How wildlife protectors earn rewards

“The natural world is the greatest source of excitement. The greatest source of visual beauty. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” — Sir David Attenborough

Wildlife conservation is considered one of the most pressing environmental concerns today. Not only because the loss of an animal species is a tragic irreversible process, but also in nature different animal groups are connected and the impact of losing any animal specials can have wide reaching cultural and economical repercussions. To add additional weight to the need for further action, a recent major UN study reports that “nature across the globe has now been significantly altered”, with 75% of the land surface extensively modified, 85% of the wetlands lost, and two-thirds of the oceans bearing mounting cumulative impacts. An ever increasing effort is required to help turn the tide and ensure there is protection and conservation of wildlife around the globe.

Technology as a catalyst for change

At Task we’ve been working with Freeland.org since mid 2018. An NGO focused on protecting vulnerable people and wildlife from organized crime and corruption, Freeland’s work ranges from programs designed to stop human and wildlife trafficking to initiatives that focus on behavioural change.

Aphirak Wipawin (“Art”), Freeland’s Community Outreach Leader, works around the Eastern Forest Complex of Thailand, empowering villagers and children with information and tools to protect their wildlife, forest, and their own livelihoods from environmental destruction. The Task app enables Art to more effectively do his job by capturing data via his smartphone, such as details about animal location information, feedback on community training and other mission critical data.

Track : Log : Reward

Each time a Freeland team member completes a task, the information is logged on a blockchain ledger and in return a digital token is issued. In Freelands case these tokens are called TYGER coins. For someone like Art this adds a new dimension to the job and opens up the opportunity to earn rewards such as discounts on flights or time off work. The star of the team, Art recently earned 15 TYGER coins by working tirelessly and successfully to get new villagers and children on board with Freeland’s “wildlife-human conflict” program, which helps locals peacefully “shoo away” elephants and other animals that walk through their crops and homes, instead of harming them.

A great effort and worth mentioning on today of all days as it’s World Ranger Day!

Well done Art and the team at Freeland for continuing to create impact and helping to protect people and planet!