SeaTrees’ Biodiversity Blocks: A Groundbreaking Model for Ocean Conservation
At this year’s COP16 in Colombia, environmental non-profit SeaTrees introduced an innovative approach to funding marine conservation: SeaTrees Biodiversity Blocks. This initiative, highlighted alongside artist Benjamin Von Wong’s “Biodiversity Jenga” Installation, represents a new, high-integrity model designed to fund ocean restoration and protection projects effectively.
What Are SeaTrees Biodiversity Blocks?
Biodiversity Blocks offer individuals and organizations a way to directly support ocean conservation projects. Unlike traditional funding models, these blocks serve as “biodiversity credits,” supporting ecosystem restoration efforts such as mangrove planting and habitat protection. Each block purchased funds a local community’s action, like planting mangroves, which provide essential biodiversity and carbon sequestration benefits.
The first project under this model is in Marereni, Kenya, where every Biodiversity Block purchased supports the planting and maintenance of a mangrove tree over a decade, also creating jobs for the local community. To ensure transparency, SeaTrees utilizes blockchain technology and an interactive dashboard that reports on biodiversity improvement over time, with stories, videos, and photos showcasing the progress.
The “Biodiversity Jenga” Monument: Visualizing the Fragility of Nature
To launch Biodiversity Blocks, SeaTrees partnered with Benjamin Von Wong, who created the Biodiversity Jenga installation. Standing 21 feet tall, this artistic monument features stacked blocks symbolizing various ecosystems, visually representing the delicate balance of biodiversity. Just like in the game of Jenga, removing one block destabilizes the structure, emphasizing how each species and habitat plays a critical role in ecosystem stability. Von Wong’s installation, crafted with the help of over 200 students, artisans, and environmental advocates, provides a powerful metaphor for the urgent need to protect biodiversity.
Why Biodiversity Blocks Matter
Oceans are our planet’s greatest carbon sink, sequestering CO₂ five times faster than terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, marine conservation receives a mere fraction of global conservation funding. SeaTrees Biodiversity Blocks aim to correct this imbalance by creating a scalable, high-integrity funding model that prioritizes the health of marine ecosystems. By supporting local communities, the initiative empowers those most affected by climate change to actively restore and protect their coastal environments.
SeaTrees’ partnership with Ocean Ledger for biodiversity monitoring and the use of advanced blockchain technology provides transparent, real-time reporting to all supporters. This approach reflects SeaTrees’ dedication to high-impact, science-based ocean conservation.
A New Chapter in Marine Conservation
The launch of SeaTrees Biodiversity Blocks and the “Biodiversity Jenga” installation marks a significant step toward addressing biodiversity loss in our oceans. This model highlights the importance of community engagement, innovative funding, and technological transparency in creating long-term impact. With upcoming projects in coral reef and kelp forest restoration, SeaTrees is setting a new standard in marine conservation efforts, ensuring ecosystems are supported for generations to come.
At Humanitas, we are inspired by SeaTrees’ vision and commitment to sustainable ocean solutions. The Biodiversity Blocks model serves as a reminder that our support can drive change, from the individual level to large-scale projects. As ocean conservation gains momentum, let’s recognize the need for sustainable funding and engage in initiatives that protect our world’s most vital ecosystems.
Header image copyright of Benjamin Von Wong