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Characterize the soil and hydrology functioning in the sebkha of Sidi Ali Makki and the traditional farming to inform restoration solutions

• Context

WWF is the world’s leading independent conservation organization with a mission to create a world where people and wildlife can coexist harmoniously. To achieve our mission, we’re finding ways to help transform the future for the world’s wildlife, rivers, forests and seas. We strive for a reduction in carbon emissions to mitigate catastrophic climate change and advocate for sustainable living within the ecological limits of our planet.

WWF North Africa (WWF NA) was established in Tunisia in 1994 with a vision of a Nature Positive North Africa region, where nature threats are minimized, and ecosystems regain their full potential to support biodiversity and human well-being. In collaboration with individuals, civil society members, businesses, local communities, and institutions, WWF NA works to identify and implement conservation solutions through research, fieldwork, policy advocacy, education, and awareness campaigns.

Aligned with our mission, WWF NA is coordinating and implementing the project “Restoration of North Africa Wetlands as a Nature-Based Solution to Improve Water and Food Security.” The project aims to promote an integrated view of water and focus on nature-based solutions that enhance people’s health and protect free-flowing rivers, water sources, and key biodiversity areas.

In Tunisia, the project will be implemented in the catchment basin of Ghar elMelh in particular in Sebkhet Sidi Ali El Mekki.  With its unique Ramli culture, featuring polders (Gtayas) and ingenious farming practices, this site highlights the remarkable connection between hydrology, traditional farming, and ecological sustainability. Developed in the 17th-century by the Andalusian diaspora, to overcome the challenges of limited cultivable land and freshwater availability, these ingenious and, no doubt, unique practices are based on a passive irrigation system. Rainwater stored and floating on the surface of the seawater, influenced by tidal movements, nourishes the plant roots throughout the seasons. The knowledge and expertise of the farmers allow them to maintain the lagoon plots by precisely managing the supply of sand and organic matter, ensuring optimal root irrigation with a fine freshwater lens that remains unaffected by saltwater. The remarkable connection between the site’s hydrology and traditional farming techniques demonstrates the harmony that can be achieved between human ingenuity and ecological systems. 

To address the pressing issue of deteriorating water circulation in the lagoon complex of Ghar El Melh, specifically the sebkha of Sidi Ali Mekki, WWF-NA has received an official request to provide support and find sustainable solutions. As part of this effort, a comprehensive study was conducted to identify strategies for improving water flow and quality in and around Sebkhet Sidi Ali El Mekki and potential funding is being exploited to take in charge the execution of the sustainable solution that will be identified in consultation with all stakeholders.

This consultancy will support the understanding of the challenges and assisting in the resolution of these issues. 

• Objective of the consultancy 

The objective of the consultancy is to characterize the soil and hydrology functioning in the sebkha of Sidi Ali Makki and the traditional farming practices, with the aim of informing restoration solutions. By conducting a thorough assessment of the soil and hydrological processes, the consultancy seeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state and dynamics of the ecosystem. This knowledge will serve as a foundation for developing effective restoration strategies and solutions.

Additionally, the consultancy aligns with a broader vision of creating a support group or management committee. This collaborative framework will involve key stakeholders such as DGF, APAL, and INAT researchers, and will be responsible for future monitoring efforts and sustainable natural resource governance in the study area. As part of the transitional stage, WWF NA and INSTM are spearheading the development of this model, which will eventually be handed over to the support group once it is established. By incorporating the findings on soil and hydrology functioning, the consultancy will contribute to designing a comprehensive framework that ensures effective coordination, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable management of the natural resources in the sebkha of Sidi Ali Makki.

• Tasks to be undertaken

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Review and validate the monitoring methodology for the water table in Ghar el Melh;

• Conduct regular meetings to supervise field monitoring and in situ work;

• Participate in coordination meetings with key stakeholders (INSTM, CRDA, APAL) and project partners;

• Participate in project workshops with key stakeholders; and 

• Prepare a policy note on applying the ecosystem approach to water management, focusing on ecological flow and nature-based solutions for adaptation.

• Deliverables and deadlines 

• Timeline

The duration of the assignment is 15 Hj spread over 7 months (from June to December 2023).

A detailed timeline for the deliverables will be developed in consultation with the consultant and agreed upon prior to the start of the mission.

• Qualifications

In order to carry out the assignment, the consultant should meet the following qualifications criteria:

• Senior consultant, more than 15 years’ experience;

• University degree: PhD in water, earth sciences, or a related fields;

• In-depth technical knowledge of the water sector in Tunisia, including understanding of the political, economic, and social issues related to water resource management, future challenges facing the sector, such as climate change, food security, and energy;

• Proficiency in applying a global and ecosystem approach to natural resource management, with a specific focus on water.

• Documents to be submitted by the consultant

• Technical offer

• The CV(s) signed by the person involved detailing the experiences similar to this assignment including the references and supporting documents for the work carried out;
• A methodological note with a timetable detailing the approach to be followed to carry out the tasks assigned and to achieve the expected results of this consultancy .
• Valid registration certificate, VAT number registration.

• Financial offer

• Financial offer specifying the remuneration detailing the number of days per deliverable requested.
• The total amount of the service must include all taxes.

The bidder can apply in English or French.

• Submission of the offer

The offer must be sent to the following email address: na.contact@wwfna.org before 26/06/2023.

Offers received after this date will not be considered.

• Selection Criteria

The consultant will be selected based on the following criteria: