Consultant for Wetland Improvement

The Asia Foundation’s Lao PDR Office in Vientiane is seeking for a Qualified National Consultant to support Wetland Improvement Interventions – Design and Supervision.

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Consultant for Wetland Improvement Interventions – Design and Supervision

CRBM II Project
Location: Khammouane Province, Lao PDR

1. Background

The Community River Basin Management Phase II (CRBM II) Project supports participatory, ecosystem‑based management of wetlands in Khammouane Province.

A recent assessment of five wetlands (Nong Jao, Nong Luang, Nong Thamkha, Nong Papak, and Nong Phiba) identified key challenges:

• Declining water quality and low dissolved oxygen
• Agricultural encroachment and land pressure
• Buildup of sedimentation reducing water storage capacity
• Weak or unclear management and governance arrangements

The assessment also identified opportunities for wetland improvements, including:

• Vegetation buffer restoration
• Improved habitat and biodiversity
• Small‑scale earthworks to improve water flow and storage
• Reconnection of water bodies
• Measures to reduce livestock and human pressure

These improvements will complement community governance efforts already being developed under the CRBM II project.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this consultancy is to:

• Translate the assessment findings into practical wetland improvement designs
• Support planning and implementation of small‑scale physical interventions
• Develop costed and feasible work plans
• Provide technical supervision during implementation of selected sites

3. Scope of Work
4. Review and Site Understanding

The consultant will:

• Review key project documents and assessment findings
• Work with the CRBM II team to understand site priorities
• Conduct targeted site visits (as needed and agreed with the team)

1. Wetland Improvement Design (ALL WETLANDS)

The consultant will prepare improvement designs for all five wetlands:

• Nong Jao
• Nong Luang
• Nong Thamkha
• Nong Papak
• Nong Phiba

For each wetland, the consultant will:

• Identify feasible improvement options, including:
  • vegetation buffer zone enhancement
  • habitat restoration
  • small‑scale earthworks (e.g. channels, connectivity)
  • measures to reduce encroachment and improve protection
• Describe:
  • purpose of intervention
  • expected benefits (hydrological, ecological, biodiversity, flood management where relevant)
  • limitations and risks

✅ For sites where physical intervention is not appropriate, the consultant will:

• provide justification
• suggest alternative management measures

1. Mechanized Construction Work Plan

The consultant will develop a practical work plan for small‑scale mechanized works, using locally available equipment.

This includes:

• Identifying equipment:
  • backhoe (excavator)
  • tractor or equivalent
• Estimating:
  • excavation volume (m³)
  • depth and alignment
  • work duration (days/hours)
• Providing:
  • sequence of works
  • productivity assumptions
  • key constraints

1. Cost Estimation

The consultant will provide simple, practical cost estimates, including:

• excavation cost (LAK/m³)
• equipment cost (daily or per m³)
• fuel estimates
• total estimated cost per wetland

These estimates will support budgeting and decision‑making by the project.

1. Implementation and Supervision

Implementation Approach

Not all proposed interventions will be implemented.

Selected sites will be chosen based on:

• technical feasibility
• expected impact
• available budget

Priority Sites for Implementation (Indicative)

• Nong Jao
• Nong Luang
• Nong Thamkha (subject to feasibility and budget)

Planning and Design Phase

The consultant will complete planning and design prior to implementation:

✅ Estimated period: By July 2026

Implementation and Supervision Period

✅ December 2026 – January 2027

Supervision Approach

Supervision will focus on key stages:

1. Pre‑Implementation Site Marking

• Mark work areas, alignment, and depth
• Guide operators and local teams

2. Supervision During Implementation

• Monitor works
• Ensure correct execution
• Adjust based on field conditions

3. Post‑Implementation Verification

• Inspect completed works
• Confirm functionality
• Recommend adjustments if needed

Supervision Duration

✅ Estimated: 5–6 working days

This reflects supervision for selected sites only, not all five wetlands.

4. Deliverables

The consultant will provide:

1. Wetland Improvement Design Report (All 5 wetlands)
2. Mechanized Work Plan
3. Cost Estimation Summary
4. Supervision Report (for implemented sites)

5. Duration and Level of Effort

Phase
Estimated Days

Design and planning
6–8 days

Supervision
5–6 days

Total
~10–14 days

6. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will work closely with:

• The Asia Foundation (CRBM II team)
• District Agriculture and Environment Offices
• Local communities