Beach Collective

• BeachToken has piloted a blue circular economy initiative in Cebu, Philippines, where the $BEACH currency incentivizes mangrove restoration and marine debris removal.
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• The project aimed to restore one hectare of mangroves, remove one ton of marine debris, and expand its reach to support more local businesses and create additional jobs.
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• Howell Conservation Fund’s (HCF) Catalytic Grant supported the planting of 2,000 mangrove seedlings, the creation of one local job, and the support of four local businesses through the adoption of the $BEACH currency.

Environmental degradation in the Philippines has led to significant loss of mangrove habitats and a growing problem with marine debris. Efforts to restore these critical ecosystems are often underfunded, and finding ways to incentivize local communities to participate in restoration efforts can be challenging.

HCF’s funding supported BeachToken’s pilot project in Cebu, Philippines, which addressed mangrove deforestation by implementing a blue circular economy model. The project incentivizes 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 grant funded the planting of 2,000 mangrove seedlings and supported a local team of 24 workers tasked with maintaining and protecting the mangrove areas.
2. Economic Support: The project created one full-time local job and provided support to four small businesses, with plans to expand to include more businesses in the $BEACH pilot.
3. Waste Removal: The next phase of the project involves scaling up efforts to remove one ton of trash from the ocean through organized cleanups.

During the 2023-24 grant period, BeachToken successfully planted 2,000 mangrove seedlings in Cebu, Philippines, contributing to local ecosystem restoration. The project created one local job and supported four small businesses by incorporating the $BEACH currency, which incentivized participation in the mangrove restoration and marine debris cleanup efforts.

The initiative sparked interest from other local businesses looking to join the pilot program, and plans are underway to expand trash removal efforts to meet the goal of removing one ton of debris from the ocean. The grant funding was used to purchase seedlings, planting equipment, and pay a team of 24 workers who were involved in the planting and cleanup activities.