Rainforest Foundation US asks for help from the blockchain community

Rainforest Foundation US, a New York-based nonprofit NGO wants to use blockchain and its technologies to support its anti-deforestation efforts.

According to a post on the Rainforest Foundation’s website, the organization is asking the blockchain and cryptocurrency community to support their fight against deforestation and forest fires in Brazil. The post read:

We have long known that the crypto community has the power to change the world. We hope you will help us do just that by joining our #CryptoFireFighter coalition.

The Rainforest Foundation has had prior involvements in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. It had initially developed its cryptocurrency, BitSeed in May 2018. Despite being listed on Bittress, BitSeed, a PoW/PoS hybrid crypto was ultimately unsuccessful.

The Foundation has also engaged in discussions around a Crypto Kitties “Jungle Kitty.” According to reports, this crypto Kitties was “exploring Simple Token for direct payments, considerations around becoming an EOS block producer, and fundraising via CryptoCare.”

In addition, the Foundation stated that it is the process of creating a blockchain transparency pilot program with Regen Network. When completed, the blockchain platform will allow donors to track work by the Foundation. The pilot program will also reward local communities working to protect the Amazon forest with cryptocurrencies.

Reportedly, the Foundation is also researching the use of smart contracts to stop illegal logging land trafficking and safeguard forests from gold mining. Suzanne Pelletier, executive director at the Rainforest Foundation, said that the extremely bad conditions of the Brazilian rainforest had pushed them to come up with innovative solutions. The Foundation reports that since Bolsonaro took office in January, deforestation in Brazilian Amazon is up by 75% while the number of forest fires has doubled compared to past years. She added:

“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.”

In their post, the Rainforest Foundation asked the blockchain and crypto community to support their work through crypto donations, sponsoring their course and helping spread the word. The Foundation stated that they are accepting cryptocurrencies donations in SegWitCoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC) and other cryptocurrencies.