Conserving Gorillas through NFT Sales: A Campaign for Wildlife Preservation

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Goma Wada Hub

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co proposers and Additional applicants

Sustainable ADA

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

6

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

Yes

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

 The proposed solution is to leverage Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) as a fundraising and awareness tool for gorilla conservation.

[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] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The project outputs will be open source. The aim is to make certain elements of the code and related materials openly available for the public to access, use, modify, and redistribute for non-commercial purposes.

The open source include the code developed for the NFT sales platform, documentation for implementing similar campaigns, marketing materials, educational resources, and any other relevant materials needed to replicate or understand the project.

By adopting an open-source approach, the project aims to encourage wider community involvement, facilitate innovation through shared knowledge, and contribute to the overall preservation of wildlife and biodiversity.

[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; Climate change is a major threat to biodiversity, and gorillas are no exception. As the planet warms, gorillas are losing their habitat, and their food sources are becoming scarce. This is leading to increased competition for resources and conflict with humans.

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.

[SOLUTION] 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] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

The project "Conserving Gorillas through NFT Sales: A Campaign for Wildlife Preservation" aims to bring positive impacts to the wider Cardano community in the following ways:

1. Awareness and Engagement: The campaign will raise awareness about the importance of gorilla conservation and the broader need for wildlife preservation. By leveraging the power of NFTs, the project will engage the Cardano community and beyond, stimulating conversations, fostering knowledge-sharing, and encouraging action towards wildlife conservation. The impact will be measured by assessing the reach and engagement of the awareness campaign, including metrics like social media interactions, website traffic, and participation in related events or initiatives.
2. Collaboration: The success of this project will provide opportunities for collaborations within the Cardano ecosystem. By involving talented photographers, developers, and conservation organizations, new partnerships will be forged to further advance environmental sustainability and societal well-being. The impact will be measured by tracking the number and quality of collaborations initiated or strengthened as a result of the project.
3. Conservation: By raising funds through NFT sales, the project will contribute to wildlife preservation efforts, particularly focused on gorillas. These funds will be utilized for habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, education programs, and community development. The positive impact of the project will be measured by quantifying the funds raised and the specific conservation activities supported.

To share the outputs and opportunities resulting from the project, the following approaches will be employed:

1. Reporting: Regular updates and reports will be shared with the Cardano community, highlighting the progress made, funds raised, and specific conservation activities supported.
2. Communication Channels: The project will leverage various communication channels, including social media platforms, forums, and community engagement portals, to share project updates, calls for action, and opportunities for involvement.
3. Collaboration Platforms: The project outputs and opportunities will be shared on platforms that facilitate collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem, such as developer forums, artist networks, and environmental conservation groups.
4. Events and Presentations: The project team will actively participate in relevant events, conferences, and webinars, contributing to discussions on wildlife preservation and showcasing the project's learnings, outcomes, and potential for impact.

By measuring and sharing the impact of the project, as well as actively engaging with the Cardano community, the project intends to bring value by fostering a sense of shared responsibility for wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability, while simultaneously building a network of collaborators and supporting the wider Cardano ecosystem's growth and development.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

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.

To measure the success of our project, we have identified several key elements:

1. Documentation on the status of gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga national parks: We will compile data on the evolution of the gorilla population in these parks over time. This information will help determine the current number of gorillas and track any changes that occur as a result of our campaign.
2. Creation of a dashboard: We will develop a dashboard that showcases the evolution and impact of our campaign on gorillas and their natural environment. This will provide a visual representation of the progress made and allow for easy monitoring of the project's success.
3. Photography of gorillas: We will capture photos of gorillas in different postures to document their behavior and unique characteristics. These photos will serve as visual evidence of the gorillas' existence and contribute to raising awareness about their plight.
4. Minting of 500 NFTs: As part of our campaign, we will mint 500 NFTs from the first collection. The sales and popularity of these NFTs will serve as a tangible measure of the project's success, as it indicates the level of support and engagement from the Cardano community and beyond.

To share the outputs and opportunities resulting from our project, we will utilize various channels:

• Regular updates on our website: We will publish progress reports, including the number of gorillas identified, the impact of the campaign, and the funds raised through NFT sales.

• Social media engagement: We will actively share updates, photos, and videos on our social media platforms to engage with the Cardano community and create awareness about gorilla conservation.

• Collaborations with relevant organizations: We will seek partnerships with local conservation groups, wildlife organizations, and influencers to amplify our message and expand the reach of our project.
• Participation in conferences and events: We will present our findings, methodologies, and successes at conferences and events related to wildlife conservation and blockchain technology, providing an opportunity for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Ultimately, the success of our project will bring value to the Cardano community by raising awareness about gorilla conservation, contributing to the preservation of a critically endangered species, and showcasing the use of blockchain technology for positive impact.

[Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Project Planning and Research (5 weeks)

Objectives are to:

• Establish a comprehensive understanding of wildlife conservation issues and NFT potential.
• Identify and establish partnerships with relevant conservation organizations.
• Develop a detailed project plan with clear timelines, budget, and resource allocation.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A thorough research report outlining current wildlife conservation strategies and NFT applications is produced.
• Memoranda of understanding (MOUs) or partnership agreements with conservation organizations are signed.
• A finalized project plan is approved by all stakeholders, including project team members, conservation partners, and funding bodies.

NFT Development and Creation (9 weeks)

Objectives are to:

• Design and develop a user-friendly website or landing page for the NFT campaign.
• Create a collection of high-quality, unique, and engaging gorilla-themed NFT assets.
• Establish transparent and secure pricing, royalties, and terms for NFT sales.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A functional and visually appealing website or landing page is launched, providing clear information about the project, conservation goals, and NFT collection.
• A collection of original and aesthetically pleasing gorilla-themed NFT assets is created, demonstrating artistic merit and appeal to the target audience.
• A transparent and well-defined NFT sales structure is established, including pricing tiers, royalty distribution mechanisms, and clear terms and conditions for buyers.

Marketing and Promotion (5 weeks)

Objectives are to:

• Implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to raise awareness, attract buyers, and drive NFT sales.
• Create engaging and informative content for social media platforms, including videos, images, and articles.
• Establish a strong online presence and actively engage with potential buyers and conservation enthusiasts.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A detailed marketing strategy is developed, outlining target audiences, messaging, and distribution channels.
• A consistent stream of engaging and informative social media content is produced, generating interest and attracting potential buyers.
• A significant increase in website traffic, social media engagement, and online brand awareness is achieved.

NFT Sales and Fundraising (Ongoing)

Objectives are to:

• Successfully launch the NFT collection on the chosen marketplace, ensuring smooth minting, trading, and transaction processes.
• Achieve the project's fundraising goals by selling a substantial portion of the NFT collection.
• Maintain transparency and accountability throughout the NFT sales process, providing regular updates to buyers and donors.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The NFT collection is successfully launched on the chosen marketplace, with minimal technical glitches or disruptions.
• A significant portion of the NFT collection is sold, generating revenue that meets or exceeds the project's fundraising targets.
• Regularly updated reports detailing NFT sales progress, fundraising achievements, and impact on conservation efforts are provided to buyers, donors, and stakeholders.

Conservation Actions and Impact Assessment (Ongoing)

Objectives are to:

• Effectively allocate funds raised from NFT sales towards gorilla conservation activities, such as habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with conservation partners to implement and monitor the effectiveness of conservation programs.
• Regularly track and assess the impact of conservation efforts on gorilla populations and their habitats.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A transparent and accountable system for allocating funds towards conservation activities is established and implemented.
• Conservation initiatives are implemented in collaboration with recognized and reputable conservation organizations.
• Regularly updated progress reports and impact assessments are produced, demonstrating the positive impact of conservation efforts on gorilla populations and their habitats.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Boaz BANDU BALUME

Project Management

Boaz, a dedicated graduate in environment and sustainable development, spearheads the Goma Wada Hub as its team leader. He concurrently manages a stake pool, demonstrating his diverse skillset. Driven by a deep fascination with blockchain technology, Boaz actively participates in the Cardano ecosystem, his enthusiasm a contagious source of inspiration.

His contributions are numerous:

• Co-proposer in F8 and F9: Boaz actively participates in shaping the future of Cardano by contributing proposals.
• NFT Project Coordinator in F9: He successfully led an NFT project, showcasing his capacity for innovation and execution.
• Challenge Team Member in F10: Boaz thrives in collaborative environments, applying his expertise to tackle challenges.
• Onboarding Youth: Passionate about empowering others, Boaz is actively onboarding youth from Goma City onto the blockchain, translating content into French to ensure inclusivity.
• Researcher: He has conducted comprehensive research, culminating in an insightful analysis document for African stake pools.

Boaz's diverse experience, combined with his unwavering dedication and enthusiasm, make him an invaluable asset to the Cardano community. He embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives the blockchain forward.

https://twitter.com/BoazB5475

https://www.linkedin.com/in/boaz-bandu-401428204/

Martin Musagara

Research and documentation

Martin is a graduate student at ISDR/GL (www.isdrgl.org ) Passionate about Blockchain technology, he organizes training for local students at the Goma Wada Hub, as part of the Catalyst project and PAs training. He is also the leader of the Goma stake pool marketing team. Martin is the author of several articles on the environment and sustainable development.

https://twitter.com/martin_musagara

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-musagara-m-b0139422a/

Web3 and Sustainable ADA

Research, Media, and Marketing

The Sustainable ADA team has experience working with Figma, Canva, Wix, Final Cut Pro, Da Vinci Resolve 17, Adobe CC, and Microsoft Products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc). Sustainable ADA has experience and backgrounds in Sustainability, Economics, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Along with work with NGOs, Social Enterprises, Freelance journalism, and blogging. 

The team has been a part of the Cardano ecosystem since 2020 and is very dedicated to the Cardano ecosystem. They created Recalibrating Value, Identity & Impact Through the Blockchain: Cardano Impact Report 2023”. The team also has undertaken the first of-its-kind Cardano Impact Report.

The Sustainable ADA team is made up of two experienced people:

Cole Bartlett:

Bachelor in Economics and Sustainability | Blockchain/Sustainability Researcher | Social Entrepreneur | Co-Founder of Impact Web 3 & Sustainable ADA | Positive Blockchain Contributor | Impact Measurement Expertise | Donation Officer for Yagazie Foundation | Blockchain Learning Center Core Member | Co-Founder of Vermont Fishing | Decentralized Lead Generation | UNITE 2030 Youth Delegate 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-bartlett

https://twitter.com/cole_vt

Razali Samsudin: Editor | Lead Author | Subject Expert | Partnerships

Co-Author of Recalibrating Value, Identity, and Impact Through the Blockchain - Cardano Impact Report 2023

Co-Founder of Sustainable ADA, Impact Web3, Streets of ADA - A Samsudin Brothers Projek

17+ years of experience as an interdisciplinary Educator from early years settings to postgraduate level, with a background in social sciences, humanities, and sustainability. 

Author, Writer, Editor, Digital Economy, Blockchain, Sustainability and Impact Measurements, Researcher (Research Lead Connecting SDGs to Project Catalyst and lead on the SDG Proposer Tool and SDG Search Tool with Cardano AIM #Blockchain4Good, #Cardano4Good, #NFT4Good). Social Entrepreneur, Catalyst Proposal Mentor. Wada UN SDG and Education Coordinator, Contributor at Cardano AIM, PositiveBlockchain, Catalyst School, Adafilms.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/razali-samsudin

https://twitter.com/Razlosophy

Innocent Akilimali (Cizungu)

Software Developer

Akilimali has 7 years in software development with expertise in Java, Flutter, NodeJs, Express, React, and Web 3.0 based on Cardano. He currently works as a software development consultant at DEPOT PHARMACEUTIQUE MAMU. Akilimali is also the technician supporting the Cardano Stake Pool. He is a technical analyst within ISDR/GL (www.isdrgl.org) and holds a degree in computer science from ISIG (https://www.isig.ac.cd/). With experience in front-end and back-end developments.

https://github.com/Innocent-Akim?tab=overview&from=2023-07-01&to=2023-07-09

https://www.linkedin.com/in/akilimali-innocent-7649951a8/

Carin Siwa

Wildlife photographer

Carin is a Wildlife Photographer based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, working in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Park. Nature lover and environmental protector, his goal is to promote ecotourism through photography and videography. His passion for photography is motivated by his desire to raise awareness of endangered endemic species such as lowland and mountain gorillas, victims of poaching. The images captured by Carin Siwa contribute to the fight against this scourge while highlighting the beauty of Congolese wildlife.

https://siwamumberecarin19.wixsite.com/siwacarin-cd

https://twitter.com/siwacarin_cd

Notice: Our team will explore a possible integration with the Impact Web3 Proof of Impact Platform, for the NFT collection.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Research and Documentation: Conducting in-depth research on gorilla conservation strategies, NFT technology, and market trends. Gathering and analyzing data on gorilla populations, habitat loss, and poaching threats. Preparing comprehensive reports, whitepapers, and documentation. | 6022 ADA

Website Development: Building a user-friendly, visually appealing, and responsive website or (landing page) for the NFT campaign. Ensuring the website is optimized for search engines and mobile devices. Integrating NFT minting and transaction tracking functionality. Implementing robust security measures to safeguard user data and transactions. | 31260 ADA

Backend Development: Developing a secure, scalable, and efficient backend infrastructure for the NFT marketplace. Implementing smart contracts for minting, trading, ownership management, and royalty distribution. | 13044 ADA

Frontend Development: Designing and developing a user-friendly, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing frontend interface for the NFT marketplace. Creating engaging visual elements, interactive features, and seamless user interactions. Implementing responsive design to provide an optimal user experience across different devices and screen sizes. | 16217 ADA

Wildlife Photography: Collaborating with a renowned wildlife photographer to capture high-quality, captivating images of gorillas in their natural habitat. Utilizing these images to create unique, engaging, and collectible NFT assets that resonate with potential buyers and conservation enthusiasts. | 4348 ADA

Media and Marketing: Developing a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy to promote the NFT project and its conservation goals. Creating engaging social media content, press releases, and promotional materials. Implementing targeted outreach to potential buyers, conservation enthusiasts, and media outlets. Utilizing a mix of traditional and digital marketing channels to maximize reach and impact. | 13870 ADA

NFT Minting: Covering the costs associated with minting NFTs on the Cardano blockchain platform. | 3478 ADA

Miscellaneous Expenses: Covering unforeseen expenses such as travel, software licenses, legal fees, and third-party service providers. | 3478 ADA

Project Management: Overseeing the entire project lifecycle, ensuring timely completion, adherence to budget and scope, and alignment with project goals. Coordinating with project team members, conservation partners, funding bodies, and stakeholders. | 8022 ADA

Total Budget | 99739 ADA

[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 agrees to Fund 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