Request for Expression of Interest (EOI)
1.Introduction
Land Sea Maldives invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified individuals or consultancy teams to engage in the consultancy role for the Regional Integrated Sustainability Initiative (RISI): Fostering Resilient Communities in Noonu Atoll. This initiative aims to empower local stakeholders to develop sustainable land use practices that balance economic development with environmental conservation.
2.Project Background
The Regional Integrated Sustainability Initiative (RISI) is a transformative project designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the communities of Noonu Atoll, Maldives. Noonu Atoll is a geographically dispersed region comprising numerous small islands, each with its own distinct community, culture, and socio-economic dynamics. The atoll is home to a population that is unevenly distributed across the islands, with some areas experiencing overpopulation and others facing economic stagnation. This disparity has created a complex set of challenges that require innovative and sustainable solutions.
Challenges in Noonu Atoll
Historically, the livelihoods of the communities in Noonu Atoll were closely tied to the natural resources of the atoll, including fishing, agriculture, and other traditional practices. However, rapid urbanization, governance changes, and shifts in economic priorities have disrupted these traditional livelihoods. This transition has led to several unsustainable practices, including:
Coral reef destruction: Overexploitation of marine resources and unsustainable fishing practices have caused significant damage to the coral reef ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
Land reclamation: In response to population pressures and urbanization, land reclamation activities have altered the natural landscape, threatening fragile ecosystems and biodiversity.
Economic disparity: While some islands experience overpopulation and resource strain, others face economic stagnation, leading to uneven development across the atoll.
These challenges are compounded by the vulnerability of the Maldives to climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. Despite these difficulties, the communities of Noonu Atoll remain resilient and deeply connected to their natural environment. They recognize the importance of preserving their ecosystems for future generations and are eager to adopt sustainable practices that balance economic development with environmental conservation.
Vision and Objectives of the Project
The Regional Integrated Sustainability Initiative (RISI) aims to develop the administrative framework necessary to support the implementation of an Integrated Atoll Land Use Plan for Noonu Atoll. This framework will provide the foundation for sustainable land use practices that address the region's socio-economic and environmental challenges. The project seeks to empower local stakeholders, including Atoll Councils, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and community members, to collaboratively create and implement a shared vision for sustainable development.
The primary objectives of the project are:
Administrative Framework Development: Establish a robust administrative framework that will guide the implementation of an Integrated Atoll Land Use Plan, ensuring alignment with local governance structures and national policies.
Capacity Building: Enhance the skills and knowledge of Atoll Councils, CSOs, and other stakeholders to enable effective decision-making and implementation of sustainable land use practices.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster active participation and collaboration among Atoll Councils, CSOs, and community members to ensure that the framework and land use plan reflect local needs and priorities.
Environmental Conservation: Promote practices that protect and restore the fragile ecosystems of Noonu Atoll, including coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal areas, as part of the land use planning process.
Economic Resilience: Support the development of decentralized economic models that reduce disparities between islands and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Importance of the Project
The RISI project is critical for ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of Noonu Atoll. By developing an administrative framework that supports integrated land use planning, the project will create a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development. This initiative aligns with national and global priorities, including the Maldives' commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, sustainable cities and communities, and life below water.
Approach and Methodology
The project adopts a participatory and integrated approach, bringing together experts from various fields, including economics, social sciences, urban planning, and environmental conservation. Key activities include:
Workshops and Forums: Engaging stakeholders through workshops and forums to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and co-create solutions for the administrative framework and land use plan.
Consultancy Engagement: Hiring a consultancy team to conduct capacity assessments, develop methodologies, and provide training to Atoll Councils to support the framework's implementation.
Publications and Awareness: Publishing models, frameworks, and findings to enhance public awareness and facilitate community discussions.
By combining Indigenous knowledge with modern expertise, the RISI project aims to create a replicable model for sustainable development that can be applied in other atolls across the Maldives.
Expected Outcomes
The RISI project is expected to deliver the following outcomes:
A comprehensive administrative framework that supports the implementation of an Integrated Atoll Land Use Plan, ensuring alignment with governance structures and sustainable development goals.
Enhanced capacity of Atoll Councils and CSOs to implement the framework and engage with communities effectively.
Increased public awareness and understanding of sustainable land use practices and the importance of environmental conservation.
Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the atoll's future.
Preservation and restoration of critical ecosystems, ensuring the long-term resilience of Noonu Atoll.
Through these outcomes, the RISI project will contribute to building resilient communities in Noonu Atoll, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its people and environment.
3.Consultancy Role
The consultancy team or individual will be engaged for a 6-month duration to conduct a capacity assessment of the Noonu Atoll Council, propose a methodology and framework for integrated atoll/regional land use planning, and provide initial training to Atoll council staff. The consultancy will play a pivotal role in shaping the integrated land use planning model and ensuring its alignment with the region's socio-economic and environmental needs.
4.Required Expertise
Interested parties should demonstrate expertise in the following areas:
Economics, social sciences, and urban planning.
Legal matters related to land use and governance.
Capacity assessment and training methodologies.
Sustainable development and environmental conservation.
5.Deliverables
The consultancy team or individual will be responsible for delivering the following:
A comprehensive capacity assessment report of the Noonu Atoll Council.
A proposed methodology and framework for integrated atoll/regional land use planning.
Initial training sessions for Atoll council staff.
Recommendations for the implementation of sustainable land use practices.
6.Submission Guidelines
The consultancy Interested parties are requested to submit their Expression of Interest by including the following details:
A cover letter outlining the applicant's interest and suitability for the consultancy role.
A detailed CV or portfolio highlighting relevant expertise and experience.
A proposed work plan and timeline for the consultancy period.
Contact details of at least two professional references.
All submissions must be sent via email to admin@landseamaldives.mv by 5:00 PM (local time) on December 22, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.
Land Sea Maldives looks forward to receiving your Expression of Interest and working together to foster resilient communities in Noonu Atoll.
