In a pioneering move for conservation and sustainable finance, Namibia has introduced its first Nature Positive certificate through a collaborative effort between Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) and the innovative technology firm Wadappt. This groundbreaking initiative utilises blockchain technology to verify conservation efforts, marking a significant advancement in the fight against wildlife crime and habitat destruction.

Launched in April 2024, the Rhino Guardianship Certificate ensures that funds raised directly contribute to rhino conservation efforts on the ground. The certification process, meticulously tracked and validated using the aforementioned blockchain technology, requires specific targets for kilometres patrolled and rhino sightings to be met by rhino rangers on the ground, ensuring that the certificates represent verified conservation achievements and helping prevent greenwashing.

The launch event, held in Windhoek, was attended by enthusiastic supporters, partners and key stakeholders from SRT, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, and corporate representatives who discussed the importance of these certificates in demonstrating tangible conservation impact to shareholders.

Each certificate supports Save the Rhino Trust’s rangers and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (15, 8, 1), enhancing the local and global impact of each investment. Purchasers of the Rhino Guardianship Certificate buy a digital asset that represents real conservation work, with 90% of the purchase price directly funding the efforts on the ground. These rangers, hailing from local communities, are at the forefront of protecting the world’s largest free-roaming population of black rhinos. Wadappt’s platform not only helps preserve these magnificent creatures but also fosters economic growth without compromising the integrity of our natural resources, connecting global capital markets to real-world conservation projects.

This initiative represents a new paradigm in environmental financing. It goes beyond traditional funding methods like philanthropy or green bonds, offering a direct impact nature market that is a sustainable model which other conservation efforts around the globe could emulate.

For more information, or to contribute to this vital cause, interested parties are encouraged to visit wadappt.io or contact Save the Rhino Trust directly. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right tools and collaborative effort, we can ensure the survival of our planet’s most precious assets and foster a thriving, balanced relationship between humanity and nature. TN