REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING / RESEARCH SERVICES)
Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF)
Biodiversity Assessment for Assomption Island (2026)
The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) invites eligible researchers, consultants, and institutions to express interest in undertaking biodiversity surveys and monitoring activities on Assomption Island. These surveys form part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) obligations linked to the ongoing hotel development project and are critical to ensuring ecological integrity and compliance with national regulations.
1. SCOPE OF WORK
Researchers may submit proposals to lead one or more of the following priority components:
1. Population estimate of Aldabra giant tortoises – generate robust baseline density and population estimates using transects, stratified by habitat, using Aldabra protocols. Map nesting areas and distribution. Provide recommendations to inform long-term monitoring, improve species management and mitigate potential impacts.
2. Turtle nesting population estimates – monitor nesting attempts, abundance, species composition, and distribution through GPS logging and track counts, using Aldabra protocols. Provide recommendations to inform long‑term monitoring, improve species management and mitigate potential impacts.
3. Landbird population estimates – conduct point counts aligning with Distance methods at established grid points to establish the presence and abundance of landbird species, providing a comparison with the 2012 survey conducted by SIF prior to the successful eradication of the red-whiskered bulbul and Madagascar fody. Provide recommendations to inform long‑term monitoring, improve species management and mitigate potential impacts.
4. Environmental conditions monitoring – sample ocean water and sediments to track nutrients, turbidity, salinity, and other parameters linked to development impacts, with GIS plume mapping for spatial analysis.
5. Plant community – assess the distribution and ecological impact of invasive plant species, alongside native vegetation composition monitoring (including dune vegetation), with recommendations to inform future removal or control strategies.
2. KEY NOTES
Field work on Assomption is expected to commence by the 20th March 2026.
- Subject to availability, up to two SIF field staff may be assigned to assist with survey implementation.
- Protocols developed for Aldabra should serve as the basis and can be made available upon request.
- Applicants may choose to apply for one assessment only or multiple components.
- An initial report on methods and preliminary results is expected by the 30th of April 2026.
3. DELIVERABLES
- Detailed survey protocols aligned with Aldabra monitoring standards.
- Baseline datasets and analysis reports including detailed maps.
- Estimates of giant tortoise/marine turtle/landbird populations, plant community composition assessment and a detailed assessment of environmental conditions as appropriate
- Initial report on each component (by end of April 2026) and final report pending incorporation of feedback from SIF (by end of May 2026)
- Capacity-building support for SIF field staff.
- Knowledge transfer and recommendations for long-term monitoring.
4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Interested parties must demonstrate:
- Proven expertise in relevant biodiversity monitoring of the target groups, invasive species research/management, or marine ecology.
- Experience in island ecosystems, preferably within the Western Indian Ocean.
- Availability of qualified experts with relevant technical capacity (e.g., entomologists, marine ecologists, ornithologists).
- Evidence of similar assignments, analysis, reports and publications.
5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Expressions of Interest should include:
- Cover letter specifying the survey components of interest and confirming availability.
- Summary CVs of key experts including professional profiles, relevant certifications, and evidence of similar assignments or references.
- Declaration of non-conflict of interest and confirmation of availability for the project timeline.
6. DEADLINE
EOIs must be submitted electronically in PDF format to monik.choppy@sif.sc no later than 8th March 2026 at 16:00 Seychelles time, with the subject line:
“EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – ASSOMPTION BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT PROJECT-COMPONENT X” where [X] corresponds to the component number being applied for (see Scope of work).
Requests for clarification may be submitted during official working hours (08:00–16:00).