TPPL Management Plan Consultancy

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Consultancy to Develop a Revised Management Plan for TIDE Private Protected Lands (TPPL), Belize

1. Background

The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) is a non-governmental organization based in southern Belize, with a long-standing mandate to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable livelihoods. TIDE manages and supports the conservation of several parcels of private protected lands in the Toledo District, which contribute to national conservation targets, landscape connectivity, and community-based natural resource management.

The existing management plan for the TIDE Private Protected Lands expired in 2020 and requires urgent revision to reflect:

• Updated ecological, social, and land tenure conditions
• Lessons learned from plan implementation
• Current national policies, including Belize’s protected areas framework
• Completion of the first debt-for-nature swap
• Emerging threats and opportunities (e.g., climate change, development pressures)

TIDE therefore seeks to engage a qualified consultant or consulting team to prepare a revised, participatory, and implementable management plan for these Private Protected Lands.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

2.1 Overall Objective

To develop a revised management plan that provides a clear, realistic, and strategic framework for the effective conservation, governance, and sustainable management of TIDE’s Private Protected Lands.

2.2 Specific Objectives

• Review and assess the effectiveness of the previous management plan
• Update baseline ecological, social, and governance information
• Identify conservation targets, threats, and management priorities
• Define clear management goals, objectives, strategies, and actions
• Develop an implementation, monitoring, and evaluation framework
• Strengthen alignment with national and regional conservation priorities

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake, but not necessarily be limited to, the following tasks:

a) Inception Phase

• • Review relevant documents (existing management plan, monitoring reports, land agreements, relevant policies)
  • Prepare an inception report detailing methodology, workplan, and stakeholder engagement approach

b) Situational Analysis

• • Conduct an updated assessment of:
    • Biophysical conditions (ecosystems, species, conservation values)
    • Land tenure and legal status of the Private Protected Lands
    • Socio-economic context and stakeholder relationships
    • Current and emerging threats and pressures
  • Review effectiveness of previous management action.

c) Stakeholder Consultation

• • • Design and facilitate participatory consultations with:
      • TIDE staff
      • Landowners and leaseholders
      • Local communities and community groups
      • Relevant government agencies and partners
    • Document stakeholder inputs and incorporate them into the plan

d) Management Planning

• • Define management vision, goals, and objectives
  • Identify zoning (if applicable) and management prescriptions
  • Develop strategies and actions for:
    • Biodiversity conservation
    • Sustainable land use and livelihoods (where relevant)
    • Enforcement, compliance, and governance
    • Education, outreach, and partnerships
    • Climate change adaptation and resilience

e) Implementation Framework

• • Develop:
    • Action plan with timelines and responsibilities
    • Monitoring and evaluation framework with indicators
    • Risk assessment and mitigation measures
    • Budget estimates and financing considerations

f) Validation and Finalization

• • Present draft management plan for review
  • Incorporate feedback and submit final revised management plan

4. Key Deliverables

• Inception Report
• Draft Revised Management Plan
• Stakeholder Consultation Report
• Final Revised Management Plan (print-ready and digital formats)

5. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed over a period of [2–4 months], commencing on [May 25th, 2026]. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon during contract negotiations.

6. Reporting and Coordination

• The consultant will report directly to TIDE’s Executive Director or designated Project Manager.
• Regular progress updates will be required (bi-monthly).
• All deliverables are subject to review and approval by TIDE.

7. Required Qualifications and Experience

7.1 Consultant / Team Qualifications

• Advanced degree in natural resource management, conservation biology, environmental planning, or a related field
• At least 5 years’ experience in protected area or conservation management planning
• Demonstrated experience in participatory planning processes
• Familiarity with Belize’s protected areas system and environmental legislation is an asset
• Strong analytical, writing, and facilitation skills

8. Payment Schedule

Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion and approval of deliverables, tentatively as follows:

• Inception Report – 20%
• Draft Management Plan – 40%
• Final Management Plan – 40%

9. Ownership and Confidentiality

All data, reports, and materials produced under this consultancy shall remain the property of TIDE. The consultant shall not publish or disseminate any outputs without prior written approval.

10. Application Process

Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• Technical proposal (methodology, workplan, team composition)
• Financial proposal
• CV(s)