WWF-NL is seeking a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of a visitor centre on Bonaire. This multi-purpose hub will function as a centre to inform and educate visitors, as well as supporting crucial conservation and restoration work to tackle the pressures facing Bonaire’s ecosystems.

Call for Proposals: Feasibility Study for Nature and Environment Visitor Centre on Bonaire

Terms of Reference

Project: Feasibility Study Realization of a Nature and Environment Center on Bonaire

Budget: € 45.000,00

1. Background

Bonaire’s natural environment, particularly its marine ecosystems and coral reefs, face growing threats resulting from climate change, disease outbreaks, and land-based sources of pollution. Several NGOs are working hard to safeguard the island’s fragile ecosystems and associated species through nature conservation and restoration programs as well as education and outreach. Scaling of these efforts is however hindered by the lack of facilities to continue to meet the conservation and restoration needs.

The Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP) strategic goal 4 aims to create the enabling conditions necessary for effective management and sustainable use of nature. To address these challenges a multi-functional hub is proposed; this facility should serve first and foremost as a visitor centre where local Bonairians, visitors to the island, as well as businesses can be informed about the relevant legislation (such as the IAB-BES), pressures on the natural environment and potential solutions. It should also include lab facilities and working areas to enable additional research, coral larval propagation, genetic rescue of corals, and animal rehabilitation to support the island in achieving the goals outlined in the NEPP.

2. Objectives

The goals of the feasibility study are:

• Assess the viability of establishing a multifunctional hub including a visitor center with integrated lab facilities
• Determine how the center can:
  • Provide the means to support quality outreach and education
  • Support conservation and restoration efforts through a coral lab, genebank, and animal rescue facilities
  • Enable management-oriented and policy support research

3. Scope of Work

The selected party will

• Provide different scenarios (3) realization, including:
  • Potential locations for the visitor center; waterfront access is preferred
  • Size, design, and function of the center including labs, aquaria, holding tanks, meeting areas, and education and exposition areas
  • Operating costs and capital investments for realization
  • Permits and regulatory compliance
  • Management and governance options including role division of the various stakeholders
  • Draft roadmap into including timeline for realization of the facility
  • Design concept or artist impression of the visitor center
• Assess education and outreach possibilities aligned with local and national nature management goals
• Identify anticipated users, their needs, and necessary capacity for operation including for lab operations, animal welfare, and education programs
• Explore funding mechanisms for continuity
• Provide a risk assessment as well as mitigation strategies

4. Deliverables

• Draft report and presented to stakeholders for feedback to be incorporated into final report
• Final report incorporating above mentioned items as well as recommendations for an implementation roadmap, a funding strategy, and governance model
• A plan for obtaining the land for the development of the information center and facilitation of its implementation

5. Reporting

Regular progress updates are to be provided to the steering committee for this study at pre-agreed upon intervals, but no less than monthly.

6. Budget

The total available budget for this assignment is €45.000; this includes all fees; travel costs; stakeholder engagement activities; design and visualization; and other incidental costs. A financial proposal and timeline for activities should be submitted as part of the expression of interest.

Interested applicants can send a proposal and budget outline to Ms. Francisca via rfrancisca@wwf.nl (cc: agroene@wwf.nl). Deadline for submission is January 12, 2026.