Conserving Gorillas through NFT Sales: A Campaign for Wildlife Preservation

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Goma Wada Hub

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

stakepoolgoma@gmail.com

Additional applicants

Boaz BANDU, Frédéric Samvura, Paul MUPENDA, Sustainable ADA

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

5

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

Yes

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

The dependencies of our project will typically include various factors and stakeholders. Here are some potential dependencies to consider:

Local Communities: Engaging and collaborating with local communities surrounding the national parks is essential. Their support, involvement, and understanding of the project's goals and benefits are crucial for its success.

Park Authorities: Building a strong relationship with park authorities and obtaining their approval and support is vital. They manage the parks, enforce regulations, and can provide valuable resources, guidance, and expertise.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Collaborating with conservation-focused NGOs can provide access to additional funding, expertise, and resources. NGOs often have existing projects and initiatives in these areas and can offer valuable on-the-ground support.

Financial Resources: Securing dedicated funding for the project is crucial. This can be sourced from grants, partnerships, donations, or potentially through innovative financing mechanisms like the NFT-based campaign we mentioned in the summary.

Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with a range of stakeholders such as researchers, conservationists, local businesses, tour operators, and visitors is important. Collaborating with them can help raise awareness, gather support, and potentially align efforts towards common goals.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

NFTs

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

SDG 12- Responsible Consumption and Production - The use of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) as a fundraising tool promotes innovative and sustainable revenue generation for gorilla conservation, encouraging responsible consumption and supporting sustainable production practices.

SDG13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

SDG14 - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development; While the project primarily focuses on gorilla conservation, it indirectly contributes to protecting marine ecosystems as the decline in gorilla populations can negatively affect river systems and adjacent water bodies.

SDG15 - Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss; by conserving gorillas and their ecosystems, this project contributes to the preservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable land use.

SDG17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. The campaign for wildlife preservation through NFT sales necessitates collaboration between various stakeholders, including conservation organizations, artists, and the public, in order to achieve the goals of gorilla conservation.

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

The proposed solution is to leverage Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) as a fundraising and awareness tool for gorilla conservation. NFTs are unique digital assets that can represent ownership or access to specific items, artwork, or experiences. By selling gorilla-themed NFTs, we can raise funds for conservation initiatives while simultaneously engaging and educating about gorilla preservation.

Gorilla conservation faces many challenges that come in different ways:

1. Insufficient funding for gorilla conservation: Traditional funding sources for wildlife preservation struggle to meet the financial requirements necessary for comprehensive gorilla conservation initiatives. This limitation hampers the ability to implement long-term and sustainable strategies.
2. Limited public engagement: Many individuals remain unaware of the severity of the threat facing gorilla populations and the urgent need for conservation efforts. There is a lack of public engagement and involvement in supporting initiatives aimed at protecting these endangered animals.
3. Poaching and illegal wildlife trade: Despite regulatory efforts, gorillas remain a target for poachers and the illegal wildlife trade. This ongoing threat demands innovative countermeasures to disrupt illegal activities and protect gorillas from being captured or killed.
4. Sustainable revenue generation for conservation: Developing sustainable revenue streams is crucial to supporting long-term gorilla conservation efforts. Finding innovative ways to fund conservation initiatives is necessary to ensure the continued protection of gorillas and their ecosystems.

This innovative approach will:

° Generate funds for conservation efforts: The sale of gorilla-themed NFTs will provide a new revenue stream for gorilla conservation projects.

° Increase public engagement and awareness: Using NFTs as a medium, we can create captivating digital artwork, interactive experiences, and educational content focused on gorillas. This will help raise awareness about the threats they face and inspire supporters to get involved in conservation efforts.

° Foster sustainable partnerships: Collaborating with artists, conservation organizations, and relevant stakeholders will strengthen the campaign's impact. To create unique gorilla-themed NFTs will attract a wider audience and enhance the campaign's reach.

Harnessing digital innovation through NFTs empowers the conservation community to protect gorillas and their ecosystems.

This campaign creates a platform for ongoing support, engagement, and financial contributions to wildlife preservation.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Overall, the solution we propose combines innovative technology, community engagement to address the challenge of funding and raising awareness of gorilla conservation through the Cardano blockchain. By leveraging the power of NFTs within the Cardano ecosystem, we will generate funds, increase global reach, and cultivate a community committed to protecting gorillas and their ecosystems.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

To measure the success of our project, here are the elements to consider:

• documentation on the status of gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga national parks. This documentation will talk about the evolution of the number of the Gorilla population in the two parks over time and will be able to determine the current number.

• A dashboard will be created to show the evolution and the impact of the campaign on the gorillas and their natural environment.

• Several photos of gorillas with different postures taken.

• Minting of 500 NFTs from the first collection of the campaign

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Here are the metrics taken into account to measure the success of this initiative:

®  In order to keep the Cardano community informed, we will consistently provide comprehensive updates and reports on the development of our project. These updates will encompass various aspects such as milestones achieved, feedback received from NFT buyers, individuals dedicated to our cause, and significant discoveries made along the way.

® NFT Sales and Revenue: Monitoring the number of 500 First Collection NFTs sold and the amount of revenue generated will help determine the financial success of our project. 500 NFTs produced for the first collection.

®  Conservation impact: assessment of the campaign's impact on gorilla conservation efforts. This will include tracking key conservation indicators such as population growth, habitat preservation, reduction in poaching incidents or successful reintroduction of gorillas to their natural environment.

®  Engagement and Reach: We will gauge the level of engagement with our campaign by tracking the number of participants, social media interactions, website visits, and media coverage. Additionally, we will monitor the geographic reach of our project to assess its global outreach and impact on wildlife conservation in general and gorillas in particular.

®  Community growth and involvement: We will monitor the growth of our community, including the number of supporters and collaborators. Continued involvement and dedication to the cause will be a good indication of success.

®  Awareness: We will assess the effectiveness of our campaign in raising awareness of gorilla conservation and the importance of wildlife preservation.

®  Conduct surveys to gauge public knowledge and understanding of these issues before and after the campaign.

® Partnerships and sponsorship: We will measure the success of our project by monitoring the number and quality of partnerships established, as well as any sponsorship or funding acquired. This will demonstrate the level of recognition and support our campaign has achieved within the conservation and NFT communities.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Goma Wada Hub has so far:

· Ecotourism expeditions in the national parks and protected areas of the DR Congo

· 3 blockchain developers, 1 AI developer and technical professional

· Cardano Stake Pool running in Goma

· Hosting Cardano summit 2021 and 2022, watch here.

· Plutus and Atala-Prism Project based learning, see it here.

·   See here our Fund 8 achieved project

·   A project with NFTs associated with trees as products; ongoing project.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals for the project "Conserving Gorillas through NFT Sales: A Campaign for Wildlife Preservation" include the following:

1.       Fundraising: Raise funds through the sales of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to support gorilla conservation efforts, such as habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement programs.

2.       Engaging the community: Foster community involvement and support by organizing events, workshops, or virtual experiences, allowing people to connect with gorillas and understand the need for their conservation.

 

To validate the feasibility of your approach, consider the following steps:

 

1.       Research and analysis: Conduct thorough research on the existing market for NFTs and wildlife-related campaigns to gauge potential interest and success. Analyze similar initiatives to understand their outcomes and the factors that contributed to their achievements or challenges.

2.       Stakeholder consultation: Engage with conservation organizations, wildlife experts, and relevant stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on the viability and potential impact of our project.

3.       Financial planning: Develop a comprehensive financial plan, including a projected budget, cost estimation for campaign implementation, potential revenue from NFT sales, and expected contribution to gorilla conservation efforts.

4.       Partnerships: Collaborate with established conservation organizations and experts in gorilla conservation to leverage their knowledge, networks, and resources.

5.       Pilot testing: Consider conducting a small-scale pilot program to assess interest and gauge the response from potential buyers, as well as to fine-tune our marketing strategies.

6. Measurable objectives: Regularly monitor and evaluate the rate of community engagement in gorilla protection and the number of NFTs sold. By following these steps, you can better evaluate the feasibility and potential success of your approach in conserving gorillas through NFT sales.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Here's a detailed breakdown of milestones, tasks, and expected timelines for our project "Conserving Gorillas through NFT Sales : A Campaign for Wildlife Preservation":

Milestone 1 : Project Planning and Research

- Task 1: Research current wildlife conservation strategies and initiatives (3 weeks)

- Task 2 : Identify potential partners or organizations to collaborate with (1 week)

- Task 3 : Define the project scope and goals, including fundraising targets (1 week)

Expected timeline : 5 weeks

Milestone 2: NFT Development and Creation

- Task 1: Build a website or dedicated landing page for the campaign (6 weeks)

- Task 2: Design and create unique gorilla-themed NFT assets (2 weeks)

- Task 3 : Define pricing, royalties, and terms for NFT sales (1 week)

Expected timeline: 9 weeks

Milestone 3: Marketing and Promotion

- Task 1: Develop a marketing strategy to create awareness and attract buyers (2 weeks)

- Task 2: Create engaging content for social media platforms (3 weeks)

Expected timeline: 5 weeks

Milestone 4: NFT Sales and Fundraising

- Task 1: Launch the NFT sales campaign on the marketplace (1 week)

- Task 2: Regularly update buyers and donors on the progress and impact of conservation efforts (ongoing)

Expected timeline: Ongoing

Milestone 5: Conservation Actions and Impact Assessment

- Task 1: Allocate funds raised towards gorilla conservation activities, such as habitat protection and anti-poaching measures (ongoing)

- Task 2: Monitor and assess the impact of conservation efforts on gorilla populations (ongoing)

Expected timeline: Ongoing

 

To validate the feasibility of your approach, consider the following factors:

® Market Demand: Research the interest and demand for NFTs in the wildlife and conservation community.

® Collaboration: Assess the willingness of potential partners and organizations to collaborate and support the project.

® Financial Viability: Evaluate the potential revenue generation from NFT sales and compare it to the expected fundraising targets.

® Technical Feasibility: Ensure the availability of necessary resources and expertise to develop and launch the NFT sales platform.

® Legal and Ethical Considerations: Ensure compliance with existing regulations and ethical practices regarding wildlife preservation and NFT sales.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Here's a breakdown of the deliverables, outputs, and intended outcomes for each milestone of our project "Conserving Gorillas through NFT Sales: A Campaign for Wildlife Conservation":

Milestone 1: Research and Planning

Deliverables:

1. Extensive research report on the current state of gorilla conservation efforts and NFTs in the art market.

2. Project plan outlining the campaign strategy, goals, and target audience.

Outputs :

1. Research report : Detailed analysis of existing gorilla conservation initiatives and potential for utilizing NFT sales.

2. Project plan : Clear roadmap for the campaign, including key activities, resource requirements, and timeline.

Intended Outcomes:

1. In-depth understanding of the challenges faced in gorilla conservation efforts and the potential of NFTs to raise funds and awareness.

2. Clear direction for the campaign's execution, ensuring a well-structured and organized approach.

Milestone 2: Design and Development

Deliverables:

® Creative designs for the NFT artwork and promotional materials.

Outputs:

® NFT artwork and promotional materials: Eye-catching visuals and engaging content to attract potential buyers and support the cause.

Intended Outcomes:

® Captivating and impactful artwork to drive interest in the campaign and encourage participation.

Milestone 3: Creation of a comprehensive marketing plan for promoting the campaign.

® Marketing plan : Detailed strategy to generate buzz, attract collectors, and maximize the campaign's reach.

  Intended Outcomes:

® Effective marketing plan to create awareness, generate interest, and maximize the impact of the campaign.

Milestone 4: NFT Sale and Fundraising

Deliverables:

1. Successful launch of the NFT sale on the marketplace platform.

2. Implementation of effective communication channels for engaging with buyers, media, and potential partners.

3. Achievement of targeted fundraising goals.

Outputs :

1. NFT sale launch: All NFTs available for purchase on the marketplace platform, with clear descriptions and pricing.

2. Communication channels: Active social media presence, regular updates, and engagement with stakeholders.

3. Fundraising goals : Funds raised through NFT sales tracked and accounted for.

Intended Outcomes:

1. Successful sale of NFTs, generating substantial funds for gorilla conservation efforts.

2. Ongoing engagement with supporters, generating interest and fostering a community around the campaign.

3. Achievement of fundraising goals, contributing to the conservation and protection of gorillas.

Milestone 5: Impact Assessment and Reporting

Deliverables:

1. Analysis of the campaign's reach, impact, and funds raised.

2. Detailed report on the effectiveness of NFT sales for wildlife conservation.

3. Documentation of lessons learned and recommendations for future campaigns.

Outputs :

1. Impact analysis report : Evaluation of the campaign's outcomes, including funds raised, awareness generated, and engagement levels.

2. Effectiveness report : Assessment of utilizing NFT sales as a conservation fundraising strategy, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

3. Lessons learned and recommendations: Insights and suggestions for optimizing future wildlife conservation campaigns incorporating NFTs.

Intended Outcomes:

1. A comprehensive understanding of the campaign's success in raising funds and creating awareness for gorilla conservation.

2. Valuable insights into the effectiveness of NFT sales as a fundraising tool for wildlife conservation initiatives.

3. Actionable recommendations for future campaigns to improve impact and achieve even greater results.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The total budget requested is 74979 ADA

The breakdown is as followers:

Rate of 0.23

Research and documentation: 7522 ADA

Website development (34260)

Backend  : 16044 ADA

Frontend : 18217 ADA

Wildlife photographer: 4348 ADA

Media & Marketing      : 13870 ADA

NFTs Minting          : 3478 ADA

Misc                  : 3478 ADA

Project Management:8022 ADA

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Project scope: The cost as demonstrated and detailed in this project corresponds to the scope and objectives of the project. It adequately covers all the resources and activities needed to achieve the desired results.

Expertise: The budget includes the qualified professionals necessary for the effective execution of our project. The hiring of experienced personnel guarantees efficient management of this project, thus minimizing the risk of errors and delays.

Quality Results: The budget has been designed to deliver high quality results that meet industry standards and prevailing market rates for similar projects in blockchain (NFT Minting) and website development. It includes provisions for extensive testing, peer reviews and quality assurance processes to ensure reliable and safe results.

Innovation and research: The budget proposed here allocates part of the funds to innovation and research activities. This investment enables the expansion of new technologies, methodologies or improvements in the Cardano ecosystem, which can benefit the whole community in the long term.

Sustainability: The project budget considers long-term sustainability and scalability. The allocation of funds for ongoing maintenance, upgrades and necessary support ensures that it can thrive and adapt effectively to future needs.

Profitability: The budget is optimized to minimize unnecessary expenses without compromising the quality or delivery of the project. Effective planning, resource management and cost control strategies were used to maximize the value obtained from the allocated budget.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept