Blockchain for UNESCO Heritage: Digital Preservation & NFTs

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

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

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

We will create a blockchain-based platform to store UNESCO heritage site data securely, provide digital certificates and engage the community through NFT-based cultural artifacts & interactive content

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

[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?

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

We will release the entire project under the MIT License, making all code and resources available on a public GitHub repository throughout the project's lifecycle. This includes the blockchain-based platform, smart contracts, and any NFT-related tools. The open-source nature of the project ensures transparency, encourages collaboration, and allows the community to enhance or adapt the platform for future use.

[METADATA] Horizons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to create a blockchain-based platform that digitally preserves UNESCO heritage sites by securing their historical data on the Cardano blockchain. This platform will issue digital certificates for heritage sites, ensuring transparent and immutable records of their significance and conservation efforts. 

We will integrate NFT technology to mint cultural artifacts, images, and multimedia content, engaging both local communities and global audiences. Visitors can participate in virtual tours and interact with digital representations of the sites, fostering education and awareness.

By using Cardano’s secure and transparent infrastructure, we will protect heritage data from loss, manipulation, and decay. Our approach ensures that historical records remain intact for future generations, while also leveraging the decentralized nature of blockchain for global access.

This project benefits historians, tourists, educators, and local communities who are invested in preserving cultural heritage. It demonstrates Cardano’s ability to support long-term data preservation, transparency, and innovation in cultural heritage management. The unique integration of NFTs for cultural engagement makes it an innovative approach, aligned with Cardano’s goals of enhancing real-world utility and community involvement. 

We will measure impact through the number of sites onboarded, NFTs minted, and community participation in interactive content.

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

Our project will positively impact the wider Cardano community by showcasing the platform's versatility and real-world applicability in preserving cultural heritage. By utilizing blockchain technology for transparent and secure data management, we will demonstrate Cardano's potential to drive social and cultural initiatives, fostering greater interest and investment in the ecosystem. This initiative will enhance the visibility of Cardano in the cultural sector, attracting new users, developers, and partnerships focused on heritage preservation and tourism.

To measure our project’s success, we will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative metrics will include the number of UNESCO heritage sites onboarded, the total NFTs minted, and the engagement metrics related to virtual tours and community data submissions. Qualitative metrics will focus on user feedback and testimonials about the platform's effectiveness and impact on raising cultural heritage awareness. Additionally, we will document case studies that highlight successful collaborations and preservation efforts facilitated by our platform, providing insights into its real-world impact.

We will share our project outputs through various channels to ensure maximum reach and engagement. All project code and documentation will be published on GitHub under the MIT License, allowing the community to access, modify, and enhance the platform. We will organize webinars and workshops to demonstrate the platform, share insights on heritage preservation, and educate others on leveraging Cardano for similar initiatives. Furthermore, we will collaborate with cultural organizations, museums, and educational institutions to promote our platform and expand its reach. Regular updates on our progress, user stories, and community contributions will be shared via social media, blogs, and newsletters, keeping the broader Cardano community engaged.

By driving cultural engagement and highlighting the utility of blockchain technology for social good, our project aims to enhance Cardano's reputation as a leader in innovative solutions for real-world challenges.

[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 team has a strong background in blockchain development, project management, and cultural heritage preservation, making us well-suited to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. We have successfully completed several funded projects in the past, gaining experience in managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholder expectations effectively. Our familiarity with the Cardano ecosystem allows us to leverage its unique capabilities for our proposed solution, ensuring a seamless integration of blockchain technology for heritage preservation.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will conduct a series of steps and processes. First, we will engage with stakeholders, including local communities, heritage organizations, and experts in cultural preservation, to gather insights and requirements. This initial research will help us refine our platform features and ensure they meet the needs of the target audience. Next, we will develop a prototype to test the core functionalities and gather user feedback, allowing us to make necessary adjustments before the full-scale launch.

We are committed to managing funds responsibly and transparently. We will establish a detailed project budget outlining all expected expenses, including development costs, marketing, and community engagement initiatives. Throughout the project, we will maintain an open communication channel with the Cardano community, providing regular updates on our progress and financial status. We will also implement a financial tracking system to monitor expenditures, ensuring that funds are allocated as planned. At key milestones, we will share reports detailing our financial management and project outcomes, reinforcing our commitment to accountability and trust.

By combining our technical expertise, thorough planning, and commitment to transparency, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project successfully and contribute positively to the Cardano community.

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

 Platform Design and Prototype Development (Duration: 2 months)

Objectives:

• Develop a user-friendly platform prototype that incorporates the features without the blockchain functionalities.
• Conduct user testing sessions to gather feedback and iterate on the design.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Delivery of a fully functional prototype with core features implemented.
• Completion of user testing session with community members.
• Iteration of the prototype based on user feedback, resulting in a refined design ready for development.

Full Platform Development and Launch (Duration: 2 months)

Objectives:

• Finalize the platform development, integrating all features, including blockchain functionalities such as NFT minting functionality for data security and transparency.
• Launch the platform to the public and initiate a marketing campaign to promote engagement.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of the platform with all features implemented and thoroughly tested.
• Successful launch of the platform on preprod.
• Marketing materials for the platform, including social media campaigns and informational resources for community engagement.

Post-Launch Evaluation and Community Feedback (Duration: 1 months)

Objectives:

• Evaluate the platform’s performance through user engagement metrics and feedback.
• Make necessary adjustments and improvements based on user experiences.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Collection and analysis of user feedback through surveys.
• Implementation of improvements based on community input.
• A comprehensive report detailing user engagement, platform performance, and improvements made.

Project Close-out Report and Video (Duration: 1 month)

Objectives:

• Document the entire project process, outcomes, and lessons learned based on the catalyst fund guide line.
• Create a video summarizing the project and its impact on the community and Cardano ecosystem.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Submission of a detailed Project Close-out Report outlining milestones achieved, financial summary, and project impact.
• Publication of a video on Youtube showcasing the project status.

By adhering to these milestones, we will ensure a structured approach to project delivery, allowing us to track progress effectively and make necessary adjustments throughout the project lifecycle.

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

Our project team consists of experienced professionals in blockchain development, cultural heritage, project management, and marketing. Each team member brings specific expertise to ensure the successful execution of this project:

1. Samuel Birhanu – Project Lead & Blockchain Developer

• Github:Samuel Birhanu
• Role: Oversee the project’s overall development, manage blockchain integration, and ensure the platform’s compliance with Cardano standards. Responsible for smart contract development and NFT integration.representatives.

1. Mohammed Ibrahim – UI/UX Designer

• Portfolio:Mohammed Ibrahim
• Role: Design the platform interface, ensuring it is user-friendly and visually aligns with the project’s cultural focus. Responsible for developing a seamless user experience for accessing heritage site information, virtual tours, and NFT minting.

1. Mahlet Duressa – Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist

• Telegram: @maltb
• Role: Lead the platform’s promotional efforts and community outreach. Develop and execute a marketing strategy to attract users, both within and beyond the Cardano ecosystem. Manage social media and educational campaigns.

1. Tensae Berhanu – Full-Stack Developer

• LinkedIn:Tensae Berhanu
• Role: Develop the technical infrastructure, including front-end and back-end development. Ensure the platform’s functionalities (virtual tours, NFT marketplace) are fully operational.

Future Recruitment:

We plan to recruit additional team members for:

• Cultural Heritage Analyst: Lead research on UNESCO heritage sites, engage with communities, and ensure the platform reflects the cultural significance of the sites.
• Data Analysts: To assist with processing and visualizing historical and user data.
• Local Community Coordinators: To help engage stakeholders in various regions and support cultural outreach efforts.

All team members are engaged and have confirmed their willingness to participate in the project, ensuring their roles and resources are available once funding is secured.

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

 Milestone 1: Platform Design and Prototype Development (2 months)

Objectives:

Develop a user-friendly platform prototype with core features, conduct user testing, and iterate based on feedback.

UI/UX Design (6,000 ADA)

Design the platform interface, ensuring usability and user experience.

Prototype Development (8,000 ADA)

Development of the platform prototype (without blockchain functionalities).

User Testing (2,000ADA)

Conduct user testing sessions and feedback collection from community members.

Iteration & Improvements (3,000ADA)

Refine the prototype based on feedback, improving design and functionality.

Project Management (3,000ADA)

Manage the project’s timeline and deliverables during the design phase.

Total for Milestone 1: 22,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Full Platform Development and Launch (2 months)

Objectives:

Complete the platform with blockchain functionalities (NFT minting) and initiate a public launch and marketing campaign.

Full-Stack Development (15,000ADA)

Develop the final platform, including blockchain features (NFT, etc.).

Blockchain Integration (10,000ADA)

Smart contract development and blockchain integration for NFT and security.

Quality Assurance & Testing (4,000ADA)

Testing the platform’s performance, bug fixing, and security checks.

Marketing Campaign (7,000ADA)

Social media, promotional content, and engagement with the community.

Project Management (2,000ADA)

Continued project management during full development and launch phases.

Total for Milestone 2: 38,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Post-Launch Evaluation and Community Feedback (1 month)

Objectives:

Gather and analyze user feedback, make adjustments, and report on platform performance.

User Feedback Collection (2,000ADA)

Conduct surveys and collect community input on the platform.

Platform Improvements (4,000ADA)

Implement changes and improvements based on user feedback.

Community Engagement Reports (1,000ADA)

Create reports analyzing user engagement metrics.

Project Management (1,000 ADA)

Manage adjustments and documentation process.

Total for Milestone 3: 8,000 ADA

Final Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video (1 month)

Objectives:

Produce a comprehensive report and video showcasing the project’s outcomes and impact on Cardano.

Close-out Report (3,000 ADA)

Documentation of milestones, financials, and project impact.

Video Production (3,000 ADA)

Create a high-quality video summarizing the project.

Project Management (1,000 ADA)

Final project management for wrap-up and reporting.

Total for Final Milestone: 7,000 ADA

Grand Total for the Project: 75,000 ADA

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

Our project represents strong value for money by focusing resources on critical development areas and aligning costs with typical industry rates. The budget is carefully allocated to ensure efficient use of funds, with fair compensation for tasks like blockchain integration, platform development, and user feedback loops. By prioritizing core functionalities such as NFT minting and platform security, we ensure that each ADA spent contributes directly to delivering a robust, user-friendly solution.

Additionally, investing in marketing and community engagement ensures the platform gains widespread adoption, increasing its value to the Cardano ecosystem. The long-term impact of decentralized ownership and enhanced transparency through blockchain integration justifies the project cost, as it sets the stage for broader applications and future growth within the ecosystem. This balanced approach maximizes the return on investment while creating lasting benefits for Cardano.