GIS Analysis for Environmental Impact Assessment Report in Lababia Village

Details

Mission and objectives

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is a leading Internationally recognised NGO based in Lae Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea who has the vision to help young people reach their full potential by utilizing their hidden talents in community development initiatives so they can realize their potential and become a role model in the community. MDF was established to address a broader and more diverse range of objectives and work through the use of dance, music and drama, MDF’s primary aim is to ensure that women participate equally in decision making in any project undertaken, including projects related to Ending Violence against Women, and promoting Human Rights with a aim to support the Government and UN their Development Goals. MDF, in collaboration with Online Volunteers engaged through the UNV's Unified Volunteer Platform (UVP), has also undertaken various scientific research studies related to the environment - forest cover loss, land use land cover change, the influence of various parameters on surface waters, and coastal shoreline turtle habitat loss. These projects included the participation of various experts and researchers from diverse fields across various countries across the globe - ranging from marine biology, biodiversity conservation, PNG community management, remote sensing, and land use policy among various others. MDF is managed by a management committee, which is made up of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, Secretary, the Treasurer, the Project Coordinator, Community Development Officer, and a male and female member of the foundation, and ensures that women participate equally in decision making. We at MDF assert that we have the required skill sets, knowledge, established international network, and the necessary foundational work to undertake projects successfully.

Context

MDF is conducting environmental study in Lababia village, Papua New Guinea, undertaken in collaboration with local communities. The primary objective is to assess environmental changes and their impacts, providing a foundation for conservation programs and sustainable development planning. As part of this effort, GIS analysis will play a key role in understanding land cover changes, deforestation patterns, and mapping mangroves. To accelerate and amplify our impact, Online Volunteers will actively contribute to the GIS analysis remotely and Online Volunteers participation through this assignment is a crucial component of MDF's environmental study in Lababia Village, Papua New Guinea. Specifically, their engagement is strategically aligned with several SDGs: SDG 15 - Life on Land: The GIS analysis, supported by Online Volunteers, directly contributes to SDG 15 by enhancing our understanding of terrestrial ecosystems, specifically addressing issues related to land cover changes and deforestation. SDG 14 - Life Below Water: The mapping of mangroves, a critical component of our study, aligns with SDG 14 by promoting the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and ecosystems. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: Online Volunteers exemplify the collaborative spirit needed to achieve the SDGs. Their remote contributions democratize data analysis and research, fostering a global partnership that aligns with SDG 17. The combined efforts of MDF and Online Volunteers will not only benefit Lababia Village but also contribute to the broader global agenda of achieving sustainable development. The environmental impact assessment report, enriched by the insights of Online Volunteers, will be shared with stakeholders, including project partners, local communities, and donors, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and inclusive collaboration. We deeply appreciate the dedication and support of Online Volunteers in advancing our mission and contributing to positive environmental change in alignment with the SDGs.

Task description

To that end, we are seeking to collaborate with Online Volunteers where they will be individually assigned with the following tasks: Online Volunteer 1: - Gather and preprocess satellite imagery over Lababia Village from multiple time points (3-4 decades) - Support classification methodology development Online Volunteer 2: - Develop land cover classification methodology and signature library, with a focus on mangrove areas - Classify land cover types from satellite imagery Online Volunteer 3: - Map and validate changes in mangrove cover over time - Analyze deforestation rates, drivers, and impacts Online Volunteer 4: - Integrate analysis results into environmental impact assessment report - Review report drafts and incorporate feedback The purpose of this assignment is to conduct GIS and remote sensing analysis to assess environmental changes in Lababia Village over the past several decades. The results will inform an environmental impact assessment report for the Morobe Development Foundation. This report will evaluate impacts of land use changes and deforestation on local communities and ecosystems. It will provide information to support sustainable conservation and development programs in the region.