Mission and objectivesMorobe 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, MDFโs 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.
ContextThe 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 analysing the environmental data, the project aims to identify existing environmental damage, evaluate risks from climate change, and propose sustainable conservation measures to address these issues. The mapping and assessment of the conservation area will significantly contribute to SDG 13โclimate 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.
Task DescriptionThe Morobe Development Foundation Inc. (MDF) is seeking the support of five highly motivated and qualified online volunteers with academic backgrounds in environmental engineering and GIS to assist in conducting a survey and compiling an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for a conservation area in the Huon District, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. This initiative is a key component of MDFโs commitment to SDG 13 โ Climate Action, focusing on protecting biodiversity, assessing ecological threats, and proposing sustainable conservation strategies. The online volunteers will be responsible for supporting technical activities including literature reviews, map interpretation, geospatial analysis, and the interpretation of water and soil laboratory data. Volunteers will work collaboratively under the guidance of MDF project leads. Each volunteer will be assigned distinct yet complementary responsibilities, as outlined below. A certificate of completion and a professional reference from MDF PNG will be provided upon successful delivery of assigned tasks. Volunteer 1: GIS and Remote Sensing Analysis - Interpret and digitize satellite imagery using Landsat and Google Earth Engine (GEE) - Generate land use and land cover change (LULC) maps for the conservation area - Identify areas of environmental degradation and track vegetation loss trends Volunteer 2: Environmental Literature Review Support - Conduct a comprehensive desk-based literature review on environmental impacts, conservation strategies, and climate risks relevant to tropical forest ecosystems and the Papua New Guinea context - Summarize and synthesize peer-reviewed studies, policy documents, and grey literature to support the scientific rationale of the EIA Volunteer 3: Water and Soil Quality Analysis - Interpret laboratory reports from MDF on water and soil samples collected from the conservation area - Compare lab data to environmental benchmarks and standards (e.g., WHO, national standards) Volunteer 4: EIA Report Coordination and Writing - Coordinate contributions from all volunteers to develop a cohesive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report - Ensure the report follows a structured format, including: introduction, methodology, findings, and recommendations Volunteer 5: Editor and Proofreading - Edit and proofread all technical content to ensure clarity, consistency, and academic integrity - Liaise with MDF team leads for feedback and finalize the report for submission
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