Applicant Name: Alejandra Verde Medina

Applicant ETH Address: aleverde.eth

Organization(s) or Affiliation(s): ReFi PACA, ReFi Mediterranean, ReFi DAO, The Gathering México

Why do you want to serve as an Expert Evaluator for the Localism Fund?

For me, this is about serving the ecosystem. Local ecological projects need access to Web3 funding, and these mechanisms need experts who can evaluate whether ecological claims actually make sense. I'd love to help bridge that gap while continuing to learn how these technologies can better support regenerative work.

I've spent 13 years building bridges between impact projects and innovative funding mechanisms, so serving as an expert here feels like a natural fit. Looking at the network, I notice most experts bring deep blockchain, governance, and civic tech expertise—which is great—but there seems to be room for someone who actually understands how ecosystems function scientifically and can evaluate ecological restoration projects technically.

I've been on both sides: evaluating projects for Mexico City's Ministry of Environment and NAT5's certification protocol, and also developing projects that needed funding (like a Cozumel coral reef conservation initiative). This dual perspective helps me assess what makes ecological projects credible versus just well-packaged.

🪴 Grant-Making Expertise

Program Design & Management: ****2

Evaluation & Impact Learning: 3

Financial Strategy & Fundraising: 2

Governance Systems & Mechanism Design: 1

Experiences, Highlights & Evidence:

Program Design & Management (Score: 2)

My experience in program design and management spans both governmental and private sector contexts. From 2012-2014, I worked at Mexico City's Secretaría de Medio Ambiente evaluating projects for ecosystem restoration programs with social participation. This role involved assessing compliance with regulations, reviewing project documentation, and ensuring alignment with territorial conservation objectives.