EOI: 5-Year conservation & tourism partner – ecpta eastern cape

Returnable documents:

2.1. Focus areas: conservation among other functions, partners are expected to support conservation activities in a nature reserve to achieve conservation goals while minimizing environmental impacts. Habitat and ecosystem maintenance: organisations that have secured resources for rehabilitation but need an area to implement their respective projects to maintain the ecological integrity, diversity, and sustainability of ecosystems. Manage ecological processes will include management of fire regimes, grazing to maintain ecological balance, prevent bush encroachment, act to balance wildlife and stocking rates to prevent overgrazing and soil degradation. Climate change adaptation: organisations that have secured or intending to secure resources to enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change impacts. Biodiversity finance: organisations that have secured or intending to secure resources to promote carbon sequestration through vegetation and soil management. Also, organizations that can impart knowledge, package and profile projects for nature performance bonds and carbon credits. Wildlife population management: organisations that have secured or intending to secure resources to monitor and regulate wildlife populations through the use of artificial intelligence, drone and other applicable technologies to ensure safety and security of wildlife. Sustainable resource use and regulation: organisations that have secured or intending to secure resources to train conservation officials and communities in resource mobilisation for conservation, natural resource management and environmental education. Ecological research and monitoring: research institutions or organizations that have secured or intending to secure resources to facilitate ecological research and monitoring of habitat and ecosystem maintenance through ecological studies. The core activities could potentially be aligned to establish large-scale, long-term monitoring programs to realize research outputs not limited to the impacts of climate change and human activity. This can be achieved by applying diverse research methods and implement advanced technology such as remote sensing, acoustic recorders, environmental dna sequencing, and automated sensors to gather data on species presence, abundance, distribution, and behaviours across large areas. 2.2. Focus areas: tourism management among other functions, partners are expected to support tourism activities to achieve sustainable economic development goals while minimizing environmental impacts. Of 40 sustainable tourism development: organisations that have secured or intending to secure resources to support tourism activities, promote eco-friendly and support to initiate low-impact tourism. Support biodiversity protection and encourage sustainable infrastructure (e.g., Eco-lodges, solar energy, waste recycling). Community participation and benefits: organisations that have secured or intending to secure resources to provide support towards business development opportunities for local communities (e.g., Guiding, crafts, catering) and other tourism ventures. Monitoring and impact assessment: organisations that have secured or intending to secure resources to monitor visitor trends and tourism impacts by means of using data to adjust tourism practices (adaptive management). Marketing and promotion: organisations that have secured or intending to secure resources to brand and promote the nature reserve as a sustainable tourism destination. Validation: all partnerships will be formalised through a structured agreement to ensure alignment, accountability, and shared outcomes. 3. Contract duration partnership agreements will be formalised with the selected partner for a period of five (5) years with an option to extend for a further five (5) years, aligned with the ecpta strategic plan. 4. Strategic imperatives of the partnerships to achieve these specific services, strategic partnerships with private entities and non-governmental organizations (ngos) will enhance to fulfil its conservation and tourism mandate across the province. These interventions are expected to be executed inside and outside the reserve the key strategic commitments for this approach are outlined below: 5. Leverage complementary strengths private sector and ngo partners bring specialized expertise, resources, and networks that complement ecpta’s public-sector role. These include technical know-how, innovation, operational agility, and direct community experience that can significantly enhance project outcomes. 5.1 Drive sustainable impact partnerships provide a platform to scale conservation and tourism initiatives in a way that is sustainable, inclusive, and results driven. By working together, stakeholders can share responsibility for biodiversity protection and the advancement of sustainable tourism across the eastern cape. Of 40 5.2 Promote resource sharing partnerships will enable ecpta to capitalize on in-kind contributions such as skills, equipment, facilities, and volunteer support. This approach reduces financial burden while enhancing project delivery. 5.3 Foster innovation and best practices ngos and private entities often lead in pioneering innovative approaches to environmental sustainability and tourism. Ecpta seeks to incorporate these practices to boost efficiency, responsiveness, and overall impact. 5.4 Align with ecpta’s strategic vision the agency’s current five-year strategic plan identifies collaborative governance and multi-stakeholder partnerships as key success factors. Engaging a broad spectrum of partners supports coordinated, cross-sectoral action for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. 6 mutual benefits inviting private entities and ngos to collaborate by providing in-kind resources (e.g., Expertise, equipment, manpower, technology, or facilities) can create several mutual benefits for both the conservation/tourism initiatives and the partners themselves. 6.1 Benefits to conservation and tourism initiatives • resource augmentation: o access to specialized skills, equipment, or technology that the public entity may not have. O reduces budget constraints by leveraging in-kind contributions. • Capacity building: o offering training, knowledge transfer, and mentorship from experienced ngos or private sector professionals to improve staff capability for the tourism sector in the following areas: tourist guiding, water sport activities, business management, event management, housekeeping and hospitality management, packaging and promotion of tourism facilities and services. • Inclusive tourism growth: o facilitate tourism transformation through creating opportunities for local communities, in particular women, youth and people living with disabilities. Key initiatives include rural and township tourism such as community tourism initiatives, homestays, youth entrepreneurship and craft cooperatives. Of 40 • product diversification: o enhance destination competitiveness and market share by offering diverse tourism products and services in the following but not limited to tourism niches below. ➢ Agri tourism, heritage & cultural tourism, eco tourism, avi tourism, adventure tourism, aroma tourism and astro tourism • market access: o collaborative marketing initiatives targeting domestic and international visitors using the following marketing strategies. O digital marketing platforms, trade and consumer shows (domestic and international) • foster universal accessibility o ensure equal opportunities for people living with disabilities to travel, explore and enjoy destination eastern cape • tourism safety o create an enjoyable experience for visitors thus ensuring sustainable tourism development. Programmes to be implemented include o pro active tourism safety measures such as: - development of tourism safety brochures & fliers - digital safety campaigns - implement festive & cruise liner season awareness campaigns - service excellence / SA host training - installation of precautionary and directional signage • reactive tourism safety programmes: - provision of counselling to tourists who become victims - translators for international visitors - organise lost travel documents • innovation and efficiency: o private sector partners to bring innovative solutions or digital tools that improve project efficiency, monitoring, or visitor engagement. Of 40 • enhanced outreach and awareness: o ngos and private companies may have networks or marketing channels that help promote conservation and tourism programs. 6.2 Benefits to partners (private entities and ngos) • corporate social responsibility (csr): o enhances public image by demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. • Networking and partnerships: o opportunity to build relationships with government agencies, other ngos, and stakeholders. • Access to sites or projects: o companies or ngos may gain direct access to protected areas, tourism sites, or conservation programs for research, testing, or volunteer initiatives. • Employee engagement and development: o staff involvement in projects fosters team building, skills development, and job satisfaction. 6.3 Mutual benefits • shared goals: o aligning interests in sustainability, tourism promotion, and biodiversity protection ensures win-win outcomes. • Cost-effective project delivery: o pooling in-kind resources reduces financial burdens while achieving larger or more impactful initiatives. • Enhanced credibility and visibility: o joint initiatives signal collaboration and legitimacy, attracting further funding, grants, or community support. • Sustainable impact: o combining expertise, networks, and resources increases the long-term sustainability of conservation and tourism efforts. Of 40 7 high-level insight of the reserves https://visiteasterncape.co.za/things-to-do/attractions-activities/reserves/ Reserve reserve strategic location ecological & heritage value experience indicative investment positioning category & setting proposition baviaanskloof biodiversity & unesco world seven of sa’s nine biomes; flagship wilderness & international eco-lodges, adventure heritage heritage site, global conservation significance adventure destination tourism karoo–coastal corridor great fish river biodiversity & frontier landscape large intact thicket ecosystem; safari, heritage and safari lodges, heritage tourism heritage near makhanda frontier heritage river-based tourism groendal biodiversity & mountain catchment critical water catchment; san hiking and outdoor adventure tourism, eco-lodges heritage near gqeberha rock-art; fynbos recreation island biodiversity & coastal forest near rare alexandria coastal forest day-visitor nature eco-education, recreation heritage nelson mandela immersion bay thomas baines biodiversity & gateway reserve albany thicket & fynbos mosaic education and outdoor education center’s, niche accommodation heritage near makhanda learning waters meeting biodiversity & riverine forest near estuarine-river convergence canoeing and forest eco-cabins, adventure tourism heritage bathurst ecosystem trails commando drift game karoo hinterland semi-arid conservation fishing and wildlife fishing lodges, adventure tourism management & near cradock landscape viewing recreation double mouth game wild coast estuarine & marine biodiversity coastal camping & eco-lodges, conferencing management & beachfront conferencing recreation mpofu–fort game amathole indigenous forests; san rock-art forest lodges & hiking high-end eco-lodges fordyce management & mountains recreation escarpment ongeluksnek game drakensberg alpine grasslands; vulture high-altitude adventure mountain tourism management & foothills conservation recreation oviston game gariep dam karoo biodiversity & freshwater water sports and fishing lakeside lodges management & shoreline system recreation tsolwana game winterberg mountain grasslands; birdlife safari-style game safari lodges management & mountain slopes viewing recreation of 40 dwesa–cwebe marine & wild coast internationally significant coastal flagship coastal eco- destination eco-lodges coastal conservation ecosystems tourism corridor hluleka marine & wild coast cliffs high scenic and marine premium coastal retreat luxury eco-lodges coastal and beaches biodiversity value luchaba marine & adjacent to mthatha wetlands and grasslands conferencing & urban business tourism, hospitality coastal and dam nature escape mkhambathi marine & pondoland centre global biodiversity hotspot wilderness coastal eco-lodges, conservation tourism coastal of endemism adventure silaka marine & coastal bay near indigenous forest & rare plants boutique coastal retreat boutique lodges coastal port st johns detailed braucher is attached to the bid document as annexure a. Bidders are encouraged to visit the nature reserve prior the closing date. Https://visiteasterncape.co.za/things-to-do/attractions-activities/reserves/ Of 40 8 evaluation criteria & submission requirements private entities, non- governmental organisation and any other relevant partner interested in this opportunity are requested to submit proposals on the collaboration to advance conservation and tourism initiative within the ecpta managed nature reserves. The proposal must cover the following areas: bidders must comply with the set of compliance requirements listed below and must submit evidence to be considered for evaluation. Failure to submit evidence may lead to immediate rejection of the bid. Of 40 requirement detail legal and compliance cover letter: brief motivation and summary of proposed collaboration. • Proof of legal registration (company, npo, trust, etc.). • Compliance with environmental, labour, and safety legislation. • NO environmental offences or pending legal cases. Technical capacity • demonstrated expertise in conservation management, sustainable tourism, or related fields. • Proven ability to manage biodiversity assets responsibly. • Access to qualified personnel (ecologists, guides, rangers, community facilitators). Financial capacity • evidence of financial stability (audited financial statements for the last 3 years). • Ability to mobilise resources for project delivery (own funding & grants). • Realistic budget and value-for-money assessment. Community engagement • track record of working effectively with local communities. • Plans for local skills development and job creation. • Strategies for equitable benefit-sharing. Environmental impact • proposed activities must align with the reserve’s management plan and zoning. • Commitment to a minimal ecological footprint. • Inclusion of environmental monitoring and reporting systems. Governance and • clear organisational structure and decision-making accountability processes. • Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting framework. • Transparency and anti-corruption safeguards. Of 40 9 considerable critical elements of the terms of reference 9.1 Key notes for respondents • submission of an EOI constitutes a formal bid and ecpta retains the right not to proceed with the partnerships. • The partner will be offered a 5-year performance-based partnership agreement in the form of memorandum of agreement (moa), with the option to renew for a further period of 5 years, commencing upon appointment (or on the dated to be agreed between the partner and the ecpta). The partnership agreement will be reviewed after five (5) years after the date of commencement, by mutual agreement. 9.2 Governance ecpta is adhering to the stakeholder partnership approach outlined in the stakeholder engagement strategy that was approved by the ecpta board of directors in april 2024, meant to create an enabling environment for various interested parties to collaborate with ecpta. 9.3 Additional information - ecpta makes NO guarantees about and takes NO responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of this request for EOI and disclaims any liability for any interested party’s use of the information. - This request for EOI is not intended to serve as the basis for an investment decision. Each recipient is expected to make an independent investigation and to obtain the necessary independent advice for submitting an EOI. - ecpta may change or replace any information contained in this request for EOI at any time, without giving any prior notice or providing any reason. Of 40 general conditions of the bid 1. Interpretation the word “bidder” in these conditions shall mean and include any firm or any company or body incorporated or unincorporated. The word “ecpta” in these conditions shall mean the eastern cape parks & tourism agency. 2. Extent of the bid ecpta makes NO guarantees about and takes NO responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of this request for EOI and disclaims any liability for any interested party’s use of the information. This request for EOI is not intended to serve as the basis for an investment decision. Each recipient is expected to make an independent investigation and to obtain the necessary independent advice for submitting an EOI. 3. Signing of documents bidders are required to return the complete set of documents duly signed. 4. Period of validity for bids and withdrawal of bid after closing date all bids are to be held valid and binding for 150 days from the closing date of submissions (calculated from, but not including, the due date). 5. Authority to sign bid documents in the case of a bid being submitted on behalf of a company, close corporation or partnership, evidence must be submitted to the ecpta at the time of submission of the bid that the bid has been signed by persons properly authorized thereto by resolution of the directors or under the articles of the entity. Of 40 6. Closing date / submitting of quotations bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked “expression of interest for non-governmental organizations (ngo’s) and entities to partner with ecpta in advancing conservation and tourism initiatives for a period of 5 years with an option to renew for a further period of 5 years. E/03/25/26” proposals must be deposited in the bid box, 17-25 oxford street (cnr of fleet & oxford street), east london, by NO later than 11:00 AM on the 7th april 2026. Bids which are not submitted in a properly sealed and marked envelope and/or deposited in the relevant bid box on or before the closing date and time will not be considered. Faxed or e-mailed bids will not be considered. 7. Bid enquiries enquiries should be directed to the supply chain management unit. The following official can be contacted: ms. Unathi zinganto at 043 492 0871 during normal office hours viz. 08:00 – 16:00 mondays to fridays-email: unathi.Zinganto@ecpta.co.za Of 40 submission requirements evaluation criteria and submission requirements private entities, non- governmental organisation and any other relevant partner interested in this opportunity are requested to submit proposals on the collaboration to advance conservation and tourism initiative within the ecpta managed nature reserves. The proposal must cover the following areas: bidders must comply with the set of compliance requirements listed below and must submit evidence to be considered for evaluation. Failure to submit evidence may lead to immediate rejection of the bid. - Legal and compliance - technical capacity - community engagement - environmental impact - governance and accountability of 40 legal and compliance cover letter: brief motivation and summary of the proposed collaboration with the following elements: • proof of legal registration (company, npo, trust etc.) • Compliance with environmental, labour and safety legislation • NO environmental offences or pending legal cases. Attach legal and complinace documents of 40 technical capacity • demonstrated expertise in conservation management, sustainable tourism, or related fields • proven ability to manage biodiversity assets responsibly • access to qualified personnel (ecologists, guides, rangers, community facilitator) • attach technical capacity documents of 40 financial capacity • evidence of financial stability (audited financial statements for the last 3 years) • ability to mobilise resources for project delivery (own funding & grants) • realistic budget and value-for-money assessment attach financial capacity of 40 community engagement • track record of working effectively with local communities • plans for local skills development and job creation • strategies for equitable benefit-sharing attach community engagement documents of 40 environmental impact • proposed activities must align with the reserve’s management plan and zoning • commitment to a minimal ecological footprint • inclusion of environmental monitoring and reporting systems attach environmental impact documents of 40 governance and accountability • clear organisational structure and decision-making processes • monitoring, evaluation and reporting frameworks • transparency and anti-corruption safeguards attach governance and accountability documents of 40 sbd4 bidder’s disclosure 1. Purpose of the form any person (natural or juristic) may make an offer or offers in terms of this invitation to bid. In line with the principles of transparency, accountability, impartiality, and ethics as enshrined in the constitution of the republic of south africa and further expressed in various pieces of legislation, IT is required for the bidder to make this declaration in respect of the details required hereunder. Where a person/s are listed in the register for tender defaulters and / or the list of restricted suppliers, that person will automatically be disqualified from the bid process. 2. Bidder’s declaration 2.1 Is the bidder, or any of its directors / trustees / shareholders / members / partners or any person having a controlling interest in the enterprise, employed by the state? Yes/no 2.1.1 If so, furnish particulars of the names, individual identity numbers, and, if applicable, state employee numbers of sole proprietor/ directors / trustees / shareholders / members/ partners or any person having a controlling interest in the enterprise, in table below. Full name identity name of state number institution of 40 2.1.2 If the bidder or any of its directors/trustees/shareholders/members/partners or any person having a controlling interest in the enterprise are employed by the state, is there any approval to conduct business with the state, signed by the accounting officer/authority attached? Yes/no or n/a please attach letter of approval signed by the accounting officer/ accounting authority. Failure to submit proof of approval from the accounting officer/ accounting authority will lead to immediate rejection of the bid/quotation. 2.2 Do you, or any person connected with the bidder, have a relationship with any person who is employed by the procuring institution? Yes/no 2.2.1 If so, furnish particulars: ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ 2.3 Does the bidder or any of its directors / trustees / shareholders / members / partners or any person having a controlling interest in the enterprise have any interest in any other related enterprise whether or not they are bidding for this contract? Yes/no 2.3.1 If so, furnish particulars: ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................

NO specific requirements found