1.Context and objectives
About Plan Bleu: This consultation is published by Plan Bleu, French association founded in 1977, Regional Activity Center of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), based in Marseille, France. The MAP is one of the main components of the Regional Seas Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It has a legal instrument: the Barcelona Convention and relies on six regional activity centres (“RACs”) responsible in particular for promoting the implementation of the various protocols attached to the convention. Plan Bleu is one of the six centres mandated by the twenty-one countries Parties to the Barcelona Convention and the European Union (Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention). Plan Bleu acts as an observatory of the environment and sustainable development in the Mediterranean, and conducts thematic, systemic and prospective analyses to enlighten decision-makers of the region on the environmental risks and the challenges of sustainable development.
About the ARTEMIS project: The ARTEMIS project is funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme and aims at accelerating the restoration of Posidonia Oceanica and other seagrass meadows and the associated ecosystem services and ecological functions in the Euro-Mediterranean region by enhancing restoration techniques, developing financial solutions, and integrating the values of these seagrass meadows into policies and investment programmes. ARTEMIS integrates the societal and monetary values of ecosystem services (ES) from seagrass meadows into policies and technical investments (robust restoration protocols), financial (first payment for ecosystem services schemes (PES) targeting multiple ES), and relevant public and private investments to accelerate the restoration of seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean region.
Background and context: The ARTEMIS project will end in June 2026 and one of the final outputs is to develop an action plan for seagrass restoration upscaling by 2030 based on the experience gained during the ARTEMIS project and the lessons learned from i) assessing the baseline for two ecosystem services, namely blue carbon and biodiversity in four pilot sites, and the implementation of passive and active restoration measures, ii) the development of stakeholder engagement strategies, iii) the development of a natural capital accounting tool and the design of nature credit schemes at local scale, as well as iv) the analysis of the policy and legislative framework and gaps for effective seagrass conservation and restoration. Plan Bleu will lead this activity with the support of the project consortium and building on the project achievements, particularly the policy analysis and recommendations that are formulated by the project.
2. Task description
The objective of the present call for applicants is to select an expert to work with Plan Bleu and ARTEMIS partners on the development of an action plan for seagrass restoration upscaling in the Mediterranean by 2030. Both active and passive restoration actions must be considered in the framework of this action plan.
This action plan should focus on the conservation and restoration of Posidonia oceanica but should also consider other seagrass species present in the Mediterranean (e.g. Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina, Zostera noltii). The action plan must be aligned with the main seagrass related actions of the Post 2020 Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Mediterranean Region (Post 2020 SAP BIO) of the Mediterranean Action Plan coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP/MAP), which is the regional translation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). This strategic plan is coordinated by the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre based in Tunis, Tunisia (SPA/RAC). The action plan must also be aligned and contribute to the Mediterranean Posidonia Network (MPN) 2030 Roadmap which is a framework at Mediterranean level for coordinated protection, restoration and management of Posidonia oceanica meadows. This document will be published in early 2026 and will be shared with the selected expert. Plan Bleu will ensure linkages are made in collaboration with the MPN Task Force group.
The expert is expected to perform the following tasks to support the development of the action plan:
- Review and consolidate the bibliography developed as part of the project (e.g. Activity 4.2 Policy Recommendations) based on the latest assessments (e.g. MED QSR 2023), scientific papers, technical reports and guidelines (e.g. Guidelines for the active restoration of Posidonia Oceanica) as well as the main policy frameworks and strategies (GBF, EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, EU Directives, NRR, UNEP/MAP Protocols and the MSSD) on seagrass conservation and restoration in the Mediterranean in order to build a solid knowledge base.
- Capture, synthesize and integrate into the action plan the main ARTEMIS key project results, achievements and lessons learned across Work Packages (WPs), including the other final outputs (focusing on restoration techniques, valuation of ecosystem services, financial schemes and governance frameworks). The expert should put an emphasis on results transfer to other geographical areas to foster upscaling but should also consider the project shortcomings that this action plan could concretely address.
- Prepare and run, in collaboration with ARTEMIS project partners, an open consultation process with regional partners to seek expert inputs to inform the action plan. This consultation process must align and feed the ongoing project activities, particularly those related to PES schemes development and policy and advocacy. A dedicated timeline should be established for collecting this information. The expert must propose a methodology in its technical offer.
- Based on the above, develop the action plan supporting the implementation and upscaling of seagrass conservation and restoration in the Mediterranean, including (i) indicative cost ranges, financing needs and investment pathways (public, private and blended finance) with a particular focus on potential restoration business models; (ii) a mapping of governance arrangements, awareness raising and education options, institutional roles and coordination mechanisms at Mediterranean level, as well as other relevant scales (such as EU) to be discussed with project partners or suggested by the consultant; and (iii) a monitoring and evaluation framework with key indicators, baselines and milestones to track progress towards targets.
Experts could propose innovative approaches in their methodology such as an action plan implementation matrix and financing and investment factsheets (1–2 examples of approximately 3 pages each), enabling the strategy to be broken down into operational actions, with deadlines, stakeholders involved and indicative sources of funding.
It is important to note that the action plan must be consistent with the expected project developments/results, build on its main results and outcomes, and take into account existing initiatives (SAP BIO, MPN roadmap, other seagrass assessments) in order to propose concrete actions. This will require close collaboration and regular communication between the Expert, Plan Bleu and all the ARTEMIS project partners.
3. Timeline of services and deliverables
The duration of the service is estimated at 30 days spread over between 30 January and 30 June 2026.
The assignment will include the following steps, and the expected number of working days is as follows:
Applicants may propose alternative or innovative approaches to their methodology and to the consultation process (e.g. survey/questionnaire, tables, other tools) to collect expert inputs, should they consider this to add value. A list of initial organizations to engage with would be appreciated which will be refined with Plan Bleu and ARTEMIS partners after the kick off meeting.
Travels and accommodation for the selected expert to the ARTEMIS partner meeting planned in Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia from 3-4 March 2026 and back as well as for the Final Conference in Menorca, Balearic Islands in June 2026 (dates to be confirmed) will be covered separately by Plan Bleu through the ARTEMIS project.
All deliverables mentioned in the table above have to be sent to Plan Bleu in English. The layout of the final deliverable will be handled by ARTEMIS partner MEDSEA, responsible for communication, according to the visual identity of the Interreg Euro-MED D4N project. The deliverables have to be formally approved by Plan Bleu. No payments will be made without prior approval of the linked deliverables.
4. Work assessment
The Consultant will be supervised by Arnaud Terrisse (Biodiversity Programme Officer) and Alice Wittevrongel (Biodiversity Project Officer). Targeted support from other Plan Bleu team members involved in the project will be provided when needed (e.g. GIS expert and Chief Economist).
5. Budget
The available budget for this consultancy is 12 000 euros VAT included and proposals should not exceed this amount.
6. Selection of the consultant
Plan Bleu is seeking an experienced lead consultant with technical and scientific expertise on marine ecosystems and in particular seagrass ecosystems as well as a strategic vision, having developed and delivered strategies and action plans. The expert is expected to have a good knowledge of the state of play of seagrass conservation in the Mediterranean region and existing gaps.
Plan Bleu invites individual consultants, associations of consultants, and consulting firms to apply for this assignment. Qualified candidates unite the following competences and criteria:
Education:
- University diploma of at least Master’s level or equivalent in marine sciences, political sciences, international relations, sustainable development or any other relevant field. PhD level appreciated.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the field of sustainable development, with good knowledge of Mediterranean marine ecosystems and in particular Posidonia oceanica.
- Minimum of 5 years of working experience in and specific knowledge of environmental issues in the Mediterranean as well as of the Barcelona Convention UNEP/MAP system, and other governance processes in the region.
- A solid experience in working in multistakeholder cooperation projects on environment and development issues
- A strong experience in elaborating regional action plans, strategies or large programme proposals.
Competences:
- Excellent analytical, synthesis and writing skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Knowledge of the Mediterranean Basin and stakeholders related to the protection of the marine environment
- Good knowledge of the structure and key success factors of action plans/strategies development
- An excellent command of English is a must. Working knowledge of other Mediterranean-rim languages is a plus.
7. Contractual and financial terms
L’acceptation de l’offre retenue implique l’acceptation des conditions et des calendriers détaillés dans les présents Termes de Référence, y compris le calendrier de paiement suivant (négociable) :
- 30% of the contract amount will be paid upon signature of the contract
- 30% will be paid as an intermediate payment upon delivery of the consolidated draft roadmap following the consultation process
- 40% of the contract amount will be paid upon validation of the final deliverables and the final presentation of the action plan during the ARTEMIS final conference
A properly issued invoice will be required for the scheduled payments, containing the following mandatory details :
- Full name + address of the service provider
- SIRET number (France) or tax number (for non-France)
- Invoice issuance date
- Invoice number
- Service description (e.g., name of the deliverable)
- Amount excluding taxes (HT), VAT, and total amount (TTC), in the currency specified in the contract
- For individuals not subject to VAT (France): include the mention “TVA non applicable, article 293B du code général des impôts”
- Payment due date
For individuals not subject to VAT (France): include the mention “TVA non applicable, article 293B du code général des impôts”
8. Use of Artificial Intelligence
Clause 1 – Controlled use of artificial intelligence
The service provider is authorized to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, provided that their use is strictly limited to support functions: assistance with structuring, brainstorming, document exploration, or editorial optimization. The use of AI may under no circumstances replace the analytical work, source verification, or expert writing expected within the scope of the assignment. Artificial intelligence must under no circumstances replace human expertise or rigorous scientific methods. In particular, it may not be used to produce numerical estimates or to generate modeling results (economic, econometric, mathematical, or other), which must be based on validated, documented approaches implemented by the service provider. Any reference to a study, article, numerical data, or academic source must be rigorously traceable and verifiable through precise references (title, author, publication, date, or link).
Clause 2 – Responsibility for content and transparency
The service provider remains fully responsible for the quality, accuracy, reliability, and consistency of the deliverable, including in the case of partial use of artificial intelligence tools. All information, data, or quotations appearing in the final deliverable must have been verified by the Consultant, regardless of the method of production. In the event of a clear breach (fictitious sources, fabricated quotations, inconsistent data), Plan Bleu reserves the right to request a revision at no additional cost, or even to terminate the contract and cancel all or part of the payment in the event of failure to meet deadlines. The Consultant is obligated to explicitly declare any use of AI tools in the preparation of deliverables. The Consultant must transparently indicate the parts of the work that were carried out with the assistance of an AI tool and may be asked to provide the methodology or queries (prompts) used.
Clause 3 – Quality responsibility
The Consultant remains solely responsible for the accuracy, originality, verification, and professional quality of deliverables, including those produced or assisted by AI. The use of AI tools cannot, under any circumstances, justify factual errors, plagiarism, bias, or breaches of confidentiality.
Clause 4 – Non-compliance and consequences
In the event of non-compliance with this clause, the client may request the Consultant to:
- revise the deliverables at no additional costs or, in the event of serious or repeated breach, to apply the contractual provisions relating to non-conformity or termination.
9. How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents :
- A technical offer, including a methodology and a resume showcasing relevant experience related to marine ecosystems, seagrass conservation and restoration and the development of action plans or any other strategic document for relevant regional/international organizations (e.g. UN agencies, regional/national authorities)
- A financial offer with an estimation of working days.
The application files must be submitted no later than 25 January 2026 to [email protected] and [email protected]. The selection and kick off meeting will take place during the week of 26-30 January 2026.
