Oportunidades de trabajo

CONSIDERACIONES: 

• Los proponentes deberán asumir todos los costos asociados con la elaboración y la presentación de las propuestas que someterán a evaluación de MAR Fund en el marco de la/las presente(s) convocatoria(s), por lo que reconocen que no existe obligación alguna por parte de MAR Fund de cubrir dichos costos – ya sea total o parcialmente – ni de proporcionar ningún anticipo o compensación en caso de que su(s) propuesta(s) no resulte elegida(s).
• Los proponentes reconocen y aceptan que la elaboración de la/las propuesta(s) no constituye una obligación financiera por parte de MAR Fund, por lo que la responsabilidad económica y financiera de la elaboración de la(s) propuesta(s) es exclusivamente del/los proponente(s), independientemente del resultado del proceso de selección.
• El proceso de selección se desarrollará de acuerdo a los lineamientos internos de evaluación de MAR fund y el resultado que emane del mismo será inapelable.
• Solo los proponentes que pasen a la siguiente etapa del proceso de selección serán contactados.

Terms of Reference:
Consultancy to Conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the Mesoamerican Reef Restoration Network (MAR-RRN)

1. Introduction and Background

In 2012, Oceanus A.C. promoted and initiated the creation of the Mesoamerican Reef Restoration Network (MAR-RRN), an important regional platform for coral reef conservation and restoration. The Network’s main objective is to enable the exchange of knowledge, experiences, best practices, and methodologies regarding coral reef restoration and associated ecosystems (seagrass, mangroves, and beach vegetation, among others). The Network promotes the coordination between experts, technicians, scientists, and governmental and non-governmental organizations in the four MAR countries and the Greater Caribbean. More than fifty organizations from the four countries make up the Network.

The Network is managed and led by an Executive Committee and runs under the established bylaws. In 2020, with the support of the MAR2R (CCAD/WWF/GEF) project, the Network developed its governance instruments, including a Strategic Plan and Action Plan for five years (2021-2026). Every two years the Network holds a regional meeting (Biennial meeting), where the Executive Committee presents the progress of the operational plan and shares the next steps for the following two years. The Biennial meetings also represent an opportunity for the Network to exchange experiences and elect a new Executive Committee.

Since 2017, the MAR Fund, through the Mesoamerican Reef Rescue Initiative (RRI)¹, has supported the scientific and technical capacities of the Network. Therefore, to continue to strengthen the Network and ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of the MAR’s critical reef ecosystems, the MAR Fund and the MAR-RRN Executive Committee, are looking for a consultant, to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the MAR-RRN. The selected consultant will be responsible for assessing key operational areas, identifying challenges, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the MAR-RRN.

¹ The main objective of the Initiative is to increase the resilience and recovery of the Mesoamerican Reef and the environmental and cultural services it provides, through capacity building, regulations, economic incentives, and financial sustainability, required for an effective and timely restoration

2. Objective of the consultancy

Conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the Mesoamerican Reef Restoration Network (MAR-RRN) and evaluate its key operational areas, including, but not limited to, governance structure, membership, and bylaws. Identifying challenges, and providing actionable recommendations to strengthen its operations, encourage members’ participation, and enhance the leadership of the Executive Committee.

This diagnostic will be developed through a participatory process and delivered within 4 months, aiming to optimize the Network’s efficiency and effectiveness in supporting reef restoration efforts in the MAR Region.

3. Main activities of the consultancy

1. Develop a detailed work plan and timeline, outlining the scope of the diagnostic assessment, objectives, and expected outcomes.
2. Recommend the appropriate methodology to conduct the diagnostic process and provide recommendations.
3. Gather information from various sources, including, but not limited to, the members of the Network, the Network´s Executive Committee, MAR Fund, document reviews, online interviews, and surveys.
4. Hold an initial meeting with the Network´s Executive Committee and MAR Fund to discuss the work plan and project approach.
5. Schedule and conduct meetings with key members of the Network, the Network´s Executive Committee, the RRI´s technical supervisory committee, MAR Fund staff, and other relevant actors and organizations, to gather insights and perspectives.
6. Revise and analyze the Network´s Strategic Plan, Actions Plan, Bylaws, and other Network documents and governance instruments.
7. Evaluate key operational areas, including the current Network structure, management practices, resource allocation, workflow efficiency, website, and communication strategies.

Note: The translation of the final document, as well as the layout in both languages for publication, will be contracted directly by MAR Fund, separately. The costs of these services will not be included in the fees of this consultancy.

For more information, please download full TdR

4. Deliverables of this consultancy

1. Work plan and methodology: A detailed plan describing the scope, objectives, timeline, and methodology for conducting the diagnosis.
2. Diagnostic analysis and document will include the minimum of:
   • Objective and Scope: Clarify diagnostic aims
   • Context and Background: Provide a brief overview of the MAR-RRN role in the MAR region and why its effectiveness is vital, including a snapshot of current challenges and opportunities.
   • Evaluation of Key Operational Areas: Summarize each key area to be analyzed (e.g., management practices, resource allocation, workflow efficiency, and communication strategies) and assess current performance, highlighting major strengths and limitations.
   • Identify Challenges and Gaps: Analyze specific challenges and gaps within the current processes and operations.
   • Benchmarking and Comparison with Best Practices: Compare findings with best practices and benchmarks from similar projects or organizations, identifying gaps and improvement areas based on established standards and successful approaches in the field.
   • Recommendations: Provide specific, prioritized actions to improve each operational area, with a clear explanation of how these actions can enhance the overall effectiveness and success of the Network.
   • Action Plan for Implementation: Outline a practical action plan for implementing top-priority recommendations, including timelines, roles, resources, and key performance indicators for tracking progress.
   • Conclusion: Summarize the diagnostic’s main insights and the anticipated benefits of implementing the recommendations to strengthen the MAR-RRN.
   • Glossary
3. Presentation: PowerPoint slides summarizing the diagnostic main findings, recommendations, and action plan.
4. Brief consultancy report indicating the work process.
5. List of people interviewed, with name, contact, and organization.
6. Photographic evidence of the consultation process.

5. Deliverables format

All products must be submitted in an editable format. Sent by email only, as attachments. Pictures can be sent via Wetransfer. All products must be submitted in one language (English or Spanish), TBD. Documents should be submitted in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint format. Photographs should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format at 300 dpi.

6. Supervision and communication

MAR Fund will supervise and oversee the implementation of the consultancy. The support of the RRI´s Technical Committee and the Network´s Executive is key to providing feedback and input to the consultancy products.

7. Duration of the consultancy

The consultancy has a duration of 4 months after the signing of the contract.

8. Payments

• Fees will be agreed upon with the consultant depending on experience, availability, and budget.
• Payments for this consultancy will include the consultant’s professional fees. These fees will cover taxes and any banking fees incurred by the consultant.
• Payments will be made according to an agreed delivery schedule and upon satisfactory receipt of the deliverables, and against presentation of the corresponding invoice.
• No travel is required for this consultancy.

9. Requirements for this grant Degree in a relevant field such as management, business administration, environmental science, or related discipline.

• Based in the MAR Region (if based in Mexico it must be in Quintana Roo).
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in conducting comprehensive diagnosis, evaluations, or assessments, particularly in operational or strategic contexts.
• Experience with similar projects or organizations, preferably in the environmental non-profit sector.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

For more information, please download full TdR

10. Required Documentation

1. Cover Letter: detailing the consultant’s interest in the project, relevant experience, and understanding of the scope of work.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (3 pages maximum).
3. Summary of the proposed methodology to conduct the work.
4. Quote or financial proposal.
5. Send the required information meeting these ToR requirements to aherrera@marfund.org and copy to cocana@marfund.org no later than January 20th, 2025 no later than 5 pm CST.

11. Considerations

• Proponents are responsible for all costs associated with the preparation and presentation of proposals submitted to MAR Fund for evaluation on the framework of this request for proposals, and therefore there is no obligation on behalf of MAR Fund to cover such costs – either in whole or in part – or to provide any advance or compensation if their proposal is not selected.
• Proponents acknowledge and accept that the preparation of the proposal(s) does not constitute a financial obligation on behalf of MAR Fund, and therefore the economic and financial responsibility for the preparation of the proposal(s) is exclusive of the proponent(s), regardless of the selection process outcome.
• The selection process will be carried out by MAR fund’s internal evaluation guidelines and the result will be final.
• Only proponents who advance to the next stage of the selection process will be contacted.

Terms of Reference:
Women for the MAR and special projects Officer

1. Background
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) is a regional, private environmental fund with the objective of supporting the protection of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) ecoregion, shared by Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Its mission is to seek, secure and facilitate regional funding, foster partnerships and drive capacity building for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Mesoamerican Reef region.

The Fund carries out its mission through the following programs:

• Saving Our Protected Areas: A Legacy of Care. Establish and protect an interconnected network of priority coastal and marine protected areas in the region.
• Fishing for the Future: Sustainable fisheries for a thriving reef. Engaging communities in co-management of their fisheries, establishing fish replenishment zones, and monitoring and protecting fish spawning aggregations.
• Climate change: The need is now. Supporting adaptation to climate change, specifically for coral reefs and mangroves.
• Clean Water for the Reef: Improving wastewater and solid waste management for a healthier ecoregion and its people.

MAR Fund has targeted women’s initiatives throughout the years across different programs. In 2016, MAR Fund supported 17 women-led projects in Guatemala and Honduras through small grants within the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action Program developed by Fcam, Both ENDS, and Mama Cash. Projects included a Diploma on Afro-Honduran Women’s Leadership for Territorial Defense against Climate Change, Building Climate Resilient Coastal Communities with Women’s Participation in the Sarstun Region of Guatemala, Strengthening women’s capacity to defend their rights to save and protect the mangrove ecosystem and secure their livelihoods, and Strengthening women’s capacity to demand their rights to a clean and healthy environment through the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems of the Garifuna community of Río Esteban in Honduras, among others.

In 2023, the MAR Fund, with support from the Summit Foundation, conducted a consultation to identify and assess ongoing or potential initiatives to simultaneously improve women’s economic opportunities and the health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region. The consultant identified 21 organizations, ventures, and projects in the MAR. Seven women-led projects were prioritized, three of which were eligible and interested in small grant support, which has been awarded.

In addition, MAR Fund coordinates the MAR+Invest Initiative, a cross-cutting program and blended finance mechanism with strong monitoring and evaluation of impact, business acceleration and capacity building that aims to create conditions for a sustainable ocean- based economy in the MAR. MAR+Invest provides a great opportunity to support women- led ventures in the MAR.

More information about the MAR Fund can be found at https://marfund.org

II. Position overview
The officer will be responsible for strengthening the capacity of MAR Fund by designing and implementing a project that links improved economic opportunities for women with improved health of the MAR. This role will include developing an integrated Program Strategy based on the MAR Fund Strategic Plan, starting with a stakeholder analysis and identification of funding needs, strengthening the capacity of the MAR Fund team on gender issues, and continuing to map women’s needs, gaps, opportunities and businesses in the MAR. This position will also focus on strengthening rural women’s groups (including indigenous communities) on development and submission of proposals, grant follow-up, development of technical and financial reports, design and measurement of indicators and social and environmental safeguards. The Officer will also support the Technical Director in following up on special projects.

III. Key responsibilities

• Analyze data to understand the needs and opportunities for supporting women entrepreneurs in the MAR region.
• Design a comprehensive strategy to develop the MAR Fund Women for the MAR Project with an integrated vision, capable of linking the MAR Fund Strategic Plan with related projects and programs.
• Organize and conduct training sessions for the MAR Fund team on gender issues, ensuring that gender equity is mainstreamed into all aspects of the organization’s work.
• Support the elaboration/update of gender/inclusion/equity policies or procedures.
• Implement the MAR Fund Women for the MAR Project strategy.

For more information, please download full TdR

IV. Qualifications and attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in gender, gender justice, social sciences, sociology, anthropology, social work, development, or related fields.
• At least 3 years of project management experience with a focus on gender and women’s empowerment.
• Strong understanding of gender issues and women’s empowerment, particularly in the context of environmental, conservation, or entrepreneurship projects.
• Experience in supporting and building the capacity of rural women’s groups.
• Knowledge of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the MAR, preferable.
• Knowledge of and experience working in the Mesoamerican Reef Region preferred.
• Proven experience in fundraising and proposal writing.
• Excellent creative and proactive skills, action-oriented; able to act and react as needed, even if limited information is available.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve internal and external challenges and identify and respond to opportunities.
• Impeccable verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to produce high quality documents.
• Proficiency in data analysis and database management, preferable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to represent MAR Fund with professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, including a good sense of humor, selfawareness, and openness to feedback.

V. Oversight
The Women for the MAR and special projects Officer reports directly to the Technical Director.

VI. Place of work
The position may be based in any of the Mesoamerican Reef countries. If in Mexico, it must be based in Quintana Roo. The project officer will work from her/his residence.

VII. Duration of contract and compensation
The contract will be for a 12-month period, subject to renewal, with a trial period of three months. Fees will be based on the candidate’s experience. Payments will be disbursed monthly, and the consultant or employee is required to submit an invoice for each payment, including taxes. Travel expenses associated with essential activities related to MAR Fund business will be reimbursed.

VIII. Application process
Qualified individuals should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae
• One-page essay (maximum) indicating the reason she/he is interested in this position and why they are the best person for the job, in English and Spanish.
• Three references from existing or former direct supervisors.

IX. Deadline and contact
Please provide the required information by January 10th, 2025 to the following email: jmorales@marfund.org

Terms of Reference:
CONSULTANCY: PILOT OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM IN SARGASSUM UPCYCLING PROCESS:

1. Background

The Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) coastline stretches for 1,000 kilometers from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the Bay Islands and coastal Honduras, through the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, all of Belize and Quintana Roo, Mexico. The MAR includes the largest barrier reef in the Atlantic and is an integral component of an interconnected and transboundary system of coastal habitats. The MAR region is world renowned for its diverse natural wonders as well as its rich cultural and ethnic diversity.

The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a blended finance instrument to mobilize action and resources to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems. GFCR supports efforts to incubate and accelerate revenue-generating interventions that can sustainably finance the mitigation and elimination of unsustainable direct and indirect local drivers of coral reef degradation.

In 2022, GFCR approved the creation of MAR+Invest, the business and finance facility for the MAR. MAR+Invest, led by MAR Fund, convenes a partnership of organizations from the MAR countries, including New Ventures Group & Viwala, Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature & Sureste Sostenible, and the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative. The program partners bring together

diverse expertise on conservation, monitoring, leadership, capacity building, conservation finance, innovation and impact investment sectors.

MAR+Invest supports the development of enterprises that generate coral positive outcomes and market returns. It calls for proposals to identify potential market initiatives in different stages of development, with a reef positive end result for the MAR.

It identifies, incubates, and enables finance solutions that offer a scale of impact capable of reducing local threats to the reef, generate alternative livelihoods, increase financial sustainability for coastal and marine protected areas in the MAR, grow an Emergency Fund managed by MAR Fund, and ultimately attract capital to develop a coral positive investment portfolio. During the first phase, which started in July 2022, MAR+Invest established the technical assistance facility (MARTAF), managed by MAR Fund, and the Financing Facility, managed by New Ventures. These two structures are the foundation of MAR+Invest to attract catalytic and commercial capital to the ecoregion to build the resilience of MAR coral reefs via blended finance. Now, in the second phase from June 2024 to May 2026, MAR+Invest will consolidate its plans to grow the Blue Economy sector for the MAR region, by supporting reef-positive ventures and attracting capital.

More information about this initiative can be found at : https://mar-invest.org/

CARBONWAVE SARGASSUM BIOREFINERY

Sargassum, a type of brown seaweed, has been rapidly proliferating in the Atlantic Ocean, forming massive floating mats that have become a pressing concern for the Caribbean region. These blooms have significantly increased in frequency and intensity over the past decade, posing a serious threat to the delicate marine ecosystems of the Caribbean, particularly coral reefs.

When sargassum washes ashore, it can smother coral reefs, blocking sunlight and preventing photosynthesis, leading to coral bleaching and death. Additionally, decomposing sargassum releases nutrients and toxins into the water, degrading water quality and harming marine life. The accumulation of sargassum on reefs can also increase sedimentation, smothering corals and reducing their ability to feed and reproduce. The accumulation of sargassum on reefs can also increase sedimentation, smothering corals and reducing their ability to feed and reproduce^[1].

Several factors are believed to contribute to the proliferation of sargassum, including increased nutrient pollution from agricultural activities and coastal development, as well as changes in ocean currents and temperatures due to climate change. The combined effects of these factors have resulted in a dramatic increase in sargassum blooms, posing a significant threat to the health and biodiversity of Caribbean coral reefs^[2].

^[1] F. Antonio-Martínez, Y. Henaut, A. Vega-Zepeda, et al., «Leachate Effects of Pelagic Sargassum spp. on Larval Swimming Behavior of the Coral Acropora Palmata,» Scientific Reports 10 (2020): 3910, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-60864-z.

^[2] Mengqiu Wanget al.The great AtlanticSargassumbelt.Science365,83 87(2019).DOI:10.1126/science.aaw7912

Addressing the sargassum problem requires a multifaceted approach involving mechanical removal strategies, research and development of mitigation techniques, and international cooperation. Investing in these efforts is crucial to protect the vital ecosystems of the Caribbean and ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s marine resources.

Carbonwave is a pioneering company dedicated to the sustainable collection and transformation of Sargassum seaweed from the Caribbean, a natural resource with vast potential. The company’s innovative approach focuses on converting this abundant marine biomass into valuable products for the agricultural and cosmetics industries.

In agriculture, Carbonwave produces bio-stimulants that enhance plant growth and soil health. These bio-stimulants are designed to improve crop resilience and productivity, offering farmers a sustainable solution that supports higher yields while reducing environmental impact. For the cosmetics industry, Carbonwave develops natural emulsifiers derived from Sargassum. These emulsifiers provide superior performance and skin benefits, enabling the creation of effective and environmentally friendly beauty and personal care products. Carbonwave’s commitment to sustainability and innovation drives its mission to transform the challenges posed by Sargassum into beneficial, earth-friendly solutions. Through its cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious practices, Carbonwave is leading the way in creating a greener, more sustainable future. However, Carbonwave’s processing of Sargassum is notably water-intensive, requiring approximately 10,000 liters of water per processing cycle. This process generates a significant amount of wastewater that must be disposed of safely. As Carbonwave scales up its production, managing water usage and wastewater disposal has become a critical focus area.

DIAGRAM. FACILITY WATER EFFLUENT

Note: The maximum capacity for processing Fresh Sargassum is 8-10 tons per day.

Mitigation of Sargassum Contamination

Upcycling sargassum with an efficient water use method will have several positive environmental impacts as it avoids contamination.

1. Efficient Processing of Sargassum

• By processing 8-10 tons of sargassum per day, the facility can remove significant amounts of this seaweed from beaches, directly reducing the volume of sargassum that washes ashore.
• Efficient processing helps prevent the accumulation of sargassum, which can decompose and release harmful substances into the marine environment and the air, impacting tourism and local ecosystems, such as reefs.

2. Pollutant Removal from Wastewater

• Sargassum processing generates wastewater that may contain various pollutants such as organic matter, salts, and possibly toxic substances.
• The pilot wastewater treatment system aims to effectively remove these pollutants, ensuring that any discharged water is clean and safe, thus preventing secondary pollution of coastal waters.

3. Water Reuse and Conservation

• Treating and reusing wastewater within the facility can reduce the demand for fresh water, which is crucial in regions where water scarcity is an issue.
• By recycling water, the facility minimizes its environmental footprint, promoting sustainable practices that can be scaled up.

4. Reduced Environmental Impact

• Reducing the facility’s freshwater consumption by 80-90% means that less water is extracted from local sources, preserving these for other critical uses.
• Lower water consumption also means reduced energy use and lower operational costs, making the processing facility more sustainable and economically viable.

5. Scalable and Sustainable Solution

• The pilot’s success will provide valuable data and confidence for full-scale implementation.
• Once fully implemented, the facility can process larger volumes of sargassum with minimal environmental impact, providing a scalable solution to sargassum contamination.

Additional Benefits

• Economic Impact: Cleaner beaches enhance tourism and local businesses, providing economic benefits to coastal communities.
• Ecological Balance: Removing sargassum and treating wastewater helps maintain the health of marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity.
• Innovation in Waste Management: Developing effective wastewater treatment for sargassum processing can serve as a model for other facilities dealing with similar issues, promoting wider adoption of sustainable practices.

In summary, piloting and implementing a wastewater treatment system at Carbonwave’s sargassum processing facility not only improves the efficiency and environmental impact of sargassum removal but also ensures that the process itself does not contribute to further contamination. By treating and reusing water, the facility can operate sustainably, setting a precedent for environmentally responsible sargassum management.

2. Objectives of the consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to pilot a wastewater treatment system to reduce the use of water required for the processing of sargassum, by reusing and properly treating these waters.

3. Contract responsibilities

1. Assess current Wastewater Treatment System at Carbonwave: test the system and provide a baseline of data for effluent quality, treatment efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations
2. Pilot a Wastewater Treatment System: This involves testing a smaller-scale version of the proposed system to evaluate its effectiveness in a controlled environment.
3. Verify Effectiveness in Pollutant Removal: Assessing how well the system can remove harmful pollutants from the wastewater generated during sargassum processing.
4. Water Reuse: Examining the potential for treated water to be reused within the facility, significantly reducing the need for freshwater.
5. Reduce Water Consumption by 80-90%: Aiming for a substantial reduction in the overall water usage, which can have multiple environmental and operational benefits.

The consultancy report will contain a written report in Word, a PowerPoint presentation of the key findings and a 5-minute video presenting the results. All data should be shared in an Excel database, and pictures in high resolution. If taking and using pictures that include people, the consultant must request a signed waiver releasing the use of their image for communication purposes.

The consultant must follow the Environmental and Social Management System of MAR Fund. For more information, visit: https://marfund.org/en/esms/

4. Oversight

The consultant will report directly to the MAR+Invest Coordinator (MAR Fund) who will act as focal point for this consultancy and will coordinate the revision of products with Pegasus Capital, when required. She will also coordinate between the consulting team and the Research & Development (R&D) team of Carbonwave, who will be responsible for the technical evaluation of the delivered products.

The final products and report will be approved ultimately by MAR Fund.

5. Duration of the contract

This consultancy will have a maximum duration of 6-10 months and starts on the date of the contract signature.

6. Payments

The payments will be disbursed based on the products delivered for this consultancy, and based on the work plan and timeline developed by the consultant and agreed to by MAR Fund.

7. Place of Work

The consultant must work from his/her place of residence and be able to travel, if necessary, to the sites of interest in these terms of reference.

8. Qualifications and attributes of the consultants

The consultant(s) or consulting agencies will have the following profiles:

• Water Science and Treatment Consultant(s): Requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience in business operations and the implementation of water treatment plants.
• Capable of producing high-quality technical documents in both English and Spanish languages.
• Strategic and innovative thinking.

9. Applications procedure

The consultant(s) or consulting agency will provide:

• A technical proposal that includes a detailed work plan, methodology, activity timetable, deliverable planning, and the proposed implementation of the pilot, along with any other relevant information. The study must include the items described in Annex A.
• An economic proposal, in USD, with the detailed budget by product. The total amount must include all expenses of the consultancy, including needed travel.
• A portfolio of similar projects carried out by the consulting agency.
• CVs of project participants.
• Three references.

CONSIDERATIONS:

• Proponents are responsible for all costs associated with the preparation and presentation of proposals submitted to MAR Fund for this request for proposals, and therefore there is no obligation on behalf of MAR Fund to cover such costs – either in whole or in part – or to provide any advance or compensation if their proposal is not selected.
• Proponents acknowledge and accept that the preparation of the proposal(s) does not constitute a financial obligation on behalf of MAR Fund, and therefore the economic and financial responsibility for the preparation of the proposal(s) is exclusive of the proponent(s), regardless of the selection process outcome.
• The selection process will be carried out in accordance with MAR Fund’s internal evaluation guidelines and the result will be final.
• Only proponents who advance to the next stage of the selection process will be contacted.

10. Deadline and contact

The required documentation must be sent by January 10, 2025 to the following emails: ajones@marfund.org and saguilar@carbonwave.com.

Annex A

Water Quality Analysis and Protocols for Sargassum Processing.

Well Water Analysis
Objective: To establish a baseline quality for the well water used in the processing of Sargassum.
Parameters to Measure: pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Hardness (calcium and magnesium), Microbial contamination (E. coli, coliforms), Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury).
Frequency: Monthly
Sample Points: Directly from the well.

Rinse Tank Water Analysis
Objective: To evaluate the contamination levels after the water has been used to rinse Sargassum, focusing on pollutants picked up during the cleaning process.
Parameters to Measure: pH, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Oil and Grease (FOG), Sand and debris content
Microbial contamination (E. coli, coliforms)
Frequency: Monthly
Sample Points: From various rinse tanks at different stages of the rinsing process.

Nanofiltration System Water Analysis
Objective: To assess the efficiency of the nanofiltration system in removing contaminants and ensuring the quality of the treated water for potential reuse or discharge.
Parameters to Measure: Ph, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, FOG), Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), Microbial contamination (E. coli, coliforms).
Frequency: Monthly
Sample Points: Sargassum liquid extract input, permeate, and retentate.
Methodology
Sample Collection: Use sterilised containers for collecting water samples.
Follow standard procedures for sample preservation and transportation to the laboratory to prevent contamination.
Laboratory Analysis: Conduct tests in a certified laboratory using standard methods.