Tenders Are Invited For Ecotourism Sites Mapping And Assessment Gishwati-Mukura And Nyungwe Buffer Zones

Tenders are invited for Ecotourism Sites Mapping and Assessment Gishwati-Mukura and Nyungwe Buffer Zones. Location: Kigali Deadline: Wednesday, 08/07/2026 23:59 Cordaid is an internationally operating value-based emergency relief and development organization, working in and on fragility. We stand with those who are hardest hit by poverty and conflict. We support them in their struggle to move beyond survival and to fully participate in equitable and resilient societies. Cordaids vision is a world where people live with dignity and peace and enjoy equal access to resources and opportunities that promote sustainable development. In Rwanda, Cordaid focuses on strengthening food security, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development by collaborating with government institutions, local communities, and private sector actors. Interventions include supporting smallholder farmers through market system development, facilitating access to finance, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and integrating climate change adaptation strategies for building resilient communities. 2. Background and context Cordaid Rwanda, in partnership with the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) and other implementing partners, is implementing the project Building Resilience of Vulnerable Communities to Climate Variability in Rwandas Congo Nile Divide Through Forest and Landscape Restoration (CND Project). The project is co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Environment. It aims to addressing climate variability by strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities in Rwandas Congo Nile Divide through sustainable forest and landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, and improved livelihoods. The project aims to develop community-based ecotourism infrastructure such as campsites, trails and bridges to facilitate the operationalization of community led ecotourism activities outside the protected areas of Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda. Three campsites have been identified, located in the Gishwati-Mukura buffer zone (Gatenga, Karumbi and Bitenga campsites) in Rutsiro District. Trails have been partially mapped but are considered inadequate for tourism use. The project intend to establish a cooperative of at least 30 freelance youth guides from neighboring communities, trained and equipped to deliver guiding and hospitality services connected to the GMNP. This study and mapping exercise will produce the evidence base and technical specifications required to plan and cost all subsequent project activities related to the above. 3. Objectives of the assignment The study will: assess the condition and tourism potential of the three existing Gishwati-Mukura campsites; map all trails including riverside routes linking the campsites neighboring GMNP and remnants forests of Nyungwe NP areas connected to the existing trails established under the project, identify and assess new trails around the Nyungwe NP buffer zone to be included in the community tourism attractions; identify bridge crossing points to be constructed, and locate appropriate signposts location (for description of area, navigation, information and safety, etc....); develop inventory of new and existing community-managed attraction opportunities (tea plantation experiences, agri-tourism, cultural experiences, nature-based activities, handcraft, etc...); identify rest and safety facilities for visitors such as resting shelters, stone benches, and produce costed development plans for all three campsites, trails/bridges and signage posts. 4. Scope of work and responsibilities 4.1 Campsite assessment around Gishwati-Mukura NP (All existing sites) For each site the consultant will assess current physical condition (shelter, water, sanitation, accessibility); tourism carrying capacity and recommended tent configuration (minimum 15 tents per site); required renovation works, utilities, and amenities (water supply, waste management, ablution facilities, solar lighting, cooking area, reception/welcome structure); safety risks and mitigation measures; and estimated rehabilitation cost. 4.2 Trails mapping and infrastructure assessmentto the three campsites and new trails around Nyungwe NP area Using GPS and topographic data, the consultant will produce geo-referenced trails maps (with GPS coordinates) for all routes linking the three campsites; identify and assess all water crossings requiring bridges or stepping structures; recommend trail grading (easy / moderate / challenging) and estimated walking durations ( distances) ; identify optimal signpost locations (trailheads, junctions, viewpoints, safety points) with GPS coordinates; and flag any environmental or safety risks on routes. 4.3 Community attractions inventory In consultation with local communities and authorities, the consultant will identify and document community-managed experience opportunities such as tea plantation visits and processing demonstrations; traditional farming, beekeeping and food experiences; cultural and craft experiences; birdwatching and nature interpretation points; and viewpoints and landscape features of tourism value. For each attraction, the assessment will note management of entity, readiness level, investment required, revenue potential, and any other relevant point of attention. 4.4 Youth Freelance guides labour market assessment The consultant will estimate the pool of eligible youth in target communities (age 1835, proximity to sites); identify any existing guiding experience or relevant skills; assess literacy ( at least secondary level with relevant background, language (English / French) and digital literacy levels); and recommend a selection methodology for the 30+ cooperative members to be trained. 9. Ethical Considerations The consultant must comply with Cordaids safeguarding, code of conduct, integrity, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, child protection, environmental responsibility, and data protection policies throughout the assignment. 10. Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights All deliverables, including the developed solutions, will become the property of Cordaid and its partners. The service provider must maintain strict confidentiality regarding any proprietary or sensitive information obtained during the assignment. 11. Right to Cease Advertisement Cordaid reserves the right to withdraw or cease the advertisement for this consultancy at any time prior to the signing of a contract. This decision may be made at Cordaids discretion and without obligation to provide reasons for such withdrawal. All interested parties will be promptly notified if the advertisement is cancelled. Applications should be submitted via email to [email protected], by 8thJuly 2026. Please use the subject line: Ecotourism Sites Mapping and assessment Gishwati-Mukura and Nyungwe Buffer Zones Tender Link : https://www.jobinrwanda.com/job/terms-reference-ecotourism-sites-mapping-and-assessment-gishwati-mukura-and-nyungwe-buffer