BIRDLIFE ZIMBABWE ISSUES CALL FOR GIS EXPERTS TO MAP DRIEFONTEIN GRASSLANDS WETLANDS

BirdLife Zimbabwe has officially invited Expressions of Interest from qualified and experienced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) service providers to undertake a comprehensive mapping exercise within the Driefontein Grasslands. This critical initiative seeks to establish a robust spatial baseline to support ongoing and future wetland restoration and protection interventions in one of the country’s most ecologically significant landscapes. The Driefontein Grasslands are recognized internationally as a Ramsar and Important Bird Area (IBA) site, making their preservation a matter of high conservation priority.

The selected service provider will be tasked with generating a spatial baseline that will directly inform site prioritization, restoration planning, and long-term reporting within the project’s monitoring and evaluation framework. According to the call for service providers, the scope of work includes mapping and classifying current land uses both within and adjacent to wetland areas, as well as analyzing the spatial extent and intensity of agricultural activities that are currently impacting these delicate systems. Furthermore, the exercise will involve delineating the boundaries of previously restored and fenced sites while quantifying the exact hectarage of priority areas earmarked for future protection.

BirdLife Zimbabwe emphasizes that the assignment may utilize participatory mapping approaches, collaborating closely with local communities to validate wetland boundaries and land-use patterns. This community-centric approach ensures that restoration sites are identified accurately and sustainably. The final outputs expected from the consultancy include high-resolution, geo-referenced maps and quantified spatial statistics, such as the total area currently under cultivation and the specific acreage targeted for restoration under the project. These layers will ultimately be integrated into BirdLife Zimbabwe’s broader conservation planning and monitoring systems.

The organization is seeking reputable individuals, consultancy firms, or registered entities with a proven track record in GIS and spatial mapping. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their expressions of interest by the fast-approaching deadline of February 27, 2026. By securing these specialized technical services, BirdLife Zimbabwe aims to strengthen its evidence-based approach to wetland safeguarding, ensuring that the Driefontein Grasslands continue to provide vital ecosystem services and remain a sanctuary for biodiversity for years to come.