Terms of Reference For Preparation of Sustainable Riverbed Sand, Stone and Gravel Mining Protocol

Terms of Reference

For

Preparation of Sustainable Riverbed Sand, Stone and Gravel Mining Protocol

1. Background:

The Lower Karnali Watershed covers 747 km2 in Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape. Rich in aquatic biodiversity, it harbors 136 fish species and provides ecosystem services for local communities. The watershed provides a rich mosaic of habitats that includes rivers, riverine forests, floodplain grasslands and oxbow lakes which is suitable for a large number of fish species and provides habitat for many IUCN Red List species such as Gharial Crocodile (critically endangered), Mugger Crocodile (vulnerable), Gangetic River Dolphin (endangered) and Smooth-Coated Otter (vulnerable). Considering its significance, the Government of Nepal prioritized the western channel of Karnali River as an ecological corridor and the eastern channel is included in Bardia National Park buffer zone

Otter species are an ecological indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems and protected by the amended Aquatic Animal Protection Act 2002 of the Government of Nepal. However, declining fish diversity and abundance due to overfishing and habitat disturbance caused by intensive river aggregates extraction threaten the health of the river ecosystem and declining smooth-coated otter populations. Limited research on their distribution hampers development of an effective national otter conservation strategy.

Illegal and unsustainable fishing is prevalent in western channels of Karnali River due to interlinked drivers- limited capacity to enforce fisheries regulations and insufficient fisheries management procedures. Unregulated riverbed sand, stone and gravel mining has rapidly increased in the western belt of the Karnali. Local governments have limited capacity to ensure sustainable extraction and contractors extract aggregates without following environmental management plans required by Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) reports. Weak compliance and monitoring mechanisms from local governments allow degradation of river systems and otter habitat, destroying vegetation and fish spawning sites which has caused a sharp decline in fish diversity and abundance, threatening the traditional livelihoods and food security of indigenous and marginalized Sonaha and Tharu communities.  In these regards, DCC has been strengthening the capacity of representatives from local governments, government line agencies and law enforcement agencies to enhance the conservation of river ecosystem benefiting both freshwater species and dependent local communities. This task is to support local governments especially Bhajani Municipality, Rajapur Municipality and Joshipur Rural Municipality in preparing their Sustainable Riverbed Sand, Stone and Gravel Mining Protocols.

2. Objective:

The primary objectives of the research are:

• To develop a protocol for sustainable management of riverbed sand, stone and gravel mining maintaining socio-ecological balance
• Develop monitoring mechanisms to assess the impact of extraction activities and ensure compliance with environmental regulation and promote sustainable practice among stakeholders
• Prepare a standard for extraction, collection and transportation of the riverbed sand, stone and gravel  

3. Methodology:

Literature review:

The review of relevant scientific articles, reports, and policies concerning the regulation of illegal extraction of river products from the Karnali River, particularly in otter and aquatic animal hotspot areas, shall be conducted in collaboration with the community. 

Consultation/Interaction/Meetings:

Series of interactive programs, including workshops and meetings, shall be conducted with the community, relevant government and non-government organizations, experts, academia, the community river stretch management groups, forestry user groups, the Division Forest Office, and local communities, either together or separately, as needed for effective management of the sand, stone and gravel mining from the Karnali River in otter habitat areas. 

Field investigation:

Field visits shall be conducted by an interdisciplinary team comprising, but not limited to, an ecologist, sociologist, hydrologist, and watershed expert. The team will need to gather all relevant facts, figures, and information from the field, either through scientific studies or various levels of meetings, as previously described.

Draft sharing:

The team shall share the draft protocols with the local government representatives, including Environmental Focal Points and members of relevant Municipal Environmental Committees, community river stretch management groups, community forest user groups, water users groups, relevant experts, local CSOs and indigenous peoples and local communities  for their constructive engagement in the process and to incorporate their voices in the protocols The consultant team shall work closely with the river adjoining local governments while preparing the Protocol. 

Final sharing meeting:

The final draft will be shared with experts and relevant stakeholders at the local level government. Comments, suggestions, and feedback received shall be incorporated into the final protocol. The final protocols shall be submitted to the respective local government and receive approval and endorsement accordingly.

4. Time Frame and Schedule:

A maximum of 3 months is estimated for this work considering the required field visits.

5. Deliverables

• Three Protocols for sustainable riverbed sand, stone and gravel mining and endorsement from the respective local governments.
• Digital photographs of meetings/workshops. 
• Financial report with supporting invoices.

6. Team Composition and Qualification

The team should comprise ecologist, sociologist, hydrologist and geology expert.

1. Team Leader:

Qualification and competency of Team Leader

• Masters’ Degree in Environment Science/ Management, Aquatic Biodiversity, River Geomorphology, Hydrogeology, Forestry, Natural Resources Management or related discipline with at least 10 years of experience in sustainable riverbed sand, stone and gravel mining and environmental assessment

2. Geologist with experience analyzing the geological aspects of riverbed materials:

Qualification of Geologist:

• Masters degree in geology or geotechnical engineering
• At least 5 years of experience in IEE/EIA Preparation of river sediment.

3. Sociologist/Gender and Social Inclusion expert

Qualification and competency of Sociologist

• Master’s Degree in Sociology/Gender/economics/development studies   related discipline
• At least 5 years of working experience in gender and social inclusion in natural resources management sector, including IEE/EIA preparation for sandstone and gravel mining 
• Should have knowledge on environment and social safeguard

4. Hydrologist with hydrological impacts of river aggregates extraction on river flow, sediment transport, and water quality.

Qualification of a Hydrologist:

• At least bachelor’s degree in civil engineering/ Hydrology/ Water Resources Management
• At least 2 years of experience in hydrology, water resource management and river dynamics

7. Budget

Interested VAT registered individuals/organizations should submit a Technical and financial proposal that includes a detailed breakdown of total activities and budget: Expert fee, meeting cost, travel cost, communication costs and other costs, if any. (including 13% VAT)

8. Consultant Selection Process:

Consultants will be selected based on technical and financial proposals following DCC Nepal's standard procedure for procurement of consultancy services.

9. Proposal Submission Details

Interested VAT registered individuals /organizations are requested to submit technical and financial proposals via email by 17th October 2025.

10. Mode of Payment

The payment will be made as per Dolphin Conservation Center's norms and upon submissions of satisfactory deliverables. Note that payments are subject to tax deduction as per prevailing government rules.

Annex 1: The financial proposal should be submitted along with:

Organization Registration, and latest renewal - applicable to NGO

1. VAT registration certificate
2. Latest tax clearance certificate (for private company)
3. Registration with Social Welfare Council for I/NGO
4. Tax Exemption Certificate, if applicable
5. Latest curriculum vitae/s of all Experts
6. Authorization letter from the current employer, if working

Note:

While submitting the proposal through email, please keep savedolphind@gmail.com and save.dolphind10@gmail.com in the email loop.