KWMA Methane Management Initiative 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

Papua New Guinea's Kamiali Wildlife Management Area (KWMA) stands as a beacon of biodiversity, teeming with unique flora and fauna. As we dive deeper into our conservation mission, supported by UNDP, an emerging concern has been the detection of methane gas emissions in certain pockets. This not only has environmental implications but can also present health hazards for the local communities. Our endeavor aligns with the global focus on climate change, especially as outlined in SDG 13 (Climate Action). Tackling these methane-related challenges mandates the expertise of a skilled methane gas engineer. This online assignment revolves around the evaluation, guidance, and formulation of potential solutions to mitigate the impacts of methane within the confines of the KWMA.

Task description

The selected online volunteers will be at the forefront of our efforts to manage and mitigate methane emissions in the KWMA, working hand in hand with our team and community. Online Volunteer 1: Map main sources of methane in KWMA. Check existing methane management methods. Propose new mitigation strategies. Write a report on findings and strategies. Online Volunteer 2: Study environmental effects of methane in KWMA. Make digital content to teach local communities about methane risks. Organize online workshops for community education. Online Volunteer 3: Discuss with stakeholders online. Combine all strategies and findings from other tasks. Draft future methane management suggestions. 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.