Organization Mission

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is a leading Internationally recognised NGO based in Lae Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. It 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 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 to support the Government and the Sustainable 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 requires the support of highly motivated online volunteers with backgrounds in environmental engineering, GIS, and environmental science to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment for a conservation area located in Huon District, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. The goal of this assessment is to evaluate the ecological status of the area, identify environmental damage, assess climate change risks, and propose sustainable conservation measures to protect the area’s biodiversity and resources.

The project involves mapping a conservation area located in Huon District, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. The main objective is to conduct an in-depth environmental impact assessment to comprehensively understand the area”s ecological status and potential challenges. By analyzing the environmental data, the project aims to identify existing environmental damage, assess climate change risks, and propose sustainable conservation measures to address these issues.

The mapping and assessment of the conservation area will contribute significantly to SDG 13 – Climate Action. Through the accurate analysis of environmental data, potential environmental damage can be mitigated, climate change impacts can be addressed, and informed decisions can be made to ensure the area”s long-term sustainability and resilience.

By conducting a thorough environmental impact assessment, the project will not only protect the local biodiversity and natural resources but also benefit the local communities in the region. Empowering the community with comprehensive data on the area”s environmental status will enable them to make informed decisions about sustainable resource management and conservation practices.

Key Responsibilities

Specifically, the tasks for the four Online Volunteers will be divided as follows:

Online Volunteer 1: GIS Support
– Assist with the mapping of the conservation area using GPS tools. The volunteer will interpret satellite imagery and environmental data to produce accurate maps that outline key environmental features and potential risks to the area.

Online Volunteer 2: Environmental Engineering Support
– Support the assessment of environmental damage by analyzing infrastructure impacts, water quality, and soil degradation in the conservation area. This volunteer will work on interpreting laboratory reports related to water and soil samples.

Online Volunteer 3: Literature Review
– Conduct a thorough literature review to gather existing research on the environmental status of the region and its vulnerability to climate change. This volunteer will compile relevant studies on ecosystem health, biodiversity, and climate impacts in similar conservation areas.

Online Volunteer 4: Report Writing
– Compile and organize the data collected by the other volunteers into a comprehensive environmental impact assessment report. The report will summarise findings from GIS maps, literature reviews, and laboratory analysis and propose sustainable conservation strategies based on the data.

Required Skills and Experience

The Online Volunteer should have:
– A degree in environmental engineering and GIS, and must be able to conduct environmental impact assessment.
– An ability to write an environmental impact assessment report.

PhD students in a relevant discipline are encouraged to apply.