We can build the most kick-ass platform in the world, if no nature restoration project joins us, there is still not a single tree planted. And that would make it rather difficult to reach our goal to restore more nature than we lose. So, in come the projects.
We only want to work with the best projects out there. We take the selection of those best nature restoration projects out there very seriously. How serious that is? We’re about to tell you.
These days, nature restoration projects are springing up like weeds at a pace that makes the average soil revitalization project jealous. You would have a hard time researching all these projects’ credibility and effectiveness to make sure you give your donation to the ‘best’ one out there. And that might mean you won’t donate at all. Again: not a single tree is planted. Hence, we decided to do that research for you. In comes the Sumthing Score.
We are always looking out to find the world's most effective projects, so your donations have the highest chance to make an actual difference. We don’t want you to take our word for it. That’s why we’ve formed a complete dreamteam of independent ecological and social experts (from WWF, IUCN and many more!) that score the projects on five criteria. Apart from these scores, we also use technology to get data on the project’s past performance to check their effectiveness. Let’s dive into those assessments a bit deeper:
The first part of the Sumthing score consists of the scoring of a number of questions about a project, in the five categories listed here.
These scores, put in percentages, not only provide clarity. They also make it possible to compare the projects. On the one hand, this makes it easier for you to choose a project closest to your heart. And on the other hand, it provides the projects with goals: it shows where they might have to step up their game to match their colleagues.
You think your project has got what it takes?
Our magic time-travelling abilities make it possible to check the progress of various nature restoration projects. We take any historically available monitoring data, combine it with available third party (satellite) data, and use AI to analyse it. That boils down to a lot of information that shows us how well the projects have performed so far.
But it doesn’t stop once the projects enter our platform. We keep validating the project’s data and off-the-ground footage, to make sure your donations keep having the biggest positive results. Even when things don’t go as planned (and yes, that happens..) we will always be open about it. Maximum transparency always!
We are always committed to transparency and accountability in all restoration projects. We have the expert panel, tech as the referee, and our team that is continuously working to improve project monitoring. However, we understand that, despite our best efforts, something might occasionally slip through the cracks.
That's where you come in. We value your input and believe in the power of community collaboration. If you ever have a concern about the integrity of any nature restoration project on our platform, we would love to hear from you. Your voice matters, and it can make a difference in maintaining the highest standards of project implementation.