Assessment Support for Mangrove Conservation 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

The Kamiali Wildlife Management Area (KWMA) in Papua New Guinea, with its vast biological diversity, holds a significant place in global ecological conservation efforts. The Morobe Development Foundation (MDF), championing sustainable progress, is driving a project with the support of the UNDP to uphold the delicate balance of this ecosystem. A crucial component of the KWMA is its mangrove forests, which play an essential role in maintaining local biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and shoreline protection. Aligning with the UN's SDGs, particularly Life Below Water and Life on Land, there's an imperative need for specialized expertise in mangrove botany to study, conserve, and propagate these vital ecosystems. To that end, MDF intends to collaborate with Online Volunteers with mangrove botany expertise. This online assignment aims to leverage such specialized knowledge to further the project's goals and extensively contribute to the SDGs.

Task description

The appointed Online Volunteers will work closely with the MDF team to understand and enhance the health and diversity of the mangroves within KWMA. Specifically, the Online Volunteers will be: - Conducting a thorough assessment of the current mangrove species and their health within the KWMA. - Identifying potential threats to the mangrove ecosystem and suggesting mitigation strategies. - Collaborating with local communities to educate them on the importance of mangroves and engage them in conservation efforts. - Advising on best practices for mangrove restoration and replanting. - Working in tandem with other environmental specialists on the project to ensure holistic ecosystem management. - Documenting findings and producing reports for stakeholders, including the UNDP and local community leaders. 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.