INTRODUCTION
Introduction to the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA)
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that works as a solutions broker to catalyze action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sector, to ensure we learn from each other and work together for a climate resilient future. Adapting to impacts of climate change provides a “win-win” for livelihoods, food security, water supply, health, security, and economic growth. The work of GCA elevates the visibility and political importance of climate adaptation and facilitates solutions, such as smarter investments, new technologies and better planning to become more resilient to climate related threats. GCA is a rapidly growing organization with offices in Abidjan, Beijing, Dhaka, Groningen, and Rotterdam.

GCA’s ambitious 2020-2025 business plan and strategy have three pillars:

• Programs: Food Security; Using Nature for more resilient infrastructure; Water for Urban Growth and Resilience; Climate Finance; Youth Leadership.
• Knowledge: Building adaptation knowledge globally through cutting edge products such as the State and Trends in Adaptation Report and the Adaptation Knowledge Portal.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Formulating policy messages to move the global, regional, and local adaptation agendas forward.

Program Background Information
GCA is committed to advancing innovative strategies that integrate climate adaptation and sustainable development, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change. One such strategy is the promotion of nature-based solutions (NbS) — approaches that leverage natural processes and ecosystems to address climate change impacts along with environmental, social, and economic challenges.

In Africa, railway lines are critical infrastructure, supporting economic growth by connecting remote areas, facilitating trade, and providing access to markets, services, and employment opportunities. However, the land and right of way associated with these railway lines often represent underutilized assets with significant potential for environmental and economic enhancement.

GCA is exploring the potential for deploying NbS along these railway corridors as adaptation measures to mitigate climate risks. This includes practices such as reforestation, afforestation, soil and water conservation, and the restoration of natural habitats. These solutions can not only enhance biodiversity and improve ecosystem services but also contribute to climate resilience by mitigating the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and soil erosion.

A key focus of the present initiative is to quantify and unlock the financial benefits that can be derived from NbS projects for adaptation through the generation of carbon credits. By sequestering carbon dioxide, these projects can produce carbon credits that can be traded in global carbon markets. This creates a revenue stream for railway companies and landowners, transforming what might otherwise be an unproductive expense into a valuable asset acting for adaptation and mitigation jointly. The proceeds from these carbon credits can then be reinvested into further developing and maintaining the railway infrastructure. This approach aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development by creating a self-sustaining mechanism that supports both economic growth, environmental stewardship and climate adaptation.

Through this initiative, GCA aims to showcase the dual benefits of NbS: enhancing the sustainability of critical infrastructure while providing a new source of finance that can accelerate the development of railway networks across Africa. This concept note will specifically examine, on a high level, the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing NbS along railway lines, with a particular emphasis on projects in Tanzania as a representative case study.

Purpose of this Assignment
Within this context, GCA is seeking a qualified firm to assess opportunity to leverage Carbon credits for nature-based solutions and railway resilience in Tanzania.

The detailed Terms of Reference and Deliverables for this assignment are presented in Annex 3. The total duration of this assignment is estimated at up to 6 Weeks.

Bidders shall respond to the strategic requirements of GCA with a strong emphasis on responsiveness to GCA technical requirements and performance, substantive progress reports, achievement of tasks and activities to match the Scope of Services/Terms of Reference and the production of the deliverables on time, to highest applicable standards. For further information See Annex 3 – Terms of Reference.

Scope of Work
The consultant’s work will include, but is not limited to:
·       Data Collection and Analysis:
o      Compile available global data on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), with a specific focus on successful projects and innovative practices in Africa on railway corridors and regenerative agricultural practices, in particular for climate adaptation.
o      Analyze and quantify on a high level the potential for carbon credit generation from NbS, exploring revenue opportunities and long-term financial benefits.
o      Perform an in-depth case study of railway projects in Tanzania, including analysis of environmental, social, and economic impacts, as well as carbon credit potential, to serve as a model for broader regional applications.
·       Stakeholder Consultation:
o      Engage with key stakeholders, including railway companies, landowners, and environmental experts, to gather insights and validate data.
·       Development of Concept Note:
o      Draft a comprehensive concept note outlining the potential of NbS for railway lines in Africa.
o      Include detailed sections on financial projections, case studies, and strategic recommendations, showcasing potential returns from carbon credits, as well as funding pathways and financial structures.

Submission of the Proposal
If you are interested in participating in this Request for Proposal, you are requested to submit your proposal in PDF format to the link: GCA-PR-24-622 – Proposals no later than 6 December 2024,16:00:00 hours (04:00:00 p.m. o’clock), Central European Time (CET) (hereinafter referred to as “the closing date and time”).

Bidders are cautioned that the timing of submission is based on when the proposal is received by the GCA, not when a proposal is submitted by a bidder. As transmission can be delayed due to file transfer size, transmission speed or other technical factors, bidders should plan to submit proposals well in advance of the Submission Deadline to avoid submitting late due to technical issues. Bidders submitting near the Submission Deadline do so at their own risk.

Proposals received after the closing date and time will be rejected. GCA will confirm receipt of proposals within 24 hours from the closing date and time. Bidders that do not receive this confirmation must contact GCA within 48 hours from the closing date and time. After 48 hours from the closing date and time, GCA shall not respond to any queries related to whether a bidder’s proposal was received.

Please download the full RFP on this page for more information