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In episode 187, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Viroshan Naicker, Co-Founder of Earthstream, an innovative startup that uses bioacoustics and sensor systems, powered by AI and blockchain, to "Listen to the Earth." Dr. Viroshan’s journey spans blockchain innovation, tokenomics research, and cutting-edge solutions in environmental monitoring, so he has so much wisdom to drop.

In this episode, we explore:

1. How bioacoustics and blockchain are revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring and rewilding efforts.
2. The role of AI and IoT sensors in creating real-time, actionable insights for regenerating ecosystems.
3. How Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) and Regenerative Finance (ReFi) provide new tools to help build a healthier planet.

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Key Takeaways

• Moving Beyond Carbon: Biodiversity as the New KPI - The shift from carbon as the primary key performance indicator to biodiversity offers a more comprehensive and holistic approach to measuring nature’s health. Biodiversity provides a nuanced understanding of ecosystem well-being, essential for effective rewilding and conservation efforts.
• Bioacoustics: Listening to the Earth - Bioacoustics has emerged as a powerful tool for measuring biodiversity by analyzing natural soundscapes. This innovative method enables real-time monitoring of ecosystem health, offering unprecedented insights into the state of nature.
• AI & Blockchain: Transforming Biodiversity Monitoring - AI and blockchain technologies power cutting-edge sensors capable of collecting diverse data—GPS, local weather, and acoustics. By storing this data on-chain and utilizing on-chain AI to analyze sounds, Earthstream is creating a transparent and efficient system to support biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
• Web3: Financing Conservation and Regeneration - Web3 introduces innovative financing mechanisms to allocate resources to conservation and regeneration projects. By shifting economies from solely value extraction to value preservation and restoration, blockchain empowers sustainable solutions and fosters long-term environmental stewardship.

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Follow Dr. Viroshan and Earthstream

LinkedIn - Dr. Viroshan

LinkedIn - Earthstream

Twitter/X - Earthstream

Website

Substack

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Episode Time Stamps:

01:30 - Tell me more about your background and how you got into the world of blockchain – was there an “Ah hah” moment that really got you excited about web3?

05:15 - To lay the groundwork for this conversation, do you mind giving a high-level intro to the mission of EarthStream?

10:30 - On your website, you have a quote that resonated with me: “To change the future, our relationship with nature needs to change.” Can you tell me more about this?

17:20 - At the core of your work is a concept called Bioacoustics. What is Bioacoustics?

25:50 - Tell me more about how you’re leveraging bioacoustics through your network of sensors and devices to collect data?

36:20 - Tell me more about how blockchain is integrated into your bioacoustics protocol and the benefits that it brings.

43:20 - What are your thoughts on Web3’s role in helping humanity shift from extractive to regenerative economies?

55:10 - What’s the best way for listeners to get in touch and learn more about EarthStream?

56:05 - To wrap things up, if you could name one thing that excites you most about the social impact potential of web3, what would it be and why?

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