Image by Pixabay.
Foundation uses crypto and blockchain to save the Brazilian Amazon
The Rainforest Foundation has called for aid from the crypto and blockchain community to help fight deforestation and fires in the Brazilian Amazon.
Image by Pixabay.
A New York-based, non-profit NGO called the Rainforest Foundation working in Central and South America is hoping to support anti-deforestation efforts through the use of crypto and blockchain technology.
Fires and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon
As per September 4, the Rainforest Foundation put out a call to arms to the crypto and blockchain community to ask for support in the fight against deforestation and forest fires currently happening in Brazil. A post on the foundation’s website states:
“Since Bolsonaro took office in January, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is up 75% and forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon have doubled compared to the past year. As guardians of our rainforests, its animals and its people, we are working with The Giving Block to form a coalition of crypto sponsors, donors and media partners who will help stop this devastation.”
The Rainforest Foundation states that it is currently accepting donations in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and several other cryptocurrencies.
Blockchain to assure transparency
The Rainforest Foundation which boasts Grammy-winning musician Sting as one of its founders is currently at work on a blockchain pilot which will ensure continued transparency. This transparency will allow donors to track all work completed by the foundation in the Amazon and additionally reward local communities who protect their forests with crypto.
Moreover, the foundation is also conducting research into the use of smart contracts to stop illegal logging, land trafficking as well as protect rainforests from gold mining efforts.
The executive director at the Rainforest Foundation, Suzanne Pelletier, stated that the dire situation in Brazil’s Amazon has prompted them to develop innovative solutions, stating:
“Business as usual has gotten us to this point. Philanthropy as usual won’t get us out. We need innovative solutions, and no one is more innovative than cryptocurrency users.”
Cryptocurrency and charity
Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology being used to support a myriad of charitable organizations are on the rise. In light of Hurricane Dorian, a blockchain company based in the Bahamas has called for aid from the cryptocurrency and blockchain community to help bring relief to victims of hurricanes.
