Beach Collective

• BeachToken has piloted a blue circular economy initiative in Cebu, Philippines, where the $BEACH currency incentivizes mangrove restoration and marine debris removal.

• In its first phase, between 2023 – 2024, the project restored one hectare of mangroves, removed one ton of marine debris, and supported participation from local businesses and workers.

• Howell Conservation Fund’s first Catalytic Grant enabled early restoration efforts by supporting the planting of 2,000 mangrove seedlings, the creation of a local job, and engagement of four local businesses adopting the $BEACH currency.

• Building on the success of the first phase, HCF is continuing support through a new 2025 – 2026 Catalytic Grant, along with matched partner funding, to expand the restoration site. This next phase enables the planting of an additional 3,500 mangrove seedlings, strengthens community-led cleanup efforts, and deepens local economic participation in the project. The 2025 grant was done in collaboration with the Mary G Jameson Foundation, which provided a 100% match to HCF’s funding.

• To date, the Beach Collective project supports the planting of approximately 8,000 mangrove seedlings across multiple phases, including early restoration efforts and the current 2025 - 2026 expansion supported by HCF and matched partner funding.

• This expansion helps move the site toward a scale where the restored mangroves can eventually be brought to market via Native, a platform partnering with Indigenous guardians to protect and restore rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs.

Environmental degradation in the Philippines has resulted in severe loss of mangrove habitats and a growing burden of marine debris. These ecosystems protect shorelines, support fisheries, and sustain local livelihoods, but restoration efforts are often underfunded or difficult for local communities to sustain. Creating ways to incentivize meaningful participation in ecosystem restoration is critical for long-term impact.

‍

HCF’s Catalytic Grants support BeachToken’s pilot initiative in Cebu, Philippines, addressing mangrove deforestation through a blue circular economy model. The project encourages local residents to restore mangroves and remove marine debris using the $BEACH cryptocurrency, which is accepted by local businesses in exchange for goods and services.

     1. Mangrove Restoration: The 2023 – 2024 grant helped plant 2,000 mangrove seedlings and supported a local team responsible for maintaining and protecting restored areas. The 2025 – 2026 Catalytic Grant, supported in partnership with funding from the Mary Jameson Foundation, will enable the planting of an additional 3,500 mangrove seedlings, expanding the restoration footprint significantly.

     2. Economic Support: The project created a full-time local job and supported four small businesses adopting the $BEACH currency. Continued support helps strengthen this local network and encourages broader participation from additional businesses.

      3. Waste Removal: The next phase includes scaling up ocean and coastal cleanup efforts to reach the goal of removing one ton of debris through community-led cleanups and sustainable incentives.