Enhance the Current Business Plan for Kamiali Wildlife Area in Papua New Guinea

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.

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. (MDF) aims to strengthen the management and sustainability of the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area (KWMA) through the enhancement of its business plan. This initiative forms part of a project supported by the Biodiversity Climate Fund, focusing on forest biomass conservation and shoreline protection in Papua New Guinea. The project will assist in establishing and supporting the KWMA Committee, with the objective of mapping forest zone changes, understanding their impacts on biodiversity and local livelihoods, and developing a sustainable model for conservation-led community development. As communities in Papua New Guinea are highly dependent on forest and coastal resources, a well-designed business plan will be crucial for ensuring both environmental protection and socio-economic stability. MDF currently has a 500-word preliminary business plan, which outlines key goals and priorities. The Online Volunteers will help expand and refine this document into a comprehensive business plan (approximately 2,500–3,000 words) that integrates strategic, financial, and environmental perspectives. The completed plan will guide MDF and the KWMA Committee in effective implementation and long-term sustainability planning.

We are seeking the support of five online volunteers with expertise in business development, research, and conservation management to collaboratively refine and finalize the KWMA business plan. To streamline coordination and avoid overlap, the roles are grouped under three core functional areas: Volunteer 1: Business Plan Writing Support Expand the existing 500-word draft into a full business plan (~2,500–3,000 words). Ensure the structure aligns with MDF’s mission, financial objectives, and biodiversity goals. Synthesize inputs from other volunteers and prepare the final integrated version. Volunteer 2: Language Editor and Quality Review Support Review all written sections for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Edit the final document to meet professional and donor-friendly presentation standards. Prepare an executive summary (1–2 pages) for external communication. Volunteer 3: Environmental Economics Research Support Conduct a literature review and benchmarking on sustainable financing models in community-based conservation, ecotourism, and natural resource management. Summarize findings in a 2-page benchmarking brief to inform the financial sustainability section. Volunteer 4: Best Practice Review and Support Review business plans or sustainability frameworks from similar conservation initiatives in the Pacific region. Identify applicable models and propose tailored recommendations for KWMA. Volunteer 5: Implementation and M&E Support Develop a 2–3 page implementation roadmap outlining practical short-term and long-term steps. Design a simple M&E framework with measurable indicators for tracking progress. Suggest strategies for adaptive management and periodic business plan reviews.