Consulting Services for Identification of Small-Scale Activities and Monitoring Implementation in Lori region.

Project: P179988 - RESILAND: Armenia Resilient Landscapes Project Reference: AM-EPIU-516312-CS-CQS Procurement method: Consultant Qualification Selection Financing: World Bank REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES -NGO SELECTION) REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA RESILAND: Armenia Resilient Landscape Project Grant No.: TF0C4647, TF0C4643 Assignment Title: Consulting Services for Identification of Small-Scale Activities and Monitoring Implementation in Lori region Reference No . (as per Procurement Plan): AM-EPIU-516312-CS-CQS The Republic of Armenia has received financing from the World Bank (the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“IBRD”), acting as an Implementing Agency of the Global Environment Facility (“GEF”) and as administrator of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Supporting Armenia Resilient Landscapes Project and International Development Association (“IDA”), acting as administrator of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Supporting Armenia Resilient Landscapes Project) toward the cost of the RESILAND: Armenia Resilient Landscape Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. For the implementation of this assignment/Consulting Services, it is envisaged to engage the services of Non-Government Organization (NGO) (Consultant/Service Provider) to provide support the identification and development of small-scale, community-based activities aimed at fostering sustainable economic development in local communities in an environmentally responsible manner, and to contribute to ensuring that such activities are implemented in line with the approved concepts and approaches. This initiative aims to enhance the non-timber forest products (NTFP) industry and community-based ecotourism through strategic actions that benefit both the economy and the environment. Specific objectives of the assignment are to: Develop actionable strategies for increasing economic benefits through the sustainable use of NTFPs and ecotourism in local communities; • Promote environmentally friendly job creation in the NTFP and ecotourism sectors; • Enhance the value chain of NTFPs, from harvesting to market access; Strengthen ecotourism activities in a way that increases local income while preserving natural and cultural heritage. Geographic Coverage: The Service Provider’s activities will encompass both urban and rural areas in the target regions. Below is the list of settlements in Lori region, however, there could be some changes or adjustments on the list of settlements: Lori Region: Spitak, Vanadzor, Gugark, Shahumyan, Vahagni, Vahagnadzor, Yeghegnut, Halavar, Stepanavan, Urasar, Tashir, Medovka, Kruglaya Shishka, Saratovka, Chkalov, Fioletovo, Margahovit, Novoseltsovo, Katnaghbyur, Getavan, Katnarat, Blagodarnoye, Metsavan, Mikhayelovka, Dzyunashogh, Lermontovo, Lernapat, Gargar, Pushkino. Specific target communities in Lori Region should include communities with minority groups such as Molokans, Yazidis, Greeks, etc. Target Population: The target population is the entire population of the communities included in the program. The duration of the assignment/contract is 30 months, calculated from the date of contract signing. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest in Annex A. The Environmental Project Implementation Unit now invites eligible Consultants/Service Providers to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Service Providers should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS NOTE: This activity is open for NGOs only. If other private sector companies submit their EOIs, they will not be considered. The selected NGO (Consultant/Service Provider) should present a multidisciplinary team with expertise in business development, community mobilization, and natural resource management and shall demonstrate the following institutional qualifications: Proven experience in economic development, particularly within NTFP value chains. Strong environmental knowledge or experience, including ecosystem services, biodiversity, business-ecosystem interactions, sustainable tourism practices, and nature-based landscape management. Extensive experience working closely with local communities to build capacity and develop inclusive, community-driven tourism programs. Experience in market research and feasibility studies, including market assessments, competitor analysis, and sustainable tourism product development. Key Experts, whose requirements are specified in the TOR, will not be evaluated at this stage. The attention of interested Service Providers is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Consultants/Service Pro