Is it possible to love NFT (non-fungible token) and the planet?
On May 20, lovers of NFTs and nature raised nearly P350,000 to "finance nature" by auctioning five digital art pieces by wildlife conservation photographer Noel Guevara at EDSA Shangri-la.
"Emerging technologies like NFTs, blockchain, and the like are tools that can revolutionize biodiversity conservation and financing. By harnessing these innovations, we can secure sustainable finance to protect our planet's biodiversity," said Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative at the launch of Hiraya: Manifesting Tubbataha, a finance for nature campaign under the Art for Nature initiative.
Ramachandran added that the campaign aims to generate revenues from the sales of digital art pieces as non-fungible tokens (NFT). Proceeds from this campaign will be allocated for the DENR's conservation efforts, such as the effective management of protected areas and species conservation initiatives.
"We will continue to work with the DENR to ensure that this initiative will contribute to the achievement of the targets under the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan or PBSAP; the Philippine Development Plan; the KM-GBF; and the UN Sustainable Development Goals targets 13, 14, and 15," he added.
Author and conservationist Brian Poe Llamanzares, who is also a pioneer in the Philippines' fintech space, said the campaign provides an opportunity for like-minded individuals to use art to further the cause of preservation and conservation of the environment, especially in maintaining biodiversity in marine and aquatic life in oceans and seas.
He stated, "We cannot just rely on the actions and campaigns of the government and legislation. Saving our oceans and seas and protecting marine life and resources is the duty of every individual. As advocates of SDGs (sustainable development goal), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, our partner UBX is working with BIOFIN to help raise awareness for biodiversity conservation in the country."
Among Guevarra's NFT works that were auctioned were Reef Manta (Mobula Alfredi), School of Bigeye Travelers (Caranx Sexfasciatus), Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas), and Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata).
In addition to the digital copies, buyers of the digital art were given a signed framed photo of the artwork from Guevarra.
According to Llamanzares, the group wants to tap well-known artists to create unique artworks, photographs, and other forms of art and incorporate revenue-sharing that will support the conservation of nature in the protected areas in the Philippines, including safeguarding endangered wildlife.
"The partnership's focus is to raise awareness, gain support in whatever means, and develop capacity using digital technology, particularly by combining art and technology through NFTs using Artifract.io as the platform," he added.
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