New York, NY -- March 4, 2019 -- Zooterra, a leading innovator in wildlife and habitat conservation consumer engagement, today announced the launch of a platform that lets users engage in nature conservation in a direct, transparent and fun way using digital tokens, geolocation and satellite imaging technology.
Starting today, users on Zooterra will be able to buy a limited set of 2736 digital tokens, called “terras”, each linked to one hectare of the Kasigau Wildlife Corridor, a 200,000 hectare (500,000 acre) area of dryland forest in southeastern Kenya protected by Wildlife Works. Three different conservation projects from the Kasigau Wildlife Corridor will be supported with each terra purchase on the Zooterra platform:
- Aerial surveillance;
- Wildlife water pans; and
- Efficient agricultural techniques.
Nature has never been more vulnerable as it is today. Despite gaining $125 trillion of value from nature annually, the planet has lost 60% of wildlife populations, 50% of rainforests, and 33% of protected land.
"Existing donor engagement models lack the transparency, personalization, and follow-up to engage more people, with 82% of donors not fully knowing where their money is going," said Julio Corredor, Founder & CEO of Zooterra.
"Our goal is to become the most direct and transparent way to help protect wildlife and natural habitats. We show you exactly who, where and how you are impacting when you have a stake in nature."
How it Works
On the Zooterra platform, you can become a “Guardian of Nature” by buying a digital token called terra, each associated with 1-hectare of natural area from around the world. Proceeds from each terra directly support a specific project linked to your terra’s forest, wildlife or the local community. Individuals gain a vested ownership in the token and consequently become guardians to the conservation of the natural area and wildlife linked to it.
The ownership of the unit is recorded and viewable on the platform ensuring uniqueness and rarity of each terra . As you collect more terras and project badges from around the world, you build your Guardian of nature history and reach higher levels while getting updates on the projects and areas supported and satellite image analysis.
Supported Countries
Kenya, Africa is the site of Zooterra's genesis terras, with more natural areas and wildlife being considered to be added in Central America, Africa and Asia. Within the Kasigau Wildlife Corridor alone, Zooterra will help protect an entire ecosystem supporting the following endangered species:
- African Elephant
- African Wild Dog
- Cheetah
- Fringe-eared Oryx
- Giraffe
- Grevy's Zebra
- Leopard
- Lion
- Temminck’s Ground Pangolin
Zooterra
Zooterra is a public benefit corporation usnig a market-based model for environment conservation. By joining our community, you can become a Guardian of Nature and help transform the way we protect habitats and wildlife. Zooterra is based in New York, NY. www.zooterra.com
