Research Support: Waste Management Research & Paper Development in Morobe

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

MDFs recognizes the critical need for sustainable municipal waste management systems in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. In line with its commitment to supporting community development initiatives and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, MDF is undertaking research to gather essential data for designing effective waste management policies.
The research aims to assess current waste management practices in Morobe Province and identify opportunities for improvement. By understanding the physical and chemical properties of classified garbage and analyzing survey data collected by MDF’s field workers, the research will provide valuable insights into the existing waste management landscape. These insights will inform the development of policies and strategies aimed at achieving sustainable waste management practices in the region.
To that end, MDF seeks to collaborate with Online Volunteers through this research assignment. This assignment is crucial as it directly contributes to MDF’s mission of supporting community development initiatives and advancing SDGs.
By engaging online volunteers with expertise in environmental or waste management, MDF seeks to leverage their knowledge and skills to structure a communication paper that effectively communicates the findings of the research. This paper will serve as a foundation for advocating for sustainable waste management practices in Morobe Province, ultimately contributing to the improvement of living standards and environmental sustainability in the region.

Task description

Online Volunteers will be assigned with once of the following tasks:
(1) Data Analysis and Classification
Collaborate remotely with MDFs team to analyze survey data on waste management practices in Morobe Province. Utilize internet resources to classify garbage based on its physical and chemical properties, aiming to understand the composition and characteristics of waste in the region.
(2) Structuring the Communication Paper
Work collaboratively from home to structure a concise 4-page communication paper focusing on waste management practices in Morobe Province. Utilize online platforms to organize sections such as current practices, challenges, opportunities for improvement, and sustainable solutions.
(3) Content Development
Contribute remotely to the development of content for the communication paper, ensuring it effectively communicates key findings and insights from data analysis. Enrich the paper with expertise in environmental or waste management, utilizing internet resources to gather relevant information and insights.
(4) Review and Editing
Review and edit the draft communication paper remotely to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy of information.
Provide constructive feedback on structure, language, and overall quality using online communication tools, aiming to enhance the paper’s effectiveness in conveying research findings.
Collaboration via Online Platforms: Collaborate with MDFs team remotely using online platforms such as Google Drive, sharing documents, and providing feedback. Engage in virtual discussions to make necessary revisions and ensure alignment with project objectives and research goals.
Certification and Acknowledgment: Upon successful completion of assigned tasks, online volunteers will receive certificate issued by UNV, from MDF, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the project. Their names will be included in the acknowledgments section of the communication paper, recognizing their expertise and support in advancing MDFs research objectives.
Through remote engagement in these specific tasks, online volunteers will help MDF effectively structure and communicate research findings on waste management practices in Morobe Province, contributing to sustainable development goals and community well-being in the region.