A living, breathing conservation project fuses public art, local knowledge, and blockchain infrastructure to protect one of the world’s rarest creatures—and the ancient ecosystem it calls home
In the heart of Mexico City’s Xochimilco canals, a vibrant new movement is taking shape—one that fuses art, technology, and community to save one of the world’s most extraordinary creatures: the axolotl. Somos Axolotl, founded by digital artist and Solana success story Matt “Scum” Martinez, Mexican artist and activist Gio Mantis, and TIME Magazine “Hero of the Environment” Casson Trenor, is transforming conservation through a network of public sculptures, blockchain-powered donations, and deep local partnerships.
The Somos Axolotl Story
Somos Axolotl was born from the shared vision of a digital artist, a muralist, and an environmental activist, three individuals determined to prevent the extinction of the axolotl salamander. Working hand-in-hand with the Xochimilco community, the project aims to restore axolotl populations and regenerate the ancient canals through sustainable economic systems for local farmers, businesses, and tourism operators.
“I am grateful to have found a mission at all - let alone inspired by my own artistic process. In a time where social media inundates you with causes to fight for, it’s incredibly gratifying to find one to immerse myself in. Even now finding moments of hope and success amongst the challenges feels too good to be true.”
Artists are the conduit - our task is to translate the human experience in a way that resonates. Having art and artists as the face of our efforts allow us a near infinite number of ways to express the needs and demands of Lake Xochimilco and the Axolotl Salamander.
I started Somos Axolotl as a way to give back to Mexico. I was on a journey of self discovery through my art - trying to figure out what it meant to grow up half Mexican in the United States. A large part of this journey involved me exploring Mexico’s history, often times reappropriating motifs, deities and stories into my work. All in effort to figure out what my place was within it all. As my way to thank the place, I chose an important cultural icon to ATTEMPT to impact positively.”
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— Matt “Scum” Martinez, Founder
Art at the Heart: The Artistic and Sustainable Corridor
At the core of Somos Axolotl’s mission is the “Artistic and Sustainable Corridor”—a series of large-scale axolotl sculptures painted by local and international artists. These vibrant installations, created by talents such as Matt “Scum” Martinez and Gio Mantis, are strategically placed throughout Xochimilco. The project’s impact is further amplified by the vision and environmental expertise of co-founder Casson Trenor, ensuring that each artwork not only inspires but also drives meaningful conservation and education. Together, the sculptures serve as public art and educational tools, encouraging locals and visitors to learn about the axolotl’s plight and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Web3 for Conservation: The Only Nonprofit Validator on Solana
Somos Axolotl is the only nonprofit in the Solana ecosystem operating its own validator. This high-performance computer not only supports the security and integrity of the Solana network but also acts as a powerful engine for cultural and environmental regeneration. Supporters can stake their Solana tokens with Somos, empowering the project without needing to donate directly. Somos Axolotl supports local non-profits and conservation efforts through art, awareness campaigns, and hands-on community engagement. The validator helps enable and sustain these activities.
Community at the Core
Xochimilco is one of the last living links to the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Here, families still practice centuries-old agricultural techniques, cultivating endemic species and vibrant flowers that give the region its name. Yet, urbanization and pollution threaten this unique ecosystem. Somos Axolotl is committed to working with local residents, empowering them with new economic opportunities and tools to protect their heritage.
Achievements & Recent Milestones
Somos Axolotl’s innovative approach has already made waves in both the art and web3 communities. The project was recently featured at Breakpoint 2024, Solana’s flagship event, highlighting its unique blend of blockchain, community organizing, and storytelling. To date, Somos Axolotl has:
- Installed public art sculptures in Xochimilco, Mexico City, and a featured piece at Breakpoint 2024, now exhibited in Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.
- Built partnerships with local and international organizations
- Developed a transparent, blockchain-based donation system
- Raised awareness for the axolotl and Xochimilco’s environmental challenges
Looking ahead, the team aims to expand the sculpture corridor, increase international attention, and support projects like the reintroduction of axolotls to their natural habitat.
Somos Axolotl collaborates with a diverse group of partners, including Slimes, Santuario Ajolote, Solana, Roel, Pontyx, Sphere, Leap Lab, Maya Moon, Brasil, and Sandbox Studio.
Join Somos Axolotl in regenerating Xochimilco and saving the legendary axolotl.
Learn more, get involved, or support the project at somosaxolotl.com.