1. General Information
Contracting Authority
This call for proposals is issued by Plan Bleu as part of deliverable D.3.8.1 (Marketing and Comms Strategy/Plan for climate action) of the NaTour4CChange project, co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED program.
Plan Bleu is a French non-profit organization (Association loi 1901) based in Marseille. It serves as a Regional Activity Centre (RAC) for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Plan Bleu acts as an observatory for environment and sustainable development, providing systemic and prospective analyses to guide regional decision-makers.
Introduction and Context
The Mediterranean is a primary climate change “hotspot,” warming 20% faster than the global average. Tourism is one of the most affected sectors, as extreme weather events influence travel patterns and put additional pressure on fragile ecosystems.
While global initiatives like the Glasgow Declaration drive climate action, local destinations require support to develop effective mitigation and adaptation policies. The NaTour4CChange project aims to strengthen the resilience and governance of Mediterranean coastal destinations through cooperative climate action plans and Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
Pilot Site: Cap Ferrat MPA
The selected French pilot site is the Cap Ferrat Marine Protected Area, managed by the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur. This 9,000-hectare Natura 2000 site is entirely marine and hosts remarkable ecosystems such as Posidonia meadows and coralligenous reefs. The MPA seeks to balance the preservation of its exceptional natural heritage with the socio-economic activities of this highly popular tourist area.
2. Mission Description
Objectives
The consultant will produce a strategic marketing document for the Cap Ferrat MPA based on the project’s manual. The strategy must:
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Align with existing destination activities and its Climate Action Plan.
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Promote climate action commitments and drive visitor behavior change.
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Support the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), specifically the sustainable management of Posidonia banquettes (seagrass beach accumulations).
Strategy Framework
The strategy will follow a structured flow:
Analysis: Identify Climate Vulnerabilities (Biodiversity loss, water scarcity), Behavioral Focus (Waste, energy, transport), and Awareness Gaps
Communication Points: Focus on Visitor Education, Community & Culture, and Low-Carbon Experiences.
Implementation: Digital Campaigns (Social media, influencers), On-Site Initiatives (Signage, visitor centers), and Community Programs.
Monitoring: Tracking KPIs and feedback to ensure Policy Alignment
Suggested Methodology & Key Tasks
Timeline (2026)
Mid-February: Kick-off meeting and contract formalization.
Feb 26: Online Training on the Destination Marketing Manual.
April 30: Submission of Draft (V1) Strategy.
May 30: Submission of Final Strategy and Action Plan.
June: Presentation workshop.
3. Desired Profile
Plan Bleu is seeking an experienced consultant with:
Education: Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field; additional training in tourism is a plus.
Experience: Over 10 years in tourism marketing, with knowledge of behavioral sciences (nudging).
Expertise: Familiarity with Mediterranean climate issues, Nature-based Solutions, and the “Nice Côte d’Azur” destination.
Skills: Bilingual (French/English), strong analytical writing, and ability to work in international, multicultural environments.
4. Application Process
Proposals must include:
Methodological approach and work plan.
CV/Organization profile.
Financial offer.
Administrative documents: (Registration/SIRET for French consultants; tax/social security certificates for foreign consultants).
Submission: Send a single PDF to [email protected] by February 15, 2026, 23:59 CET.
Selection Criteria:
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Methodology: 30 points.
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Experience & Expertise: 40 points.
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Financial Offer: 30 points.
5. Contractual and Financial Terms
Contract Duration: From signature until June 30, 2026.
Budget: Maximum €5,000 (including tax/TTC).
Travel: Expenses for travel and accommodation are covered separately by Plan Bleu and should not be included in the bid.
Payment Schedule: 30% upon signature; 70% upon validation of the final deliverable.
AI Usage Policy
Authorized Use: Generative AI may be used strictly for assistance (structuring, brainstorming, editorial optimization).
Prohibitions: AI cannot replace expert analysis, source verification, or scientific modeling/data estimation.
Transparency: Any AI use must be explicitly declared. The consultant remains solely responsible for the accuracy and originality of the content.
