Sale of animal-linked NFTs raises conservation funds for South African reserve

Johannesburg, February 4th (Reuters)-Tlalamba, a 4-year-old leopard, has done a lot in her short life. She is the queen of her mother’s old territory, she gives birth to two children, and so far has purchased a new project to sell non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to raise funds for protection. It is the most popular animal among the people.

NFTs are a type of crypto asset that has skyrocketed in popularity last year. You can buy and sell all kinds of digital objects as NFTs, from art to videos to tweets. It uses its own digital signature to ensure it is unique.

WildEarth, a wildlife streaming service, is currently creating NFTs linked to 25 prominent animals like Tlalamba at Djuma Game Reserve in South Africa.

Buyers have special access to images, videos, and information about creatures like Tlalamba through the app, and can even talk to other NFT owners. They get voting rights in the name of the Cubs of Tlalamba and delve into future NFTs first.

40% of the proceeds go to animal habitat caretakers, and so far more than 1,000 sales have raised about $ 16,000 for Jumari Reserve. Currently, each NFT costs about $ 200.

WildEarth co-founder Graham Wallington said the venture gives enthusiasts a sense of care for their beloved animals, while at the same time potentially new, reliable and impactful protection for the world. Said that it can provide a small source of revenue.

“If we don’t create the economic incentives we need to protect wildlife, that won’t happen,” he said, with current conservation incomes: hunting, tourism, harmed animals, their habitats, Or proved to be very unreliable during a pandemic.

“We will have to find a solution that will allow people at home to protect the wild nature.”

Even tourism can be harmful if the reserve accepts too many people, added Julie Murman, owner of the Juma Reserve. Juma has closed a commercial lodge.

“We are trying to step on the planet lighter,” he continues, continuing to share Juma with people around the world while preserving habitats by adding initiatives such as WildEarth and NFT programs. I can.

However, in order for NFTs to be a reliable source of income, they must trade in the secondary market and provide habitat managers with ongoing royalties. It is unknown if that demand exists.

Nevertheless, Warrington is focused on expansion and wants to register the reserve in the southern part of the country where the penguins colony is located, and then in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

“The roadmap plans to extend this to all protected areas around the world,” he said.

Report by Emma Rumney, edited by William Maclean

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