Rivercare: Shaping the Decentralized Identity of Mother Nature on Blockchain through Care Activities of Stewards

Identity can help humans claim their rightful rights, and beyond human existence, the rights of nonhuman entities, such as rivers and mountains, should also be protected. By establishing identities for these entities and symbolically representing them, akin to personified Mother Nature, we empower them to speak out for their rights. This study discusses assisting non-human entities in establishing identities, to highlight the importance of nature conservation and enhance public engagement in its protection. To be more specific, when stewards engage in consistent care for a non-human entity, it signifies that the identity of this non-human entity can be built upon relationships with humans, thus shaping the identity. We implemented a decentralized relational-based identity system for non-humans on the blockchain, to minimize the dominance of any single group over the identity of non-humans. Additionally, a multi-signature (multisig) wallet serves as the medium for exercising the rights and initiating transactions associated with this identity. In summary, our innovative system introduces a relational-based identity concept for non-human entities, employing blockchain technology to ensure democratic and distributed governance in environmental conservation.