Tender Ref No: AFZWE0058/IRT/001 – Q&A Session 1
1. Of the 250,000 hectares …. how many hectares are forest?
To be cost effective, the industry norm is to ensure a minimum initial registration of 250,000 Ha of largely contiguous woodland. This hectarage will be achieved in the project area through registration of a blend of (i) community-owned and administered woodland, (ii) private sector conservation land and (iii) portions of the Gonarezhou National Park (in order to provide the requisite hectarage for a viable project). The final “blend” will depend on the outcome of (i) stakeholder consultation and agreement and (ii) technical feasibility assessment that will be done by the REDD+ Project developer.
2. What is the approximate size of communities within the project area – how many people?
Rural communities living adjacent to the Gonarezhou National Park have an average size of 4.9 persons per household, in 12 wards, with a total population of 81,441, which is approximately 16,544 households.
3. What is the potential for the project to expand?
This is an initial phase 1 of the project. There are subsequent phases based on the success of this phase. Within the south-east lowveld of Zimbabwe, there is approximately 600,000 ha of land for the project if Gonarezhou National park is included. Potential to expand into Chipinge district is available. Subsequent phases may include registration across a broader landscape in the SEL and perhaps extend to Mozambican portions of the GL-TFCA.
4. How many elephants in the project area?
It is estimated that 13,000 elephants are within the Gonarezhou National Park. The project area encompasses the Gonarezhou National Park and surrounding communities.
5 . Is there scope/opportunity for Applicants to be co-investors as well as REDD+ project development service providers?
Yes applicants could be both co-investors and/or project development service providers.
The REDD+ Service Provider could also potentially be a co-investor, subject to (i) parameters to be defined by the project proponents in the formal Invitation To Tender and (ii) evaluation of offers and proposals developed by applicants.