NFTree seeks to make conservation economically competitive by increasing the opportunity cost of forest conversion. The model redirects resources toward conservation by integrating blockchain, MRV systems, and community incentives, channeling funds into a fiduciary trust. These funds are allocated based on territorial prioritization and community governance mechanisms that value the ecological function of native forests. Through this, NFTree offers an ecosystem-based alternative to traditional productive models such as extensive cattle ranching or extractive activities.

NFTree provides economic alternatives that make conservation viable and attractive. By assigning a financial value to conservation through tokenization and connecting it to real ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration, biodiversity), the model enables a shift in local economic logic. Funds from NFT sales are funneled into a fiduciary trust and redistributed through community-designed conservation agreements. These agreements consider the ecological integrity of each territory and are managed collectively. As a result, economic activities shift away from degradation and toward ecosystem service provision, strengthening long-term sustainability and local resilience.

NFTree deploys a robust Digital MRV system that combines satellite imagery, drone-based observation, artificial intelligence (AI), and community-sourced data to measure carbon stocks, forest productivity, and biodiversity. The system processes spatial and biophysical data using tools like Google Earth Engine and machine learning models to detect forest changes at high resolution. Community-based monitoring complements technological inputs to validate and enrich ecological datasets. This multi-source approach ensures transparent reporting, boosts credibility with buyers and donors, and enhances local engagement in conservation efforts .

NFTree tokenizes plots of 10x10 meters within conservation areas, using blockchain technology to create unique digital assets that represent ecological value, including carbon and biodiversity indicators. These NFTs are embedded with monitoring data generated by the dMRV system and are linked to geo-referenced locations. Each NFT is assigned a traceable identifier and linked to the DAO governance model, which regulates the reinvestment of funds. The proceeds from the purchase of NFTrees are allocated through a fiduciary fund to support the management and restoration of priority areas defined by the DAO statutes.

NFTree promotes the formation of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) that operate as governance bodies co-designed with landowners and local actors. These DAOs are formalized through statutes that outline voting rights, membership, responsibilities, and procedures for fund allocation and monitoring. In places like Guayabillas, the DAO is adapted to local contexts and integrates with existing instruments such as community meetings. These governance structures enable transparency, local prioritization of conservation areas, and collective oversight of restoration and MRV efforts. NFTree incorporates digital tools to manage the DAO on-chain, while also maintaining analog mechanisms when needed due to technological constraints.

Inclusive and participatory mapping of all stakeholders in the mangrove space in the five counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu. A series of meetings for sensitization on the National Mangrove Management Plan, and later facilitated formation of the national and five county committees. The committees were then facilitated in developing their workplans and executing some of the activities. This has since been picked up. 

This building block strengthened governance by enhancing the oversight capacity of MBOMIPA WMA’s Authorized Association (AA) and Board of Trustees through structured peer-learning and institutional reforms. A 5-day exchange visit to Randilen WMA (that has been considered as one of economically viable WMA in the Northern Tanzania being valued by their constituent communities) enabled 21 WMA leaders to adopt proven practices, including clear role separation (Board/AA/Management), financial oversight tools (Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Portal, invoicing systems), and community engagement strategies (equitable benefit-sharing and conflict resolution). Post-visit evaluation revealed 92.5% of leaders demonstrated improved governance knowledge and 85% noted enhanced transparency. Key outcomes included a development of MBOMIPA WMA Board Constitution and a 25% revenue increase from new tourism investments ensuring accountable management and aligned conservation-community goals.

This building block focused on recruiting and training a professional management team (initially the General Secretary and Accountant) for MBOMIPA WMA to enhance its operational efficiency. The team comprises individuals with expertise in conservation, financial management, and community engagement, ensuring a holistic approach to managing the WMA. Soon after recruitment, six weeks of the onboarding commenced with the training sessions conducted on governance best practices, financial reporting using QuickBooks, and other resources such as human and assets management. These trainings equipped the management team to handle day-to-day operations, engage with stakeholders effectively, and ensure sustainable management of natural resources. The professional team was tasked with coordinating patrols, managing budgets, and improving the overall governance of the WMA.

MBOMIPA WMA engages communities in decision-making and alert systems.The community is responsible for electing the board members and engaging in making decisions on management of the WMA. The community is also responsible for providing information to VGS on elephant presence in their farms or when elephants have moved out from WMA, heading to the village land or farms. They normally contact VGS directly through phones, or report to the village chairperson so that he/she can report to the MBOMIPA HWC Response Unit. The Response Unit then responds towards local farmers' alerts. This has strengthened local participation in conservation efforts and fostered trust and shared responsibility between the WMA and local villagers.  

The three-tier community alert system enables rapid reporting of HEC through established communication channels. Farmers immediately contact VGS via dedicated phones when elephants approach farmlands, while village chairs serve as secondary contacts to verify and escalate critical incidents. This decentralized structure ensures 24/7 coverage across member villages, with response prioritization based on crop vulnerability and elephant herd size. The system incorporates community feedback loops, where farmers receive call for confirmations of Response Unit coming and after incident resolution farmers discuss the incident with the Unit, building trust in conservation efforts.

STEP and Honeyguide Foundation facilitated training at MBOMIPA WMA to equip 12 VGS (40% women) + 2 drivers with effective techniques for safeguarding community farms from elephant damage. The training equipped Scouts with knowledge on elephant behavior and how to use the HEC toolkit (torches, horns, chili crackers, and roman candles) to push elephants away from farms. Participants also learned techniques for safely relocating elephants based on their behavior and group composition (namely, whether they were all-male, all-female, or mixed groups). Refresher trainings have been regularly provided to the team to ensure safety.