Category Earth

Financial and digital inclusion for last mile payments: Trends, sustainable land use and disruptive financial service options

Mike Hope Leave a comment

A lot of hard work here by my very dear friend who is more like a brother and son to me, and his associate Stephano Celeda

Helping to change the world!

Publication year

2023

Resource type

UNCCD Publication

As the world addresses the necessary realignment in investment strategies to tackle a range of existential issues including climate change, land degradation, polluted oceans and gender inequality; new ways to securely transfer funds and boost digital & financial inclusion are emerging. A high volume of transactions into more hard-to-reach areas are taking place along non-traditional payment corridors, especially where financial infrastructure is limited or does not exist.

Digital identities, mobile wallets, distributed ledger technology, remote Digital, Monitoring Reporting & Verification (DRMV) techniques as well as advancements in mobile network coverage are presenting new opportunities for rural communities and women to participate financially in the green transition. A range of secure ways to pay recipients government subsidies or aid is also an opportunity for organizations to augment and target their impact on the ground.

Governments and global institutions have an important role to play in providing favorable regulatory conditions and in supporting infrastructure for digital solutions, to enable mass adoption and financial inclusion. There has been significant progress and learnings from the private and public sectors on the Indian Subcontinent that have embraced the opportunity afforded by digital identities and mobile wallet technology. This has also provided a platform for start-ups to focus on financially disenfranchised groups, such as, rural communities and women.

As for purpose companies, tech for good, non-profits and NGOs look to create longer term sustainable development, leveraging advances in disruptive fintech and digital infrastructure is key. As the cost of these technologies fall, the greater the opportunity becomes to make a significant environmental and social impact in LMICs.

In this report we examine a range of interconnecting elements that make up financial inclusion and last mile payments and will provide the reader with tangible examples that can be deployed in remote areas to empower underserved groups such as young people and women…

230417-unccd-financial-and-digital-inclusion-for-last-mile-payments-engDownload

Thank you for taking a look and if you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know.

Mike-Hope

Wistman’s Wood

Mike Hope Leave a comment

The Magic Of Wistman’s Wood: A Nature Lover’s Guide

Introduction

Wistman’s Wood is a small stretch of ancient woodland in Devon, England. It’s a place of magic and wonder and has been a sacred site for centuries. If you’re a nature lover, then this is the perfect place for you to explore!

In this guide, you’ll learn all about the things that make Wistman’s Wood so special. From the history and legends of this mystical place to the plants and animals that call it home, you’ll find everything you need to know about this wonderful nature spot.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Wistman’s Wood!

What makes Wistsman’s Wood so magical?

Witsman’s Wood has been captivating visitors with its enchanting atmosphere for centuries. But what makes this woodland so magical? For starters, Wistman’s Wood is incredibly ancient. Its trees are more than 4,500 years old, making them some of the oldest living in the United Kingdom. This makes it a place of great spiritual power, and the surrounding Celtic mythology adds even more intrigue. With its thick canopy and unique wildlife, it’s no wonder this place is so special.

The history and legends of Wistman’s Wood

Since ancient times, Witsman’s Wood has had a special place in local folklore. Earning its name from Old English words meaning “bent wood”, it has been a sacred site for centuries. It is said to have been here before Christianity arrived in the area and is believed to be a site of pagan worship. According to local legend, Wistman’s Wood is protected by the spirit of a wizard, a powerful guardian of the ancient woodland – adding another layer of mystery to its allure. (start of book here)

The plants and animals that call Wistman’s Wood home

As you explore Wistman’s Wood, you’ll notice an extraordinary array of plants and animals. Some of the most unique species found here are the Snowdon lily, a delicate flower-like plant, and lichens, which often drape themselves over the trunks of the old oaks. You may also spot common lizards, peregrine falcons, stoats and even Dartmoor ponies.

How to make the most of your visit to Witsman’s Wood

Visiting Wistman’s Wood is a chance to reconnect with nature in a very special way. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as the area can get boggy at times. There are several paths that you can follow to explore the area, and look out for the old stone bridges, which are centuries old. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the resident wild animals!

Wrap up – the perfect nature lover’s guide to Wistman’s Wood!

If you’re looking for a place to explore and connect with nature, then Witsman’s Wood is the perfect pick. It’s a place that’s steeped in history and mythology, and its home to some of the most unique wildlife in the area. Make sure to plan your visit to make the most of your time in this magical place – you won’t regret it!

Thanks for stopping by,

Here a link to my Wistman’s Wood story so far…

Mike-Hope

Rainforest Connection – Phones Turned to Forest Guardians

Mike Hope Leave a comment

Hi all,

I have been checking this out and find it fascinating on how we can use old phones to potentially stop illegal deforestation of the rain forests, in both Africa and South America. This illegal logging speeds the extinction of endangered species and significantly adds to the effects of global climate change!  This ultimately effects every one of us as we share this planet with many other creatures all of which have a right to survive.  Take a moment to check it out and I think you’ll appreciate what these guys are trying to do. They can also use a little help to get this great project well and truly off the ground.  Great work guys and you’ve got my support!!!

Here is a an extract from their site – the project is supported by KICKSTARTER…

See what Neil Young, Environmentalist, Musician, Inventor, has to say...

Watch the Video

Technology to stop illegal logging and poaching on-the-spot. It’s our answer to climate change & mass extinctions.

Rainforest Connection - Kickstarter

Rainforest Connection – Kickstarter

How will it be done…

Rainforest Connection

Rainforest Connection

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What is Rainforest Connection?

 

Rainforest Connection (RFCx) transforms recycled smartphones into autonomous, solar-powered listening devices that can detect and pinpoint signs of environmental destruction activity—such as chainsaws, gunshots and animal distress calls—at great distance.

Current detection systems rely on satellites which show rainforest destruction days or weeks too late. Our system provides  the world’s first real-time logging/poaching detection system. We can pinpoint deforestation activity the moment it begins, while simultaneously streaming the data openly and immediately to anyone around the world.


Rainforest Connection - Kickstarter

Rainforest Connection – Kickstarter

With the Rainforest Connection mobile app, any interested person from around the world can listen-in on the rainforest anytime, from anywhere…

Taking it one step further: the Rainforest Connection mobile app

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PLAY 

 

In late 2014,  web & mobile apps will be released to let backers stream the LIVE sounds of the rainforest in Africa and the Amazon. Just click Play above to hear the sounds of the rainforest as captured by the RFCx system in Sumatra.

Rainforest Connection - Press

Rainforest Connection – Press

 

Listen to the cry of the forest!

Rainforest Connection

 

Learn more…

 

VIDEO

 

I really appreciate you taking a moment look at this as it’s using technology for a great cause! I like it a lot…

Mike-Hope

COSMOS -A Spacetime Odyssey

Mike Hope Leave a comment

Have you been watching  Cosmos 2014 with Neil DeGrasse Tyson? This is quite amazing and a real tribute to Carl Sagan who co-wrote and presented the original awesome series!! If you haven’t seen this series you should check it out the production is amazing and the logic flawless.  The last enthralling episode will help many of us understand more fully the causes and consequences of global climate change. For some this may be an eye opener and for all it should be a call to action!! You can check it out on-line at COSMOS: A Spacetime Odyssey

Ancestors

“We are alive thanks to our countless ancestors who have survived for over 3 billion years”

“Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every “superstar,” every “supreme leader,” every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there-on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam. Carl Sagan

Let’s turn Carl Sagan’s vision and Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s tenacity into reality. We can make this into a “Garden of Eden“, we have the power if we have the will!! The strength of humanity is in it’s common bond and that common bond can drive us to great things. As it says on the web photo “We are alive thanks to our countless ancestors who have survived for over 3 billion years” To reflect on this, just for a short time, makes us realise that hardships and sacrifices they all went through to bring us to this point in our long and turbulent history. Let’s not forget our heritage and do what all those millions of voices would be imploring us to do! After all it is their world too…

Thanks for stopping by,

Mike Hope

 

Peace One Day – live from Wembley Stadium – September 21st!!

Mike Hope Leave a comment

Hi All,

Check out Peace One Day live from Wembley Stadium on YouTube. September 21st, 2012.

Peace One Day is delighted that Elton John will be headlining the event on Peace Day 21 September, which also features performances from James Morrison and 2CELLOS, at Wembley Arena London. Introductions will be made by Peace One Day Ambassador Jude Law, Lily Cole and I, with special contributions from around the world.

If you can’t be there be part of it!! check it out on YouTube!

Mike

Peace One Day

Mike Hope Leave a comment

Peace for a Day!! 21st of September, 2011. Be somewhere on that day and just try to attend one of the events. You can learn more at Peace One Day

Please check out the site. This could save lives all around the globe. Together we can make a difference! twit it, Facebook it, pass it around!!

http://www.meetup.com/Peace-One-Day/embeds/map_and_stats?css=&w=500&bg=light

Playing For Change | Peace Through Music

Mike Hope Leave a comment

Playing For Change | Peace Through Music

Posted using ShareThis watch this!

Habitat for Humanity

Mike Hope 1 Comment

 

Habitat for Humanity

If you are wondering what is a good cause to get involved in why not take a look at Habitat for Humanity! There are local groups near by who are always looking for volunteers! you set your hours and choose the options that suit your qualifications or interest. Check out the site and look for a local group near you! I am going to take some photo’s and install some computers in my spare time. Hopefully I’ll see you at some of the events!

Earth: The Sequel—The Race to Reinvent Energy and Stop Global Warming

Mike Hope Leave a comment

Earth: The Sequel—The Race to Reinvent Energy and Stop Global Warming!

Discovery Channel has made a television special out of Fred Krupp’s best seling book Earth: The Sequel. This really follows on from Al Gores, documentarys and is a must see for those who are concerned about the future of our environment and the use of energy. You can tune in to the program on Wednesday March 11th at 10 pm EST. Pledge to watch the program and show your support at the Environmental Defense Fund

earth: the sequal

You can also send the link on to your friends. Here is how the Discovery Channel lists it:

“Discover a definitive look at the green energy revolution. Driven by profiles of inventors and entrepreneurs who are making saving the planet a viable, and even profitable venture, examine the “good news” about the earth’s future”.

Pledge to watch Earth: The Sequel.

I think it is a must watch!! Give it a try tell me your thoughts and tell your friends, and don’t forget to check out the Environmental Defence link

Thanks,

Hermosaman

Be a Volunteer!

Mike Hope Leave a comment

Do you want to find an organization or cause to get involved in? If you do this is a great place to start. With the new Google Earth app on VolunteerMatch.org you can search anywhere in the world!! You can zoom in on an area of interest and get details of the volunteer organizations for that area. If you see something you are passionate about, the rest is up to you. Please give it a try and tell you friends 🙂 Together we can make a difference!

Volunteer Google Earth

Volunteer Google Earth