RFP/CARA/2611/75 Ecological Assessments and Nature-Based Tourism Dev. in Mannar

Mannar District in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province is home to ecologically significant coastal and wetland ecosystems that support biodiversity, fisheries and local livelihoods. These ecosystems, particularly Vankalai, Giant’s Tank and surrounding areas, provide considerable opportunities for nature-based tourism, including birdwatching, wildlife observation, environmental education and other low-impact tourism activities. However, increasing climate risks, ecosystem degradation, inadequate tourism planning and limited community participation pose challenges to the sustainable development of these natural resources.

To address these challenges, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial assistance from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom through Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) Programme, is implementing the Climate-Resilient Nature-Based Tourism Initiative for Mannar, Sri Lanka from 1 August 2026 to 30 September 2027. The project aims to strengthen climate-resilient, biodiversity-positive and community-oriented nature-based tourism through integrated ecosystem conservation, sustainable destination planning, climate adaptation and inclusive livelihood development.

The initiative adopts a conservation-linked tourism approach that seeks to balance tourism development with ecological integrity and community benefits. It promotes sustainable tourism investment, improved destination management, low-impact tourism infrastructure, community-based tourism products and local economic opportunities, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable communities. The project also seeks to strengthen institutional coordination, local governance and community stewardship to ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism development and ecosystem conservation.

In this context, UNDP seeks to engage an experienced multidisciplinary consultancy firm with the requisite expertise to undertake destination planning, ecological carrying-capacity and climate vulnerability assessments, investment planning, preliminary blue-carbon assessment, institutional development support and technical planning for nature-based tourism experiences in Mannar

The overall objective of the assignment is to provide integrated technical assessments, strategic planning support and institutional support for Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Department of wildlife, Department of Forests etc. for the development of a climate-resilient, biodiversity-positive and community-inclusive nature-based tourism in Mannar, with specific focus on Vankalai, and Giant’s Tank 

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