Innovative Approaches Being Trialed by the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) in Papua New Guinea to Enhance Access, Inclusion, And Equity in Conservation and Development Programming

Authors

  • Tara Buddhipala WWF Australia
  • Grace Nugi WWF Papua New Guinea

Keywords:

WWF, Wildlife Conservation, biodiversity, GEDSI, gender equity, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Pacific, Land Use Mapping, camera trap, drones, KoboToolbox, Inclusion, Equity, youth

Abstract

The World Wide Fund for Nature in Papua New Guinea (WWF-PNG) with WWF-Pacific trialed the use of three innovative technologies to enhance the engagement of women and youth (aged 16-25) in project activities. The trial aimed at improving conservation practices and enhancing livelihoods in a remote setting. The trial included testing of three technologies (drone technology, camera trapping, and the KoboToolbox App). Overall, WWF considers the trial to have been an important first step in the trial of digital technologies to enhance the engagement of women and youth in conservation program activities. Their use aided in overcoming challenges due to the remoteness of Papua New Guinea (PNG) communities, as well as the absence of electricity and the internet in target locations; created new digital methods for obtaining and documenting Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC); enhanced inclusion and equity in conservation and development programming and overall promoted the use of technology in the not-for-profit conservation sector.

Author Biographies

Tara Buddhipala, WWF Australia

Tara Buddhipala is the Inclusion, Equity and Safeguards Lead for WWF-Australia, pursuing her passion for holistic and localised conservation and development programming that empowers communities and protects the environment. 

Tara has led programming in the international community development and conservation sectors since 2013. She has strong technical expertise in enhancing inclusion and equity, risk management, program management, policy and strategy development, and capacity building. Tara has extensive experience in program management, in-community monitoring and evaluation, as well as face-to-face capacity building with implementing partners across East Africa, Asia and the Pacific. She has advanced skills in building and maintaining thriving partnerships with various stakeholders at all levels, including NGOs, government and the private sector. Tara has also developed inclusion and equity policies and strategies for organisations, and provided capacity building support to colleagues and peers to enhance inclusion.

Tara holds a Master of Development Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy). Tara previously practiced as a commercial lawyer in Sydney, Australia, and has advocated for clients and instructed Counsel in tribunals and courts from the local level to the High Court of Australia. This has equipped Tara with strong governance, communication, contract, negotiation, presentation, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills that she still utilises in her work today. 

Tara’s vision is to enhance the implementation of holistic conservation and community development programs that empower communities, alleviate poverty, restore the environment and build resilience to climate change. Most importantly, she seeks to support the development and implementation of programs that are locally-led, equitable and inclusive of those impacted by vulnerability and marginalisation. 



Grace Nugi, WWF Papua New Guinea

Grace Nugi is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and social responsibility, currently serving as the Environment and Social Safeguards (ESSF) Coordinator for the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Program in Papua New Guinea (WWF PNG). With a career spanning over nine years in the conservation sector, Grace's journey in conservation took root during her early years with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), where she engaged in wildlife monitoring and research in the biodiverse Bismarck Forest. She is now the ESSF Coordinator for WWF PNG, where she focuses on ensuring that conservation initiatives align with ethical, social, and environmental standards.

In her current capacity, Grace co-designs and implements measures to mitigate risks to local communities and ecosystems. She is instrumental in developing management plans that effectively safeguard natural resources while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. 

Grace Nugi is an alumna of the University of Papua New Guinea, where she earned an Honors Degree in Marine and Conservation Biology and is in pursuit of completing her Master of Philosophy at the University of Queensland in Australia.



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Published

2024-06-26

How to Cite

Buddhipala, T., & Nugi, G. (2024). Innovative Approaches Being Trialed by the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) in Papua New Guinea to Enhance Access, Inclusion, And Equity in Conservation and Development Programming. Social Innovations Journal, 25. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/8296

Issue

Vol. 25 (2024): Digital Empowerment: Transforming Community Growth, Health, Economic Development, and Conservation through Innovative Technologies

Section

Digital Technology in Conservation and Community Projects

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Copyright (c) 2024 Tara Buddhipala, Grace Nugi (Author)

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