Last updated 2 months ago
Cardano lacks a professional policy paper for advocacy in Latin America, limiting the potential for partnerships and institutional adoption.
Development of a professional policy paper identifying Cardano opportunities, regulatory landscape and use cases for digital transformation in 8 Latin American countries.
This is the total amount allocated to Cardano Policy Paper: Unlocking LATAM’s Path to Adoption.
Please provide your proposal title
Cardano Policy Paper: Unlocking LATAM’s Path to Adoption
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
60000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
6
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
Cardano lacks a professional policy paper for advocacy in Latin America, limiting the potential for partnerships and institutional adoption.
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
No dependecies...
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
No
License and Additional Information
This project is not a software development initiative; however, the resulting policy paper will be made publicly available for open access.
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
RWA
Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano.
Target: Latin American policymakers, regulators (Central Banks, Ministries), and international organizations (IDB, World Bank, ECLAC) influencing blockchain adoption across 8 countries representing 85% of regional GDP.
How: Professional policy paper from 35 interviews with government officials, fintech leaders, and multilateral experts, delivered through launch events and executive summaries.
Why it matters: Positions Cardano as the blockchain for public sector in LATAM, addressing 120M financially excluded and 5% GDP lost to corruption.
Provide a list of key activities of your project?
Mapping stakeholders and consolidating strategic partnerships; developing robust research instruments; conducting 35 qualified interviews across 8 countries; in-depth analysis of official data and regional indicators; synthesizing Cardano use cases for transparency, inclusion, and sustainability; technical validation with experts; drafting, translating, and delivering the final bilingual policy paper.
What are your success metrics?
Completion of 35 structured interviews with an >85% response rate; validated database covering 8 countries; policy paper delivered in Portuguese and Spanish; recommendations reviewed by at least 2 independent experts and 5 key stakeholders; incorporation of all validation feedback into the final version.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Latin America is at a turning point. Governments, regulators, and civil society are searching for scalable, trustworthy solutions to systemic problems in transparency, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth. Cardano already offers the technological capabilities to address these challenges — from transparent and immutable records, to verifiable digital identities, to traceable sustainability initiatives.
Yet, there is no region-specific, data-driven, and institutionally validated document that translates these capabilities into the language and frameworks of public policy. This absence creates a gap between the potential of the Cardano ecosystem and its actual adoption by governments and multilaterals. Without such a reference, many high-impact opportunities risk being missed or claimed by less robust technologies.
Reasons for the chosen approach
This project proposes the development of a bilingual (Portuguese/Spanish) policy paper that maps practical and feasible Cardano use cases in 8 Latin American countries representing 85% of the region’s GDP. The methodology combines:
By grounding recommendations in both regional realities and Cardano’s technological capabilities, the paper will provide a credible foundation for future engagement with governments, regulators, and multilateral organizations — but without undertaking that engagement within this project’s scope.
Geographic scope and selection methodology
The policy paper will focus on 8 strategically selected countries in Latin America, organized into three tiers to guide resource allocation and depth of analysis:
TIER 1 – Anchor Economies (50% of operational budget)
TIER 2 – Strategic Markets (33% of operational budget)
TIER 3 – Complementary Cases (17% of operational budget)
Selection criteria and weighting:
This tiered approach ensures the research is both regionally representative and operationally viable, allowing for deeper investigation where potential impact is greatest, while still capturing the diversity and nuances of the region.
Who the project will engage
The project will involve:
These participants will be engaged through targeted outreach, leveraging the project team’s networks, partnerships with universities, relationships in the Cardano ecosystem, and connections with international stakeholders.
How impact will be demonstrated
Impact will be measured by:
What is unique about this solution
Who will benefit
Why this matters for Cardano
Cardano’s positioning in Latin America is still emerging, and institutional adoption is a decisive step for large-scale, sustainable growth. By providing a credible, data-driven, and regionally contextualized policy paper, this project strengthens Cardano’s brand as the blockchain of choice for public-good applications. It builds the groundwork for securing partnerships, influencing regulation, and enabling pilot projects in the future — outcomes that require prior credible evidence, which this paper will deliver.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
The success of this project will equip the Cardano community with a high-quality, region-specific, and institutionally credible policy paper that bridges the gap between blockchain technology and public policy in Latin America. By mapping concrete, feasible Cardano use cases in 8 countries that represent 85% of the region’s GDP — and validating them through engagement with regulators, private sector leaders, academics, international organizations, and key Cardano ecosystem entities — we create a reference tool that strengthens the network’s reputation and readiness for institutional adoption.
This document will:
For the community, this means stronger narratives when approaching stakeholders, higher credibility in institutional discussions, and a clear, validated roadmap for projects seeking to operate in Latin America.
How impact will be measured
We will measure impact using both quantitative and qualitative indicators:
Quantitative metrics
Qualitative metrics
How outputs and opportunities will be shared
The policy paper and database will be made publicly available in both Portuguese and Spanish for maximum accessibility in the region. The final outputs will be:
Although the scope of this project ends with the delivery of the policy paper, the results will be structured to serve as a launchpad for future initiatives — such as advocacy campaigns and pilot project proposals. In addition, we will propose country-specific projects, each with an analysis of how to present the policy paper to stakeholders in that country, maximizing its impact and adoption potential.
Why this matters for the wider Cardano community
Latin America is a region of both urgent challenges and enormous opportunity. With significant GDP, population, and diversity of regulatory environments, it can serve as a proving ground for Cardano’s real-world capabilities. A credible, well-researched, and validated policy paper is a critical asset for any future push toward institutional adoption.
By creating a document that is technically sound, politically relevant, and regionally contextualized, we:
The long-term value is a stronger, more connected, and more strategically positioned Cardano community in Latin America, with the potential to replicate this model in other regions.
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?
Daniela Alves is a specialist in government relations and strategic communication, with over 200 projects carried out in six Latin American countries (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Colombia). Over the past 15 years, she has worked directly with legislators, regulatory bodies, and international organizations, coordinating initiatives in transparency, inclusion, and sustainable development. She has also led governmental international cooperation projects with UNESCO, UNDP, the World Bank, and regional agencies. Daniela has been part of the Cardano Community since 2021 and, together with Maria Carmo, has carried out a wide range of activities:
Ability to Deliver with Trust and Accountability
The successful execution of previous initiatives — including the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant and the Cardano Community Hub in Brazil funded by Catalyst Fund 13 — demonstrates the solid foundation of trust, accountability, and delivery capacity established by Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo.
Both have a proven track record in the Cardano community, deep expertise in decentralized governance, and the ability to lead impactful projects that combine educational outreach with strategic partnerships. Their experience ensures not only the capacity to execute but also to manage resources transparently and deliver measurable results.
Key Achievements Under Intersect
1. Creation of GovChainLab
Under the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant, Daniela and Maria launched GovChainLab, a platform dedicated to producing educational materials on decentralized governance. This initiative included:
This work significantly expanded Portuguese-language educational outreach within the Cardano ecosystem.
🔗 GovChainLab Substack: https://govchainlab.substack.com/
2. Successful Workshops and Events
Execution of the Cardano Community Hub Brazil (H1 2025)
In the first half of 2025, the Hub exceeded expectations, delivering not only the planned activities but also multiple strategic actions:
Apr 22 Intersect Event – GovChainLab also hosted the Cardano Budget Workshop in São Paulo: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/construindo-o-futuro-da-cardano-workshops?utm_source=publication-search
Milestone Title
Project Planning & Coordination Setup
Milestone Outputs
A comprehensive planning document will be developed, covering the scope, objectives, detailed methodology, macro schedule, and clear division of responsibilities. The coordination team will also define the tools and platforms that will be used for project management, internal communication, and document storage to ensure efficiency and transparency.
Acceptance Criteria
The planning document must be approved by the full coordination team after a review process, confirming alignment with the project’s objectives and feasibility of the schedule. Management and communication tools should be fully configured, tested, and ready for use before starting operational activities.
Evidence of Completion
The planning document will be uploaded in PDF format to the project repository, along with a record of the configuration of management and communication tools. This record may include screenshots, access links, and brief notes describing their intended use during the project.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
18000
Progress
10 %
Milestone Title
Data Collection & Stakeholder Engagement
Milestone Outputs
Conduct structured interviews with policymakers, regulators, and representatives of international organizations across six selected Latin American countries. The data collection process will follow the approved methodology, ensuring consistency, quality, and representativeness. A preliminary database will be built, compiling all responses and notes from each interview.
Acceptance Criteria
At least 35 interviews completed with a minimum 85% response rate from identified priority stakeholders. All data must be properly documented, anonymized when required, and stored in a secure repository accessible to the project team.
Evidence of Completion
Upload of the preliminary database in spreadsheet format, containing anonymized responses and metadata for each interview. Brief narrative report summarizing the key findings and any notable insights gathered during the interviews.
Delivery Month
3
Cost
18000
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Analysis and Policy Paper Structuring
Milestone Outputs
A detailed comparative analysis across countries, identifying common priorities, regulatory barriers, and opportunities for Cardano-based solutions. Draft of the policy paper structure with defined sections, thematic priorities, and country-specific findings for review.
Acceptance Criteria
An approved preliminary document containing the proposed table of contents, analytical framework, and main insights from each country. Structure must reflect accuracy, depth, and clarity to guide the writing of the final policy paper.
Evidence of Completion
A draft PDF of the structured policy paper hosted in a public repository, with version control and team review notes. This file will include an outline of the thematic structure and consolidated analytical findings.
Delivery Month
4
Cost
9000
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Final Writing and Executive Summary
Milestone Outputs
Production of the final version of the policy paper, fully reviewed, incorporating feedback from the team, and including an accessible executive summary. The document will be professionally formatted for presentation and distribution within the Cardano ecosystem.
Acceptance Criteria
The final policy paper and executive summary must be approved by the coordination team, ensuring coherence, factual accuracy, and relevance. The summary should highlight key findings in a concise way for non-technical audiences.
Evidence of Completion
Finalized PDF of the policy paper, along with a separately formatted executive summary in an open-access format for sharing. Both will be stored in a repository with version history and public access settings.
Delivery Month
5
Cost
9000
Progress
60 %
Milestone Title
Preparation for Distribution and Engagement
Milestone Outputs
Creation of a detailed distribution plan for presenting the policy paper in each target country, with tailored strategies for main entities and projects in the Cardano ecosystem. The plan will consider local priorities and opportunities for future engagement.
Acceptance Criteria
An approved distribution plan that includes country-specific strategies, a timeline, and identified Cardano ecosystem entities and projects as recipients. The plan must be clear enough to guide direct outreach after project completion.
Evidence of Completion
A PDF document detailing the distribution plan, including targeted entities, key contacts, and delivery methods. The file will be stored in the project repository alongside internal approval records for reference.
Delivery Month
5
Cost
4200
Progress
80 %
Milestone Title
Final Report and Project Closure
Milestone Outputs
Development of a comprehensive final report summarizing results, learnings, recommendations, and potential next steps. All project data, documents, and outputs will be archived systematically for easy access in future initiatives.
Acceptance Criteria
The final report must be approved by the coordination team, contain all key metrics, and provide a clear record of execution. It should include qualitative and quantitative outcomes relevant to Cardano’s strategic positioning.
Evidence of Completion
A final PDF report stored in a version-controlled repository, along with a complete archive of the project’s files, data, and deliverables. The archive will serve as a reference for follow-up initiatives.
Delivery Month
6
Cost
1800
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Project Coordinator – 24,000 ADA (US$ 18,000)
Responsible for overall project management, ensuring all milestones are met within the agreed schedule and budget. Oversees team coordination, monitors deliverables quality, and maintains direct communication with stakeholders. Handles strategic decisions and ensures alignment between the research outputs and Cardano ecosystem goals.
Lead Researcher & Policy Expert – 20,000 ADA (US$ 15,000)
Leads the research methodology design, defines data collection instruments, and conducts in-depth interviews with policymakers and specialists. Analyzes collected data to identify trends, regulatory barriers, and opportunities for blockchain adoption. Produces the main sections of the policy paper with evidence-based recommendations.
Research & Operations Assistant – 12,000 ADA (US$ 9,000)
Supports the research process through data gathering, interview scheduling, transcription, and initial data organization. Manages logistics for strategic meetings, ensures accurate documentation of findings, and assists in preparing drafts and summaries to support the Lead Researcher’s work.
Translation & Editing Specialist – 4,000 ADA (US$ 3,000)
Translates and edits the policy paper, interviews, and executive summary into Portuguese and Spanish, ensuring linguistic accuracy and maintaining the professional tone required for institutional and government audiences. Guarantees the final publication meets international communication standards.
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
This budget represents an efficient allocation of resources, focusing on specialized roles essential to delivering a high-quality policy paper for Latin American governments. By investing in experienced professionals with proven expertise, the project ensures rigorous research, actionable recommendations, and strategic alignment with Cardano’s mission to expand adoption in emerging markets. The outputs will serve as a foundation for future implementation projects, maximizing long-term impact from a modest cost.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Our project team is composed of experienced professionals with strong backgrounds in governance, strategic communication, and community engagement in the Cardano ecosystem. Each member brings unique expertise to ensure the successful execution of this proposal. Below is a detailed breakdown of the team members and their roles:
Role: Daniela will be responsible for overall project coordination, strategic planning, and high-level stakeholder engagement. She will oversee all activities to ensure alignment with project objectives, manage relationships with institutions, and guarantee that deliverables meet quality and governance standards.
Experience: Daniela is a specialist in governmental relations and strategic communication, with over 200 projects conducted in six Latin American countries (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Colombia). Over 15 years, she has worked directly with legislators, regulatory bodies, and international organizations such as UNESCO, UNDP, and the World Bank. She has been part of the Cardano community since 2021, co-founding GovChainLab and leading governance-related initiatives.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-alves-ri/
Public Mention of Governance Work: https://x.com/DanielaAlvesRI/status/1704264237743317234?s=20
Additional Recruitment:
To ensure high-quality delivery, the team will also hire professionals with specific expertise aligned to project needs, such as research, content creation, and technical support. Leveraging Daniela’s extensive network across Latin America, we can quickly identify and recruit skilled experts in governance, blockchain, and communication to strengthen the project’s execution capacity.