Digital Transformation for Entomology (II): Management of Insect Assets and Constructing a Next-generation Ecosystem through Blockchain Technology

<p>In many taxonomic research laboratories and museums, securing maintenance funds for the storage space, as well as air conditioning and humidity control necessary for maintaining a vast number of specimens, poses a significant challenge. The recent news of the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, successfully reaching its goal of 100 million yen through a large-scale crowdfunding campaign within just one day has sparked discussion. This achievement underscores the magnitude of the issue and the level of interest among individuals concerned with this matter.</p><p>The vast number of insect specimens held by research institutions are utilized as research materials but are not extensively utilized beyond this purpose. Therefore, in this project, we have initiated a pilot experiment to digitize and manage these insect collections as digital assets using blockchain technology. We have explored methods to utilize and monetize these assets, such as converting valuable insect materials owned by Kyushu University into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These tokens include ultra-high-resolution images that can be enlarged to microscopic levels. By integrating blockchain technology with Kyushu University’s insect specimens and researchers’ analytical techniques, we aim to build a new self-sustaining ecosystem capable of generating maintenance funds for these specimens from the accumulated research activities. Additionally, through NFTs, we aim to establish a community that interacts with natural history materials, thereby striving to create a socially and economically stable ecosystem.</p><p>While our project focuses on insect specimens and related materials housed at Kyushu University, the concept of utilizing natural history materials accumulated through research and conservation activities as a new source of funding can be adapted to other organisms and research fields. For instance, video footage and activity records captured during conservation activities can also be digitized and managed as NFTs. Thus, our project is expected to serve as a model case for various conservation and research activities that require continuous and stable economic foundations.</p>