Marine Conservation Endeavor in PNG

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, in collaboration with UNDP, is spearheading a project in Papua New Guinea's Kamiali Wildlife Management Area (KWMA) to champion sustainable practices in alignment with the UN's SDGs, specifically focusing on "Life Below Water". The rich marine ecosystem of KWMA requires dedicated expertise for its understanding and preservation. This assignment calls for Online Volunteers with expertise in marine science to delve into the intricacies of the region's marine biodiversity and ecosystems, contributing significantly to our conservation goals.

Task description

MDF invites dedicated online volunteers with expertise in marine science to contribute to the conservation endeavors in the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area (KWMA). Specifically, the Online Volunteers will be assigned to: Volunteer1: Conduct comprehensive marine biodiversity surveys within KWMA's coastal zones. Identify and catalog marine species present. Volunteer 2: Analyze marine species' health, populations, and potential threats. Highlight species that might be under immediate threat. Volunteer 3: Document findings from biodiversity and health assessments. Prepare preliminary reports for review by MDF and stakeholders. Throughout the assignment, online volunteers will collaborate closely with MDF PNG's team, receiving guidance and additional information as needed. Upon successful completion of this task, online volunteers will receive certification through the UNV and a reference letter from MDF, acknowledging their invaluable contribution.