Ikhala Impact Platform

1. The complexity and costs associated with monitoring, reporting, verification (MRV) and auditing involved with climate change mitigation projects and matching to funding opportunities are prohibitive and hinder the potential wide-scale adoption of projects that address climate change. 

2. Our solution provides impact as a service by:

2.1 Providing developers of regenerative programs with the frameworks and the tools to develop projects and collect data that present an adequate measure of the project’s impacts while enabling the aggregation of smaller projects.

2.2 By linking remote sensing technology and blockchain the cost of impact verification can be significantly reduced while increasing the potential scale and transparency of projects.

2.3 Matching projects’ benefits to financial or other support and partnerships through the platform by providing robust and effective verification and monitoring as a service.

3. Our project will serve to empower more projects to mitigate climate change and enable catalytic social change.

Sub-Saharan Africa holds enormous potential to reverse climate change through regenerating ecosystems. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) provides carbon sequestration while delivering a range of co-benefits for the environment and society. The MRV and auditing involved in confirming impact claims by projects are complex and hinder the wide-scale adoption of NBS. Communities in less developed regions of the world are discouraged from taking part in the global effort against climate change as a result of this complexity.

A platform for effective partnerships in addressing climate change is needed that provides an end-to-end solution for developing and derisking smaller projects and matching them with financial support.

African Data Technologies (ADTech) in collaboration with a range of impact and technology partners is developing the Ikhala Impact Platform. 

The platform provides the developers of regenerative projects with guidance on impact frameworks and the tools to collect data.

Independently verified benefits achieved through the project are matched to financial or other support while the platform provides impact monitoring and verification as a service.

The platform holds the potential catalytic effect of linking thousands of projects and millions of people in the global South with the opportunity to access financial support for combatting climate change.

A platform that enables effective partnerships in addressing climate change. 

This is achieved through

1. Providing climate mitigation projects with the frameworks towards developing and transparently achieving impact objectives while providing the tools to ensure compliance standards.

2. Matching verified benefits achieved to financial or other support by providing impact monitoring and verification as a service.

The platform creates an ecosystem account for a project owner that stores data from methodology frameworks, workflows, and data captured on-site by ground teams or through remote sensing technology. The profile is contained on a web-based map application and cental data hub - which supports NBS through the following stages:

• Baseline
• Planning
• Implementation
• MRV

Smart Contracts enable the progression of steps and future release of funds or support when conditions in the methodology are achieved and supported through data. The platform de-risks support from funders by monitoring and verifying impact as a service and flagging any conditions that have not been met. 

The technology stack includes the following;

• Open source satellite imagery & data software
• Licenced satellite imagery & data software
• Mobile Payment Solutions
• Amazon Web Services
  • Database, Computing, Machine Learning, AI
• Topl Blockchain for ESG reporting
• Investment Impact Index for impact measurement and management

African Data Technologies (ADTech) in collaboration with a number of impact and technology partners is developing the Ikhala Impact Platform. 

The platform provides the developers of regenerative projects with guidance on impact frameworks and the tools to collect data, that present an adequate measure of the project’s impacts while linking verified benefits to financial or other support. 

We have taken guidance from the local methodologies developed in Europe and will align projects on the platform with these local methodologies where possible, or develop novel methodologies in line with this guidance. 

The generic users of the platform would be:

1. Funders and Project developers will primarily use the platform to view project progress, monitoring reports, impact reports
2. The entities listed below are all involved with a program or project on ground level. These stakeholders require a central data-sharing platform for sharing maps, tasks and tracking progress. 
   1. Specialists planning, designing and assessing NBS (using the platform to communicate goals, tasks, biodiversity hotspots to ground teams)
   2. NGOs/NPOs (using the platform to share information with their internal teams, impact reports, ensure teams' certification and legal requirements are up to date, audit trails of teams' work, digital track record as proof for future funding opportunities)
   3. Independent Contractors (platform will enable automated payments based on outcomes, digital Social CV/track record for future work, using e-wallet audit log as proof of income)

The first methodology developed on the platform is a novel process for the clearing of invasive trees in South Africa, creating biochar from the biomass and applying the biochar to soils while restoring native ecosystems. This has been informed by the French Carbon Agri methodology for maintaining hedges on agricultural land. When considering the Clearing-Biochar-Restoration program that has been developed, the unique users are:

Who are they, and in what ways are they currently underserved? 

1. Landowners with Alien Invasive Trees on their land
   1. These landowners are generally operating within the agricultural sector and generally do not have the capital reserves to pay for the work required to remove these trees. Government-led initiatives prioritise the clearing of primary river catchments with the allocated budgets from the National Treasury to increase water security and supply. This however excludes various landowners and in most cases the farmers who can least afford to clear these trees.
2. Ground teams
   1. Ecologist and Restoration Specialists doing baseline assessment, restoration planning and follow up assessments
      1. Ecologists and restoration specialist are generally professionals who graduated from formal tertiary education. This group is not necessarily underserved but do lack the infrastructure to help "coach" and provide guidance to those executing plans they developed. There is however a need to get more graduates into the field with mentors/support.
   2. Alien Tree clearing teams
      1. These teams are generally composed of lead contractors (data manager), chainsaw operator(skilled, certified), herbicide worker and general workers(unskilled). These teams are generally from underserved, low-income communities and wages generally start at minimum wage for unskilled workers. 
   3. Biochar production teams
      1. These teams are generally composed of lead contractors (data manager), kiln manager(skilled, certified), general workers(unskilled). These teams are generally from underserved, low-income communities and wages generally start at minimum wage for unskilled workers.
   4. Restoration teams
      1. These teams are generally composed of lead contractors (data manager), seed and bulb harvesters(skilled, certified), general workers responsible for area preparation(unskilled). These teams are generally from underserved, low-income communities and wages generally start at minimum wage for unskilled workers.

_________________________________________________________________

What are you doing to understand their needs, and how are you engaging them as you develop the solution? 

ADTech has been working with ground teams, farmers, conservancies, a large agricultural co-op (1600+ members) and entities facilitating work between landowners and alien tree clearing teams, biochar production and restoration work. Communicating the environmental impact and potential benefits to the facilitating entities has been well received by for instance the clearing teams, who are now keen on producing biochar instead of burning the biomass to reduce fire risks.

1. Landowners with Alien Invasive Trees on their land
   1. Discussions and research with landowners, determine what certification or environmental management plans they need to/wish to comply with and develop integration solutions for supporting their reporting requirements and how this could be tied in/enhanced with the alien tree clearing & restoration projects.
   2. Landowners generally do not have time to keep project documentation, data, GIS files, invoices etc organised and in a central & safe cloud solution. Ikhala Impact supports landowners by keeping all documents and data related to projects in the Landowner Cloud & Database. This is required for impact reporting and keeping a digital document trail.
2. Ground teams
   1. Ecologist doing baseline assessment and restoration planning
      1. Discussions and reviewing documentation prepared for restoration projects. 
   2. Alien Tree clearing teams
      1. Understanding "bigger picture" and their role within the restoration plans
      2.  The efficiency of clearing in different landscapes to enable more accurate "cost to clear" predictions for new projects
   3. Biochar production teams
      1. Understanding "bigger picture" and their role within the restoration plans
      2.  The efficiency of clearing in different landscapes to enable more accurate "cost to clear" predictions for new projects
   4. Restoration teams
      1. Understanding "bigger picture" and their role within the restoration plans
      2.  The efficiency of clearing in different landscapes to enable more accurate "cost to clear" predictions for new projects

_________________________________________________________________

How will the solution address their needs?

1. Landowners
   1. Central data hub for all project and monitoring data
   2. Web-based GIS app to provide interactive maps and project data related to shapefiles and geotags
2. Ground teams
   1. Ecologist doing baseline assessment and restoration planning
      1. Giving them access to a new project which are relating to their specific field of expertise
      2. Platform to illustrate designs, communicate tasks to other ground teams, receive map-based/geo-tagged feedback on issues in the field
   2. Alien Tree clearing teams
      1. Able to view and apply for projects on the platform, if not pre-selected by landowner
   3. Biochar production teams
      1. Able to view and apply for projects on the platform, if not pre-selected by landowner
   4. Restoration teams
      1. Ecologist can recommend seed collection points during baseline assessment site visit for growing seedlings from site-specific genetics
      2. Able to view and apply for projects on the platform, if not pre-selected by landowner

Through Human-Centered design, the Ikhala platform works to assist project developers with understandable frameworks and tools that enable projects to be undertaken, while providing assurance of impact verification through the use of technology.

It combats climate change by enabling the restoring or protecting indigenous ecosystems. The solution is scalable through the use of:

• Automated Remote sensing data
• Algorithms to track & flag predefined events/indicators
• Auditing data samples and random spot checks 
• Smart contracts for outcome-based payment model and transparent flow of funds
• Aggregation projects based on larger funding pools aimed at specific impacts
• Aggregate projects to reduce permanence risk

The initial pilot project listed on the Ikhala platform is a unique methodology for the clearing of alien invasive trees, production of in-situ biochar, and the restoration of ecosystems. It has also taken inspiration from the French Carbon Agri hedge methodology

It is envisioned that the platform will be available to a pilot group of landowners and project developers towards the end of 2021 with a pilot project is under discussion at Reyneke wines, the first biodynamic wine farm in the Western Cape. 

The platform has been developed on Google's infrastructure and includes forms, workflows, databases and satellite imagery. There is currently a pilot project in the Planning stage with two large projects in discussion with landowners.

The system architecture has been in developmentment since the start of 2021. The architecture and solutions are in the development stage with support from Amazon Web Services and other partners.

The Ikhala Impact Platform (Ikhala) addresses two current issues in climate change mitigation. 

1. Complexity regarding impact measurement and verification inhibits the development of smaller carbon projects. The Taskforce on scaling voluntary carbon markets recommends that supplier/financer matching platforms be developed for smaller projects, where the platforms should be subject to the same standards and controls that would apply to any other voluntary carbon market infrastructure.

Ikhala integrates and populates data frameworks in assistance of project developers with;

• remote sensing and open-source data
• data from ground teams and IoT devices

The platform reduces verification and auditing costs through;

• pre-audited workflows for developed methodologies
• smart contracts, machine learning, remote sensing, and proof of work protocols

Ikhala enables smaller carbon mitigation projects to scale rapidly without sacrificing the integrity of the underlying impact on local communities.

2. The current market for voluntary carbon credits is enabled by the framework of "carbon neutrality" that can be achieved each year, by immediately "offsetting" emissions through "carbon credits". Carbon credits have been considered as a way for organizations to claim carbon neutrality entrenching a view of climate change as a zero-sum game

Ikhala supports the emerging concept of "mitigation contributions" as an alternative to credits that can better align support for climate mitigation with global ambitions while also avoiding the issue of "double-counting" of carbon offsets in different national accounting systems encountered with carbon credits. Monitoring and verification of mitigation and social impact claims are provided as a service through the platform to ensure integrity.

The Ikhala Impact Platform's solution's reach will be determined by the successful listing of methodologies on the platform. 

If we are successful in aggregating methodologies for small-scale farmers the potential is to have an impact on 33 million farms in Arica that provide 70% of the continent's food.

Achieving 23 Gt of emissions sequestration and removal required by 2030 to stay within 1,5 degrees C of global requires a 15-fold scale-up of voluntary offsetting in 2030 versus 2019, with a large percentage needed from NBS. If tools can be provided to enable this work in Africa the potential impact on people is enormous.

With the current methodology developed for the clearing of invasive species and to be listed initially on the platform:

Current:

• Landowner [1]
• Ecologist/Restoration Specialist [1]
• Ground teams [2] { 7 - 12 individuals per team }

In one year:

• Landowner [5]
• Ecologist/Restoration Specialist [5]
• Ground teams [15] { 7 - 12 individuals per team }

In five years:

• Landowner [500]
• Ecologist/Restoration Specialist [500-700]
• Ground teams [1500 - 2500] { 7 - 12 individuals per team }

The Ikhala Impact Platform will follow best practice set out by IRIS+, which is the generally accepted system for measuring, managing, and optimizing impact. The documentation and support provided by Next Generation Consultants has also guided our understanding of the complexities involved with measuring and providing evidence for social and environmental impact. 

Our standard indicators for all Nature Based Solutions are;

• Area of land restored
• Area of land protected
• Area of intact forest landscapes
• Natural forest cover on the whole management unit
• Carbon stocks estimated across the entire management unit
• PersonDay jobs created 
• Funding opportunities unlocked

Full-time (3)

Part-time (2)

Wihan Bekker 

Wihan is a civil engineer with life cycle analysis knowledge and develops carbon models for AD-Tech. Thinking outside the box and using a systems-based approach to develop strategies and solutions within the nexus of technology, data and nature. He is also fascinated by blockchain and how the fundamental principles can be used to create scalable regenerative models that work for people and the planet.

Jean Pierre du Plessis 

Jean Pierre is the director of regeneration at AD-Tech. He is an attorney with a Master’s degree in law from Stellenbosch University. After working as a banker he has been an independent business development consultant since 2019 with a specific focus on social impact. Jean Pierre has extensive experience with credit agreements, SMME development, and a keen interest in creating scalable regenerative business models.

Reana Rossouw 

Reana's expertise lies in creating and implementing strategies for social impact, innovation, growth, and sustainability. She is the founder of Next Generation Consultants, a leading Management Consulting Firm with a wealth of experience in social impact and business development environments.

Matthew Eshed 

Matthew is a unique blend of systems engineer, new product developer, and community builder, who is dedicated to issues around land, technology, and climate since 2016.

Riaan Truter 

Riaan is a mechatronic engineer working on R&D, web app development, workflows and database.

As a South African company, we are acutely aware of living in the most unequal society on earth. We are committed to the African principle of Ubuntu and ensuring that all Africans have the opportunity to freely develop their potential

Our current global ecological crisis is the result of failing to sufficiently account for the aggregate impact of decisions based on increased efficiency, profit, and comfort. This process of externalizing costs has embedded degenerative systems and caused the degradation of common resources. We are mindful of not creating solutions within the same systems and thinking that caused our problems in the first place.

We are inspired and informed by the indigenous knowledge and traditions of biodiversity stewardship practised in our country for thousands of years and challenged by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by Apartheid and colonial history. This informs us to be humble in our privilege and use our position to think deeply not only about solutions but also the root cause of issues.

ADTech has embed the following principles in our policy and company culture;

• Hiring from outside our immediate network
• Hiring individuals that align with our vision and drive 
• Ensuring diversity in terms of background and perspectives  
• Providing equality in opportunity
• Having the difficult, authentic conversations about our history and differences 

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries on the planet and by weaving knowledge from all cultures we are strengthened by this diversity.

Participation in the solve challenge would enable us to run furher pilots and validate our assumptions. The Ikhala platform has been developed by the founders by burning the midnight oil while servicing clients in our consulting business.

It is a project and passion and a fierce desire to create a new regenerative approach that values the natural world and our dependence on it.

The focus and grant funding enabled through the program will enable us to focus on creating impact at scale and to work "on the business" rather than in the business.

The global climate crisis requires us to rethink our approach to solving the problem and the program will enable us to establish further partnerships towards this goal and creating change within our continent. 

Our local experience and love for Africa, combined with global knowledge leadership will enable our goal of making Africa a global leader in regeneration. 

We believe in being perpetual students and always being open to change and learning. As Robert Sobukwe implored the students of Fort Hare University in 1959 to remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge, despite overwhelming oppression, and through their education provide hope to Africa's people:

"You have seen by now what education means to us: the identification of ourselves with the masses. Education to us means service to Africa."

The platform will need to be underpinned by legal agreements that also cater to international transfers. 

The platform introduces a novel partnership approach to climate change mitigation that seeks to move past carbon credits. As this is untested in the market, and the value not currently recognised as widely as offsetting through credits, the revenue model should be refined with the assistance of experts.

Our team's expertise is not in marketing, so it would be valuable to have assistanec in this regard.

The methodology developed for alien clearing in South Africa is underpinned by 30-year legal agreements with landowners for the protection of biodiversity but as the solution scales to other jurisdictions, these legal systems will need to be navigated. Guidance regarding equitable corporate governance structures for projects would also be helpful.

When linking to European Markets ensuring that all privacy and other developing legislation is complied with as non-compliance cold entail fines or other risks.

In terms of legal development ensuring that we follow best practise with reference to smart contracts and blockchain as these fields are not fully developed in Africa and South Africa.

• NGOs/NPOs working on and implementing Nature-Based Solutions
  • Develop programs and data frameworks with them to ensure practical data collection methods 
  • Determine balance between data quality, cost of data collection and monitoring plan which will ensure scientific robustness.
  • Ensure that the frameworks and tools being developed can be implemented universally and are not hyper-localised for the South African context. 
• Corporates/businesses with climate commitment goals and impact strategies 
• MIT faculties that ensure we are developing blockchain and smart contract technology according to international best practice.

All prize money will be directed to the restoration of degraded lands and the people who facilitate and implement the restoration projects.

As Africa has a number of refugees, including in South Africa, specific programs could be added for parties.

Through the Global Regen Network, we have had contact with parties undertaking work in training refugees in Uganda in Regenerative farming and we could ink projects to them. 

As part of Ecosystem restoration, we are investigating the inclusion of value-added services such as:

• the restoration of degraded lands and the people who facilitate and implement the restoration projects
• workshops and training to women who want to learn about restoration practices and utilising technology
• setting up value-adding local businesses for Nature Based Solutions such as honey production, product manufacturing from beeswax, sustainable indigenous herb harvesting and processing
• Local sustainable flower and medicinal herb picking.

We have been approached to assist women to develop an enterprise on a communal ground on a wine farm close to Hermanus in the Western Cape based on the above principles and this could be developed as a project on the Ikhala platform with a specific focus on women empowerment.

Prize money will be directed to;

• the restoration of degraded lands and the people who facilitate and implement the restoration projects
• workshops and collaboration networks
• establishing co-ops between restoration teams 

All prize money will be allocated to training and skills development of previously disadvantaged groups to do;

• Drone flight school training and licencing
• Computer Science graduates to support machine learning models with drone data and ground data for species identification and restoration planning

All prize money will be allocated to training and skills development of previously disadvantaged groups to do;

• Drone flight school training and licencing
• Computer Science graduates to support machine learning models with drone data and ground data for species identification and restoration planning