Consultant for historical and projected mapping of future changes in forest carbon stocks over time back to the year 2000 and forward to the year 2070 using data from a forest inventory database
SUMMARY OF PROCUREMENT
The World Resources Institute is looking to award a fixed-price contract to an organization with the necessary knowledge and expertise to produce historical and projected future maps of changes in forest carbon stocks from 2000 to 2070. These maps will be based on data from a forest inventory database with repeated measurements (GFI-4D). The duration of the contract is 05 months, non-renewable, and the deadline for submission of proposals is 10 January 2025,
The quoted budget in the RFP is 48,000.00 USD. WRI is strongly committed to attaining value for money in all aspects of our work, however, we recognize the importance of this initiative.
WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet their development goals while protecting and restore naturing; and to stabilize the climate and build resilient communities. We aim to fundamentally transform the way the world produces and uses food and energy and design cities to create a better future for all. Founded in 1982, WRI has nearly 1,800 staff around the world, with country offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States and regional offices in Africa and Europe.
WRI’s recently launched 2023-2027 Strategic Plan | Getting the Transition Right for People, Nature & Climate which significantly shifts not only the impact that WRI aims to achieve but also demands increased collaboration across our distributed global network to deliver this impact. The strategy includes a strong argument for catalyzing financial flows to developing countries, to enable transitions in three Human-Centered systems: food, land, and water; energy; and cities.
The Congo Basin, encompassing the world's second-largest tropical rainforest, is a critical component of the global carbon cycle. It stores vast amounts of carbon and plays a vital role in mitigating climate change. Despite its significance, the region faces challenges in accurately monitoring forest carbon stocks and dynamics due to limited access to detailed, locally relevant, and spatially precise data. This project aims to address these challenges by integrating in situ forest inventory data with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) techniques
To conduct this study, WRI is seeking a nonprofit organization or research institution with expertise in forest inventory mapping and forest carbon stock estimation in Cameroon and DRC. The selected partner should be capable of producing both historical and projected maps showing changes in forest carbon stocks from 2000 to 2070, integrate data of forest inventory into the Global Forest Inventory Database (GFI-4D). Additionally, the consultant will also be responsible to produced information on projected changes on tree species composition over time and develop documentation on knowledge transfer and capacity building
Under the supervision of the Data Lab lead for WRI Africa, tree main deliverables are expected from the consultant are as follows:
Deliverable #1— Comprehensive report and a structured database of forest inventories measured at 65 sites (10 plots in Cameroon and 55 plots in the Democratic Republic of Congo). These inventories were conducted by the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, and the University of Kisangani, DR Congo, following established standard operating procedures. The database will adhere to the standards of the Global Forest Inventory Database (GFI-4D), currently being developed by Purdue University’s FACAI Lab.
Deliverable #2— Maps of historical and projected changes to forest carbon stocks under current and future climate change scenarios for Congo Basin countries. The Forest inventory Database present in global forest inventory database (GFI-4D) shall be used to train and validate an AI-based stand-level forest growth model (MATRIX) that combines plot re-measurements with remote sensing observations and other geospatial data layers to produce raster output maps at 1-km spatial resolution (or finer) of historical and projected future changes in forest carbon stocks over time back to the year 2000 and forward to the year 2070. Additional produce also information on projected changes to tree species composition over time.
Deliverable #3—Comprehensive documentation focusing on understanding the use of the forest growth model and achieving any other outcomes.
Please submit your proposal by 10 January 2025. The top candidate will be selected and informed between January 20, 2025. The assignment is aimed to start by 30 January 2025.
Key Milestones & Dates:
Note: These milestones and dates are estimates and can be adjusted based on best practice and indicated in the proposal submitted by the Consultant.
30 January 2025
Kick-off call with project team members
Early – March 2025
Report of integration of Data into the Global Forest Inventory Database (GFI-4D).
Early -April 2025
Creation of Historical and Projected Forest Carbon Stock Maps
Early -May 2025
Provide information on projected changes in tree species composition over time.
End of May 2025
Knowledge transfer and Capacity building Documentation
End-June 2025
Submission of final consultation report
Regular Check-Ins
In addition to the key milestones and dates above, the Consultant should propose a regular check-in with the project team to help guide the project. The Consultant is responsible for driving the agenda of these check-ins and key follow-up.
WRI aims to make its funding accessible to as many organizations and researcher as possible.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must:
• Be a non-profit entity, research institution. Individuals must apply through an institutional sponsor. Partnerships are strongly encouraged, but only the lead applicant will receive funds
• Be headquartered in or have a substantial partnership in the country or region where data will be collected.
• Experience working climate in the Congo Basin;
• Overall cost and reasonableness of the proposal;
5.2Expression of Interest, Deadline for Questions, and Proposal
All expressions of interest and questions about this RFP must be received via email to the contact below by 10 January 2025, 15:30 (Kinshasa, DRC). Answers to the questions will be shared will all parties who have asked questions or otherwise expressed interest.
Name Kenmoe Kendie
Title: Forest Atlas Technical Manager
Email: [email protected]
Name Teodyl Nkuintchua
Title: Congo Basin Strategy and Engagement Leader at WRI Africa
Email: [email protected]
All proposals must be sent by 15:30, 10 January 2025 (Kinshasa, DRC) in electronic format to the same contact listed above.