including site descriptions, ownership, boundary issues, and GIS shapefiles.
• Deliverables must include assessment forms, shapefiles, maps, and final reports within specified timeframes.

Skills Requirements

The service provider must demonstrate:

• Expertise in biodiversity conservation, ecological surveys, and environmental science, with relevant qualifications (e.g., Ecological Surveys, Conservation Biology).
• Proficiency in GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and environmental data interpretation.
• Knowledge of South African environmental legislation, including NEM:BA, NEM: PAA, and Water Acts, relevant to biodiversity stewardship.
• Experience in conducting biodiversity assessments within protected areas or similar ecosystems.
• Capability to analyze ecological data, prepare comprehensive reports, and facilitate stakeholder engagement.
• Team members must include registered professionals with SACNASP or EAPASA accreditation, with specified experience (minimum 3-5 years).
• Ability to coordinate fieldwork, manage project timelines, and deliver quality outputs aligned with the project objectives.