The Research and Conservation Foundation is a registered not for profit organization in Papua New Guinea. Founded in 1986, RCF is one of the oldest national NGOs in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and is one of the first and largest dedicated to the environment, conservation and education. RCF evolved out of shared concern between researchers and the Crater Mountain landowners about the declining population of unique and rare species that are endemic to the area including other fauna and flora as well as the rich bio-diversity. In doing so; they established what is known now as the Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area (CMWMA) which has been in operation for the last 16 years.
The rural people and the children, who are the future guardians of the natural resources, are informed and empowered to better manage their natural resources which will provide them with sustaining food, water and shelter.
The Conservation Education program works through teachers to educate students about the importance of conserving our natural environment since 1999.The program goals are; (1) to improve environmental education in elementary, primary and secondary schools in PNG and (2) to promote environmental awareness and sustainable use of natural resources in PNG.
The Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area works to educate the traditional
landowners of CMWMA about the importance of their environment and how
to sustainable manage and use their natural resource. The project goal
is to facilitate sustainable, environmentally friendly, community driven,
income generating activities to enhance Crater livelihood and the maintenance
of Crater biodiversity through the use of natural resources.