Introduction
In this tutorial, we will explore the highlights from the Celo Connect Salon at EthCC Paris, focusing on the future of ReFi (Regenerative Finance). ReFi aims to build a sustainable and accessible financial ecosystem by connecting various organizations and projects in the web3 and climate intersections. During the event, representatives from different projects discussed their roles in building the ReFi ecosystem and the potential use cases it offers. This tutorial will provide an overview of the key points discussed, including grant funding, partnerships, technical advisory, and community building.
Climate Collective: Supporting and Connecting Builders in ReFi
Climate Collective, an innovation network, is dedicated to supporting and connecting builders in the ReFi ecosystem on Celo. They provide assistance through grant funding, strategic partnerships, technical advisory, and community building. They collaborate with organizations such as Collectivo Loam and several other projects to help strengthen the ReFi ecosystem. Their primary focus is on enabling other companies to build on top of ReFi primitives, including tokens, carbon bridges, and data.
Regenerative Finance for Corporates and Institutional Investors
Adrian, representing a regenerative finance platform, emphasizes the need to make protocols accessible for corporates and institutional investors. While the web3 bubble is exciting, the larger world outside requires broader accessibility. Their platform aims to funnel investments into climate and other projects worldwide. By making regenerative finance more accessible, they aim to bridge the gap between web3 and traditional finance.
Artem: Connecting Corporates to the Carbon Market
Artem, a carbon API, is working on connecting corporates to the carbon market through an efficient and automated API. They serve as the off-ramp, facilitating corporate engagement and enabling efficient transactions in the carbon market. By creating this connection, they strive to scale up the market and promote carbon reduction and removal initiatives.
Toucan Protocol: Making the Carbon Market Accessible
Toucan Protocol focuses on building web3 primitives to make the carbon market accessible within the blockchain ecosystem. By bringing the carbon market on-chain, they aim to increase transparency and liquidity. Their protocol offers features such as Toucan Flow Carbon and Open Forest Protocol, enabling users to engage with the carbon market through a web2 dashboard.
Refi: A New Term in the Web3 Space
Refi, short for Regenerative Finance, emerged as a significant term within the web3 space. While the originator of the term remains uncertain, it signifies the growing interest in redirecting financial resources towards regenerative projects. The ReFi ecosystem encompasses various building blocks, including carbon credits and other results-based finance tools. Projects like Toucan Protocol, Flow Carbon, and Thinking are working together to create a fragmented yet interconnected ecosystem.
Challenges and Opportunities in ReFi
One of the challenges in ReFi is educating potential buyers about the value and potential of carbon credits and other sustainable development goals (SDGs). While carbon credits are gaining attention, there is still a need for widespread understanding and adoption. Corporates and institutional investors often prioritize carbon credits over other SDG credits due to limited awareness. However, education and awareness efforts are crucial to build a thriving market for all types of SDG credits.
Conclusion
The Celo Connect Salon at EthCC Paris provided valuable insights into the future of ReFi. The discussions revolved around creating an accessible and sustainable financial ecosystem, connecting corporates to the carbon market, and the importance of education and collaboration in building a thriving ReFi ecosystem. As the ReFi space evolves, it is essential to continue exploring innovative solutions, forging partnerships, and educating stakeholders to accelerate the transition towards a regenerative financial system.