Crypto Conservation 🦍- just another ponzi scheme? 📈
Blockchain for environmental sustainability
The crypto bubble popped, crypto as a ponzi scheme is over (mostly), blockchain is crossing the chasm ⛰️ and we are starting to see the real projects, the truly value-adding projects emerging from the ashes and some of the most exciting projects are emerging in conservation.
Blockchain and Conservation 🏞️, Why?
Blockchain is more than just a buzzword and there is a clear cut benefit to conservation through the use of crypto and blockchain technologies and here is why:
- Firstly, it’s borderless. Cryptocurrencies can be transferred from country A to country Z in a matter of seconds without losing ~4% in international transaction fees. In fact, according to Non-Profit Source, 31% of donors worldwide donate to locations outside of their own country. That’s a hefty amount at 4%. 💸
- Transactions are transparent 🔍 and publically viewable, anyone can see the funds that conservations are receiving and in an ideal world where the conservations bought their required services with crypto it would be possible to see where it’s getting spent too.
- Verifiable donations, giving is public, no need to take my word that I have donated 100 dollars to a cause. It’s cryptographically verifiable. 🔗
- Simplicity, It is incredibly easy to make a transaction. Getting to the point where you have a crypto wallet and own cryptocurrency is not always simple but actually making the transaction, it’s dead simple. No need for card details, CVV, waiting 3 weeks to know if you put in the right account details, etc.. etc.. (Side note: Here is a great guide to getting started in crypto)
“Humanity has wiped out 60% of animal populations since 1970” (source)
What is out there now?
Here is a short list, by no means exhaustive, of crypto conservation projects in the wild 🐆
Wildcards
Wildcards connects global conservation organizations to users through social, gamified and transparent giving making wildcards the perfect platform to start making your difference. (Disclaimer: My team's project)
Proof of Impact
A platform empowering people and organizations by offering the easiest, most transparent way of funding impact. For example, it is possible, through their platform to save a baby sea turtle by releasing it to the ocean for $3.
GainForest 🌱
GainForest™ is a decentralized game linked with machine learning and real-world climate actions to protect, restore and fund nature-based solutions.
Honu Crypto Kitty 🐢
An auction of a unique crypto kitty to support turtle conservation in the Caribbean. The auction proceeds went to two sea turtle conservation projects — Operation Jairo and Unite BVI.
Sustainability chain
A blockchain (ethereum fork) for decentralized solutions working to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Crypto Corals 🐚
CryptoCorals is a positive impact game to scale up coral reefs restoration. Although it seems they have not yet launched on the blockchain, you can donate with regular fiat, so not as verifiably transparent yet.
Bait to Plate - WWF 🐼
Tracking fish from vessel to the supermarket, the Blockchain Supply Chain Traceability Project is using digital technology in the fresh and frozen tuna sectors of the Western and Central Pacific region to strengthen supply chain management.
Giveth
Not strictly conservation-based but a personal favorite. Giveth is a community of makers building the future of giving.
This space is continuing to grow, keep an eye out on any new projects and please share them in the comments below 🙏🏼
