The Malama Project: Distributed Hawaii Carbon Credits on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Jeffrey Wise

[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

Jesse C. Pearson

Tyler Malin

Paul Apao

Matthew Bowen

Adam Lottig

Ahmad Sawalmeh

Jason Rashidnia

[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

No

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

We will create a Cardano-based platform enabling Hawaii's small landowners to tokenize and sell carbon credits directly, democratizing access and promoting sustainability.

[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 Malama Token project, like any ambitious initiative, involves certain dependencies, though none are so critical that they could jeopardize the project's delivery if alternatives need to be sought. Here’s how we manage essential dependencies:

• Carbon Tracking APIs: Initially, our system will integrate APIs for tracking carbon credits; however, this is not critical for the testnet phase. We are prepared to use educated estimations to develop the system fully as the Carbon Credits for this MVP will be strictly on testnet. This flexibility allows us to advance the project without delays, ensuring continuous progress even as we refine data sources for future phases.

• Legal and Regulatory Guidance: Our team includes two experienced blockchain attorneys who have successfully navigated carbon tokenization on blockchain platforms in Brazil. Their expertise in the legal aspects of carbon markets significantly reduces our dependency on external legal advice, enhancing our project's resilience against regulatory challenges.

In acknowledgment of the inherently interconnected nature of modern projects, we approach all potential dependencies with a strategy of flexibility and preparedness. Our project design incorporates contingency plans and alternative solutions, ensuring that we can adapt to changes and challenges without compromising on our goals. Our outlook is foundational to our project management philosophy, reflecting our commitment to delivering the Malama Token project with integrity and resilience.

[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

While our project fully embraces the principles of transparency and community collaboration emblematic of the open-source movement, we have elected to initially develop the Malama Token project with certain proprietary components. This decision is guided by our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of security, particularly in handling sensitive environmental data and personal information associated with carbon credit transactions.

Reasons for Initial Proprietary Development:

• Security Assurance: Given the sensitive nature of the data involved, including landowner information and detailed carbon sequestration metrics, our initial development phase will involve proprietary components to safeguard this information effectively.

• Validation and Testing: The proprietary phase will allow us to rigorously test and validate our systems on the Cardano testnet without the risk of exposing untested code that might compromise user data.

Transition to Open Source:

Upon successful validation and as part of the project closeout, we plan to transition to open source, releasing the codebase to the public. This approach ensures that while we protect critical data during the developmental and testing phases, we remain committed to contributing to the Cardano ecosystem by making our software publicly available at the conclusion of the project:

• Post-Launch Open Source Release: We will release the project's source code under an open-source license (e.g., MIT License), which will include high-quality documentation as a learning resource for the community.

• Exclusions: Specific segments related to encryption and enhanced security protocols will be carefully reviewed and selectively open-sourced to ensure they do not compromise the integrity and security of the platform.

Commitment to Open Source Principles:

This strategy aligns with our goals of maintaining high security and integrity in the early stages while committing to the open-source ethos of the Cardano community post-project completion. It allows us to engage with the community in a manner that ensures both the robustness of our platform and the safety of all participants, ultimately fostering a trusted and collaborative environment.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Perception of the Problem:

The existing carbon credit market is largely dominated by major corporations that manage vast tracts of land, often sidelining smaller landowners who also practice sustainable land management. These small plot holders lack the resources and infrastructure to participate in global carbon markets, leaving significant environmental contributions unrecognized and unrewarded. Additionally, the traditional carbon credit systems are opaque, involving layers of brokers and intermediaries, which reduces the efficiency and increases the costs of carbon trading.

Our Approach:

We propose the Malama Token initiative, leveraging the Cardano blockchain to democratize access to carbon credit markets. Our solution enables small landowners in Hawaii to generate and sell carbon credits directly by using decentralized, smart contract-enabled transactions. This ensures transparency, reduces transaction costs, and streamlines the verification process through automated satellite data. By tokenizing carbon credits on Cardano, we facilitate a peer-to-peer marketplace where credits are easily accessible and verifiable, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable practices at a grassroots level.

Engagement and Impact:

The Malama Token project will engage local farmers, conservationists, and small landowners by providing them with the tools to measure, register, and trade carbon offsets directly on the blockchain. This process not only provides economic incentives for sustainable land management but also fosters a sense of community among participants. Additionally, tourists and other end-users can purchase these tokens to offset their carbon footprint, directly linking their environmental impact with local conservation efforts. This creates a tangible connection between visitors and the land, promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

Unique Aspects and Benefits to Cardano:

• Scalability and Accessibility: By leveraging Cardano's capabilities, we can scale this solution to include numerous small landowners, each contributing to a more robust and inclusive carbon market.

• Smart Contracts for Trustless Transactions: Utilizing Cardano smart contracts, we can automate the issuance and trading of carbon credits, ensuring that transactions are transparent and secure without the need for intermediaries.

• Community Building: This project aligns with Cardano’s vision of societal impact by supporting environmental sustainability and community engagement, providing a practical use case that highlights the blockchain’s benefits beyond traditional finance.

• Enhanced Verification: With Cardano, we can integrate cutting-edge satellite technology to provide real-time verification of the carbon sequestration efforts, making the entire system more reliable and efficient.

A Common Good Solution on the Common Good Platform:

The Malama Token project not only demonstrates a practical application of blockchain in environmental sustainability and community service, it resonates with Cardano’s established leadership position in serving the common good. It highlights Cardano's role in fostering innovation that has a direct, positive impact for society, particularly in how blockchain technology can be used to address specific, local environmental challenges. Through this project, Cardano can continue to showcase its potential to revolutionize industries by making them more inclusive, transparent, and efficient. This not only supports Cardano's adoption and utility but also contributes to a global movement towards more sustainable and responsible environmental practices.

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

Impact on the Cardano Community:

The Malama Token project will showcase Cardano’s potential for real-world applications, particularly in sustainability. By demonstrating how blockchain technology can be applied to environmental conservation and economic development, the project will drive broader adoption of Cardano, highlighting its effectiveness and versatility.

Metrics to Measure Impact:

• Volume of Carbon Credits: We will monitor the volume of carbon credits traded and verified on the blockchain, providing quantitative data on platform use and its environmental impact.

• Land Management Improvements: Collaborating with local landowners, we will document enhancements in land management practices spurred by the incentivization of Malama Tokens.

• Economic Opportunities: We will track the growth of local economies, noting increases in activities that benefit the community, such as jobs in sustainable tourism and eco-friendly businesses.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Community Engagement: Through forums and workshops, we will engage the Cardano community, sharing progress and integrating feedback for ongoing project development.

• Publications and Reports: We will disseminate findings via blogs, Cardano community newsletters, and journals focused on blockchain and sustainability, ensuring broad and transparent communication of results and learnings.

• Documentation for Replication: Comprehensive documentation on project design, implementation, and outcomes will be made available, empowering other regions to replicate this initiative and harness Cardano’s technology for local benefits.

Alignment with Cardano Values:

The choice of Cardano for the Malama Token project is driven by its alignment with the values of transparency, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation. This underscores the project's potential to not only benefit Hawaii but also serve as a scalable model for similar initiatives globally.

[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?

Our project is powered by a diverse team of several dedicated professionals, including blockchain developers, environmental scientists, legal experts, marketing experts and local economic stakeholders. These founding members are deeply committed to the success of the Malama project, having already proven their capabilities through various significant achievements, such as pioneering carbon tokenization in Brazil, restoration and protection of land in Hawaii and leading innovative blockchain initiatives.

Capability to Deliver:

• Expert Team: Our core team members are not only contributors but also pioneers in their fields, with a track record of successful projects under their belts. This includes leading a token sprint in Hawaii and executing blockchain projects that required advanced smart contract development and real-time customization on the blockchain.

• Comprehensive Skill Set: The team's diverse skills span blockchain technology, environmental science, law, and community engagement, ensuring all aspects of the project are expertly managed.

• Proven Commitment: The team’s compensation aligns with industry standards, reflecting the cost of living and specialized demands of their roles, ensuring their full engagement and support.

Trust and Accountability:

• Financial Oversight: We have instituted strict financial controls, including regular audits and transparent reporting, to ensure every dollar is accounted for and spent in alignment with our project goals.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular updates and consultations with stakeholders, including local landowners and business owners, will keep the project aligned with community needs and expectations.

Validation of Feasibility:

• Testnet Trials: We will conduct extensive trials on the Cardano testnet to optimize token mechanics and validate the functionality of our smart contracts and API. This includes testing the tokenization of carbon credits and their trade mechanics.

• Feedback Integration: Following testnet validation, we will engage in feedback cycles with our stakeholders to refine the MVP, ensuring it meets the practical needs of users before full deployment.

• Hybrid Technology Strategy: Initially, we will utilize a hybrid system that integrates traditional web technologies with blockchain components. This approach allows us to manage data effectively and facilitate user interaction while we build out and test a more comprehensive blockchain-based system. Our API, which tracks carbon credits by TMK, will be enhanced with decentralized oracles in later stages, promoting scalability and robust integration.

Scalability and Future Integration:

• Long-Term Technological Integration: As we progress, our technological infrastructure will be refined and prepared for integration with decentralized oracles, ensuring the platform’s scalability and robustness. This strategic development pathway is designed to transition seamlessly from a controlled test environment to full operational status on the Cardano blockchain.

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

Conceptualization and Initial Design

Objective: Develop foundational design and technical specifications for the Malama Token platform.

Activities:

• Conduct strategic planning to outline the project’s long-term goals and integration of sustainable technologies.
• Develop the initial blockchain architecture, focusing on smart contracts for carbon credit tokenization and transaction systems.
• Create initial designs for the user interface, ensuring it is user-friendly for landowners to interact with the platform.

Deliverables:

• A project blueprint detailing the blockchain architecture and integration strategy.
• UI/UX design prototypes for the platform.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Technical specifications approved by the project team.
• UI/UX designs that meet predefined usability standards.

Feasibility Study and Community Engagement

Objective: Validate the technical and market feasibility, and refine the project through community engagement.

Activities:

• Develop and execute a marketing strategy to promote the project and engage potential users and stakeholders through digital campaigns and community forums.
• Conduct workshops with local landowners to discuss sustainable land management practices and gather feedback on the platform’s utility and design.
• Run initial technical tests to ensure the blockchain and user interface function as expected.

Deliverables:

• A comprehensive marketing and community engagement report.
• A technical feasibility study report, including results from initial blockchain functionality tests.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Established market interest and community support documented through engagement metrics.
• Successful initial testing results confirming technical viability.

Conceptual Deployment and Testing

Objective: Implement and test a conceptual version of the platform, integrating feedback and refining functionalities.

Activities:

• Deploy the beta version of the platform, incorporating basic Cardano functionalities and the user interface for land registration and carbon credit management.
• Oversee pilot testing with select local landowners to validate the platform’s effectiveness and gather detailed feedback.
• Provide ongoing legal oversight to ensure compliance during the testing phase.

Deliverables:

• Beta version of the Malama Token platform.
• Report on pilot testing, including user feedback and suggested improvements.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful deployment and operational testing of the beta platform.
• Positive feedback from pilot users, with identified improvements for platform optimization.

Concept Validation and Documentation

Objective: Fully validate the platform concept through extended testing and finalize comprehensive documentation for future scaling.

Activities:

• Conduct full-scale in house testing of the platform’s functionalities, including stress tests and security audits.
• Implement and test integration of eco-friendly energy solutions within the platform infrastructure.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation of the project’s design, implementation, and outcomes.

Deliverables:

• Final project report.
• Promotional and educational video highlighting the project’s impact and benefits.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A robust, fully tested platform ready for wider rollout.
• High-quality documentation and promotional materials that effectively communicate the project’s value and encourage broader adoption.

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

Jesse C. Pearson & Jeffrey Wise - Co-Project Leads

Jesse and Jeffrey will oversee the entire Malama Project, focusing on strategic planning and the integration of sustainable technologies and practices.

Wyatt Sharpley & Jason Rashidnia - Marketing Directors

Wyatt and Jason are responsible for the global marketing strategy and outreach, promoting the Malama Project’s objectives and engaging international audiences to foster widespread adoption.

Dominick Garey - Plutus/Cardano Developer

Dominick will handle all blockchain-related developments, focusing specifically on integrating and optimizing Cardano blockchain technologies for the project's operations.

Derrick Oatway - Front-End/Middleware Developer

Derrick will manage the development of digital interfaces and middleware for the Malama Project, ensuring a seamless user experience across our web and mobile platforms.

Adam Lottig - Forestry/Agriculture Expert

Adam will provide guidance on sustainable land management practices within the project, drawing from his extensive knowledge in forestry and Hawaii agriculture to enhance the environmental impact of the Malama Token.

Paul Apao- Eco-Friendly Farming Expert / Hawaii Land Owner

Paul will contribute his expertise in eco-friendly farming techniques, demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices that can be integrated within land management strategies involved in the Malama Project.

Matthew Bowen & Tyler Malin - Legal Advisors

Matthew and Tyler will ensure that the Malama Project adheres to legal standards and manage any regulatory issues that arise, particularly those involving environmental law and blockchain technology.

Ahmad JP - Solar and Eco-Friendly Energy Expert

Ahmad will lead the efforts on integrating solar and other eco-friendly energy solutions within the project, enhancing its sustainability focus and demonstrating practical energy applications in environmental conservation.

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

Cost Breakdown

Milestone 1: Conceptualization and Initial Design

Estimated Cost: 25,000 ADA

• Technical Architecture and Design: 9,000 ADA for blockchain architecture development, including smart contract design.
• UI/UX Design: 9,000 ADA for user interface design prototypes and user experience planning.
• Legal and Regulatory Review: 3,000 ADA for preliminary legal consultations to ensure compliance with environmental and blockchain regulations.
• Project Management: 4,000 ADA for overseeing project kickoff and initial planning phases.

Milestone 2: Feasibility Study and Community Engagement

Estimated Cost: 25,000 ADA

• Marketing and Outreach: 10,000 ADA for digital marketing campaigns, community forums, and workshops to engage local landowners and stakeholders.
• Technical Feasibility Study: 5,000 ADA for assessing blockchain infrastructure performance and scalability.
• Community Workshops: 5,000 ADA for organizing and conducting workshops with landowners and agricultural experts.
• Project Management: 5,000 ADA for coordination and management of community engagement activities.

Milestone 3: Conceptual Deployment and Testing

Estimated Cost: 30,000 ADA

• Platform Development: 15,000 ADA for developing and deploying the beta version of the platform, including blockchain integrations and front-end functionalities.
• Pilot Testing and Feedback: 8,000 ADA for conducting pilot testing with select users, gathering feedback, and initial adjustments.
• Legal Compliance: 4,000 ADA for continuous legal oversight during the testing phase.
• Project Management: 3,000 ADA for managing the deployment and testing processes.

Final Milestone: Concept Validation and Documentation

Estimated Cost: 20,000 ADA

• Extended Testing and Audits: 8,000 ADA for comprehensive testing of the platform, including in house stress tests and security audits.
• Documentation and Reporting: 7,000 ADA for creating detailed project documentation and educational materials.
• Promotional Video Production: 3,000 ADA for producing a high-quality video to promote the project's impact.
• Project Management: 2,000 ADA for overseeing the final validation and documentation efforts.

Total Project Budget: 100,000 ADA

Additional Funding and Resources

Should the project exceed the initial budget during development, we will seek additional funding through:

• Grants and Awards: Applying for additional environmental and technological grants.
• Private Investments: Engaging with private investors interested in sustainability and blockchain applications.
• Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships with other organizations and companies that can provide funding or resources in exchange for data or technology sharing.

Budget Management and Oversight

The project team will adhere to strict budget management practices to ensure that all funds are used efficiently and transparently. Regular financial reports will be prepared to track expenditures against the budget, and adjustments will be made as necessary to stay within the funding limits where possible. The team will also comply with all Cardano Fund Rules regarding cost eligibility and reporting requirements.

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

The Malama Token project offers significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, considering the expertise of the in-house team and the strategic allocation of budget across various critical aspects of the project. The costs associated with each milestone have been meticulously calculated to ensure efficient use of resources while aiming for high-impact outcomes.

In-House Expertise

The majority of the project work is executed by an in-house team comprising individuals with specialized skills in blockchain technology, sustainable land management, legal compliance, and community engagement. This setup significantly reduces costs that would otherwise be incurred if services were outsourced to external consultants or agencies. Our team members are passionate about leveraging their skills for community betterment, which aligns with the ethos of Cardano. They are committed to the project at competitive rates reflective of the average wages in the blockchain and environmental sectors.

Comparative Cost Advantage

The costs proposed in our budget are aligned with typical freelance and full-time professional rates in the blockchain and environmental conservation industries. For instance:

• Blockchain development costs are set based on typical freelance rates for Cardano developers, which are competitive given the complexity of work and the specialized knowledge required in working with Plutus and the Cardano blockchain.
• Marketing and community engagement costs reflect the going rate for comprehensive digital marketing campaigns and workshop facilitation, adjusted for the scope and impact anticipated by the project.
• Legal and compliance costs are estimated based on preliminary quotes from legal professionals with expertise in blockchain and environmental law, ensuring that all operations are compliant with relevant regulations at a cost-effective rate.

Scalability and Sustainability

The Malama Token project is designed to be scalable, with the potential to extend beyond the initial deployment in Hawaii to other regions. This scalability enhances the value for money, as the foundational work funded by this budget can lead to broader applications, multiplying the impact per ADA spent. Additionally, the project focuses on sustainability—a core value for the Cardano ecosystem. By enabling small landowners to participate in carbon credit markets, the project contributes to environmental conservation and supports Cardano's commitment to societal betterment.

Direct Benefits to the Cardano Community

The project serves as a direct use-case of Cardano's blockchain technology in a non-financial sector, showcasing its versatility and broad applicability. It helps promote Cardano’s capabilities in real-world applications, potentially increasing adoption and visibility of the platform. By facilitating a new market on Cardano, it also adds economic activities within the Cardano ecosystem, driving further utility and value of the ADA currency.

Efficient Budget Management

The project team has established strict budget management protocols to ensure transparency and efficiency in fund allocation. Regular monitoring and reporting will ensure that all expenditures provide maximum return on investment and are aligned with project milestones and outcomes.

Value Proposition

We believe, The Malama Token project represents exceptional value for money by delivering a high-impact, innovative solution that utilizes Cardano’s blockchain technology to address real-world environmental issues. The in-house expertise of the team allows for cost-effective execution of the project, while the potential for scalability and direct benefits to the Cardano ecosystem ensures long-term value creation beyond the initial investment.