Conservation of Life on Earth

##  Abstract

NFTs allow us to record authenticity for scientific data, from papers to 3D scans. As with NFT art, the data itself can be stored permanently in a blockchain (see Arweave), with the digital signature of authenticity connected to the data via a hash check tied to the Cardano NFT. NFTs can also be used as a funding model, via sales of artistically rendered trading cards.

##  Current Situation

For the past 5 years I have worked with the Digital Life project, and our partners, to scan and share 3D models of life on earth for the purpose education, conservation and open access science. We collected many terabytes worth of data, from written measurements, to photographs, to CT scans, photogrammetry scans and finalised much of this data in scientific papers and animated 3D models. To simplify collaboration and ensure that our process can be shared, we use open-source tools for the processing of the data. Our partners agree to the sharing of this information with the rest of the world.

Therefore, our finalised models are put online, and free to use for non-commercial purposes.

Our current animal library: https://sketchfab.com/DigitalLife3D

Examples of some of our project processes include:

• Great Hammerhead Shark - Nemesis
  https://angari.org/3dgreathammerheadshark/
• sea turtles
  https://digitallife3d.org/stories/2018/3/27/creating-3d-models-of-sea-turtles-1
• Southern White Rhino - Bakari
  https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/article/bakari-360

##  Challenges

The biggest challenges with such a project involve team scalability, proof of authenticity and accessibility.

We also require an immutable *permanent* storage for the data. Currently, most of this data exists on centralized servers that are owned by third parties. There is no guarantee that this data will survive 50+ years, much less the next 10.

In order to progress towards a goal of digitally capturing life on our planet, we need a massive team, and systems that permit the flexibility to handle the various scanning scenarios (in the lab, in the forest, on the beach, under water, etc.) This requires a large and *diverse* team.

Digitizing and cleaning up these 3D models require weeks and/or months of work, requiring budgets that can put pressure on a project, which could result in compromised quality or unpaid work for time invested. Payments often flow through a third party, with payments being delayed for weeks or months.

Many of the artists working in these projects, including myself, do not have a science degree from an accredited academic establishment. Our reputation is based on our work and our relationships. Unfortunately, this information is not easily accessible or verifiable. Additionally, some of our work is of a very sensitive nature, and there might be a scenario where one would be uncomfortable with putting their home addresses on publications. Without an official role at an accredited establishment, or a home address, this could affect reputation of the data or publication.

How can we "pass the torch" for our research? How can we ensure we are using best ethical practices. How can How does an anonymous researcher collaborate, create reputation or receive funding without association to a *physical* establishment? How can we ensure that the work is authentic, immutable and ethical?

###  Solutions

NFTs are (literally) the missing link in all this. Like a web, they connect the data to an immutable record of the individuals involved in the research. Utilizing blockchain storage technologies like Arweave, the data can be stored in an immutable state with a connection to the NFT via verifiable hash. Currently, this method of storing artistic JPGs is being used, more and more, by the various NFT platforms.

*see arweave.org

NFTs can be awarded to patrons as a "trophy" to publicly demonstrate their contributions. If these trophies are ever passed on, a portion of the sale can be shared with the creators and partners, to seed future projects.

NFTs can also be used as entry tickets to patrons, granting access to "work in progress" data, enabling them to follow the process of the project prior to the final model being released to the public.

Reputation is established via association, visible in the blockchain. Connections can be made between the artists, scientists and patrons. This creates a transparent record of partnerships which can be used to determine effective partnerships. Perhaps PRISM could even be helpful in this scenario, though with the option to give reputation to an artist, researcher or patron that wishes to remain anonymous, while still receiving reputation.

###  Moving Into the Future

Though outside the scope of this proposal, I would like to touch on some of the other solutions for the future.

In regards to payments: smart contracts could be used to enable partnerships to funded via escrow accounts. This could also allow for the transparency of project funding.

Teams could integrate these smart contract methods with projects like Swarm, where temporary storage could be used for works in progress, triggering payments when milestone deliveries are made.

*see https://www.ethswarm.org/

To improve on the scientific method, the peer review process could be managed by a system like Cardano's Catalyst. When working with animals, ethics is always a major concern, and involving peers in a way where they can vote on methods used, can hopefully steer us into the most sustainable and compassionate procedures.

##  Summary

Having spent years pondering these problems, the biggest challenge tends to be the speed and reliability of non-democratic centralised systems, the immutability permanent storage, and archaic funding models.

Additionally, as we work in conservation, there will always be concerns that many of the decentralised systems are inefficient, inaccessible and the massive amount of energy consumed is dangerous to the planet.

Cardano solves many, if not *all* these concerns.

Cardano is built to be a scalable system that allows for the use of NFTs, hash checks, smart contracts, voting, wallets and integration with outside decentralised data storage solutions.

I believe this system could act as the foundation for the preservation of science and culture (but am starting with what I know).

Additionally, I believe the strong visual element to this work allows others to bridge their current concepts of what NFTs are for (artwork) with something new (science).

For more information on the details of our project, see the linked video or see our contribution on page 54 of CLIR's 3D/VR. The other essays in the publication may provide you with even more inspiration.

https://www.clir.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/02/Pub-176.pdf

THANK YOU for your time.

I look forward to receiving your feedback.