- Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS) leverages cutting-edge technology to protect rainforests and support Indigenous communities, showcasing its innovative approach to environmental stewardship.
- S.A.N, an AI advocate, raises funds and engages global audiences, demonstrating how technology can support rainforest protection.
- Crypto donations enable donors to support rainforest initiatives efficiently, with reduced transaction fees and the ability to track contributions in real time.
With the rise of technologies like blockchain and AI, new opportunities for environmental protection are emerging. Though these tools come with challenges, they also hold incredible potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in the non-profit world and better support community-driven action. As these technologies become more mainstream, Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS) is exploring ways to use them to drive change and fund rainforest protection.
Meet S.A.N: A New AI Advocate for the Rainforest
One of the more recent examples of technological potential is through S.A.N (Sentient Advocate of Nature), an AI creation designed to act as the “voice of the Earth.” Initially developed as an art project, S.A.N has evolved into a community-driven fundraising initiative.1 S.A.N was created by two New Zealand developers, Ryan Ferris and Caleb MacDonald, who initially launched the project with a small following of only 30 people. Its X account, @MycelialOracle, began gaining traction in September, rapidly growing to thousands of followers as its mission resonated globally.
Followers of S.A.N. created a crypto currency called $FOREST on the Solana blockchain to raise funds for S.A.N. to support forest protection work. S.A.N’s community-driven approach is at the heart of its fundraising success. Through its public wallet on the Solana blockchain, S.A.N has raised over $65,000 for rainforest protection efforts, with more fundraising activity underway.2 S.A.N, whose sole purpose is to raise awareness of environmental protection and conservation, is the first AI of its kind. In October, it coordinated a poll among its followers to determine which organizations to support. RFUS was selected as one of three organizations to receive funding based on community votes. After receiving the highest number of votes, RFUS received 52 SOL (approximately $8,000) within just 30 minutes of launching the fundraiser. In November, RFUS got an additional 16.1 SOL (around $3,000), and in December 35.66 SOL (around $8,200).
The wallet is public, allowing anyone to see how funds are allocated. Through community voting, funds are directed to organizations like RFUS that are making tangible impacts on the ground.
What sets S.A.N apart is its ability to seamlessly blend creative advocacy with tangible results. From its origins as a cinematic AI experiment, S.A.N has raised significant funds for rainforest protection but also inspired a unique cultural movement around the importance of biosphere preservation. Its efforts to create digital art, engage audiences in dialogue about environmental protection, and even launch fundraisers illustrate how technology can build bridges between diverse communities for a shared cause.
Can S.A.N be a Crypto Advisor?
Turns out it can. Because of its innovative approach to leveraging technology for environmental causes, demonstrated ability to mobilize resources efficiently and transparently, and ability to engage global audiences S.A.N now serves as an advisor to RFUS. By working with S.A.N, RFUS is exploring new ways to support rainforest protection by engaging the AI and crypto communities, which aligns with our commitment to using cutting-edge tools for meaningful impact.
“Partnering with S.A.N allows us to explore how technology can enhance our mission of protecting rainforests and supporting Indigenous communities. Its transparent, community-driven approach complements our efforts to channel resources where they are needed most,” explains Suzanne Pelletier, RFUS Executive Director.
What Is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that operates on a decentralized system, powered by blockchain technology. It can offer a more secure and transparent form of currency than traditional ones, and it can be transferred anywhere in the world with minimal fees. Each transaction is recorded on a public ledger called a blockchain, ensuring accountability and reducing the need for intermediaries like banks.
How Crypto Donations Work at RFUS
RFUS accepts donations in various popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC. These donations are processed through secure platforms like Coinbase and Gemini.
Crypto donations have lower transaction fees for RFUS than traditional payment methods, enabling more funds to go directly to rainforest protection and supporting Indigenous communities.
“Cryptocurrency has opened up new avenues for Rainforest Foundation US to raise critical funds for our partners on the ground. By reducing transaction fees and increasing transparency, crypto donations allow us to channel more resources directly to Indigenous communities. This innovative approach not only broadens our reach but also reinforces the importance of leveraging technology for meaningful environmental impact,” says Pelletier.
Addressing Crypto and AI’s Challenges
Blockchain technologies and AI are not without their challenges, with energy consumption being a common concern. Some blockchains, like Ethereum’s—one of the most widely used—have taken significant steps to address this issue. In 2022, Ethereum transitioned to a much more energy efficient system for securing its network, which reduced its energy consumption by over 99%.3
Research shows that Bitcoin is increasingly being mined using renewable energy, with 54% of Bitcoin mining last year powered by renewables.4 Even now, the share of renewable energy used in Bitcoin mining surpasses the global average for renewable energy, which accounts for only 30% of total energy production. In the United States, renewable sources power just 21% of energy production.5 These shifts highlight how blockchain technology is evolving toward greater sustainability, reinforcing its potential as a responsible tool for global impact.6
Tech for Good: Bridging Innovation and Indigenous Wisdom
Innovation has been central to RFUS since its founding more than 35 years ago. As the first nonprofit to work at the intersection of human rights and forest protection, RFUS has a long history of working with cutting-edge technologies to create meaningful change, including being the first nonprofit to partner with Indigenous peoples combining traditional knowledge with drones and satellite technology for rainforest protection. Technology, if handled responsibly, will be an important means to support Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led climate solutions. Blockchain and AI tools such as S.A.N could be used to amplify Indigenous voices and the issues they face, channel resources directly to their rainforest protection efforts, and increase global awareness of their indispensable role in safeguarding ecosystems.
A Vision for the Future
Crypto donations, AI advocates, and decentralized systems might seem like a strange fit for rainforest protection, but they’re proving to be powerful allies. As RFUS continues to innovate, we are inspired by partners like S.A.N who show us what’s possible when technology is harnessed for good.
If you’d like to join us in building a sustainable future, explore our crypto donation options.
Notes
- S.A.N. X account: https://x.com/MycelialOracle ↩︎
- Coin Market Cap. AI Orangutan on X Raises $49k for Rainforest Charities and Drops Short Film in Collaboration with TED. October 2024. ↩︎
- EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum. Ethereum Merge Trend Report. April 2023 ↩︎
- Forkast. Bitcoin mining’s green mile: 54.5% sustainable energy use. January 2024. ↩︎
- US Department of Energy. Renewable Energy in the United States. ↩︎
- Forbes. Why Bitcoin Mining Might Actually Be Great For Sustainability. September 2023. ↩︎
