Mission and objectives

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 has completed mapping a mangrove site in Barakau Village in PNG and now seeks to extend the project idea to villagers along the Huon Coast. Online Volunteers will assist in identifying mangrove species using descriptions, photographs, and other techniques. This assignment aligns with MDF’s ongoing project and objective of addressing environmental degradation and climate change. It also promotes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to biodiversity and conservation. By identifying and cataloging mangrove species, this project contributes to the preservation of biodiversity (SDG 15: Life on Land) and supports climate action (SDG 13: Climate Action). The results attained will be documented and shared with the Kamiali Wlife Management Committee members, UNDP who are the current donors supporting projects in the area, and published accordingly for the benefit of other researchers who are carrying or intend to carry out research in Lababia Village.

Task Description

MDF requires three Online Volunteers with knowledge and background in identifying mangrove species to support a project undertaken by MDF in Papua New Guinea, specifically Lababia in Huon District of Morobe Province. In collaboration with the contact person for MDF, The Online Volunteers will be using close-up photographs, and local descriptions of the species to identify both the local species of mangroves and other tree species found growing amongst the local species of mangroves. Volunteer 1: Conduct online research to identify all species found in Papua New Guinea, compile a 2-page report, and submit it to MDF PNG. Volunteer 2: Identify species grown in Morobe and provide the information to MDF’s focal contact person. Volunteer 3: Verify the information provided by Online Volunteer 1 and 2.

Competencies and values

Living conditions and remarks