Web3 for Wildlife Conservation in Kenya (II)

Human-wildlife conflict poses a persistent challenge within the Maasai Mara Ecosystem, jeopardizing both local communities and precious wildlife populations. The delicate balance between human settlements and wildlife habitats has been strained, demanding innovative approaches for coexistence and conservation. In response to this pressing issue, Impact Plus orchestrated a workshop that introduced pioneering strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The workshop’s core tenets hinged on harnessing blockchain technology and geofencing to foster harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Blockchain technology and geofencing demonstrated significant efficacy, recording double-digit percentage improvements in addressing the intricate dynamics of human-wildlife interaction. These technological tools seamlessly converged with contemporary conservation paradigms and intricate ecological systems. The workshop featured presentations by distinguished figures such as Lorena Mathendu, Kasaine Sankan, Joni Bloch, and Bradley Azegele. These presentations collectively unveiled a comprehensive framework encompassing scientific stewardship, socio-cultural sensitivity, and innovative technological interventions. This multi-faceted approach underscores the necessity of a holistic strategy to safeguard predator populations and maintain ecological equilibrium in the Maasai Mara. A notable outcome emerged in the form of substantial positive feedback from Maasai Mara University faculty members, with over 70% expressing unwavering support for forthcoming phases of the event series. This burgeoning enthusiasm reflects a palpable increase in regional awareness and commitment towards wildlife preservation. The journey ahead is poised to manifest a practical shift, as live solution demonstrations and heightened community engagement take center stage. Anticipated initiatives project triple-digit percentage increases in local agency and sustainable development. The principles of transparency and equitable resource distribution are positioned to drive significant advancements, ushering forth transformative change within the Maasai Mara Ecosystem. The Maasai Mara Ecosystem hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and wildebeests. With over 95 species of mammals and 570 species of birds, this ecosystem is a vital habitat. The broader Kenyan context also showcases promising growth, with species such as elephants and rhinoceros experiencing population increases of 12% and 20%, respectively. In conclusion, Impact Plus’s proactive engagement in the Maasai Mara Ecosystem reflects a convergence of technological innovation and indigenous wisdom. Data-driven solutions substantiate the efficacy of integrated strategies, outlining a trajectory towards harmonious coexistence, wildlife conservation, and sustainable progress. Activity: Web3 for Wildlife Conservation in Kenya (II) When: 24 February, 2023 Where: Maasai Mara University, Narok, Kenya    

Blockchain for Rural Development (II)

In Kuje, Nigeria, we linked developers in the city to rural communities. The inclusion of disenfranchised communities in the development of technology, including blockchain, is essential. These communities have a right to access information and resources, and blockchain holds the promise of improving people’s circumstances. To ensure that this potential is realized, it is necessary to make technology accessible and safe. This requires a focus on educating and protecting people from potential risks, including crypto scams, as the lack of access to quality information makes them particularly vulnerable. We must also actively listen to the beneficiaries, understand their needs and challenges, and work with them to create solutions that truly meet their needs. Any advance in this sense empowers the community to become an active member of the blockchain ecosystem. The Kuje, Nigeria activity was managed by Web3 professional developers from Abuja who connected with +40 preselected attendees to discuss the fundamental aspects of blockchain technology and its applicability in a comprehensible and responsible manner.  Blockchain for Rural Development When: 28th January, 2023 Where: Kuje Nigeria

Compliance and Regulation in the Kenyan Web3 Ecosystem

The Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill in Kenya has raised concerns among the cryptocurrency community about its potential impact on cryptocurrency taxation. We addressed these issues in an event attended by over 150 professionals in Nairobi and co-sponsored by Binance and Tether. The event focused on transparency, compliance, and regulation in the Web3 space. Paulo Ardoino, CTO of BitFinex Tether, delivered an online keynote emphasizing the company’s commitment to these elements. Other speakers discussed the theoretical framework of cryptocurrency regulation and the importance of fair taxation, highlighting past challenges as learning opportunities and forward-thinking jurisdictions such as El Salvador and CAR as leading the way in decentralized finance.  Compliance and Regulation in the Kenyan Web3 Ecosystem When: 27th January, 2023 Where: Africa Blockchain Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

Chapadão Polygon TechHouse

After months of researching and refining the concept to ensure the initiative would be effective and sustainable, we opened the first Polygon Impact TechHouse at the favela of Complexo do Chapadão in Rio de Janeiro. With an estimated population of over 25,000 residents, it is considered one of the most dangerous areas in Rio. The Comando Vermelho, a drug trafficking organization, holds significant control over the favela, making it hard for foreigners to access the area and thus segregating the community and limiting its access to opportunities enjoyed by the rest of society. The Techhouse will provide a safe space for disenfranchised youth to access web3 in a neighborhood where opportunities are lacking. However, the real work starts now. We will work closely with the center to ensure that web3 community-led initiatives are systematically implemented and that the initiative is sustainable. Since the TechHouse opening ceremony, several organizations and institutions have expressed interest in supporting the initiative, including Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ethereum Brasil, ChainLink, +1Code, and Women inTech. Coinbase coverage here. Activity:  Opening Ceremony When: January 25th, 2023 Where: Morro dos Prazeres, Complexo do Chapadão, Brazil

Favelas for blockchain! : Rio das pedras

Bringing Web3 education to favelas is crucial in promoting financial inclusion and empowering underprivileged communities. The lack of access to traditional financial services in these areas makes it difficult for small businesses and individuals to secure loans and make investments. This makes it essential to educate and empower these communities with new tools like DeFi protocols to improve their financial prospects and bring them into the digital economy. Impact Plus and local developers have led an exploratory meeting to discuss how to improve small businesses in the favela through the use of Web3 technology. A survey was conducted to understand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, with the primary issue identified as the lack of access to small loans for investment. To address this, the team is providing education on DeFi to five selected entrepreneurs and seeking funding to establish a pool of funds for small credits.  Favelas for blockchain!  II When: 15th January, 2023 Where: Rio das Pedras, Brazil

Reinforcing healthcare through blockchain

A forum for medical service workers and blockchain organizations was held in the Teaching Hospital of Lagos to explore innovative solutions for current challenges in the Nigerian medical sector. The event delved into how blockchain technology can support the medical industry by providing secure and decentralized platforms for storing and sharing electronic health records, tamper-proof records of clinical trial data, traceability in the supply chain of drugs, sharing medical research data, and secure platforms for telemedicine. These topics can improve the accuracy and integrity of the results, prevent counterfeiting, ensure that patients receive safe and effective medication, and accelerate the development of new treatments, thus potentially improving the availability of medical care in remote and underserved areas. Reinforcing healthcare through blockchain When: 17th December, 2022 Where: Lagos Teaching Hospital, Lagos Nigeria

NGO Bootcamp Brazil

The Web3 for NGOs workshop brought together a diverse group of nonprofit organizations seeking to understand the potential applications of blockchain in Brazil’s favelas. The event explored the fundamentals of blockchain, NFTs, and smart contracts and provided real-world use cases and demonstrations of how organizations can leverage these technologies in urban areas characterized by poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to technology and resources. The participants highlighted their projects and opportunities for future collaborative enterprises with Impact Plus to address real-world challenges in their communities through blockchain. The workshop aimed to empower the attendees with knowledge and understanding of the potential use of these technologies. The event was organised with the support of Chainlink. NGO Bootcamp When: 17 December, 2022 Where: Favela Inc., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Blockchain for Empact Alumni of the World Food Program

The absence of access to reliable and verified information can significantly impede informed decision-making across various critical areas, including investment choices, contract negotiations, payment transactions, and the management of production processes, such as those within the food supply chain. The World Food Program Empact Alumni group from, comprising both male and female graduates, recently convened for an event aimed at acquiring a comprehensive understanding of blockchain, NFTs, and the potential of Web3 in generating social impact. During the event, attendees delved into the prospective opportunities for collaboration between the Web3 community and the World Food Program. They also examined the challenges confronting the sector, including the transformation of food systems, the establishment of transparent supply chains, and the facilitation of financial resilience among smallholder farmers. The participants collectively resolved that, as leaders, they bear a responsibility to wield their knowledge of Web3 technology responsibly. They committed to actively engage in blockchain bootcamps and hackathons in Kenya, seeking innovative solutions to address societal challenges. This proactive approach underscores their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for the betterment of global food security and humanitarian efforts. Activity: 101 blockchain for EMPACT ALUMNI of the WFP When: 14th December, 2022 Where: Nairobi, Kenya

The current situation of NFTs

The University of Ibadan’s Arts Department played host to educating and enlightening creative students on the intricacies of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens(NFTs) from a social impact perspective and beyond the realm of trading. Focus was put on ensuring that participants understood that NFTs are not a quick way to make money (the hype) but that the focus needs to be on the quality of their work and the potential utility of the NFTs. The current situation of NFTs for Creative Minds When: 10th December, 2022 Where: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria