Proposal for SALVATERRA: Transforming into a Web3-Powered NGO

# Revised Proposal for SALVATERRA: Transforming into a Web3-Powered NGO with Regenerative Basket Token System **Prepared for the SALVATERRA Board of Directors** **Date: March 12, 2025** --- ## Executive Summary SALVATERRA stands at a pivotal moment to redefine its impact by embracing Web3 technologies and innovative economic models. This proposal outlines a phased approach to transform SALVATERRA into a decentralized, transparent, and community-driven organization powered by regenerative basket tokens. Led by our diverse team of experts, this initiative will create a bridge between large-scale global funding and small-scale community projects through a transparent token system backed by pristine natural resources. With an initial investment of €23,000 and a scalable 3-phase plan totaling €2.22 million, we aim to deliver a fully operational platform within 24-36 months that revolutionizes how environmental regeneration is funded globally. This document details deliverables, timelines, budgets, and key team roles to ensure success. --- ## Vision Statement SALVATERRA will pioneer a regenerative economic model that: - **Bridges the Funding Gap**: Creates an innovative mechanism connecting large-scale international investors with small local regenerative projects, addressing the critical funding vacuum left by recent changes in the global aid landscape. - **Creates Resource-Backed Value**: Establishes a complementary currency ecosystem backed by pristine natural resources and regenerative activities, offering an alternative to debt-based money systems. - **Empowers Communities**: Enables direct, transparent participation for rural producers and communities through project-specific tokens that represent tangible regenerative elements. - **Fosters Economic Self-Sufficiency**: Builds local token ecosystems where community members can provide and access goods, services, and microfinance opportunities independent of traditional banking systems. - **Enhances Transparency**: Uses blockchain to create immutable records of environmental impact, funding flows, and project outcomes. - **Scales Global Impact**: Builds a borderless network of regenerative projects and supporters through our basket token system, amplifying collective environmental restoration efforts. Our ultimate goal is to position SALVATERRA as a global leader in regenerative finance, demonstrating how Web3 technologies can create transparent, efficient funding pathways between international investment and local environmental action while fostering economic resilience within rural communities. --- ## Project Overview The transformation will occur in **three phases**, each building upon our regenerative basket token concept: 1. **Initial Phase (€23,000)**: Establish the foundation—refine the basket token vision, create branding, and develop the economic and technical framework. 2. **Proof of Concept Phase (€200,000)**: Develop and test a functional prototype of the token ecosystem with selected pilot projects. 3. **Product Launch Phase (€2,000,000)**: Deploy a fully operational platform that enables global participation in funding local regenerative initiatives. Each phase includes specific deliverables, refined budgets, and team roles, with overlapping timelines designed to balance ambition with technical feasibility and market realities. A detailed Gantt chart illustrating task dependencies and parallel workstreams will be provided as an attachment to this proposal. --- ## Phase 1: Foundation & Vision Refinement **Budget**: €23,000 **Timeline**: 3-4 months (April - July 2025) ### Objectives - Define SALVATERRA's regenerative basket token ecosystem in detail. - Create a professional brand identity and marketing assets. - Develop the economic framework and technical groundwork. - Position our solution as a response to changing global funding landscapes. - Design the microfinance and local economic self-sufficiency components. ### Deliverables 1. **Comprehensive Vision Document**: A detailed roadmap outlining how the basket token ecosystem will transform environmental funding, with economic models showing value flows between large investors and local projects. 2. **Economic Framework**: Detailed tokenomics design specifying how project tokens are valued, exchanged, and integrated into the basket currency, including mechanisms for local circulation and microfinance applications. 3. **Marketing Strategy**: A plan to promote SALVATERRA's innovative approach to impact investors, environmental organizations, and rural communities affected by shifts in traditional funding sources. 4. **Visual Identity**: Logo, color scheme, and design assets reflecting SALVATERRA's position at the intersection of regenerative finance and environmental restoration. 5. **Promotional Video**: A 2-3 minute video explaining the basket token concept and its potential global impact. 6. **Website**: A modern site introducing the initiative and illustrating the token flow between investors and regenerative projects. 7. **Advocacy Plan**: Strategies to engage communities, policymakers, and impact investors in Colombia and internationally. 8. **Technical Architecture Outline**: High-level design of the blockchain system, including token standards, exchange mechanisms, and security features. 9. **Initial Technical & Economic Whitepaper**: A comprehensive draft detailing both the technical solution and economic models (15-20 pages). 10. **Development Roadmap**: A timeline and milestones for Phases 2 and 3. ### Key Roles - **Project Manager & Marketing Specialist (Emilio Martinez Pietri)**: Oversees timeline, budget, coordination, and marketing strategy (€7,000). - **Tech Lead (Mathijs de Bruin)**: Drafts technical architecture and whitepaper (€8,000). - **UX/UI Designer (Berilay Barboros)**: Creates visual identity and user experience flows (€4,000). - **Advocacy Specialist (Erik van Velzen)**: Develops advocacy plan and engagement strategies (€3,000). - **Frontend Lead**: Builds the initial website and interface mockups (€4,000). --- ## Phase 2: Proof of Concept (PoC) & Laboratory Prototype **Budget**: €200,000 **Timeline**: 8-10 months (August 2025 - May 2026) ### Objectives - Build and test a working prototype of the regenerative basket token ecosystem. - Partner with selected pilot projects to create their specific tokens. - Demonstrate the exchange mechanism between project tokens and the basket currency. - Implement and test community microfinance functionality. - Refine the economic models based on real-world testing. ### Deliverables 1. **Refined Economic & Technical Documents**: Updated based on board and stakeholder input. 2. **PoC Prototype**: A functional system implementing: - Project token creation and valuation mechanisms - Basket token exchange functionality - Community member payment and microfinance systems - Local token circulation capabilities - Transparent impact tracking - Smart contracts for fund allocation 3. **Pilot Project Integrations**: Partnerships with 3-5 regenerative projects in Colombia to test the system. 4. **Microfinance Module**: A prototype system enabling community members to access token-based loans, savings, and financial services. 5. **Local Economic Circuit**: A mechanism for project tokens to circulate within communities for goods and services. 6. **Testing Report**: Results from prototype testing with real-world scenarios. 7. **Comprehensive Whitepaper**: Expanded and polished version incorporating economic models and technical specifications (25-35 pages). 8. **Phase 3 Budget & Plan**: Specific deliverables and sub-projects for product launch. 9. **Investor Outreach Campaign**: Pilot campaign to engage impact investors and test messaging. ### Key Roles - **Project Manager**: Manages team and deliverables (€25,000). - **Marketing Lead (Emilio Martinez Pietri)**: Leads investor outreach and marketing campaigns (€20,000). - **Tech Lead (Mathijs de Bruin)**: Oversees technical development and integration (€45,000). - **Blockchain Engineers (2)**: Ensures secure and scalable token architecture (€70,000 total). - **Economist**: Designs and refines token valuation models and microfinance mechanisms (€30,000). - **UX/UI Designer (Berilay Barboros)**: Creates intuitive interfaces for diverse users (€15,000). - **QA Tester**: Tests prototype functionality and security (€15,000). --- ## Phase 3: Product Launch **Budget**: €2,000,000 **Timeline**: 12-18 months (June 2026 - November 2027) ### Objectives - Deploy a fully functional regenerative basket token platform. - Scale the ecosystem to include diverse projects across Colombia and beyond. - Implement comprehensive microfinance and local economic tools. - Establish SALVATERRA as a leader in connecting global capital with local environmental initiatives. - Create a viable alternative to traditional aid and funding models. ### Deliverables 1. **Live Token Platform**: A production-ready system enabling: - Project onboarding and token creation - Transparent valuation mechanisms - Community microfinance services - Local economic circulation tools - Secure exchange between project tokens, basket currency, and stablecoins - Impact verification and reporting 2. **Global Investment Campaign**: Marketing initiative targeting impact investors, climate funds, and philanthropic organizations seeking transparent environmental funding mechanisms. 3. **Educational Resources**: Comprehensive materials to help rural communities and small producers understand and participate in the ecosystem. 4. **Community Governance Model**: Decentralized decision-making tools for stakeholders. 5. **Comprehensive Documentation**: User guides, technical docs, and economic frameworks. 6. **Partnership Network**: Onboard 15-20 strategic partners (e.g., climate funds, conservation NGOs, agricultural cooperatives). 7. **Impact Dashboard**: Public blockchain-based dashboard showing real-time environmental, social, and economic outcomes. ### Key Roles - **Project Director**: Oversees entire launch (€60,000). - **Marketing Director (Emilio Martinez Pietri)**: Drives global campaign and investor relations (€55,000). - **Tech Lead (Mathijs de Bruin)**: Directs technical development and integration (€60,000). - **Technical Team (5)**: Builds and maintains platform (€400,000). - **Economic Team (2)**: Refines token models and manages valuations (€200,000). - **Marketing & Fundraising Team (2)**: Supports global campaign (€225,000). - **UX/UI Lead (Berilay Barboros)**: Ensures accessible interfaces for diverse users (€60,000). - **Community Engagement Team (3)**: Works directly with projects and communities (€240,000). - **Legal & Compliance Specialists (2)**: Ensures regulatory compliance (€200,000). - **Contingency & Partnerships**: Funds for scaling and collaboration (€500,000). --- ## Budget Summary | Phase | Budget | Timeline | Key Focus | |---------------------|-------------|------------------|----------------------------------| | Phase 1: Foundation | €23,000 | 3-4 months | Vision & economic framework | | Phase 2: PoC | €200,000 | 8-10 months | Prototype & pilot testing | | Phase 3: Launch | €2,000,000 | 12-18 months | Full deployment & scaling | | **Total** | **€2,223,000** | **24-36 months** | | --- ## Integrated Microfinance & Economic Self-Sufficiency A cornerstone of our proposal is creating resilient local economies through integrated microfinance and self-sufficiency mechanisms: ### Token-Based Microfinance - **Community Member Earnings**: Participants performing regenerative work receive compensation in project tokens. - **Microloans**: Community members can access small loans denominated in project tokens for agricultural inputs, equipment, or other needs. - **Peer-to-Peer Lending**: The platform enables direct lending between community members using project tokens as collateral. - **Savings Mechanisms**: Participants can hold tokens as savings that appreciate as regenerative projects mature. ### Local Economic Circulation - **Dual Token System**: Each project token can have a paired "local circulation token" optimized for daily transactions. - **Local Marketplace**: Community members can exchange goods and services using local tokens, reducing dependency on cash. - **Fractional Conversion**: Participants can convert a portion of their tokens to basket tokens or stablecoins for external purchases while keeping another portion in local circulation. - **Value Retention**: Unlike conventional microfinance, these tokens maintain their backing in real regenerative assets. ### Salva Terra's Role as Facilitator - **Exchange Services**: Facilitating the conversion between project tokens, basket tokens, stablecoins, and local currency when needed. - **Technical Support**: Providing tools and training for communities to manage their local token economies. - **Market Making**: Ensuring sufficient liquidity for token exchanges at fair rates. - **Impact Measurement**: Tracking both environmental regeneration and economic resilience metrics. This integrated approach creates a virtuous cycle where: 1. Global investment flows into regenerative projects via basket tokens 2. Project tokens compensate community members for regenerative work 3. Tokens circulate locally, enhancing community resilience 4. Microfinance services multiply the economic impact 5. Communities achieve greater self-sufficiency and reduced dependency on traditional aid By combining regenerative environmental practices with economic empowerment tools, this system addresses both ecological restoration and poverty alleviation simultaneously. --- ## Our Team ### Core Team - **Emilio Martinez Pietri - Marketing Lead** International business developer with expertise in sustainable innovation, circular economy models, and creative problem-solving. Founder of Kiteloops, an eco-fashion company, and former Business Development Manager at Hedblom Cacao and Plant General Manager at TexBel Farms. Graduate of Universität Kassel and Universidad EARTH with experience in sustainable tropical agriculture and international food business. - **Mathijs de Bruin - Technical Lead** Experienced Lead Full Stack Developer and Software Architect with a passion for nature conservation and biodiversity. Founder of Treescape, an AI-driven platform for regenerative agroforestry design and ipfs-search.com, the first search engine for Web3. Over 20 years of expertise in developing scalable systems using Python, Django, Go, TypeScript, and geospatial technologies. Strong background in ecological modeling and regenerative practices. - **Berilay Barboros - UX/UI Designer** Skilled UX/UI Designer currently working at Samlino.dk with extensive experience in conducting in-depth UX research and creating user-centered design solutions. With a Master's degree in Interaction Design from the University of Lisbon and background in Graphic Design from Istanbul Bilgi University, Berilay is passionate about exponentially improving user experience in the crypto space. She specializes in designing accessible interfaces for educationally and technologically disadvantaged populations, with a particular focus on bridging the digital divide for rural communities. Her approach combines rigorous user research with intuitive design principles to create interfaces that empower users regardless of their technical literacy. - **Erik van Velzen - Advocacy Specialist** A well-connected advocate in the cryptocurrency ecosystem with years of experience promoting innovative blockchain projects and their real-world applications. As an independent early investor in various crypto ventures and other projects, Erik has amassed several millions in profits while developing an extensive network of contacts throughout the industry. His combination of financial success, technical understanding, and relationship-building skills makes him ideally positioned to advocate for the regenerative basket token system with potential partners, investors, and regulatory stakeholders. --- ## Risks & Mitigation - **Risk**: Technical complexity delays development. - **Mitigation**: Leverage Mathijs' extensive experience in blockchain development and bring in specialized consultants as needed. - **Risk**: Valuation challenges for diverse regenerative projects. - **Mitigation**: Develop transparent, objective metrics for environmental impact assessment in Phase 1. - **Risk**: Changing regulatory landscape for tokenized assets. - **Mitigation**: Engage legal experts early in Phase 2 and design flexible systems adaptable to emerging regulations. - **Risk**: Community adoption barriers in rural areas. - **Mitigation**: Create simplified interfaces and dedicated education programs for rural participants. - **Risk**: Market volatility affecting token stability. - **Mitigation**: Implement robust economic models with stabilization mechanisms tied to real environmental assets. - **Risk**: Microfinance component requires specialized expertise. - **Mitigation**: Partner with established microfinance organizations to design best practices and protocols. --- ## Why Invest Now? - **Filling the Funding Gap**: With major changes in international aid structures, including the recent restructuring of foreign assistance programs, innovative funding mechanisms are urgently needed to maintain support for critical environmental initiatives. - **Tapping Global Capital**: Major global initiatives for land regeneration in Latin America (like the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility) represent billions in potential funding, but lack efficient mechanisms to reach small-scale projects. - **First-Mover Advantage**: Be among the first organizations to implement a regenerative basket token system, attracting forward-thinking investors and partners. - **Building True Resilience**: Create a regenerative economic foundation that functions independently of political shifts and traditional funding streams. - **Leveraging Existing Networks**: Salva Terra's established presence with rural communities in Colombia provides the perfect foundation for this transformative approach. --- ## Call to Action We request the board's approval for an initial €23,000 to launch Phase 1 by April 2025. This critical first step will allow us to develop a comprehensive vision for a regenerative basket token ecosystem that connects global capital with local environmental action while fostering economic self-sufficiency. Upon completion, we will present refined plans and budgets for Phases 2 and 3, including a detailed Gantt chart for implementation. Together, let's transform SALVATERRA into a pioneering force for regenerative finance and environmental restoration in Colombia and beyond. --- **References:** - Mathijs de Bruin. (2024). "Regenerative Basket Tokens" https://hackmd.io/BFqvu5NmTQKA8PDjQlZImg?view - Green Climate Fund. (2024). "Ecosystems & Ecosystem Services." https://www.greenclimate.fund/results/ecosystems-ecosystem-services - Global Environment Facility. (2024). "GEF Council Approves $916 Million for Urgent Environmental Action." https://www.thegef.org/newsroom/news/gef-council-approves-916-million-urgent-environmental-action - Convention to Combat Desertification. (2023). "Land Degradation Neutrality Programme." https://www.unccd.int/actions/achieving-land-degradation-neutrality - World Business Council for Sustainable Development. (2024). "COP28 Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes." https://www.wbcsd.org/actions/cop28-action-agenda-on-regenerative-landscapes/ - Bezos Earth Fund. (2023). "Conserving & Restoring Nature." https://www.bezosearthfund.org/our-programs/conserving-restoring-nature - Initiative 20x20. (2024). "Latin America Restoration Commitment." https://initiative20x20.org/