Call for Tender: Special Publication on Water issues in Morocco

Investigation into the Impact of Bottled Water in Morocco

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, North Africa

   1.Background

Water scarcity is one of the most critical challenges of our era, and Morocco is particularly vulnerable to its impacts. Classified as a “climate hotspot” and recognized as one of the world’s most water-stressed nations, Morocco is rapidly nearing the absolute water scarcity threshold. This precarious situation is further aggravated by increasingly frequent and severe droughts, which destabilize the economy and jeopardize national food security.

Against this backdrop of escalating water challenges, the expanding bottled water industry in Morocco demands careful examination. While offering a seemingly accessible source of drinking water, its operations raise significant concerns about the sustainable management of an increasingly scarce and vital resource. The extraction of spring water for commercial bottling can lead to profound and often underestimated consequences for local ecosystems, agricultural practices, and the fair allocation of water resources within communities.

Therefore, the investigation titled “The Water Predators” is a timely and essential undertaking. It aims to go beyond superficial evaluations and delve into the complex dynamics of water extraction by bottled water companies across three distinct regions of Morocco. By thoroughly examining the environmental, socio-economic, and health dimensions of this industry, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of its true impact. This includes evaluating the ecological footprint of intensive water extraction, the socio-economic implications for local populations potentially deprived of this essential resource, and the environmental consequences of the plastic waste generated by the industry.

This investigation will also critically analyze the existing regulatory frameworks and their implementation to ensure the sustainable and equitable utilization of Morocco’s valuable water resources. Ultimately, this in-depth analysis intends to contribute to a more informed public discussion, empower affected communities, and potentially facilitate the adoption of more sustainable and just water management practices in Morocco.

2. Object of the tender

To strengthen and support media in the North African region through the production of insightful knowledge, the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) North Africa Office is seeking to contract a media organization or team to produce a specific investigation on the impact of bottled water extraction in Morocco, titled “The Water Predators.”

3. General Objectives

1. To produce a well-researched and documented investigation into the water extractivism practices of bottled water companies in Morocco.
2. To thoroughly analyze the environmental, socio-economic, and health consequences of this industry on local communities in Morocco.
3. To critically assess the existing regulatory framework and the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms governing bottled water companies in Morocco.
4. To amplify the perspectives of affected communities and propose alternative, more sustainable approaches to water resource management.

4. Target Groups

The investigation will aim to reach a broad audience, including activists, students, academics, journalists, policymakers, and concerned citizens interested in water resources and environmental issues.

It will specifically target media outlets, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil society organizations in North African countries engaged in environmental and social justice issues.

Furthermore, it will target media, NGOs, and other civil society organizations in the global North and South with an interest in resource management, corporate accountability, and human rights.

5. Deliverables and Timeline

• Deliverables:
  • Three in-depth written pieces (reportage, analysis, and investigative report)
  • Three videos, each with a duration of 6 to 12 minutes
  • Five short videos optimized for social media platforms (approximately 1 minute each)
  • Three data visualization assets
  • A photo essay for each subject investigated
• Final delivery date: To be proposed by the bidding media, ideally aligning with the ongoing co-financing efforts.

6. Proposal, Award and Tender submission deadline

Required qualifications: Demonstrated experience in investigative journalism and media production focusing on environmental, social, or economic justice issues. Prior experience working in the North Africa region will be considered an advantage.

The contract will be structured as a service or honorarium agreement, and interested media organizations or teams are requested to submit the following documents:

• A comprehensive methodological proposal outlining the proposed approach to the investigation, including the research plan, fieldwork strategy, and identification of potential interviewees.
• A detailed proposed timeline for the investigation and the delivery of all specified outputs.
• A clear breakdown of price references or honorariums per working day (inclusive of all applicable taxes).
• A portfolio showcasing examples of previous relevant work.
• A concise profile of the media organization or team submitting the proposal.

Tenders must be submitted no later than June 2, 2025.

Tenders received after this deadline will not be considered.

All tender submissions should be sent electronically to Procurement.NorthAfrica@rosalux.org, with the subject line clearly indicating: Tender: The Water Predators Investigation.

*Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion.

7. Languages

The investigation can be conducted, and the resulting outputs produced, in French, Arabic, or English. Submissions that include materials in multiple languages are encouraged.

8. Publishers

The contracted Media supported by Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung.

9. Timeline and deliverables