REOI; Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP) for West Coast Beaches (Fajara – Senegambia) and Kunta Kinteh Island 310 views

Country: The Gambia

Project: Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP) 

Project ID No.: P177179

Assignment Title: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Preparation of 

Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP)  for West Coast Beaches (Fajara – Senegambia) and Kunta Kinteh Island

Reporting to: Project Director

Duration: 4 (Four Months) 

Reference No: GM-MOTC-458555-CS-QCBS  

Introduction 

The government of the Gambia, through Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTC). is implementing the Tourism Diversification and Resilience in the Gambia project (TDRGP) -P177179 with Financing International Development Association (IDA) financing  ..  The project aims to strengthen sustainable tourism by supporting the enabling environment, building capacity, promoting access to finance for tourism related Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and building resilience through risk management and strengthening sustainable coastal infrastructure. 

As part of this project, physical works are planned to be implemented for the protection of West Coast Beaches (see figure 2- Fajara- Senegambia) as well as to preserve and maintain the Kunta Kinteh Island, including construction/Rehabilitation of two Jetties for providing access to the Island and on the mainland at Albreda (see figure 3- Kunta Kinted Island). In this regard, the Project (TDRGP) intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services to carry out Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plans ESMP and other plans as may be required for West Coast Beaches and Kunta Kinteh Island. 

Based on the Assessment Findings, the firm is expected to ensure that all positive and adverse impacts associated with the Construction and post –construction/functioning phases of the works including all associated/ancillary works and linked activities, if any, are identified with corresponding enhancement and mitigation measures.

A detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assignment is under preparation by a firm (Royal HaskoningDHV) hired to carry out the feasibility studies, Preliminary Designs and Cost Estimates for Coastal Protection of West Coast Beaches and Kunta Kinteh Island. By the time the full ToR for the two sites are ready, it will be incorporated in the Final RFP to be shared with shortlisted firms.  

Project Development Objective (PDO)

The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to support the diversification and climate resilience of the tourism sector at selected destinations.

Objectives of Assignment 

The purpose of this assignment is to ensure that all possible negative and positive environmental and social consequences of the construction and functioning of the intervention are identified at a very early stage. Where consequences are negative, recommendations are made on on mitigation measures, and where positive enhancement measures are provided.

Project Area for the ESIA

The project areas are the area where the interventions are planned including potential cumulative impacts. The area of influence must also be included, which includes impact on adjacent areas but also includes sourcing areas for material required for the interventions (sand or rock for example). The project areas are shown below, however,  the areas of influence  are not yet clearly delineated at this  time. 

Figure 1: Project locations: 1: West Coast Beaches from Senegambia to Fajara, 2: Kunta Kinteh Island and Albreda jetty

Figure 2: Location 1- West Coast Beaches from Senegambia to Fajara

Figure 3: Location 2- Kunta Kinteh Island and Albreda jetty

   Scope and Approach 

An ESIA scoping study has been completed, and will be the basis for preparing and finalizing the ToR, which will then be incorporated in the final RFP to be shared with Shortlisted Firms. The scope of the assignment will include the following; 

• Compliance with World Bank ESF requirements
• Compliance with Gambia Government requirements
• Preparation of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan
• Conduct stakeholder engagements in line with the Gambia and World Bank requirements
• Setting the Area of Influence of the project
• Carry out ESIA studies to include developing mitigation and enhancement measures to reduce or enhance impacts in a feasible manner in compliance with the national regulatory and WB requirements.
• Compliance with The Gambia’s ESIA procedures and approval process, as established by the National Environment Agency 
• Preparation of a Cultural Heritage Plan (WB ESS8), if required based on the final scoping report, and any other plans as required.
• Preparation of a Critical Habitat Assessment following World Bank Environmental and social Standard, if biodiversity risks are identified during the scoping. 

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

• The assignment is expected to last for at least 4 (Four) Calendar Months).

Qualification and Personnel Requirements

The ESIA team should comprise the following Key Experts for the execution of this assignment. However, additional non-key personnel may also be proposed to strengthen or compliment the Key Experts. The Key Experts should together have the following qualifications and experience.

• ESIA project manager/ specialist: Has MSc In Project Management, Development Studies Economics or related fields with at least 10 years of professional work experience in conducting ESIA for development projects in developing countries, particularly in West Africa. Experience in coastal, water and maritime projects in Gambia would be an advantage. At least 3 references from projects working according to the IFC performance standards (financed by the World Bank or other multilateral development banks (MDBs).  
• Senior ESIA expert: Has MSc in Environmental or related discipline with at least 15 years of professional work experience in ESIA projects in developing countries and experience in ESIA review in West African countries regarding water and maritime projects.  
• Social and gender specialist: Has BSc in Gender and Social Studies, Development Studies or related field with at least 10 years of professional work experience in ESIA/ESDD in developing countries. Relevant experience in The Gambia would be an advantage.  
• Expert in socioeconomics and tourism: Has BSc in Economics, Tourism, Marketing or related discipline with at least 5 years of professional work experience in socio-economic studies, specializing in tourism and travel, particularly in West African countries.  
• Ecology expert: Has BSc In Biology, Environment or related discipline with at least 10 years of professional work experience in ecological assessment, specializing in aquatic ecology (marine and fluvial, estuaries), particularly in West African countries. Relevant experience in The Gambia would be an advantage.  
• GIS specialist: Has BSC or HND in Geography, GIS or related discipline with at least 5 years of professional work experience in cartography and GIS tools.
• Hydraulic and morphology engineer: Has BSc In Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Coastal Engineering or related discipline with at least 10 years of professional work experience in coastal and maritime/ river development projects, to understand the parallel works for detailed design by the design consultant and propose impacts and appropriate measures related to the ESIA.  
• Cultural heritage expert: Has BSc in Cultural Studies, Arts, Entertainment or related discipline with   at least 5 years of professional work experience in cultural heritage, especially in Western African countries. 

The TRDGP of MoTC now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience of performing the Services. For the shortlisting criteria, Firms will be shortlisted based on the criteria below.

• Firms number of years of experience conducting ESIA, ESMP and RAPs- 20%

• Qualification of Key Experts number of years’ Experience in participating in ESIA and RAPs-40%

• Firms’ knowledge and experience in conducting ESIA, ESMP and RAP for MDBs.- 30%

• World Bank experience will be an added advantage- 10%

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with guidelines for the recruitment of Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) Selection Method set out in the Procurement Regulations; World Bank Procurement Regulations (PR) for IPF Borrowers, fifth Edition dated September 2023.

Potential Firms may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 0800hrs to 1600hrs from Monday to Thursday and Friday 0800hrs to 12:30hrs via email from bkujabi@piumotc.gm 

Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before Friday, 16th December 2024 at 16:00pm Gambia Time.

Attn: Mr. Momodou Ceesay

Project Director 

Project Implementation Unit 

Plot No. 49 Kotu East Estate 

Off Bertil Harding Highway 

Tel: 220 9825949 /3971747

E-mail: mceesay@piumotc.gm;  

CC: cordujabang@yahoo.com;  bkujabi@piumotc.gm ; kjagne@piumotc.gm    bkanteh7@gmail.com