Orchid Island makes history again
IDGO released a blockchain-based indigenous currency
Orchid Island proudly announced the release of the Tao Coin, a blockchain-based currency for the indigenous people and tourists on the island. The technology is expected to bring more tourists, promote the sustainable development on the island and help enrich the indigenous culture. The Tao Coin is part of a technology portfolio from IDGO which also include the Tao Passport that made history one year ago, on the 26th of April.
The Orchid islanders struggle over multiple issues: dispute over the storage of nuclear waste, ocean and tourism pollution and insufficient resources for culture, education and healthcare. The younger generation of Orchid Island were introduced to blockchain technology last year with the help of Tao Passport. The issuance of the Tao Coins is the second step of the Orchid Island Sustainable Project. The total amount of Tao Coins issued is 10 billions, which will be gradually released thought culture mining.
Culture mining is a coin distribution system for members of the community contributing to environmental protection or cultural preservation.
The Tao Coins can be stored in the Tao Passport App and be used for labor wage, tourism expenses or living expenses on the island.
A-Wen (Cheng-Wen Lin), the President of ‘Lanyu Environmental Education Association’, has long been committed to the environmental education on the island.
“The main significance of Tao Coins is to build the foundation of a sharing economy, which aligns with our tribe’s idea of sharing and respect. Tao Coins can be combined with the indigenous ancestral wisdom to support environmental protection and circular economy.” explain A-Wen regarding the use of Tao Coins on the island.
“Humans spend a lot of time on manufacturing, but very little time on innovation, not only causing oversupply, but also hurting the Earth. Through the islanders, tourists and friends who agree with Orchid Island Sustainable Project, it is possible to reverse the fate of Orchid Island.” Concluded A-Wen.
Maraos, the CEO of the ‘La An Cultural and Educational Foundation’, used to work in the media and was the first Director of the Taiwan Indigenous Television. He has a deep understanding of all indigenous-related issues. Maraos is very excited about the applications of Tao Coins and thinks it is a monumental initiative.
“In the future, Tao coins can become the new financial instrument of a striving local economy. I hope that through close-to-life technology tools, members of the community will increase their commitment and participation to the tribal affairs.” Expresses Maraos.
A-Lan runs an eco-friendly homestay on the island. He is also the founder of a Tao Coin exchange. He mentioned that in the past, merchants will use coupons so that tourists select their restaurant or business. The paper coupon is now being replaced by the mobile APP of Tao Coin. A-Lan also pointed out that Tao Coin can bring more independence to the community. “For the young people in the countryside, it is not easy to keep the roots of cultural heritage while maintaining sufficient income. However, maintaining traditions and seeking financial autonomy does not need to be contradictory.” A-Lan has travelled to many countries with the prospect of gaining the necessary experience to make Orchid Island an international cultural destination. “When visitors use Tao Coins in the future, they will create more value for the Island and generate more opportunities for young people in the region”.
Jacob Lee, the CEO of DTCO and leader of IDGO technical team, elaborates on the value of Tao Coin: “The concept of a community currency such as Tao Coin has been in existence for a long time. Residents holding community currencies will naturally seek to consume locally, thereby promoting the local development and creating wealth ‘in the community’.”
Jacob Lee explains the technical advantages: “Through a blockchain based account, the user can check the status of transaction in real time. The account can be audited at any time without relying on third parties. The blockchain smart contract is transparent, fair, secure and brings global connectivity. Tao Coin and e-Identity are now integrated in the TaoPassport APP and users can independently control their personal data and digital wallets. The APP will gradually add information on merchants, certified guides and eco-friendly businesses to facilitate its adoption.”
CEO Jacob Lee also indicated that the next step is to bring decentralized credit system and intellectual property protection to the application.
Jacob Lee concluded the press conference on a confident note: “We are honored to take part in this project. We will continue to cooperate with Lanyu Environmental Education Association and Lan An Culture and Education Foundation so that Orchid Island becomes the outstanding synergy of cultural heritage and blockchain-backed technology.”
About Lanyu Environmental Education Association
Appalled by the accumulated amount of waste on the Orchid Island, Cheng-Wen Lin single-handedly started the recycling of PET bottles and waste oil on the Orchid Island without any initial financial support. His ideal and devotion attracted friends and volunteers to become his team members and led to the establishment of the “Lanyu Environmental Education Association”. The purpose of the Association is to protect the ecosystem, promote the traditional ecological wisdom and sustain the development of the culture on the Island. Kasiboan made a shed from recycled PET bottles by the volunteers and has now become a new tourist attraction on the Island.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/dontwasteLanyu/
About Lan An Cultural and Educational Foundation
Lan An is the first local association established on the Island. In 1979, it established the first legally registered indigenous nursery in Taiwan, as well as a community magazine and a radio station. Lan An is also the first organization that provides the meal-on-wheels services for the elderly in the indigenous communities. With the vision to preserve the Tao culture, Lan An is fully committed to improve the education environment, the care to the elderly and the expatriates return and settle down on the Island.
Official Website http://www.lanan.org.tw/
FB https://www.facebook.com/lanan.org/
About IDGO Technical Team (Digital Treasury Corporation)
DTCO (Digital Treasury Corporation) was founded in 2014 with team members of blockchain technology developers and experts in finance, ICT and biotech. DTCO focuses on the application of blockchain technology in businesses and provides consultation services for R&D in pharmaceutical, healthcare, green energy, digital identity and smart contracts. Through collaborating with the industries, we believe that the blockchain technology has a huge potential to bring great value to the society.
Taopassport official website http://taopassport.idgo.im
IDGO Official Website https://idgo.im
DTCO Official Website https://dtco.co
