Introduction
Village Development Trust (VDT) is an indigenous non government organisation that has been working in Papua New Guinea and throughout the South Pacific since 1990. It has become recognised as a leader in the fields of eco-forestry and conservation. Its work has evolved over this time to include a series of courses and workshops, professional field support services, education aids, and model projects that emphasise an integrated approach to the issues of conservation awareness, environmental protection, and the practical sustainable development of village resources.

During the last 7 years VDT has observed three important needs that are now being incorporated into it's planned activities for the next three (3) years. These are

1.The need for education that does not simply inform but which empowers action;

2.The concrete establishment of genuine opportunities for villagers to take desired actions and in the process expand their creative abilities to solve problems and discover what is required to be successful in their adopted pursuits;

3.The establishment of model projects from which can be gleaned elements that could be replicated in other areas and other situations.

This document summarises the key elements of a 1997-99 organisational plan involving the delivery of an array of services, projects, and programmes. These different initiatives together represent a strategic plan aimed at empowering and supporting Papua New Guineans to develop their resources sustainably and improve the general standard of living in village communities.

This plan presents VDT's current work as the following five (5) distinct but related initiatives:

(i) Education, Training and Advocacy

(ii) Gender and Social Issues Programme

(iii) Kamiali Training Centre and Guest house;

(iv) Village Eco-Timber Project

(v) Kamiali Integrated Conservation And Development (ICAD) Project

VDT's courses offer village communities the opportunity to learn and understand how to protect their environment from the threats of destructive logging practises. This is complemented by advocacy work conducted throughout the country, often in conjunction with other non government organisations. The courses also include technical trainings for small scale village based timber operations as well as workshops designed to enhance the addressing of conservation, business management, and gender issues related to village based sawmilling. VDT's model projects, (Training Centre and Guest house, ICAD Project, and the Village Eco-Timber Project) on the other hand, offer and demonstrate to villagers some practical and viable alternatives to unsustainable development activities. VDT views the successful operation of these projects as critical to its work as they represent the fulfilment of its training and advocacy commitments.

Mission Statement
EMPOWERING AND SUPPORTING VILLAGE COMMUNITIES TO MANAGE THEIR RESOURCES IN WAYS THAT PROMOTE SELF RELIANCE AND THAT ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY, ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE

Village Development Trust (VDT) provides programmes, courses, services, and initiatives in the field of eco-forestry and related fields that express this mission. In addition we-VDT''s trustees, staff, and members - declare that the following principles guide the development, implementation, and delivery of our activities:

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. We practise a people-centred approach to development that promotes bottom up planning and the full participation of village community members as partners in the development process.

2. We acknowledge the fundamental importance of traditional values and village institutions and integrate these into our initiatives to promote successful community development.

3. We encourage and support the participation of both women and men as equal partners in, and benefactors of, sustainable development.

4. We develop model activities with and inside village communities thereby demonstrating the outcomes and benefits of our programmes and projects.

5. We evaluate our achievements by the successes of the village communities we work with and by the expanded capacity of those communities to carry out their own initiatives.

6. Wherever and whenever possible, we utilise and develop the skills of Papua New Guineans.

7. We practise (promote) networking and alliance building with other organisations that share our mission.

8. We acknowledge and appreciate the value of both paid professionals and volunteer participants and encourage the input of both, appropriate to our particular goals and objectives.

9. We are committed to the increased understanding and practise of sustainable forest management (SFM), the influencing of Papua New Guinea forest policy, and the supporting of small scale village operators in developing their forest resources.