Researching Blue Carbon for Coastal Restoration in East Africa

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

A team of 10 volunteers will collaborate on tasks: Literature reviews (2 members) Field data collection (2 members) Stakeholder interviews (1 member) Carbon and economic analyses (2 members) Drafting sections of report (2 members) Editing and formatting (1 member) References and citations (1 member)

Task description

This research project aims to explore the potential for blue carbon strategies like mangrove restoration and seagrass planting to restore degraded coastal ecosystems while mitigating climate change in East Africa. Field data collection, economic analyses, and stakeholder engagement will inform recommendations for management, policy, and financing to implement blue carbon projects. The technical and socioeconomic research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals #13 Climate Action, #14 Life Below Water, and #15 Life on Land. The feasibility assessment and focus on community livelihoods also aligns with #1 No Poverty. We shall focus on Coastal East African nations, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar