Contour Enviro Group further coordinate and create job opportunities for the MSMEs that have gone through the training programme so that they may practice their acquired skills. All of our MSMEs have acquired work since the inception of the programme and this has brought some sustainability on the model.

As mentioned in the previous sections, this programme is meant to achieve the following: “to develop, empower, support and professionalize Conservation MSMEs in the conservation sector in South Africa”. 

The programme has trained over 20 MSMEs and created over 400 jobs annually since 2022 based on this programme. This programme is the main building block for the Grasshopper Project Management Tool as it was realised that the MSMEs need some support and a consolidation of their project management efforts, access to basic financial tools such as quoting and invoicing. Furthermore, to manage their assets etc. 

This building block highlights the importance of aligning economic incentives with ecosystem conservation. NFTree increases the opportunity cost of deforestation by providing financial rewards for preserving forests. By connecting private-sector funding to biodiversity-rich carbon sinks, NFTree ensures that conservation becomes a competitive and sustainable land-use option. The integration of digital tools and financial mechanisms creates a model where ecological preservation supports both environmental and economic resilience.

This building block focuses on creating financial incentives for smallholders and landowners to conserve and restore forests. Funds generated through NFTree token sales are deposited into a trust fund and distributed as conservation payments to local communities. This approach ensures that land stewards are financially rewarded for their efforts while maintaining ecological integrity.

This building block utilizes advanced technology to monitor, report, and verify (MRV) conservation outcomes. The MRV system integrates satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and on-ground data to measure carbon stocks, forest productivity, and biodiversity in the Andean Chocó. This robust system provides high-resolution data to validate the ecological impact of conservation efforts, ensuring transparency and attracting high-integrity climate financing.

This building block introduces the tokenization of conservation efforts using blockchain technology. NFTree tokenizes 10x10 meter plots of conserved or restored forest land, creating unique digital assets that represent carbon sequestration and biodiversity credits. These tokens are purchased by individuals and companies to offset their carbon footprints, with funds directly channeled to local conservation initiatives. The blockchain ledger ensures transparency, traceability, and accountability in transactions, making conservation efforts more attractive to investors and contributors.

This building block establishes decentralized governance structures using a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). It ensures transparent and equitable distribution of conservation funds to local land stewards while empowering them with decision-making authority. The DAO model integrates community members into governance, enabling scalable and bottom-up landscape management that complements top-down conservation initiatives

Phase 1 - Foundation  

To lay the foundation for integrating I&T solutions into traditional wetland management, conduct a study to identify and prioritize suitable devices to be installed in appropriate locations for wetland monitoring by:  

• Consulting wetland stakeholders  
• Consulting innovation and technology sector  
• Reviewing potential IoT applications that are particularly important to the management of MPNR  
• Identifying and integrating relevant IoT solutions for gei wai operation and wetland research into MPNR without compromising existing management of MPNR  

Phase 2 – Deployment  

To monitor the wetland habitats of MPNR, the IoT system will be implemented by:  

• Installing wireless sensors, LoRa gateway(s) and the supporting infrastructure in designated sites in MPNR  
• Connecting all the wireless sensor applications to the cloud server and IoT user interface   
• Setting thresholds for alert in the IoT system  

Phase 3 – Implementation and evaluation  

To demonstrate proof of concept of the capability of IoT system for wetland management with reference to actual contribution to Reserve management and potential use of data for ecological studies, the following will be done:  

• Collecting data and alerts from IoT system deployed in MPNR  
• Evaluating the performance and efficacy of the system in terms of   
• field performance of the system,   
• facilitation to management decision and   
• novelty of the data for new research opportunities  

Phase 4 – Dissemination   

To promote the application of IoT to wetland management, the research project and experience learnt will be shared throughout the project by:  

• Organizing webinars for conservation managers and wetland stakeholders  
• Installing outdoor interpretation panels in MPNR  
• Promoting through social media platform and media engagement  
• Producing promotional video  
• Publishing technical report of the project  
• Organizing launching ceremony of the "Smart Wetland" IoT pilot system  

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With our platform and tools, we not only provide opportunities to raise funds, simplify data collection for monitoring, and detect forest fires earlier to enable faster response, but also foster a sense of ownership for small grassroots projects tackling the globally critical issue of the climate crisis. Each project on our platform is encouraged to share its challenges and success stories with us and the broader community. This engagement happens through regular Community Talks or direct connections with other projects facing similar challenges, fostering meaningful discussions and facilitating valuable knowledge exchange at both local and regional levels.

Our project badges further enhance this sense of belonging, serving as both a symbol of community membership and an official seal of quality for potential supporters. Additionally, our free and confidential advisory service offers Restoration Organizations tailored guidance from our team of experts, empowering them to sustainably develop and improve their initiatives.