Study on Plastic Reduction in Ports : Reduction Potential from Hotels, Gastronomy and Tourism (HORECA Sector), with a focus on Tabarka and Gabes-WWF Retour vers les opportunités

Study on Plastic Reduction in Ports : Reduction Potential from Hotels, Gastronomy and Tourism (HORECA Sector), with a focus on Tabarka and Gabes

• Background

WWF North Africa (WWF NA) is part of the WWF global network and leads conservation and climate resilience efforts across the North African region. The office works at the interface of science, policy, and community engagement to conserve biodiversity, restore critical ecosystems, and promote sustainable natural resource management. WWF NA collaborates closely with national authorities, regional institutions, civil society, and local communities to deliver inclusive, evidence-based solutions aligned with national priorities and international environmental commitments.  

In this context, WWF NA is implementing the Plastic Smart Ports project to reduce plastic pollution in Tunisian coastal areas, with two pilot ports: Tabarka and Gabès. Beyond fisheries, the HORECA sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes) is a major source of single-use plastic leakage in ports and adjacent coastal zones. This study aims to assess the reduction potential of plastics from hospitality and tourism activities, which are particularly abundant in Tabarka, as well as from cafés and restaurants located around the port of Gabès, where fishing remains the dominant activity.

• Objectives of the Assignment

The consultant will:

• Analyze the flow of single-use plastics from HORECA establishments in Tabarka and Gabès (e.g., cups, straws, packaging, bottles).
• Prepare a baseline report on current practices and plastic consumption patterns in hotels, restaurants, and cafés.
• Evaluate existing waste management systems, focusing on collection, sorting, and recycling options for HORECA-related plastics.
• Identify feasible alternatives (biodegradable products, reusable systems, deposit-return schemes).
• Develop recommendations for reducing plastic use in the HORECA sector and integrating these measures into port waste management schemes.

• Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Conduct surveys and interviews with hotel managers, restaurant and café owners, port authorities, and municipal waste services.
• Review Tunisian regulations on waste management and tourism sector obligations.
• Facilitate stakeholder workshops to present reduction strategies and gather feedback.
• Assess technical and economic feasibility of proposed solutions (e.g., reusable packaging systems, supplier engagement).
• Propose policy recommendations and financing models for sustainable implementation.

Deliverables

• Comprehensive report including: 

• Baseline analysis of plastic usage in HORECA establishments.
• Recommendations for reduction strategies and waste management improvements, with a focus on Tabarka and Gabes.

• Step-by-step roadmap for short, medium, and long-term implementation.

• Workshop materials (ppt, tools) and stakeholder engagement plan.

All deliverables to be submitted in English and French (French to facilitate engagement with Tunisian stakeholders) in electronic format (word and pdf). 

WWF North Africa will confirm acceptance within 5 working days of submission.

Confidentiality & intellectual property

All interviewees’ personal data will remain strictly confidential. The study findings will be published as part of the Plastic Smart Ports project deliverables. All project-related data and reports are the exclusive property of the Project Consortium and may not be disclosed or used externally without prior written consent.

• Consultant profile, duration & budget

Profile

• Local consultant with a degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Tourism Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in waste management, tourism sustainability, or plastic reduction initiatives.
• Proven expertise in stakeholder engagement with hospitality and tourism actors.
• Strong knowledge of Tunisian regulatory frameworks and circular economy principles.
• Excellent communication skills in French and English.

Budget and Payment Terms

• The consultancy is estimated at 15 working days for a local expert at 800 TND/day, covering all professional fees, travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses.
• Additional 1,000 TND allocated for graphical layout and illustration of the final report.
  Total budget: 13,000 TND.
• The assignment should be completed within one month from the start date. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon with WWF North Africa.
• Payments will be made per validated deliverable, with no advance payment. All travel-related costs are included in the consultancy fee.

• Proposal Requirements

Interested consultants should submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) highlighting relevant experience in waste management, tourism sustainability, and plastic reduction initiatives.
2. Technical Note (maximum 3 pages) detailing:

• Proposed methodology for data collection and analysis.
• Approach for stakeholder engagement (HORECA actors, port authorities, municipalities).
• Sampling plan for assessing plastic flows from hotels, restaurants, and cafés.
• Preliminary table of contents outlining the main sections of the study.

1. Financial Offer specifying the daily rate.
   All travel, accommodation, and per diem costs must be included in this rate.
2. References from at least two similar assignments demonstrating expertise in environmental consulting and tourism-related projects.

• Where and How to Submit Applications

The application package, including the technical and financial offers, must be sent to the following email address: procurment@wwfna.org and please indicate in the email subject line : « Strategic Study on Reducing Plastic from HORECA Sector ».

The deadline for receiving applications is …19 February 2026 EoB.

Applications received after this date will not be considered.