.higher onchain accounts 12.12.24

What if places like this owned their own assets?

Assets that they could hold, sell, or share? What if this place could invest in species, habitat, other places, ecosystems, or even people?

Well they can.

This place, 8f26833ac50d25b.basin, is selling 'shares' of the BASIN Protocol. All proceeds fund nature. See the Split for details (90/5/5).

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

The Ameca River, known natively as **Aarermecatl**, meaning "string of water" in Nahuatl, flows through the heart of western Mexico, ultimately reaching the lush Bahia de Banderas. This river system, spanning approximately 230 kilometers, is an ecological linchpin, supporting diverse biological communities and providing vital ecosystem services such as water purification, habitat for wildlife, and flood mitigation. Beyond its ecological role, the Ameca River holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for local communities, serving as a symbol of life and continuity. However, the river faces significant threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change, which jeopardize its health and the services it provides.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Credit: Global Watersheds Tool

The Ameca River, known natively as Aarermecatl, meaning "string of water" in Nahuatl, flows through the heart of western Mexico, ultimately reaching the lush Bahia de Banderas. This river system, spanning approximately 230 kilometers, is an ecological linchpin, supporting diverse biological communities and providing vital ecosystem services such as water purification, habitat for wildlife, and flood mitigation. Beyond its ecological role, the Ameca River holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for local communities, serving as a symbol of life and continuity. However, the river faces significant threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change, which jeopardize its health and the services it provides.

This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.

Credit: Global Watersheds Tool

The Tuito River, flowing gracefully from the highlands of El Tuito down to the coastal village of Yelapa in Jalisco, Mexico, embodies the essence of the region's natural beauty. Named from the Nahuatl words "Teotl" (god) and "Tiul" or "Tuitlán" (place), "Tuito" translates to "place of god" or "divine place," reflecting the spiritual significance it holds for local communities. This river supports a variety of ecosystem services, including soil erosion control, water purification, and providing a habitat for local wildlife. It also serves as a vital resource for the cultural and daily lives of the people along its banks. Despite its importance, the river faces threats from deforestation, pollution, and the impacts of local tourism, which could undermine its ecological and cultural sustainability.

This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.

Credit: Global Watersheds Tool

The Tuito River, flowing gracefully from the highlands of El Tuito down to the coastal village of Yelapa in Jalisco, Mexico, embodies the essence of the region's natural beauty. Named from the Nahuatl words "Teotl" (god) and "Tiul" or "Tuitlán" (place), "Tuito" translates to "place of god" or "divine place," reflecting the spiritual significance it holds for local communities. This river supports a variety of ecosystem services, including soil erosion control, water purification, and providing a habitat for local wildlife. It also serves as a vital resource for the cultural and daily lives of the people along its banks. Despite its importance, the river faces threats from deforestation, pollution, and the impacts of local tourism, which could undermine its ecological and cultural sustainability.

This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.

Credit: Global Watersheds Tool

The Tuito River, flowing gracefully from the highlands of El Tuito down to the coastal village of Yelapa in Jalisco, Mexico, embodies the essence of the region's natural beauty. Named from the Nahuatl words "Teotl" (god) and "Tiul" or "Tuitlán" (place), "Tuito" translates to "place of god" or "divine place," reflecting the spiritual significance it holds for local communities. This river supports a variety of ecosystem services, including soil erosion control, water purification, and providing a habitat for local wildlife. It also serves as a vital resource for the cultural and daily lives of the people along its banks. Despite its importance, the river faces threats from deforestation, pollution, and the impacts of local tourism, which could undermine its ecological and cultural sustainability.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Credit: Sam Learner - Global River Runner App

The Ameca River, known natively as **Aarermecatl**, meaning "string of water" in Nahuatl, flows through the heart of western Mexico, ultimately reaching the lush Bahia de Banderas. This river system, spanning approximately 230 kilometers, is an ecological linchpin, supporting diverse biological communities and providing vital ecosystem services such as water purification, habitat for wildlife, and flood mitigation. Beyond its ecological role, the Ameca River holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for local communities, serving as a symbol of life and continuity. However, the river faces significant threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change, which jeopardize its health and the services it provides.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Credit: River Runner Tool / Sam Learner

Box turtles are native to North America, thriving in forested areas, meadows, and marshy lands, where they have ample vegetation for cover and a variety of food sources. These terrestrial turtles are known for their distinctive hinged shell, which allows them to retract fully for protection. Box turtles contribute to their ecosystem by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations. They are also deeply intertwined with cultural narratives and spiritual symbolism, often representing longevity and perseverance in various cultures. However, box turtles face significant threats due to habitat destruction, road mortality, and the illegal pet trade, which critically endanger their populations and the delicate balance of their habitats.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Mangroves Treasure

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Muir knew it.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Universal Asset Owners (UO's), such as Sovereign Wealth Funds, Pension Funds, and large asset managers, are intricately linked to natural ecosystems and face significant risks from environmental and climate-related disturbances. Clean Air is essential for ensuring the health of investments tied to physical assets and worker safety in operational sectors. Clean Water and Water Abundance are crucial for industries dependent on hydrological resources, from agriculture to manufacturing. Healthy Soils support sustainable land use and infrastructure stability, important for real estate and agricultural sectors. Climate Stability underpins predictable market conditions and operational efficiencies across all asset classes. Risk Resilience enables these investors to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate variability. Erosion Control helps maintain the integrity of landscapes, preventing degradation that can affect asset values and operational sustainability.

Certificates of Ensurance, by BASIN Natural Capital, are designed to mitigate these risks and enhance resilience. Each certificate represents a share in the BASIN Protocol, which secures the RealValue of Natural Capital for the long term.

Purchasing these certificates enables UO's to invest directly in the protection and restoration of 14 critical ecosystems and their associated 14 essential ecosystem services. The proceeds directly support targeted nature and climate projects and the underlying real assets, bolstering the resilience of investment portfolios against environmental risks.

This strategic approach not only safeguards natural capital but also ensures that UO's can sustain and grow their asset bases in alignment with ecological health, promoting long-term financial stability and environmental stewardship.

Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as butterfly weed, is a vibrant perennial native to North America's grasslands and prairies. Thriving in well-drained soils, it often blooms in open fields and along roadsides. This species is a pivotal part of its ecosystem, notably supporting pollinators such as monarch butterflies, whose larvae rely exclusively on milkweed plants for food. The plant’s bright orange flowers provide essential nectar for various pollinators and hold cultural significance for Native American tribes, who have used it for medicinal purposes and as a fiber source. Butterfly weed, however, is under threat. As its habitats, such as the coastal prairies of Louisiana, are diminished by agricultural expansion and urban development, the unique genetics of local variants face the risk of disappearing. This decline is exacerbated by pesticide use, which harms both the plant and its dependent species.

This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate represents a share in the BASIN Protocol, which ensures the perpetual protection of nature.

we all have different views of value and biodiversity - to call something by name makes it something else

The oil and gas industry heavily relies on nature and is susceptible to climate and nature-related risks. Clean air is essential for operational safety and worker health. Clean water is crucial for various processes such as refining, while abundant water resources support the industry's extensive water needs. Healthy soils are important for maintaining the integrity of pipeline installations and access roads. Climate stability ensures predictable operational conditions and supply chain efficiency. Risk resilience enables the industry to adapt to climate change impacts. Erosion control helps preserve the landscapes around extraction sites and infrastructure, preventing land degradation and promoting sustainable operations.

Certificates of Ensurance, by BASIN, mitigate these risks and enhance resilience. Each certificate represents a share in the BASIN Protocol, which secures the RealValue of Natural Capital for the long term.

Purchasing these certificates funds 14 stocks (ecosystems) and nine flows (ecosystem services) of natural capital. Proceeds directly support on-the-ground nature and climate projects that bolster the oil and gas industry.

The Dolphin Embassy, conceptualized by the innovative group Ant Farm, represents a pivotal exploration into interspecies communication and environmental consciousness. Designed in the 1970s by architect Doug Michels, this project envisioned a mobile, aquatic structure where humans and dolphins could communicate as diplomatic equals, challenging conventional notions about the boundaries between species. The idea was not just about architecture or design but a profound inquiry into coexistence and understanding across biological realms. The project served as a radical envisioning of mutual respect and shared habitats, pushing forward the dialogue on interspecies empathy and cooperation.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Credit: Doug Michels Architectural Papers, University of Houston. This collection encompasses a comprehensive archive of Michels' creative output, including sketches, renderings, and detailed plans for the Dolphin Embassy. The materials provide a deep dive into Michels' architectural philosophy from the 1940s to 2004, significantly enriched during the 1970s to 1990s, showcasing his visionary projects and their impacts on design and ecological thought.

Drongos are a family of passerine birds found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Known for their striking black or dark gray plumage and long forked tails, drongos are agile fliers and adept insect hunters, often catching their prey mid-air. They inhabit diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to open savannas, where they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. Drongos are also known for their mimicry skills, often imitating the calls of other birds and animals to deter predators or attract mates. In many cultures, drongos hold spiritual significance and are seen as symbols of protection and intelligence. However, these birds face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and climate change, which degrade their natural habitats and reduce their food sources.

Inspired by Princeton research lab "The Drongos" - David S. Wilcove Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

kokoro biocomplexity

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

"Furnace Creek, California, home of the visitor center at Death Valley National Park, will reach 122F (50C) on Wednesday, and temperatures will climb even further as the week goes on." - Bloomberg July 3, 2024

Death Valley, located in Eastern California, is a unique and extreme desert ecosystem that plays a significant role in global and regional climate and water cycles. Its vast salt flats, sand dunes, and rugged mountains influence local weather patterns and help regulate the regional climate by absorbing and reflecting solar radiation. Despite its arid environment, Death Valley supports a range of biodiversity, including endemic species adapted to its harsh conditions. This area also holds spiritual and cultural significance for indigenous peoples, who view it as a sacred landscape rich in history and tradition. However, Death Valley faces threats from climate change, mining activities, and tourism-related disturbances, which can disrupt its delicate ecosystem and biodiversity.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Jatropha multifida by Ann Lee in 1771

Jatropha multifida, commonly known as the Coral Plant, is native to tropical regions and thrives in well-drained soils, often found in coastal and arid environments. This plant is drought-resistant and supports ecosystem services by preventing soil erosion and providing habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Culturally, the Coral Plant holds medicinal value in traditional practices, being used to treat various ailments. However, **Jatropha multifida** faces threats from habitat destruction due to urbanization, climate change, and invasive species that alter its natural environment.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

📸 Public Domain

The Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), a subspecies of the spotted owl, inhabits forested landscapes throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico, including regions like New Mexico. This species prefers mature, mixed-conifer forests and rugged canyonlands, which provide crucial habitat for their nesting and roosting. The owls contribute to ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations and are considered indicators of forest health. They hold significant spiritual and cultural value for various indigenous groups, symbolizing wisdom and protection. However, the Mexican spotted owl faces threats from habitat destruction due to logging, urban expansion, and wildfires. The ongoing Salt Fire near Ruidoso, New Mexico, which has already consumed over 7,000 acres, poses a new and immediate threat by potentially destroying critical habitats and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem services on which these owls depend.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

The Foxes (1913) by Franz Marc

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Public Domain: Wikimedia Commons

Bison in winter (red bison) (1913) painting by Franz Marc.
**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**
Original from the Kunstmuseum Basel Museum. Public Domain.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Greenland: above, indigenous fish including seals; centre, three different whales; below, whale fisher in their attire. Coloured etching.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

📸 Public Domain

Akaka Falls State Park in Hawaii, home to the magnificent Akaka Falls and the serene Kolekole Stream, is a bastion of natural beauty and biodiversity. The falls drop 442 feet into a gorge, surrounded by lush rainforest that hosts a rich array of species, including the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the Hawaiian hoary bat. These ecosystems are vital for water purification, habitat provision, and cultural enrichment, supporting practices and beliefs tied to the native Hawaiian concept of *mana*, or spiritual energy. The area is deeply embedded in local culture, serving as a site for inspiration and spiritual connection. However, threats such as invasive species, tourism pressure, and climate change jeopardize its ecological and cultural integrity.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

📸: owlito.basin

The water cycle, a fundamental process of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, plays a crucial role in climate regulation by distributing heat and maintaining atmospheric moisture levels. This ecosystem service supports diverse life forms, sustains agricultural systems, and moderates global temperatures. Many cultures and spiritual traditions revere water as sacred, celebrating its life-giving properties through rituals and symbols of purity and renewal. However, the water cycle faces threats from climate change, deforestation, and pollution, which disrupt its natural patterns, leading to extreme weather events, altered precipitation, and freshwater scarcity.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Corallorhiza maculata, commonly known as the spotted coralroot, is a striking orchid native to North American forests. Thriving in the shaded understory from Canada to Central America, this plant is notable for its lack of chlorophyll, relying instead on a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi for nutrients. This unique adaptation makes it an important indicator of forest health and soil biodiversity. Spotted coralroot holds cultural significance for various indigenous groups, who use it in medicinal practices and spiritual rituals, acknowledging its role in the natural world's balance. However, this species faces threats from habitat loss due to logging, urban expansion, and climate change, which disrupt the delicate ecosystem dynamics it relies on for survival.

**This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.**

Maiapilo, known scientifically as Capparis sandwichiana, is a small to medium-sized shrub endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, valued for its ecological and cultural significance. It typically grows up to 3 meters tall and is easily recognizable by its large, striking white flowers that gradually turn purple, featuring long stamens. The shrub sports glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves and produces round, orange, edible fruits that have a peppery flavor, akin to Mediterranean capers.

Found across several of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (including Midway, Pearl and Hermes, and Laysan) and the main Hawaiian Islands, Maiapilo thrives in coastal low shrublands and rocky shores, usually at elevations up to about 325 feet. Its large, fragrant flowers, which bloom nocturnally, are primarily pollinated by moths, potentially including the Blackburn's Sphinx Moth. These flowers, along with the fruits, play a vital role in the ecosystem, serving as a food source for native birds and providing habitat for various insects and small animals.

Maiapilo holds a special place in traditional Hawaiian culture. The fruits were historically used by native Hawaiians as a seasoning, showcasing the plant's utility beyond its ecological role. However, its survival is threatened by habitat destruction due to coastal development, competition with invasive species, and grazing by introduced animals like goats and rats. This vulnerability has led to its classification as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN.

Conservation efforts for Maiapilo are focused on protecting its natural habitat, controlling invasive species, and implementing ex-situ conservation measures such as seed banking and cultivation in botanical gardens. As a coastal plant, Maiapilo is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, highlighting the urgency of conservation initiatives. Its preservation is crucial, not only for maintaining the unique biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands but also for upholding the cultural heritage and ecological balance of the region.

__This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity. __

This video collectible, taken in December 2023, offers a rare glimpse into the everyday life of elk in Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley. The footage captures these magnificent creatures in their natural winter habitat, showcasing their grace and strength as they navigate the snowy landscape.

Elk are known for their annual migrations, a critical behavior for their survival. In Colorado, these migrations take them to different elevations throughout the year, following the seasons and the availability of food. However, their routes are increasingly threatened by human development and roads, which can fragment their habitats and disrupt these vital pathways.

Proceeds from this collectible support elk.basin and roaring-fork.basin, perpetual purpose trusts for the protection of elk habitat. This asset mitigates the impacts of habitat fragmentation and supports efforts to preserve the natural environment these elk call home.

This collectible is more than just evidence of elk in our shared world; it is an opportunity to engage in the conservation of elk and their habitats, ENSURING that they continue to be a part of our common heritage.

__This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity. __

Milford Sound, known in Māori as Piopiotahi, is a stunningly picturesque fiord in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, nestled within the vast expanse of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. This natural marvel, often mistaken for a sound, is in fact a fiord – a testament to the ancient glaciers that carved this dramatic landscape.

Stretching over 16 kilometers to the Tasman Sea under the sentinel-like presence of Rahotu / Mitre Peak, Milford Sound presents an awe-inspiring blend of towering mountains, deep blue waters, and lush rainforests. It is a world where majestic waterfalls cascade hundreds of meters from sheer rock faces, often shrouded in mists that lend the Sound a mystical quality.

The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Home to fur seal colonies, pods of dolphins, and rare penguins, it offers a sanctuary for a myriad of marine and bird life. The unique ecological phenomenon known as deep-water emergence here brings deep-sea species into shallower waters, creating a vibrant underwater world.

Milford Sound's weather patterns are as dramatic as its landscapes. It is one of the wettest inhabited places on Earth, where rainfall creates a magical transformation – waterfalls multiply and the lush rainforests glisten, offering a spectacle that varies with each visit. This constant interplay of weather and landscape makes Milford Sound a place of ever-changing beauty.

Access to this remote fiord is an adventure in itself. The journey, whether undertaken by road from Queenstown or Te Anau, reveals a procession of natural wonders – from mirror-like lakes and ancient rainforests to rugged mountain ranges. For those venturing by road, the drive encapsulates the untamed beauty of New Zealand's wilderness.

Milford Sound's beauty extends to a range of activities that allow immersion in its splendor. Scenic cruises offer up-close encounters with the fiord's majestic cliffs and waterfalls, while kayaking provides an intimate experience with its tranquil waters. For the more adventurous, scenic flights offer a bird's eye view of this spectacular landscape, revealing its grandeur from a breathtaking perspective.

In essence, Milford Sound is not just a destination; it's an experience that transcends the visual. It's a journey into a world where nature's artistry is displayed in its most raw and powerful form – a place that truly captures the heart of New Zealand's wild beauty. Whether shrouded in mist or basking in sunshine, Milford Sound remains an enduring emblem of natural wonder, inviting all who visit to partake in its timeless splendor.

__This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity. __

📸 Bernard Spragg

The Blackburn's Sphinx Moth (Manduca blackburni), an endemic species to the Hawaiian Islands, is a remarkable and sizable moth, boasting a wingspan of 4 to 5 inches. Characterized by its striking dark gray or brown wings adorned with intricate patterns and distinctive pink or red patches on the hindwings, this moth is a visual marvel in the Lepidoptera order. The caterpillars of this species are equally notable, often green with diagonal stripes and a characteristic horn-like structure at the rear, common to sphinx moth larvae.

This moth thrives across a range of Hawaiian habitats, from the low-lying coastal areas to the highland forests, with its distribution closely tied to the availability of its larval food sources. The caterpillars primarily feed on plants from the nightshade family, including both cultivated species like tomatoes and tobacco, as well as native Hawaiian flora. As a nocturnal adult, the Blackburn's Sphinx Moth plays a vital role in the pollination of nocturnal flowering plants, using its elongated proboscis to feed on nectar.

However, the Blackburn's Sphinx Moth faces significant threats from habitat loss due to human development, invasive plant species that compete with its native food sources, and predation from introduced species. These challenges highlight the need for concerted conservation efforts. Protecting and restoring the moth's native habitat, alongside controlling invasive species that pose a threat, are crucial for the survival of this unique moth. The conservation of the Blackburn's Sphinx Moth is not only essential for the species itself but is also indicative of the overall ecological health of the Hawaiian Islands, emphasizing the importance of preserving the delicate balance within these island ecosystems.

__This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity. __

📸 [Natural History Museum, London](commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Manduca_blackburni_BMNHE273590_female_up.jpg)

The Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) is a rare and enchanting perennial that is indigenous to the North American prairies. This orchid is celebrated for its delicate white, fringed flowers that emerge in the late spring and early summer. Thriving in moist, calcium carbonate-rich soils of meadows and marsh edges, it requires full sunlight, a condition that's becoming increasingly scarce due to habitat encroachment. The plant’s survival hinges on nocturnal sphinx moths for pollination, which are lured by the orchid's nocturnal emissions of a sweet fragrance. The complex life cycle of the orchid begins with seeds dependent on specific soil fungi to germinate, a symbiotic relationship crucial for the orchid's lifecycle.

The presence of the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid is a clear indicator of prairie biodiversity and health, signifying an undisturbed habitat. It plays a vital role in the prairie ecosystem, serving as a food source for its pollinators and contributing to the delicate balance within its ecological community. However, this orchid faces significant challenges. Habitat loss due to agriculture, urban sprawl, and invasive species has led to a drastic reduction in its numbers. The decline of sphinx moth populations threatens its pollination process, and the broader impacts of climate change present additional stressors on its fragile habitat.

Listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid has become a symbol of the fragile nature of prairie ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation efforts. Protecting the remaining prairie remnants, managing invasive species, and supporting pollinator populations are critical steps toward ensuring the survival of this species. Conservationists are also employing strategies such as hand-pollination and seed banking to safeguard its future. The orchid's intricate relationship with its environment underscores the importance of ecological balance and the need for thoughtful stewardship of natural habitats.

__This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity. __

📸 [Joshua Mayer](commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_Prairie_White_Fringed_Orchid_(Platanthera_leucophaea)_(14783063631).jpg)

The Steelhead, _Oncorhynchus mykiss_, represents a unique and vital component of both aquatic ecosystems and cultural heritage, particularly in regions spanning North America's Pacific coast. As an anadromous form of the rainbow trout, steelheads are born in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean to grow and mature, and then return to their natal freshwater environments to spawn. This remarkable life cycle not only showcases the species' resilience and adaptability but also underlines its ecological importance in linking marine and freshwater ecosystems.

From an ecological standpoint, steelheads contribute significantly to nutrient cycling and energy flow within their habitats. As they migrate, they transport nutrients from the ocean back to the rivers, enriching the freshwater ecosystems—a process that supports a multitude of species, from microscopic algae to large mammals like bears that rely on fish for food. This nutrient transfer is crucial for the health of riparian ecosystems, highlighting the steelhead's role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services such as water purification and the support of healthy fisheries that many communities depend on for livelihood and recreation.

Culturally and socially, the steelhead has immeasurable value. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have long celebrated the steelhead for its role in their diets, traditions, and economies. For many communities, the fish is a symbol of endurance, persistence, and the interconnectedness of life. Recreational fishing for steelhead also plays a significant role in local economies, drawing anglers from around the world eager to engage with this challenging and rewarding sport fish.

Despite their ecological and cultural importance, steelheads face significant threats that jeopardize their survival and the benefits they offer to ecosystems and human societies. Habitat destruction and degradation from urban development, agriculture, and dam construction disrupt their spawning journeys and reduce available habitat. Pollution, climate change, and overfishing further stress steelhead populations, impacting their numbers and the resilience of their ecosystems.

The conservation of steelhead populations is thus not only an ecological imperative but a cultural and social necessity. Efforts to restore and protect river habitats, manage fisheries sustainably, and mitigate climate change impacts are critical to ensuring the survival of this iconic species. Protecting steelheads means preserving a key thread in the fabric of biodiversity and maintaining the ecosystem services and cultural traditions that enrich human life. The story of the steelhead is a powerful reminder of our dependence on healthy, functioning ecosystems and the need for concerted conservation actions to protect our shared natural heritage.

__This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity. __

The California Condor, __Gymnogyps californianus__, stands as a symbol of both ecological resilience and the precarious balance of biodiversity in North America. This majestic bird, with its impressive wingspan reaching up to 9.8 feet, is the largest land bird in North America, embodying not only significant ecological value but also deep cultural and social significance. Traditionally revered by Native American cultures for its spiritual importance, the condor's near-extinction and subsequent recovery efforts highlight a complex narrative intertwining human impact with the natural world.

Ecologically, the California Condor plays a crucial role as a scavenger, feeding primarily on carrion. This diet places it at the top of the food cleanup crew, preventing the spread of disease from dead animals and contributing to a healthy ecosystem. Its reliance on large territories for foraging reflects the condor's need for vast, undisturbed landscapes, underscoring the importance of habitat conservation for maintaining biodiversity. The condor's life cycle, with a slow breeding rate and long lifespan, is intrinsically linked to its environment, making it a sentinel species for monitoring ecosystem health and stability.

The condor's significance extends beyond its ecological role, embodying intrinsic values that resonate with human societies. Its sheer presence in the skies symbolizes the wild, untamed nature of the American landscape, offering cultural and aesthetic values that enrich human life and inspire conservation efforts. The story of the California Condor is a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of humans and nature, teaching lessons about humility, stewardship, and the long-term impacts of our actions on the planet.

Despite its recovery from the brink of extinction, the California Condor faces ongoing threats that underscore the fragility of its existence. Lead poisoning, from ingesting ammunition fragments in carcasses, remains a critical challenge, alongside habitat loss and the dangers posed by microtrash ingestion. These threats highlight the importance of integrated conservation strategies that address both the species' needs and the broader ecosystem services they support, such as clean air, water purification, and climate regulation through natural carcass decomposition.

The conservation journey of the California Condor exemplifies the potential for human intervention to rectify past harms and safeguard biodiversity. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and commitment to protecting natural habitats, reducing human-induced threats, and fostering a society that values and invests in the conservation of natural capital. As we look to the future, the story of the California Condor serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope, reminding us of the critical role each species plays in the tapestry of life and the collective responsibility we bear in ensuring their survival.

__This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity. __

Side view of the Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a fish known for its remarkable migratory life cycle, similar to that of salmon. It appears to be a detailed illustration, capturing the physical characteristics of the species with a high degree of accuracy and artistry, indicative of early 20th-century scientific illustrations.

The Steelhead is depicted with a sleek, elongated body typical of the species, adapted for a life spent both in freshwater streams and the open ocean. Its scales are finely rendered, suggesting a smooth texture, with a coloration that transitions from a silvery, almost translucent hue on the belly to a darker, olive-green along the back. This coloration is characteristic of Steelhead and aids in camouflage in both riverine and marine environments.

Prominent dark spots dot the dorsal surface of the fish, spreading from the gill covers along the back to the base of the tail. These spots are a distinguishing feature of the species. The fish's eye is round and alert, indicative of its predatory nature. The mouth is slightly open, revealing the interior anatomy and sharp teeth, which Steelhead use to grasp their prey.

The fins are well-defined, with the dorsal fin standing erect mid-body, and the caudal (tail) fin showing the powerful forked shape that provides the thrust for the fish's strong swimming abilities. The pelvic and anal fins are also detailed, with a soft shading that suggests their thinner, more flexible structure compared to the muscular body.

This particular illustration likely served as a reference for identification and study purposes, as scientific accuracy was paramount in such works. It would have been an important resource for those studying ichthyology or engaged in the management and conservation of fish populations in Alaska during the early 1900s.

Scanned from plates in Evermann, Barton Warren; Goldsborough, Edmund Lee (1907) The Fishes of Alaska, Washington, D.C.: Department of Commerce and Labor Bureau of Fisheries

All proceeds fund steelhead.basin

The lifestyle and fashion industry significantly depends on nature and is vulnerable to climate and nature-related risks. Clean air is crucial for production processes and worker health. Clean water is essential for textile dyeing and processing, while water abundance supports cotton cultivation and other raw materials. Healthy soils are vital for growing natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and bamboo. Climate stability ensures predictable growing seasons and supply chains. Risk resilience allows the industry to adapt to climate change impacts. Erosion control preserves fertile lands needed for fiber production, preventing degradation and ensuring sustainable sourcing.

Certificates of Ensurance, by BASIN, reduce these risks and increase resilience. Each certificate is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures the RealValue of Natural Capital in perpetuity.

Certificate purchases of this flow fund 14 stocks (ecosystems) and eight flows (ecosystem services) of natural capital. Proceeds directly support on the ground nature and climate projects that bolster the fashion and lifestyle industry.

This audio captures the underwater symphony of humpback whales, recorded in March 2021 in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary by tmo.basin and the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Humpback whales are known for their complex and melodic vocalizations, often referred to as 'songs'. These sequences of moans, howls, and cries are primarily produced by males during the breeding season. Though their full purpose is still studied, these songs are believed to play roles in mating and navigation.

Hydrophones, or underwater microphones, are used to capture these sounds. These devices are sensitive enough to pick up nuanced layers of sound, and the recordings are analyzed with acoustic software to identify patterns and changes over time.

This audio collectible supports the humpback-whale.basin, a trust dedicated to protecting humpback whales and their ecosystems, as well as the pacific-whale-foundation.basin, which focuses on marine conservation and research.

Owning this collectible provides a unique auditory experience of whale communication and contributes to essential conservation efforts, ensuring the protection and study of these remarkable animals and their habitat.

Each Certificate of Ensurance is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.

This time-lapse captures the fascinating growth of mushrooms, likely from the genus Agaricus, known for their edible species. The mushrooms feature umbrella-like caps and gills underneath that release spores.

Mushrooms are essential decomposers in ecosystems, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients vital for soil health. The mycelium, an underground network of fungal threads, enriches the soil and forms symbiotic relationships with plants. Through mycorrhizal networks, fungi extend plant root systems, enhancing water and nutrient absorption in exchange for carbohydrates.

Fungi also play a crucial role in bioremediation, breaking down environmental pollutants and helping cleanse soil and water. This ability makes them valuable for ecosystem restoration and pollution control.

The mycelium's underground networks act as communication systems among plants, facilitating nutrient and chemical signal transport over considerable distances. This "wood wide web" highlights fungi's importance in maintaining ecosystem balance and health.

Recognizing the significance of fungi in ecosystems reveals their role in resilience and adaptation to environmental changes. This video not only showcases the beauty of mushroom growth but also underscores fungi's vital contributions to the natural world.

Each Certificate of Ensurance is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a large, adaptable raptor found across the Americas, from the Arctic to South America. They inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including forests, deserts, and urban areas. Known for their distinctive hoots and formidable hunting skills, they prey on a wide range of animals, from small mammals to other birds, contributing to rodent control. Spiritually and culturally, they are often seen as symbols of wisdom and mystery in various indigenous cultures. However, these owls face threats from habitat loss, rodenticide poisoning, and human encroachment. Protecting their habitats and promoting safe pest control practices are essential for their conservation.

Each Certificate of Ensurance is a share in the BASIN Protocol which ensures Nature in perpetuity.