Developing an Eco Resort Business Plan for a Wildlife Reserve Area in Papua New Guinea

Details

Mission and objectives

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is a leading Community based Group base 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 potentail 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 the United Nations Volunteering Program (UNVP) 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

The assignment is in line with the project secured by MDF supported by UNDP through PNG Government Biodiversity Conservation Fund which is to develop the capacity of the indigenous communities of Lababia Village where the Kamiali Wildlife Reserve Land is located. MDF has an history of supporting and developing projects for rural communities and in this regard targeting the local communities located at Salamaua LLG in Huon Gulf District of Papua New Guinea. The project supports MDFs objective and mission to develop communities in rural PNG and with that it also aligns its goals with UN SDG. The business plan will guide the management of MDF and the Kamiali Eco Resport to manage the faccility and bring in revenue to help sustain the work of the committee and the rangers who look after the conservation area. (Kamilai Wildlife Management Area) The funding by the donor was specifically made available for the communities to come up with initiative to sustain the conservation efort and the committee's livelihood.

Task description

MDF is seeking the support of online volunteers in writing and editing a business plan which will be used by the communities of Lababia Village in Morobe Province to manage a Guest House built through the UNDP Biodiversity Conservation Fund. MDF will be working closely with the selected online volunteers who would be able to help in developing the plan which will cater for tourist ship visits, festivals, and scientific expeditions to name a few. As part of this assignment, MDF will conduct the baseline survey to ensure all data captured are used when developing the plan. At the end of the assignment, the online volunteers will be awarded with certificates through through UNV and will be referenced by MDF when requested.