Define specific problem you're addressing
LifeMesh supports NGOs (Suppliers) and governments (Consumers) in need by connecting, verifying and tracking resources needed for effective disaster management.
In addition to that, it helps NGO's to coordinate their efforts because supply/demand are globally published
There is little to none standardized coordination/communication between Suppliers and Consumers of Disaster relief. This creates waste, lack of transparency and corruption.
Why use the Blockchain?
The nature of blockchain technology is perfect for bridging the gap in transparency and communication between NGOs providing funding and governments in need of funding before, during or after disasters. A distributed ledger solves the issues of transparency such as corruption, fair and assured distribution of resources, and accountability for parties that are involved.With the blockchain, we are able to address 2 key issues in disaster management.
Communication. Our solution aims to provide a publicly verifiable distributed marketplace/platform, on the eventual level of Amazon/Alibaba for governments and NGOs to easily, but securely communicate, when gathering funds for disasters.
Transparency. In order to keep interfering politics out of the actual relief efforts, we aim for an immutable and objective reputation system between the governments and NGOs during their funding activities. We will be verifying if services have been provided to affected communities and given by governments. These can be reconfirmed with the assigned NGO.
A reputation system will be positioned in place to verify accountability between the two parties, government and NGOs.
When government funds are received, affected citizens have an avenue for reporting the actual relief for their communities. These are some of the key functions that the reputation management can cover:
a.) Reports on confirming received relief on the ground,
b.) verification of government reported disaster situation,
c. ) Rating NGOs based on their self initiated reports on their funding activity, etc
All of which will reinforce the transparent, accountable and exact trade of resources.
What is the size of the market? Effectively the market are all charities and NGO’s globally, the “suppliers” of aid in any form.
Other Available Solutions
In The Philippines, private citizens have access to key NGOs and are able to source and deliver donated good personally to avoid talking to the government. There are also smaller groups aiding forgotten areas through on their own. Both efforts can remain untraceable and unconfirmed. Additionally, there are also other applications that address disaster management. Item as follows:
Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS). This iPhone App provides users real-time information about disasters and gives them the possibility to send information in the form of a geo-located image and/or text back. Targeted users include professional emergency responders of GADSC, as well as general users affected by disasters. This App intends to tap the abundant information about disasters available from people who actually experience them.
Disaster Alert (PDC). Current global disaster info on an interactive map.
Humanitarian ID. An app that provides a self managed approach to contact lists.
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