Cardano Forest [blocktree.asia] - Foster Trust in Reforestation Impact Report - Enhance Security & Accuracy of Data Collecting Tool

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

John Tong

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

brit.nguyen@blocktree.asia

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

30000

[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

No

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

Enhance the accuracy of GPS data 50%+, automate the extraction of data from photographs, smart guide to capture photo optimally, reporting of unauthorized access automatically.

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

No

[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.”

No dependencies.

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

No

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

We are a SIB (Social Impact Business), not an open source developer. We provide services for partners and there are reasons to keep our code base closed, such as privacy of customers, security, business IPs... However, we think what matters most is about the impact created.

The wider community may benefit from our educational content and engagement activities held by BlockTree. We publish them all freely on our Impact Hub so that people can find and learn how to support the Earth with their own resources & will.

[METADATA] SDG rating

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

14 - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

OUR CURRENT STATUS

We are seeking a fund to continue with the next phase of our project. More information about the previous phases which were funded on Fund 8 and Fund 9 is as follows links :

• The Fund 8 proposal: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/396832.
• Status: Completed & closed.
• Results: We successfully set up the foundation of the business and rolled out the first version of our holistic solution package: Mini ERP, Data Collecting App, Showcase portal for Sponsors. 2.500 trees have been planted.
• The Fund 9 proposal: https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/f9-dapps-products-and-integrations/cardano-forest-blocktreeasia.
• Status: Completed & closed.
• Results: We succesfully implemented the end2end solutions to our first early adopters. 12.500 trees have been planted using our solutions.

Further, we are also listed in public newspapers. You can read about us here: https://www.sggp.org.vn/trong-mot-cay-xanh-chua-lanh-dat-me-post642839.html.

Also, we've already had the license as a Social Impact Business, which commits at least 51% profit will be spent on reforestation works. https://masothue.com/0317775246-cong-ty-co-phan-cong-nghe-blocktree

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OUR FOCUS IN THIS PROPOSAL

In this proposal, we're focusing on improving the accuracy and security of our Data Collecting Solution. We aim to achieve these outcomes:

1.Improve GPS Accuracy:

• Current State: The GPS data accuracy is +/- 25 meters.
• Goal: Improve accuracy to +/- 10 meters.
• Actions:
• Upgrade to a more detailed and visually enhanced map service.
• Implement GNSS technology to minimize errors in mountainous regions.
• Add a GPS accuracy indicator on-screen to guide users better.
• Prevent data capture when GPS accuracy is below the required threshold.

2.Enhance Photo Quality and Data Extraction:

• Current State: Data is manually inputted by app users (field workers), many unusable photo taken leads to high revisit cost.
• Goal: Automate data extraction from photographs to increase reliability and efficiency.
• Actions:
• Utilize built-in AR technology and Lidar sensors to accurately measure tree dimensions (diameter, height, tree status).
• Deploy AI to assist users in capturing high-quality photos by suggesting the optimal angle and distance.
• Automatically extract data from captured images, reducing the need for manual input.

3.Automate Detection of Violating Actions:

• Current State: Violations are detected through manual log checks.
• Goal: Streamline the detection and reporting of unauthorized actions.
• Actions:
• Enhance the Mobile Device Management (MDM) algorithm to secure devices against unauthorized access.
• Automate log extraction and transmission to servers for immediate violation detection.

These improvements aim to foster the efficiency and authenticity of our data collection, contributing to more effective and reliable reforestration monitoring efforts.

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OUR STORY FOR YOUR HOLISTIC VIEW

The reforestation is one of the best & easiest ways to fight climate change impact, which is the current issue for the whole world, especially in developing countries in Asia. We also plan to expand our activities for other countries in Asia: China, Korea, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia...where are being seriously impacted by climate change.

Reforestation is gaining popularity among individuals and corporations, especially in Vietnam. However, we see many reforestation efforts fail to attract the donation fund/sponsorship to achieve their intended impact due to a variety of following challenges:

Critical problems in reforestration (original image)

1. Lack of proper planning:

Many corporates/sponsors lacking the expertise and knowledge & resources to develop effective sustainability plans. This leads to fragmented actions that are often seasonal, with little long-term & integrated impact. They just stops at the seasonal activities for branding purpose.

2. Transparency issue:

Double spending is common due to a lack of reliable data and third-party verification services. Without accurate and authentic data, it's hard for corporations and concerned individuals to donate to these efforts.

3. Lack of standardization in data management:

Paper-based systems are still prevalent in recording & reporting data, which leads to a lack of trust in the accuracy of reports. Normally, it's unable to conduct the audit. Furthermore, it creates barrier for funding efforts for reforestration projects due to trust issue.

4. Lack of community involvement:

Many local communities are feeling disconnected from the reforestation efforts in their own land. This disconnection leads to a lack of buy-in and participation from the community to protect and govern the planted areas. Morerover, the locals may be the one who triggers the action of deforestration in the planting site.

SOLUTIONS:

Our project aims to address these challenges with a holistic approach that focuses on fostering trust and trackability of reforestration works. Here is the process overview:

Overall BlockTree's process to foster trust & trackability (orginal image)

At detail level, we're providing:

1. Holistics toolset for tree planting organization:

We empower them to transform from paper-based to more digitalized by providing:

(1) Mini-ERP to help them streamline the planning, execution, and reporting process.

(2) Data collection devices, which uses BlockTree's application to help their field workers to capture the ground data then transfer directly to the multi-layer verification engine. View the demo data collection app here.

Through mobile-device-management & other advanced algorithms, we ensure the authenticity of the ground data and also standardize the data so that it can be reliable.

2. Consultancy for Sponsors/Donors:

We offer consulting services to help corporations/sponsors embed sustainability into their business activities as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Enterprise Social Governance(ESG). Our experts can assist them with crafting a tailored strategy aligning with their goals. We also connect our corporate customers with planting organizations in our networks that fit their plan.

In Vietnam, we are currently connecting many organizations and individuals as sponsors to 3 tree planting organizations/inviduals with a capacity of planting 500,000 trees in one year. We are also expanding the network of tree planting organisations for greater impact. Find the detail here:

https://blocktree.asia/forest-link/

https://blocktree.asia/iag-academy-showcase/

https://blocktree.asia/an-lac-eco-farm/

List of individual sponsors: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10Jfsbqm3GkcEzW3gmQsAjEz7-F4kf6pF/htmlview

3. Showcase tools for Sponsors/Donors:

Additionally, BlockTree offers unique ways for corporates/sponsors customers to showcase their impact through NFTs and showcase portal, providing transparency and educational opportunities. The postivie impact created is calculated based on the model of https://www.itreetools.org/.

Find the sample of NFT version 1 here: https://pool.pm/asset1h7kxjvlscsa0x5c65knzw2dhy00fmnk5hv7dhz

Find the sample of showcase portah here: https://blocktree.asia/forest-link/

The data flow in BlockTree's solution (original image)

4. Tracking tools for Sponsors/Donors:

Our reporting system is designed to be seamless and trustworthy, which enables us to provide real-time updates to our customers via APIs and BI dashboards. Find the sample dashboard here: https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/h4ahDfLRS74

Furthermore, every transaction that comes to/from us will be tracked with transparency via the bank's public statement. Find the evidence here: https://thiennguyen.app/user/blocktree

By providing these solutions, we believe that we can foster trust and trackability in the reforestation process, leading to increased engagement and impact. The ultimate goal of us is gathering everyone together and makeing them join hands in the work.

Our project is more than just a digital transformation/tech solution; it is an environment to promote sustainable development and create a positive impact on environment. By leveraging blockchain technology, we can make more trust, which leads to more participation of people. Those efforts contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development, beyond the scope of this challenge as well as Catalyst.

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

The benefits of this solution for the Cardano ecosystem are numerous.

1.Increased Adoption:

By using Cardano as the key infrastructure for BlockTree, we are helping to drive adoption of the platform and demonstrate its capabilities to potential users and partners. This can help to attract more developers, entrepreneurs, and investors to the ecosystem, leading to increased innovation and growth. We are also working with local government authorities to introduce our solution that will help them to understand more about the real use case of blockchain technology. Our end products will be NFTs that will be transferred to the sponsor's wallet on Cardano blockchain and will also bring more new users to Cardano Ecosystem.

2. Positive Social Impact:

Our project's focus on sustainability and environmental impact aligns with the values of the Cardano community, which is committed to creating positive social impact through blockchain technology. By using Cardano to facilitate the planting of trees and other sustainability initiatives, our project can help to promote the platform's social mission and contribute to a more sustainable future.

3. Use Case Validation:

BlockTree use of Cardano as the underlying infrastructure helps to validate the platform's capabilities and demonstrate its potential for real-world applications beyond cryptocurrency. This can help to build confidence in the platform among potential users and partners, leading to increased adoption and growth.

4. Innovative Applications:

Our project's use of NFTs to showcase impact and provide transparency is an innovative application of blockchain technology that can help to drive adoption of Cardano and other blockchain platforms. By demonstrating the potential of NFTs for social impact and sustainability initiatives, our project can help to inspire other developers and entrepreneurs to explore similar applications.

Overall, our project's focus on sustainability and social impact, combined with its use of innovative applications and digital tools, has the potential to bring significant benefits to the Cardano ecosystem and help to drive adoption and growth.

To be realistic, we estimate that we can attract 2 corporate customers (big brands) within 4 months of operation (after getting funded), with a target of planting at least 50,000 trees in that timeframe, estimating that we can reach, engage and bring Cardano to ~ 5,000 end-users (including brands' customers, local community, sponsors network...). Our current presence on social channels (in May 2024) are:

• Website: 4,100 users visited from May 2023 to May 2024.
• Facebook: 6,700 followers
• Telegram Vietnam: 263 members
• Telegram Global: 48 members
• Zalo Group: 252 members
• Linked In: 562 followers
• Youtube: 60 subscribers
• Twitter: 148 followers

[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?

We have something to be proud of that will help to demonstrate high levels of trust and accountability:

1.Actual results: As mentioned above, we've already planted 12.500 trees with 3 planting organizations & serveral sponsors recently. They are happy using our solutions and actively introducing them to their networks.

2. Expertise: Our team has members & advisors that are experienced in sustainability, reforestation, blockchain technology & product development. All of them are 8+ years in their filed. We have experts in our team who can provide consulting services to corporates/sponsors and planting organizations to ensure that their efforts are well-planned and executed effectively.

3. Technology: We've already developed a toolset, including mini-ERP and data collection devices that empower planting organizations to streamline their planning, execution, and reporting processes. We are the first and only in Vietnamese having that holistics suite. By using them, we can ensure that data is standardized and reliable, which is critical in building trust and accountability.

4. Multi-layer verification process: We've running a multi-layer verification process to ensure the authenticity & accuracy of the ground data. This process involves using various params and verification methods to ensure that the data is credible.

5. Transparency: We are committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of our project. We are providing updates to our partners & customers via channels & APIs. We also use NFTs to provide a unique and transparent way for customers and sponsors to showcase the impact of their efforts. You may find our reports with evidences in the links of Fund 8 and Fund 9 in the head of this proposal for reference.

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

Timeline: 1 month after getting funded

Objective:

Enhance the accuracy of GPS data from +/- 25 meters to +/- 10 meters.

Key Tasks:

• Select and integrate a new mapping solution with enhanced detail and visualization capabilities.
• Implement GNSS technology specifically designed to improve GPS accuracy in mountainous areas.
• Develop and deploy an on-screen GPS accuracy indicator to control data capture quality.

Deliverables:

• Upgraded mapping solution implemented.
• GNSS technology integration complete.
• GPS accuracy indicator deployed in the application.

Acceptance Criteria:

• GPS data accuracy consistently within +/- 10 meters in varying terrains (flat and mountainous, even in high-bulding area) as verified through testing.
• GPS accuracy indicator is fully functional, preventing data capture when GPS accuracy is not enough.
• User feedback confirms improved navigation and data accuracy.

Timeline: 2 months after getting funded

Objective: Automate the extraction of data from photographs to reduce manual input errors and revisit costs caused by poor quality photos.

Key Tasks:

• Incorporate AR technology and Lidar sensors to measure tree dimensions accurately.
• Utilize AI to guide users in taking high-quality photographs by suggesting suitable angles and distances.
• Develop capabilities to extract critical data from images without manual input.

Deliverables:

• AR technology and Lidar sensors fully functional for accurate measurement.
• Smart guide assistance deployed to improve photo quality.
• Automatic data extraction system from photos implemented and tested.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Measurement of tree dimensions by AR and Lidar shows an error margin less than 2%.
• Smart recommendations result in a 50% decrease in unusable photos taken by field workers.
• Data extraction from photos is 95% accurate, significantly reducing manual data entry and revisit costs.

Timeline: 3 months after getting funded.

Objectives: Enhance system security by automating the detection and reporting of unauthorized access and other security violations.

Key tasks:

• Update and enhance the Mobile Device Management (MDM) algorithm to include newer security protocols.
• Create an automated protocol for log extraction and real-time analysis to detect and report violations.

Deliverables:

• Updated MDM algorithm implemented across all devices.
• Automated log analysis and violation reporting system operational.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The updated MDM algorithm prevents unauthorized access with a success rate of over 99%.
• Automated violation detection system identifies and reports incidents within 15 minutes with at least 95% accuracy since connected successfully to internet.

Timeline: 4 months after getting funded

Key tasks

Wrap-up the fund 12 (if funded) to report The Overall Result of Project

Output:

Project closing report

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

1.Project Director: Mr. Brit Nguyen: Managing the whole project progress and KPI, reporting, connecting with Partners/Donors.

Experiences:

• Over 15 years of experience in finance and fintech, 2 years of experience in the blockchain industry.
• Director of EY Vietnam
• Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - England
• Used to be ambassador of Genius Yield - All-in-one
• Cardano Stake Pool Operator (ADAUP).
• Cardano Community Advisor (Fund 7,8)
• Telegram: https://t.me/Britnguyen87
• Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quoc-nguyen-708370142/

2. Product Manager: Mr. Ky Tong (John):

Experiences:

• 8+ years experience in managing digital & educational products, which serves millions of users in Vietnam.
• Product Manager of Rootopia.vn - A p2p lending platform focused on Education.
• Product Manager of Dai-ichi Life Vietnam
• Experienced in Marketing & Growth, especially community platform.
• Founder of GSTT Group (https://www.facebook.com/SHARINGTHEVALUE) - An NGO that shares educational materials for students in Vietnam.
• Telegram: https://t.me/kytq2011
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tongquocky/

3. Tech Lead: Mr. Vi Nguyen

Experiences:

10+ years experience of technology architecture & system

• Tech Lead of GEEK Up Inc
• Sr System Engineering of Rootopia.vn
• A lot of projects on a global scale are under the advisory/supervision of Vi Nguyen
• Telegram: https://t.me/ngtrieuvi92
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vi-nguyen-61022085/

4. Sr Front-end Developer: Mr. Van Nguyen

Experiences:

14 years experience as a full stack software developer

• Frontend Lead of GEEK Up Inc
• Developer of Glandore System
• Telegram: https://t.me/vannk84
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/van-nguyen-83553117/

5. Sr Mobile Developer: Mr. Dat Tran

Experiences:

10 years experience as a full mobile developer

• Mobile Lead of GEEK Up Inc
• Developer at FPT Software
• Telegram: https://t.me/dattran17
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dattran17/

6. Sr Product Designer: Mr. Hoang Tran

Experiences:

10 years experience in the product design field. Work in UX, and UI, and communicate with the technical and business teams.

• Interested and researching human psychology.
• Has an experience in e-commerce and fintech investment platforms.
• Telegram: https://t.me/hoangtran_designer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoangtran-designer/

7. Marketing and Community Manager: Mr. Tung Tran: digital content creator, community management

Experiences:

• Full-time Lecture at Nguyen Tat Thanh University
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=e-69HSYAAAAJ&hl=en
• MBA degree, ex-KPMG
• Funded Proposer in fund 8, 9: Cardano Annual Market Report & Cardano Forest - blocktree.asia
• Cardano Community Advisor (Fund 8,9)
• 08 years of experience in Marketing
• 05 years of experience in Digital Marketing (Strongest in WordPress, SEO, Social & Community Marketing)
• 04 years experience in Blockchain Industry
• Founder www.facebook.com/yeutrongcay (objective is to increase of young people about climate change, plant tree and protect environment)
• Founder www.vneconomics.com (objective is to increase cognition of Vietnamese about Blockchain Technology)
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tranthanhtung37/

8. Partnership Manager: Ms. Tu Nguyen:

Experiences:

• Working in big corporations in Vietnam: AON, PACE...
• 6 years in developing Bancas of Bank of Investment and Development Vietnam
• 10+ years in founding and leading education start-ups: Kdi.edu.vn, IAG.edu.vn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huong-tu-87796a153/

9. Operations Manager: Ms. Hoa Tran:

Experiences:

• Working in big corporations in Vietnam: Pepsico, Schneider-Electric, Elenberg Fraser
• 12 years of experience in Accounting & Managing projects
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/h%C3%B2a-tr%E1%BA%A7n-7a1a62a4/

10. Consultant: Ms. Hoai Anh:

Experiences:

• Head of Marketing of VinUnisity
• Marketing Director of Vinschool
• Vice Chairwoman of Centre of Social Innitiatives Promotion in Vietnam
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nguyen-hoai-anh/

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

Our cost were estimated based on the following basis:

• Man hours: denominated in ADA: ADA 15,000
• Third parties cost: denominated in USD: USD 12,849, converted to ADA @0.4 USD/ADA: ADA 10,000;
• For third parties cost, we will suffer to the exchange rate fluctuation, therefore we add 5000 ADA as risk management budget.

Please find the details about budget here.

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

The costs of the project have been carefully considered and calculated based on several factors, including the expertise and resources required to develop and implement our solution, as well as the potential impact of our solution on the environment and society.

The costs of the project are breakdown in details and correspondent with the level of expertise required to develop and implement our solutions. Our team includes experts in social impact, marketing, as well as developers, project & product managers who will work closely together to deliver the project. The costs also include the development and maintenance of our current digital system and also devices purchasing (smartphone for workers, IoT devices...);

In terms of the potential impact of our solution, as mentioned, reforestation is a critical area of sustainability initiatives to fight againse climate change. By planting trees, we can sequester carbon and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems, create lives for communities. Additionally, by promoting sustainable business practices, we can spread out the spirit of living sustainably, which is a core goal of the Cardano ecosystem and also attract wider communities to know about blockchain use cases, in particular Cardano blockchain;

We have carefully considered the costs of the project and benchmarked them with industry standards rates. We are sure that our costs are fair and reasonable while still allowing us to deliver a high-quality solution;