metadata: {"signature": "0x0b4bdf3f67383a230109229c159660d237ec7733952eaab58e8caccd75f75641343956bac2a7bbc7b178d7bc477d57179cd0c66556b0fffced750343d8c261831c", "application": {"round": "0x9288f7f7f428ed6a7225a8c986855b95d9adb106", "answers": [{"type": "email", "hidden": true, "question": "Email Address", "questionId": 0, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "UaSD6Dnig/RazrE9SJTL2ZNKWU0SzdNqd0z5Nw1TakCkfJ+uUgLlGm2agGMZM5KW", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "6088b50123d00b5753b8ecd8b996410c91341e205599d9998e54835f11f047c75be0736ef02ada10f992e6f7fad3781419de54fdd158e7381558a3db851f7fe64016136e56211f2ca7986f1d3c1d315a3088eeb134ccd0c54239fa4ee83d35961b2baab735d8025627d8d3a3773e3509719d8b605f43451644d322a7a6b6664e0000000000000020d576db5cfa92fdf823584a7d2ae020c79a80c1ded7b74e6e1c1b0aaaa74f16a4135f7bbff4e8000fa117459058907da5"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "hidden": true, "question": "Telegram Handle", "questionId": 1, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "r1obLzFxmBlHiqzly/+bEL9nebBpAwU6IGgBmGxMHnc=", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "5a6bdbc7657874d888025e0eb9fb1baa8a20cb2b69414135fe51a09949893388ae3f8e818b93ec35e6ec31a0e3eef808a5f5abe65fdaddce049eb1f01036dd77fe5d6d1f0223da2fbcb08a1da3399770ef047dc323e24544fe49b9f79611898f3c683a3d67d3f010649df500fb1dba131f62465d981e565f0f3c703e999f86ac00000000000000201ab5b6a22a83f4c99bf6561a5ae721868694217cadb556894ee70c6de5c7f89cefefda84859ddb5e60b3c4bf835bd596"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "hidden": true, "question": "Gitcoin Gov Forum Handle (gov.gitcoin.co)", "questionId": 2, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "vjznmn7UG6RGi3FYa9PP3PtVWOl302M6yQExtQFcgG+waJrJ1q3SAa9inspSWjHC", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "de7c72151c4867d6cf893a8ce53e1618056948c7b74e3468ab91c40aa0c029f41d13504cdd7c427556a6c55815b86004dd7271b247cb85cbe9f3a978cd1a1635e0749789845df6f2985de736da27bf55a42064135e7517d420cb4431576876aa73de85368d115c6c113481904f6472d9ab6ae23f84dbe871d5165032d2b1113a00000000000000208eae7fae9307d0a32520c3eedce252cff4832b916702fd4299a0efedfac06e609eb233d22338ea371509d78d3009a2a9"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "hidden": true, "question": "Arbitrum Gov Forum Handle (forum.arbitrum.foundation) - Arb has provided some funding for the round and we want our community to get more involved in governance. ", "questionId": 3, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "kbcp/ECLiuUIZ6PDSJ5F9OShKrU6UFgIsj3uVj9z318=", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "145ef2b5e02bee9b12f870d1ac1cf99093ec376c29925a1664b25f3a56411a211b48372e1ea2ca3a31c87943042bb01175f01b661992f2db6925fdf2450f408ab58ec056a1ba46391ab06d707d6d5256e118ce9c7ff3b2bb126b6db2e38a43ab07233c8f84b36f765d7df0f85fa1a9a9fed9b8189741889ed556aca6e2b9fb6d00000000000000208253e65907ae08ba0c0a4d13ba9bfe0e7fbb7f982fa2073f0ac2c8cf8894fc0c2e7e5c2c501820affadef77f64dfee85"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "hidden": false, "question": "Link to your Public Group Chat (Discord or Telegram )", "questionId": 4}, {"type": "number", "answer": "650", "hidden": false, "question": "Total prior funding for the project in USD", "questionId": 5}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "We recieved 650 dollars from a web2 Civics Unplugged grant around end of February which we used to help source office equipement like phones and computers for members on the ground in Goma around lake Kivu.", "hidden": false, "question": "Please expand on how much funding you\u2019ve received from each funding source and when? (VC, grants by foundation, token sales, etc)", "questionId": 6}, {"type": "number", "answer": "6", "hidden": false, "question": "How old (in Months) is the project?", "questionId": 7}, {"type": "address", "hidden": true, "question": "If you participated in past grant rounds using a different project payout wallet address, please share it here:", "questionId": 8}, {"type": "number", "answer": "5", "hidden": false, "question": "Total team size", "questionId": 9}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "- https://twitter.com/DEC_Organisatio\n- https://twitter.com/Remy_Zahiga\n- https://twitter.com/b_jaehee\n- https://twitter.com/epistetechnic\n- https://twitter.com/gkimbwala", "hidden": true, "question": "Profiles or socials of other main team members publicly associated with the project: ", "questionId": 10}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "Climate Impact:\n\n- RegenerateDRC is directly focused on restoring and protecting the Congo Basin, a critical carbon sink and ecological hotspot.\n- The project's efforts around reforestation, water sanitation, and environmental education aim to have a tangible positive impact on the local climate and ecosystem.\n\nCommunity Engagement:\n\n- The project is led by the local NGO DEC and closely engages with communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.\n- It emphasizes capacity building, skill development, and fostering ecological citizenship among the local population.\n\nOpen-Source and Transparency:\n\n- RegenerateDRC is committed to being open-source, aligning with Gitcoin's principles.\n- The project plans to utilize technologies like IoT and blockchain for transparent monitoring and reporting of its environmental impact.\n\nScalability and Replicability:\n\n- The initiative aims to develop a replicable model for global environmental restoration efforts.\n- By showcasing how local action can have global resonance, RegenerateDRC aspires to inspire and inform similar initiatives in other parts of the world.\n\nTeam and Partnerships:\n\n- The project team includes local leaders from DEC, as well as academic and technical experts from ReFiDRC and Yale School of the Environment.\n- This diverse, experienced team brings the necessary capabilities to execute the project effectively.\n\nFunding Need:\n\n- RegenerateDRC requires funding to kickstart its comprehensive program of reforestation, water initiatives, and educational efforts.\n- Public goods funding from Gitcoin would be crucial in catalyzing the project's impact and scaling its reach.\n\nBy meeting these key criteria, the RegenerateDRC project aligns well with the objectives of the Gitcoin Climate Solutions Round, making it a strong candidate for funding and support. The project's focus on community-driven environmental restoration in a critical global ecosystem, combined with its commitment to open-source principles and transparent impact measurement, positions it as a promising initiative worthy of Gitcoin's backing.", "hidden": false, "question": "Please explain how your project meets the Climate Solutions Round eligibility criteria. ", "questionId": 11}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "Unfortunately, the RegenerateDRC project has not received any previous funding from Gitcoin Grant rounds. This is the first time the project is applying for funding through the Gitcoin platform.\n\nHowever, the project has been actively working on its initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the past year, and has achieved several important milestones and faced some key challenges, which I can summarize:\n\nMilestones and Updates:\n\nCommunity Engagement:\n\n- The local NGO DEC has conducted over 10 environmental conferences and workshops with Congolese youth since 2019, focusing on raising awareness about environmental rights and advocacy.\n- DEC has successfully organized \"city without plastics\" campaigns in collaboration with the University of Goma, engaging the community in plastic waste reduction efforts.\n\nReforestation Efforts:\n\n- In 2020 and now in 2024, DEC facilitated the planting of 10,000 tree seedlings as part of their community-led reforestation initiative in the Kivu region.\n- The project has identified priority reforestation sites in Idjwi and Goma and is preparing to scale up these efforts with additional seedlings.\n\nResearch and Partnerships:\n\n- The project has established a partnership with the Yale School of the Environment, which has provided valuable research support and advisory guidance.\n- This collaboration culminated in the \"Clean Lake Kivu Conference\" held in 2024, where climate advocates and academics exchanged insights on strategies for climate leadership in the global south.\n\nChallenges Faced:\n\nFunding and Resource Constraints:\n\n- The project has faced limited funding and resources to fully implement its comprehensive program of reforestation, water initiatives, and environmental education.\n- Lack of essential equipment like laptops, phones, and monitoring devices has hindered the project's operational capabilities and data collection efforts.\n\nLogistical Difficulties:\n\n- Organizing and executing community events and reforestation activities in remote areas of the DRC has been logistically challenging, requiring significant coordination and on-the-ground presence.\n- Ensuring reliable transportation and communication channels has been an ongoing concern.\n\nCommunity Engagement Challenges:\n\n- While the project has had success in engaging local communities, sustaining long-term participation and fostering a sense of ecological citizenship remains an ongoing effort.\n- Overcoming cultural and educational barriers to environmental stewardship requires a patient, iterative approach.\n\nDespite these challenges, the RegenerateDRC project remains committed to its mission and is eager to leverage the support and resources of the Gitcoin community to accelerate its impact in the Congo Basin. The milestones achieved thus far demonstrate the project's potential, and with the necessary funding and assistance, the team is confident in their ability to scale their efforts and create tangible, lasting change.", "hidden": false, "question": "If you've received funding in past grant rounds, please share any new updates or milestones from the prior months. You can also include the challenges you've faced. ", "questionId": 12}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["No"], "hidden": false, "question": "Have you used Hypercert, Deresy, Karma GAP or other impact tool for your project? ", "questionId": 13}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "Right now we are planning to use a combination of hypercerts and Karma GAP along with the Atlantis Citizen app and Silvi.earth to track our impact with the goal to reward change makers on the ground through it using Celo's Valora wallet!", "hidden": false, "question": "Please share links to any tools you are using to track impact (Hypercerts, Deresy, Karma GAP).", "questionId": 14}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "To measure the impact of the RegenerateDRC project, a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics can be employed. Here are some examples of how the project's progress and outcomes can be tracked and reported:\n\nReforestation Metrics:\n\n- Number of tree seedlings planted\n- Survival rate and growth of planted trees over time\n- Percentage of degraded land area restored\n- Increase in forest cover and canopy density\n\nWater Quality and Access Metrics:\n\n- Number of water quality testing devices installed and operational\n- Percentage of water samples meeting WHO drinking water standards\n- Number of community members with improved access to clean water\n- Reduction in water-borne illnesses\n\nEnvironmental Education and Advocacy Metrics:\n\n- Number of environmental awareness events and workshops conducted\n- Number of participants in educational programs (youth, community members)\n- Feedback and qualitative assessments on increased environmental knowledge and stewardship\n- Number of individuals or groups engaged in ongoing environmental advocacy efforts\n\nCommunity Engagement and Empowerment Metrics:\n\n- Number of community members directly involved in project activities\n- Percentage of local leadership roles filled by community members\n- Feedback on increased sense of ownership and agency over environmental issues\n- Number of new community-led environmental initiatives or campaigns\n\nBroader Impact Metrics:\n\n- Estimated amount of carbon sequestered through reforestation efforts\n- Improvements in local biodiversity and ecosystem health\n- Number of policy changes or regulations influenced by the project's advocacy work\n- Replication or scaling of the project's model in other regions of the Congo Basin or globally\n\nQualitative Assessments:\n\n- Case studies highlighting individual or community stories of transformation\n- Interviews with local stakeholders on the project's impact and their experiences\n- Feedback from academic and technical partners on the project's innovative approaches\n- Media coverage and recognition of the project's achievements\n\nBy tracking a combination of these quantitative and qualitative metrics, the RegenerateDRC project can demonstrate its measurable impact on environmental restoration, community empowerment, and broader systemic change. This data can be compiled into comprehensive impact reports to showcase the project's progress and effectiveness, both for Gitcoin and other potential funders or partners.\n\nRegularly monitoring and evaluating these metrics will also allow the project team to iterate and refine their strategies, ensuring the continuous improvement and long-term sustainability of efforts in the Congo Basin.", "hidden": false, "question": "How do you measure the impact of your project? Please provide examples and/or standard metrics. This might be used in future impact reports ", "questionId": 15}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "Our collaboration with ReFi DRC and Yale School of Environment is facilitated by two of our members, Gloria Kimbwala and Jae-Hee Bae. They are weaving preexisting on the ground relationships to further our mission as well as help allocate some resources from ReFi DRC and Yale to our initiative at the moment. The relationship is new but will definitely evolve as time goes on especially with an event we are hosted together with others at Yale in April!\n\nAny amount funded through grants is enough for now get some public goods funding flywheel going on the ground as there are high priority actions that need to take place that we highlighted in the proposal and this round will help greatly with covering those first priority expenses as well as leave room for research and development! We are using mostly self bootstrapped funds to not waste time and are have gone through the process of some very small grants from orgs like Civics Unplugged, but the timelines are longer than needed so that\u2019s a big reason why we\u2019re coming to the Gitcoin community because we know how fast public goods funding can take place proactively as well as retroactively seeing this firsthand as ReFi natives.\n\nFor us dMRV is a big part of our initiative on the ground as we are looking to survey the land and water in around Lake Kivu before and after community reforestation efforts take place. We are working on a collaboration with silvi.earth and Atlantis to use their dapps to bridge eco data on chain to monitor the ecosystem as well as the people participating in regenerating it! Working with some of the local universities we hope this will help spurt some amount of community ran projects that can keep the public goods flywheel spinning using the data collected and put onchain to retroactively be rewarded and to constructively plan the collaborative roadmaps for proactive public goods funding! At first this will start with baseline data about the ecosystem and contributors regenerative decision making in the community around where the DEC org operates in order to understand the relationship between the action taking place and the impact being made!", "hidden": false, "question": "Anything else you'd like to share about your project, previous work, or other project affiliations? Anything you'd like to add that may help in determining project eligibility?", "questionId": 16}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": true, "question": "Would you like to opt-in to future messages from the Climate Coordination Network (CCN) for updates, information, and/or interviews? ", "questionId": 17}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": true, "question": "Would you like to opt-in to us sharing your information with select third-parties for investment opportunities? ", "questionId": 18}, {"type": "multiple-choice", "answer": "Climate Activists/Collective", "hidden": false, "question": "Which of these categories best represents your project? Choose from: ", "questionId": 19}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Africa"], "hidden": false, "question": "Location/Region where the project is located: Choose from: ", "questionId": 20}, {"type": "multiple-choice", "answer": "Africa", "hidden": false, "question": "Primary Location/Region where the project is making an impact: Choose from: ", "questionId": 21}, {"type": "short-answer", "answer": "Democratic Republic of Congo", "hidden": false, "question": "What specific Country or Countries are you making an impact in?", "questionId": 22}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": true, "question": "Have you read and confirmed your grant abides by the Program General Eligibility Policy? https://gitcoin.notion.site/GG18-Eligibility-cb4a5754c56043d4b3ed34eddbac261c?pvs=4", "questionId": 23}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": false, "question": "Would you like to be included in an additional 125k sub-round funded by Shell? All grantees must agree to a KYC process to be eligible to receive these funds. ", "questionId": 24}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": false, "question": "Would you like to be included in an additional 50k sub-round funded by Celo? In order to qualify you must meet one of these eligibility criteria: Have an active deployment on the Celo blockchain or Have a clear public intention, commitment, or roadmap towards supporting Celo.  ", "questionId": 25}], "project": {"id": "0x431f995c71b6de74d80220d312652212d835429cd5ad82687e004a2bb217365d", "title": "RegenerateDRC: Revitalizing the Congo Basin and Empowering Communities for Environmental Restoration", "logoImg": "bafkreihqsldds44a4t5erll6el25o7fi3pafynxyy4rtqsup47ni3nkdki", "metaPtr": {"pointer": "bafkreigm5cdd5zudk3dg2rmxbu7zkwj6ylgomuwzwm5qnbs34wn6lrx3nq", "protocol": "undefined"}, "website": "https://regeneratedrc.framer.ai/", "bannerImg": "bafkreigczmgf2imi5v7k7y57m7pg7twswl3bvvso7mlpp4rar22at4qibi", "createdAt": 1713186582348, "credentials": {}, "description": "## TLDR;\n\nRegenerateDRC is a vital initiative building a network to connect, protect, and restore parts of the Congo Basin, the world's second-largest tropical forest, by empowering local communities in the DRC, currently focused in Idjwi and Goma centered around Lake Kivu. Led by the local NGO DEC (Environmental Rights and Citizenship), in collaboration with ReFiDRC and Yale School of the Environment, this project currently focuses on community-led regenerative reforestation and water sanitation. It aims to build ecological citizenship among local populations through education, capacity building, and direct action. This initiative supports public goods by providing non-excludable and inclusive access to improved environmental health and resources like advocacy efforts that empower as well as educate local communities about regenerative practices and ecosystem protection.\n\n## Links:\n\n- [RegenerateDRC Website](https://regeneratedrc.framer.ai/)\n- [DEC Website](https://www.dec-rdc.com/)\n- [DEC Twitter](https://twitter.com/DEC_Organisatio)\n\n## Abstract\n\nThe Congo Basin is a critical carbon sink pivotal in global climate regulation, it faces a dire crisis that imperils its rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. RegenerateDRC emerges as a beacon of hope, strategically positioned to address this escalating environmental challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).\n\nThis initiative represents a vital effort in ecological conservation and community empowerment within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). By engaging with and bolstering the capacities of local and indigenous communities in key areas including North Kivu, South Kivu, Idjwi, Kalehe, Bukavu, and Goma, RegenerateDRC aims to foster a resilient and sustainable relationship between these communities and their natural environment. Collaborating closely with the local NGO DEC as well as ReFiDRC and Yale School of the Environment, the initiative embarks on a path of regenerative reforestation, improved water sanitation, and environmental education thereby nurturing ecological citizenship and promoting direct community action. This approach not only targets the immediate restoration and protection of the Congo Basin but also aspires to instill long-lasting ecological stewardship and resilience among the Congolese people, ensuring the continued survival and flourishing of this essential ecosystem. As a result, RegenerateDRC can open source a replicable model for global environmental restoration efforts, showcasing how local action can resonate on a global scale.\n\n## How does it support Public Goods?\n\nThe urgent need for environmental restoration in the Congo Basin, coupled with the project's alignment with the principles of public goods, makes all support critical at this juncture. Funding and resources from public goods funding mechanisms like Gitcoin will enable us to scale our impact, ensuring that these non-rivalrous and non-excludable benefits reach as many people as possible, thereby maximizing the positive externalities for the global community. The funding and advisory support from the climate coordination network will crucially empower our reforestation initiatives in Idjwi and Goma,  improve access to clean drinking water, and environmental education. Reforestation efforts are essential for ecological balance, biodiversity preservation, and climate action. In Goma, sustainable water resource management will address a fundamental human right, impacting health and socioeconomic conditions.\n\n### How is it non-excludable?\n\nOur project is designed to be inclusive and accessible, embodying the principle of non-excludability. By engaging with local communities, promoting peer-to-peer education, and facilitating direct participation in environmental restoration, we ensure that no one is barred from contributing to or benefiting from the project's successes. The knowledge, skills, and improvements in environmental quality generated through this initiative are freely available to all participants and the wider community of Congolese locals and the YSE community. This approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards local ecosystems but also ensures that the benefits of healthier ecosystems, such as enhanced livelihoods and resilience to climate change, are shared by all, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location.\n\n### How is it non-rivalrous?\n\nThe environmental restoration efforts, including reforestation and clean water initiatives in the Congo Basin, are inherently non-rivalrous. The benefits of a restored ecosystem, such as increased biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and improved water quality, do not diminish with the number of people benefiting from them. On the contrary, these benefits exponentially increase the value to the community, the region, and the global ecosystem. For example, cleaner air and water from our reforestation and sanitation efforts can be enjoyed by an unlimited number of individuals without detracting from the quality or availability of these resources to others. This characteristic underscores the project's significance as a public good, with outcomes that extend far beyond the immediate community to contribute positively to global environmental health and climate stability.\n\n## Why do we need funding?\n\nTo launch our comprehensive program focusing on reforestation, clean water initiatives, directly educating about the climate crisis, and improving the quality of life for local communities. The publics' support is critical in making this vision a reality.\n\n## Implementation Strategy:\n\n1. **Community Engagement:** Organize workshops and educational programs with DEC to build environmental awareness and skills.\n2. **Reforestation Projects:** Collaborate with local communities to plant native species, restoring degraded lands.\n3. **Clean Water Access:** Implement sustainable water management practices to ensure access to clean water, addressing both human health and ecological balance.\n4. **Research and Monitoring:** Utilize IoT and Blockchain technology for measurement, reporting, and verification of reforestation progress and water quality, supported by Yale's academic resources.\n\n### Goals and Metrics:\n\n1. Plant over 12,000 Acacia and Grevillea tree seedlings as community reforestation project before rainy season in Spring\n2. Install and operationalize an water quality testing device for Lake Kivu, regularly compare conditions with WHO drinking water standards\n3. Conduct 4 major environmental awareness events by end of 2024.\n4. Develop a 5-day virtual environmental education course for Congolese youths through a teacher exchange program coordinated with students/faculty from the Yale School of Environment\n\n### Why now?\n\nThe Congo Basin is at a tipping point due to environmental degradation. Immediate action, supported by public goods funding, can catalyze significant change, leveraging our partnerships to ensure the success and sustainability of these initiatives.\n\n### Why not other initiatives?\n\nWhile entities like Greenpeace Africa and the UN are impactful, our grassroots approach enables intimate and rapid action, addressing the immediate needs of local communities and fostering long-term environmental advocacy.\n\n## Impact and deliverables:\n\n![Screenshot 2024-02-01 at 12.31.41\u202fPM-cutout.png](https://i.ibb.co/8r3C6Ff/Screenshot-2024-04-16-at-11-03-32-PM.png)\n\n### Impact since inception:\n\n1. **Advocacy and Education:**\n- DEC has conducted over 10 conferences with Congolese youth since 2019, focusing on environmental rights and awareness by also successfully planting 10,000 tree seedlings in 2020, contributing to reforestation efforts.\n- DEC organized \u201cla ville sans plastique\u201d / \u201cCity without plastics\u201d campaigns in collaboration with the University of Goma for community cleanup and plastic waste reduction.\n - Together with the Yale School of Environment we hosted an event. The \"Clean Lake Kivu Conference\" brought together climate advocates and academics to explore climate leadership in the global south, with a focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo. Key discussion topics included:\n    - Lessons from climate advocates in the DRC - what can be learned from their on-the-ground experiences and strategies?\n    - Building effective partnerships and synergies between academics and grassroots climate activists. How can these groups collaborate more effectively?\n    - Evaluating existing climate strategies that have been tested, and brainstorming new collaborative approaches through open dialogue.\n\nThe goal was to capture insights and approaches from the DRC context that could inform more impactful climate action and leadership in other parts of the global south.\n![yale event](https://i.ibb.co/ZYLhB2w/Screenshot-2024-04-16-at-10-54-29-PM.png)\n2. **Resource Provision:**\n- Facilitated the acquisition of essential communication tools for DEC, including a smart phone, computer, and webcam funded through multiple ETH transactions.\n- Provided funds to source first batch of seedlings for community reforestation initiative in Kivu through one ETH transaction.\n3. **Research and Media Collaboration:**\n- Collaborated with the Yale School of the Environment for research support.\n- Engaged in media outreach through the Yale Environmentalist publication and upcoming features in the Yale Daily News.\n\n### Deliverables breakdown and priority needs:\n\n1. **Technology and Communication:**\n- 2 laptops for project management and data processing.\n- 3 telephones for DEC branches in Idjwi, Goma, and Bukavu for improved communication.\n2. **Reforestation Efforts:**\n- 12,000 tree seedlings for community-led reforestation in Idjwi.\n3. **Documentation and Monitoring:**\n- Camera and accessories for documenting tree growth, environmental conferences, and monitoring plastic waste in Lake Kivu.\n- IoT sensors for water and soil quality monitoring, ensuring effective impact assessment.\n4. **Office Essentials:**\n- A color printer for document management and dissemination.\n5. **Educational Initiatives:**\n- A video projector for youth-focused environmental education events.\n6. **Event Management:**\n- Funds to organize 6 conference-debates throughout 2024, to drive community engagement and education.\n7. **Climate Communications:**\n- Translate french curriculum over the next 3-6 months as well as coordinate with the climate cardinals/Yale Program on Climate Change Communication\n\n### Immediate priorities:\n\n- Purchase of some more office equipment to enhance project coordination and management.\n- Funding for the more environmental conferences in 2024, key to continuing the year's initiatives.\n- Maintenance phase of the reforestation project through the continuation of sufficient irrigation and weeding as well as the purchase of IoT soil moisture, air, and temperature sensors.\n- Continued increased collection and recycling of plastics in and around Lake Kivu (including purchase of medical gloves, purchase of bag for collection, allocation of a rowing canoe, transport of young people who participate, communication costs, printing of t-shirts and calico)\n\n\n## Feedback loop:\n\n**The \"RegenerateDRC\" initiative's feedback process is a dynamic journey from inception to future evolution:**\n\n- Initially, the project engaged with local communities and stakeholders in the Congo Basin, gathering firsthand insights and experiences. This foundational stage set the tone for a community-centric approach, ensuring that the strategies developed were deeply aligned with local needs.\n- Currently, the initiative is planning to leverage digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) tools to gather accurate environmental data. This data, alongside ongoing community education and feedback gathered by DEC, is crucial in assessing the impact of our reforestation efforts and clean water initiatives. The process today is about a blend of ground-level insight and technological analysis, providing a clear picture of the project's effectiveness and areas for improvement.\n- Looking ahead, \"RegenerateDRC\" aims to continuously refine and adapt its strategies based on this feedback. As environmental conditions and community needs evolve, the initiative plans to iteratively adjust its approaches. The goal is to sustainably expand the project's impact, fostering a resilient and thriving Congo Basin ecosystem and empowering its communities for the long term.\n\n## Team and roles:\n\n- **[Emmanuel Ndimwiza](https://twitter.com/DEC_Organisatio)**: Organization and project lead on the ground.\n- **[Remy Zahiga](https://twitter.com/Remy_Zahiga)**: Data, coordination, and research lead.\n- **[Jae-Hee Bae](https://twitter.com/b_jaehee):** Remote project lead and communication lead.\n- **[Shaan Patel](https://twitter.com/epistetechnic)**: Research and technical lead.\n- **[Gloria Kimbwala](https://twitter.com/gkimbwala)**: Professional and technical advisor.\n- **Yale School of the Environment Faculty**: Advisory and educational content development.", "lastUpdated": 0, "projectTwitter": ""}, "recipient": "0x2c2F97F9f8cBB96A17e82A72CE58E6312A00a2E0"}}