Analysis of Mangrove Cover Mapping and Biomass estimation Using Remote Sensing

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

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is a not-for-profit organization based in Papua New Guinea and was established to promote sustainable community development initiatives and thereby address several exigent issues – ranging from environmental conservation to women's rights – that are hindering the progress of the country. A few of our ongoing projects focus on the applications of various remote sensing technologies for monitoring forest biomass, tracking land use and change patterns, evaluating climate change impacts, and conserving sea turtle habitats. MDF intends to collect detailed environmental data for its project that will enable better land use and disaster preparedness, promote eco-tourism, and enhance local community skills through engagement in conservation activities. Remote sensing in particular is crucial for accurately mapping inaccessible areas like Morobe's reserve land and coastal enclaves. It is also essential for monitoring natural resources and assessing environmental changes, thereby supporting conservation efforts. With this remote sensing exercise, MDF's project will also be able to contribute to several SDGs, including Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Life Below Water (SDG 14), by promoting sustainable ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. To that end, we are currently looking for three online volunteers with experience in handling remotely sensed satellite and drone data who can help us with Mangrove Cover Mapping and Above-ground Biomass estimation (approximately 15-20 hours per week). Specifically, the Online Volunteers will be tasked to support MDF's current project in Morobe, which is to Map a Reserve Land and coastal enclave. Upon completion of the task, the volunteer will receive a certificate of appreciation issued by UNV.

Task description

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is looking for three online volunteers who have expertise in handling remotely sensed satellite and drone data (such as open-source satellite imagery, Orthomosaic Map, 3D models or point cloud, Elevation Maps, Digital terrain models, Digital surface models, Topographic), related software (such as ArcGIS, QGIS, Agisoft etc) and a background in the field of remote sensing, forestry (especially mangrove ecosystems), climate, or related fields. Selected volunteers would be expected to perform Mangrove Cover Mapping, shoreline analysis, and Above-ground Biomass estimation using remotely sensed Drone and Satellite Data along with field data for a chosen site in Papua New Guinea. Experience with machine learning, data fusion, and/or deep learning is preferred. Specifically, each volunteer will be assigned with one of the following tasks: 1. review the maps from the drone survey, 2. perform remote sensing, and 3. use the field data we present to estimate biomass. The results of this project will be included in a peer-reviewed journal article, and based on the level of contributions, the online volunteers will be acknowledged (with a certificate) and/or invited to be co-authors.