Blue Belt Finance - Sustainable Finance Mechanisms Requirement

The tender will be run via the Defra e-Sourcing portal (https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html?_ncp=1600341234821.1163667415-1) and is expected to be made live on 28 September. This will be a Sub-OJEU restricted opportunity due to the specific field. If you feel that you would be able to provide the service, please contact the Commercial Lead:

Luciana Matthews - …@environment-agency.gov.uk

A more detailed specification will be published along with the ITT

Budget is limited and has been approved at correct level

Brief Description:

1. Project Aim

Develop practical guidance on sustainable finance mechanisms for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other effective conservation measures (OECMs) in UK Overseas Territories (OTs), using Ascension Island as an individual case study.

2. Objectives

The objectives of this project are to:

a) MMO to provide further background detail on the OTs and facilitate any questions for the OTs on behalf of the contractor (with the exception of Ascension Island).

b) Conduct a desk-based review of best-practice sustainable finance mechanisms for the management of MPAs and OECMs, with a focus on what is practical for these small, low-income , islands and;

c) Set out the most suitable generic mechanisms applicable across all the UK Overseas Territories within the Blue Belt Programme d) Conduct a desk-based review of novel financing models with a focus on regional place-based portfolios. Consult with FCO/DFID, relevant NGOs, philanthropists, businesses and other relevant bodies to establish viability of approaches identifed and;

e) Set out the pathway (timeline, resource needs, budget, governance, necessary enablers and anticipated outcomes) towards a regional place-based portfolio, or other novel sustainable finance mechanism, which could support - for example - the South Atlantic OTs, or all OTs within the Blue Belt Programme.

f) In consultation with Ascension Island Government (AIG), produce a tailored sustainable finance plan for Ascension Island.

It is essential that any evidence used in preparing the final report has been collected, processed and published with rigour and that appropriate quality assurance (QA) processes are in place, and embedded, within the contracting organisation. The Contractor will provide the MMO with relevant assurances around QA procedures and/or certifications from recognised standards providers (e.g. ISO). Please refer to the MMO's Quality Assurance of Evidence processes for guidance as to what the MMO will be looking for

Additional information: Please be advised that dates on attachments had to be revised due to resource constraints. A more detailed timeline will be published with ITT