Reef.Regen is a platform for coral restoration communities to share their efforts and track their progress over time. The public can use the Reef.Regen map to see different restoration projects as they happen, as each action is recorded as a statement on the Ethereum blockchain, creating a lasting record.
We are proud to release version 1 as free, open-source tools, thanks to support from the Optimism Collective.
- UX & interaction design
- End-to-end product design
- Product concept & strategy
- Ethereum attestation layer
- Web app
- Brand & visual identity
- app-development Solution development
- Domain & subject matter research
Share restoration data with the public and peers
Coral restoration is taking place all over the world, but most people never see it.
We created Reef.Regen with MesoReef DAO in mind. As a marine biology group, MesoReef DAO needed a reliable way to share its conservation work. While web3 organizations see the value of blockchain for storing data, we wondered if traditional groups would also find it useful. That is why we made Reef.Regen simple and familiar for groups who have never used blockchain before. You can use the platform just like a regular website, with easy forms and clear instructions, without needing any special knowledge of blockchain or crypto tools.
There are a few tools out there to show coral restoration work, but the biggest one is government-sponsored, and others do not offer live updates. We asked ourselves: how can we make it easy for traditional groups to join this open platform?
Fun to use
We wanted this tool to be simple, different, and fun to use. As we learned about different restoration efforts, we collected photos of coral species and their shapes to design a playful logo. Our goal is to make the experience enjoyable and to celebrate coral communities.
The logo is inspired by the Red Sea Finger coral (Alcyonium glomeratum). Corals are beautiful to look at, with Reef.Regen, the vibe is fun, and the branding expresses the fun and collectibility.
Attest a restoration
Submitting the coral restoration is simple. We use a step-by-step process because we know that each stage of restoration can be very different.
The first step is to choose the type of work or action, then add the date or time period. Since groups may work at several sites, we include the feature for multiple locations. To help with scientific tracking, users can enter the species involved in each action. You can also upload documents and photos as proof, which are stored in IPFS (InterPlanetary File System).
As a project for the public good, Pollen Labs decided to pay all transaction fees for coral restoration projects. The application runs on the Optimism network, which costs less than 1 cent to submit each data.
Exploration and discovery
Most coral restoration occurs near the coast and th public or tourists might not be aware of the coral issue on their first visit, but it is currently pressing and needs to be planned for.
The map on Reef.Regen helps the public and other coral restoration groups see the impact and work done in different places. We leverage many free development tools to make sure the platform its long term goal, so the public can see updates about the restoration work as they happen for the many years to come.
A mini step to unlock other potential
The first version of Reef.Regen is just a starting point, a simple tool to help coral restoration communities like MesoReef DAO and many others. We hope this platform can help groups get recognition for their work and find new funding.
There are many application features in the roadmap, like special monitoring tools for researchers, providing them an easy web tool for their studies instead of a complex research tool. We invite all users and groups to suggest new features, your feedback will help shape Reef.Regen and make sure it meets your real needs while building a sense of community care.
We welcome other contributors to help us add features, improve the platform, and adjust it to the needs of coral restoration groups.
