Ecological regeneration and Web3

Nature's Web3?

Recently I have been trying to get my head around the concept of Web3 and so I had a conversation with Blockchain Specialist, Kate Baucherel. My first thought after she shared her description of the concept was that it sounds very much like a digital manifestation of what we call “life”.

“Yes, but you can also fly in that world,” said Kate.

“So that sounds more like a digital manifestation of a psychedelic trip” I replied.

For the past few weeks this idea has been floating around in my head, increasingly exposing itself like a loose thread waiting to be tugged at (yes, I’m that person).

Two weekends ago I escaped London to spend the weekend in the beautiful village of Dedham, Essex. The painter William Constable had a house in the area. It is a gorgeous place and a real treat for all of the senses. As we walked through the lush countryside we could hear the insects chattering away to each other, the tall grass whispering and giving us full body massages as we walked past them.

It was probably one of the best massages that I’ve ever had in my life!

My companion was a Marine Biologist and Ocean Conservationist and so, inspired by our surroundings, and still thinking about Web3 I asked him to talk me through the key stages and participants in the regeneration of an ecological system.

He introduced me to the concept of ecosystem engineers, using examples like seagrass and coral reefs to explain how certain species play a vital role in creating habitats and fostering biodiversity. He spoke about the importance of an enabling environment, foundational species, and diversity in maintaining ecosystem health and resilience. He also touched on environmental pressures and threats, with a focus on the significance of water quality. As he spoke I began to draw parallels with my idea about Web3. I could also see the connection between how he described the role of water and many of conversations that I have recently had about the potential impacts of AI and digital technology.

We landed on the point that in both conservation and the world of emerging technologies, diversity is crucial not for merely surviving but for thriving.

Immersed in the lush surroundings of the English countryside, this rich and nourishing conversation sparked an intriguing idea: to see if I could map ecological principles onto the realm of Web3 using the lens of my Cyborg Shamanism™ framework. If it was possible then perhaps this idea could be a compelling case for advocating diversity and resilience, bridging the natural world's wisdom with the potential of the digital landscape.

I have started on this curious journey by creating a mind map to delve into this idea, all while allowing time and space for subconscious patterns to emerge. It's an exciting process of discovery, where the synergy between conscious exploration and subconscious insights can lead to truly innovative and transformative concepts. Those subconscious insights usually wake me up at 3am and as tired they can leave me during the rest of the day, I welcome them.

I’m currently working on an immersive art project on ‘Entangled Imaginations’ with Friends of the Earth. I’ve also been booked as an experience designer and keynote speaker to appear at KES Brazil at the end of August. I’ll be speaking about my Cyborg Shamanism™ framework. In November, I will be sharing an immersive experience at IAB Italy in Milan on the theme of regeneration. I'm curious and excited by the potential to weave this thinking into my work and explore how it can enrich, enhance and inspire my creativity in the opportunities that lie ahead.

Watch this space as I continue to tug on this loose thread.