In recent years, the intersection of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and environmental protection has given birth to innovative projects that aim to preserve natural ecosystems, regenerate biodiversity, and bring transparency to ecological finance. Below are five of the most inspiring initiatives that illustrate how crypto-assets and decentralised ledgers can support nature in tangible ways.
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1. Regen Network – Tokenising Ecological Assets
The project Regen Network (REGEN) is a pioneering blockchain platform built on the Cosmos SDK that allows registering, tracking, and trading ecological assets such as soil carbon, biodiversity credits, and water quality services.
By early 2024, the marketplace on Regen had already processed over 500 000 ecocredits for more than 340 000 hectares of land. According to media reports, the platform launched its marketplace in October 2023.
Experts like Dr Greg Landua advocate moving from “carbon offsetting” to “ecological state accounting.” Regen enables transparent, verifiable ecological outcomes that can be audited globally.
The platform supports protocols such as the Terrasos Biodiversity Credits and Seatrees Marine Restoration Protocol, tokenising biodiversity gains in both marine and terrestrial systems.
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2. Chia Network – Eco-Friendly Consensus and Carbon Markets
Chia Network, founded by Bram Cohen (creator of BitTorrent), uses a “proof of space and time” consensus model instead of energy-intensive proof-of-work. This method significantly reduces energy consumption while enabling tokenisation of carbon credits and forest assets.
In 2022, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) partnered with Chia to develop a tokenised carbon-credit fund via the Climate Action Data Trust.
This collaboration showcases how blockchain can create transparency and accountability in environmental finance. A 2023 Nature study confirmed that greener consensus mechanisms like Chia’s could reduce blockchain energy use by up to 95 %.
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3. CryptoTrees – Tree-Planting via Blockchain
CryptoTrees, built on the Algorand blockchain, issues NFTs where a portion of proceeds funds tree-planting and forest restoration. The initiative has planted over 74 000 trees globally, particularly in South America and Africa.
Algorand’s carbon-neutral infrastructure supports the concept “one NFT = one tree planted.” The blockchain itself offsets its emissions through partnerships with certified carbon organisations.
From an investor’s perspective, this project shows how NFT communities and digital collectibles can be tied to measurable environmental action.
For those engaged in trading cryptocurrencies, advanced AI-driven platforms like the Immediate Edge Trading App and Quantum AI App enable smart trading strategies, allowing users to grow their portfolios while supporting eco-friendly crypto initiatives.
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4. Open Forest Protocol – Transparent Reforestation Monitoring
Open Forest Protocol (OFP) leverages blockchain and IoT devices to provide transparency in afforestation and reforestation efforts. The system records field sensor data and satellite imagery to verify tree-growth metrics on-chain.
OFP solves key challenges of traditional conservation — auditability and trust — by ensuring immutable data on every hectare planted. As CEO Frédéric Fournier said, “We are re-imagining how reforestation is verified and financed.”
This transparency builds confidence among donors and environmental NGOs while allowing the public to trace forest restoration in real time.
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5. Plastic Bank & ReSea Project – Blockchain for Ocean Cleanup
Plastic Bank uses blockchain to reward individuals who collect plastic waste from oceans and coastlines. Each kilogram of plastic is logged, geo-tagged, and verified on the blockchain, ensuring full traceability from collection to recycling.
The related ReSea Project operates similarly, having removed over 2 million kg of ocean plastic since 2021.
Such blockchain-based systems create an auditable record of environmental impact, promoting accountability in marine conservation. Sustainability researchers highlight these platforms as key models for circular-economy innovation.
