About

The U.S. Embassy to Papua New Guinea of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition to submit a proposal to design and manage a program aimed at supporting Papua New Guinean graduate students to conduct research on natural resources and biodiversity protection in Papua New Guinea.

This program seeks to empower local graduate students, academics, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to critically evaluate natural resource management and protections in PNG, with a focus on areas such as forestry, fish, geology, human interactions with wildlife and the landscape, and labor issues.

The winning grantee will be responsible for designing the project, recruiting and selecting Papua New Guinean participants, and funding all logistical aspects of their research projects. Strong proposals will also provide adequate mentorship and support opportunities to ensure the successful design and completion of these research projects. At the end of the research period, the grantee will organize a capstone information sharing event where academics, government officials, and the graduate students from the United States, Papua New Guinea, and the broader Pacific region exchange findings and practical research applications in-person, virtually, or a hybrid setting.

The program aims to build local research capacity among students, academics, and CSOs, contributing to an equitable and thriving future for all Papua New Guineans, and give all stakeholders a better understanding of the current state of the nation’s natural resources, the impact of economics and growing population sizes on the land and sea, and demonstrate ways in which fish and forests can better be protected by legal frameworks, enforcement activities, community intervention, eco-tourism, or conservation efforts.  By supporting research in critical areas and providing a platform for dissemination and discussion, this initiative will enhance the knowledge and understanding of PNG’s rich resources, build skills for of the next generation of leaders, and link Papua New Guinea to a global network of professionals.

Goals

• Goal 1 - Enhance Research on Natural Resource Management: Support and fund academic research projects conducted by local graduate students, focusing on best practices in natural resource management in Papua New Guinea. Encourage in-depth studies on critical areas such as timber industry, wildlife conservation, mineral extraction, and labor issues to generate actionable insights and recommendations. Ensure that the research projects are methodologically sound, innovative, and contribute to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable natural resource management.

• Goal 2 - Build Local Capacity and Expertise: Empower local graduate students and academics by providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and support to conduct high-quality research. Develop the skills and knowledge of participants in research methodologies, data analysis, and policy evaluation related to natural resource management. Foster a community of practice among researchers, academics, and CSOs to promote continuous learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Program Objectives 

• The program will work to empower local graduate students, academics, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to critically evaluate natural resource management and protections in PNG. At the end of the research period, the grantee will organize a capstone event where academics, government officials, and the graduate students will gather to discuss the research findings, fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable practices. The Natural Resource Management Research Program aims to complete the following objectives:

  • Objective 1: Administer Research Grants and Build Research Capacity – Facilitated identification and selection of graduate students and academics by providing them with the necessary resources to conduct research projects focused on best practices in natural resource management in Papua New Guinea.

    • The program will engage graduate students in research focused on logging, wildlife, minerals, and labor issues in Papua New Guinea. The selection process will involve a competitive application where students submit research proposals aligned with the program's objectives. Strong proposals will take into account the language and technological barriers in Papua New Guinea to ensure the widest and most inclusive recruitment and selection process possible. Selected students will receive funding and resources to conduct their research over a specified period. They will have access to necessary resources for transportation, lodging, living stipends, research materials, data sets, and field equipment.

    • Strong proposals will include workshops and seminars to enhance their research skills and methodologies. During their research period they should also have opportunities to collaborate with other researchers, academics, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to share knowledge and insights.

    • The comprehensive implementer activities will cover a range of critical areas, including: 

      • Promotion and Recruitment: 

        • Promote the program to ensure wide and inclusive participation. 

        • Recruit participants by facilitating the identification and selection of local graduate students and academics through a competitive application process. 

      • Selection Process: 

        • Oversee the competitive application process where students submit research proposals aligned with the program's objectives.

        • Ensure strong proposals consider language and technological barriers to maximize inclusivity. 

      • Funding and Resources: 

        • Provide selected students with funding and resources necessary for their research, including transportation, lodging, living stipends, research materials, data sets, and field equipment. 

      • Mentorship and Training: 

        • Offer mentorship and training to enhance research skills and methodologies. 

        • Organize workshops and seminars to further develop participants' research capabilities. 

      • Collaboration Opportunities: 

        • Facilitate opportunities for students to collaborate with other researchers, academics, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to share knowledge and insights. 

      • Monitoring and Evaluation: 

        • Monitor and evaluate the progress of research projects to ensure they align with program goals. 

        • Provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure successful project completion. 

      • Knowledge-Sharing Events: 

        • Organize knowledge-sharing events, such as workshops and seminars, to foster collaboration and learning among participants. 

    • Location: Papua New Guinea

  • Objective 2: Organize a capstone event for researchers to share knowledge on findings about Papua New Guineans resources, with the local government, community leaders, businesses, CSOs, peers and experts in the United States and the world. 

    • To organize capstone event at the end of the project cycle where researchers will present their findings and suggest labor best practices in Papua New Guinea. The conference will bring together domestic and international experts to discuss the research outcomes, fostering an exchange of knowledge and ideas. Activities can include presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions, in person or virtual. The expected outcomes are strengthened connections with a global network of professionals, and increased awareness and understanding of sustainable natural resource management practices among stakeholders in Papua New Guinea. 

    • Key Activities and Sessions:

      • Presentations: Papua New Guinean Participants present their findings to key stakeholders including domestic and international experts tracking these issues. 

    • Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Funding Information

• Total Funding: $250,000 (pending availability of funds)

• Period of Performance: 18-24 Months

• Number of Anticipated Awards: One (1)

• Anticipated Award Signing: September 2024

Priority Location

• Papua New Guinea.

Eligibility

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:

  • U.S. or foreign not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, and civil society/nongovernmental organizations. U.S. and foreign educational institutions.

Post Date: July 19, 2024