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

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.

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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.

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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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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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

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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/

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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

areas:

to be considered for evaluation. Failure to submit evidence may lead to immediate rejection of the bid.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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

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,

signed by persons properly authorized thereto by resolution of the directors or under the articles of

the entity.

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6. Closing Date / Submitting of Quotations

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

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: [email protected]

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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

areas:

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Commitment to a minimal ecological footprint

• Inclusion of environmental monitoring and reporting systems

ATTACH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

DOCUMENTS

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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

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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

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

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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:

........................................................................................

........................................................................................