Catherine Bischoff, CEO of the Sovereign Nature Initiative (SNI), presented an inspiring vision at the Sub0 2023 event of how decentralized communities can play an important role in supporting biodiversity conservation through the use of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
In her presentation, Catherine revealed the innovative approach of SNI, which aims to revalue nature and create an alternative economy that fosters coexistence with the planet’s diverse species.
A digital connection to ecological data
The CEO introduced the concept of “Eco Derivatives,” which are digital items intricately linked to ecological data generated by nature stewards, including conservation organizations and regenerative ecology projects.
These Eco Derivatives serve as a bridge between seemingly disparate communities and are at the heart of SNI’s mission to support biodiversity protection globally.
Through a modular approach that emphasizes community involvement, research, storytelling, artistic expression, and technology, SNI is developing the “Deep” protocol, short for Decentralized Ecological Economics Protocol.
Deep comprises two wealth-generating components and one wealth governance component, paving the way for innovative solutions in biodiversity conservation.
Components of the Deep Protocol
She introduced Deep Link as a fundamental aspect of the protocol. This component acts as a conduit, connecting ecological data with digital creatives and outlets.
It standardizes and makes ecological data legible, enabling its transformation into digital assets that can be sold or shared within communities.
Another interesting feature is Deep Staking. By running validator nodes, SNI can not only earn rewards for staking funds but also generate commissions that contribute to the treasury. This allows the treasury to provide financial support for SNI’s various initiatives.
Another component revealed is the Deep Treasury. The treasury is a critical element that facilitates community-driven value governance and attracts significant funding for ecological projects. It plays a pivotal role in achieving SNI’s mission.
Partnerships and projects
She went on to say that SNI has forged meaningful partnerships with biodiversity organizations worldwide, gaining access to their scientific findings.
These collaborations have allowed SNI to create a new avenue of funding for these organizations by using NFTs to represent digital animals that “roam” the digital realm, generating income for their real-life counterparts.
An example is the “Tracing the Wild” project done in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Trust, where SNI created a 3D digital data sculpture that visualizes lion tracking data in the Maasai Mara.
This artwork showcased the power of data visualization and technology in conveying scientific findings.
Next is Munsama Lion Avatars. SNI collaborated with the Munsama community and the Kenya Wildlife Trust to develop 400 lion avatars connected to real lions in the Maasai Mara. These avatars have in-game functionality, engaging the community and raising awareness.
She also noted the Ticketing NFTs with AIM project. SNI worked with Parity and AIM, a Portuguese marine conservation organization, to create ticketing NFTs for Sub0 2023.
Holders of these NFTs have the chance to participate in scientific excursions with the AIM team, promoting conservation.
The conservationist also noted that to ensure transparency, SNI will launch a verification portal, allowing NFT holders to view the species and organizations they support and track the impact they’ve made on biodiversity conservation.
The road ahead
With over 100k in funds generated this year and an upcoming social game launch, SNI is making significant strides in its mission.
The organization aims to bring transparency to the value exchange between the natural and digital realms, ultimately fostering a more sustainable future for our planet.
In conclusion, SNI’s pioneering work demonstrates how decentralized communities, coupled with NFT technology, can contribute to the vital cause of biodiversity conservation.
By bridging the gap between diverse communities and ecological data, SNI is on a mission to create a more sustainable and harmonious world for all species.
