Sovereign Nature Initiative

• Sovereign Nature Initiative (SNI) merges environmental conservation with the digital gaming world, using real-world ecological data to raise awareness through gaming platforms.
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• Howell Conservation Fund’s (HCF) 2023-24 Catalytic Grant supported the enhancement of SNI’s Decentralized Ecological Economics Protocol (DEEP protocol), which integrated environmental data into gaming platforms and conservation efforts, engaging over 1.2 million users.
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• The initiative distributed 100,000 digital collectibles tied to conservation data and partnered with Azerion, encouraging young gamers to engage in projects such as the conservation of Upemba National Park.
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• The Initiative closed down as of November 30, 2024, and serves as an example of a short-term project that can have high-impact results.

Environmental conservation efforts often struggle to gain visibility, especially with younger audiences. Integrating ecological data into digital gaming platforms presents a unique opportunity to increase awareness and engagement. However, attracting and retaining users in this space remains a significant challenge.

Sovereign Nature Initiative focused on using the DEEP protocol to embed environmental data into digital games, making conservation a part of the gaming experience. With support from HCF, they:

1. Enhanced the DEEP protocol to improve data accuracy and its usefulness for game developers.
2. Expanded partnerships with conservation organizations and game developers.
3. Created a more accessible platform to make eco-data available to gamers and raise awareness through interactive digital experiences.

• Broader Reach: Partnered with Azerion, engaging 1.2 million young users in a conservation project for Upemba National Park.
• Data Distribution: Released 100,000 digital collectibles linked to real-world conservation data, connecting gaming with biodiversity projects.
• Conservation Impact: Supported projects like whale migration studies and biodiversity assessments in Morocco, using DEEP to amplify conservation efforts.
• Awareness Campaign: Launched a marketing campaign to introduce the DEEP protocol to both gamers and conservation organizations, expanding its reach and impact.