Compiling a Report on the Impacts of Logging on Water Quality & the Environment

Volunteering

Overview

Compile a report on the environmental impacts of logging in Papua New Guinea.

You have:

• Advanced skills in GEE (Google Earth Engine) GIS code development, remote sensing using GEE and Landsat, and R language.
• Knowledge in environmental engineering, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.
• Ability to use various scientific tools and techniques to analyze and present data.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

MDF's principal objectives align with the SDGs, and this alignment is reflected in all our projects. Our initiative has successfully conducted various scientific research studies, contributing to the evaluation of environmental issues such as forest cover loss and land use change across Papua New Guinea. These studies have promoted actionable strategies for environmental conservation within the country.

MDF is now addressing a critical environmental issue in Papua New Guinea—logging. Logging has caused significant damage to the environment in the Huon Gulf District of Morobe Province and impacted the community's livelihoods. Key issues include soil contamination from oil spills, drinking water contamination from waste oil, and the loss of gardening and hunting areas.

With the risk of logging extending to nearby rainforests, considered key biodiversity areas by the IUCN, MDF intends to conduct a study in the affected area within Morobe LLG. The results of the investigation will be compiled and shared with responsible authorities, including the Provincial Government, the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority, and the Department of Forestry, so that immediate action can be taken.

Concrete scientific data will allow MDF to present the potential effects and risks of logging and highlight the area's critical role in the community's livelihoods and the surrounding environment, including biodiversity. Moreover, by compiling a comprehensive analysis of the scientific data gathered from the study, appropriate measures and policies can be promoted to the authorities, these including the aforementioned; Provincial Government, the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority, and the Department of Forestry.

This project aims to protect the rainforest and watershed, which indigenous communities rely on for their daily subsistence. The task aligns with MDF’s objective of environmental protection and supports the UN SDGs in environmental conservation.

The study will involve mapping the area using GPS, collecting water samples for laboratory analysis, and conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Remote sensing will also be used to assess land use and the environmental damage caused by logging. The study site is located within or close to the IUCN key biodiversity area. MDF has secured funding and completed a feasibility study to register and have this area gazette.

The task requires the support of three Online Volunteers to carry out a remote sensing survey and literature review, and to provide advice to the MDF PNG Team, who are conducting a site assessment at a logging site in Morobe Local Level Government (PNG).

The task division is as follows:

Online Volunteer 1: utilize Landsat and Google Earth to conduct a remote sensing survey for the years 2010, 2016, 2020, and 2024 to determine if there are any drastic land use changes or environmental damage at the project site.

Online Volunteer 2: conduct the literature review to assess the area under investigation, compile a brief report, and submit it to MDF’s focal contact person.

Online Volunteer 3: provide technical and scientific advice on how to assess and report any damage caused by logging in the study area.

Candidates for the identified tasks are expected to: - Have advanced skills in GEE (Google Earth Engine) GIS code development, remote sensing using GEE and Landsat, and R language. - Have knowledge in environmental engineering, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. - Be able to use various scientific tools and techniques to analyze and present data.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org