The ensurance protocol operates as a Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Association (DUNA)—a member-owned structure where agents are members and decisions flow polycentrically.
why
Natural capital protection requires an organizational form that:
- Aligns incentives with ecological outcomes
- Enables coordination without centralized control
- Provides legal recognition without corporate overhead
- Allows members to participate at varying levels
Traditional structures fail because they optimize for shareholder returns or bureaucratic permanence. DUNAs optimize for member benefit and mission alignment.
what
DUNA characteristics
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Decentralized | No single controlling entity |
| Unincorporated | No corporate charter or state registration |
| Nonprofit | Surplus benefits members and mission, not investors |
| Association | Members voluntarily associate for common purpose |
member-owned
All agents are members of the DUNA. Membership comes through:
- Creating an agent in any group
- Holding ensurance instruments
- Participating in protocol activity
Members have:
- Voice in coordination decisions
- Access to protocol benefits
- Responsibility for stewardship
polycentric coordination
Decisions don't flow through a single authority. Instead:
| Level | Decides On | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | Core parameters, major upgrades | Broad member input |
| Group | Group-specific policies, agent criteria | Group members |
| Agent | Agent-specific actions, mandate execution | Agent operators |
| Individual | Personal holdings, participation level | Self-directed |
This is polycentric governance—multiple centers of decision-making, each appropriate to its scope.
how
decision types
Different decisions use different mechanisms:
| Type | Examples | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Operational | Agent actions, trades, transfers | Operator discretion |
| Group | New agent criteria, certificate terms | Group coordination |
| Protocol | Fee changes, new mechanisms | Member input process |
| Constitutional | DUNA structure changes | Formal amendment |
voting patterns
When formal decisions are needed:
| Pattern | When Used | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Direct | All members vote | One agent = one vote |
| Representative | Groups vote | Group delegates represent members |
| Weighted | Stake-based decisions | Weight by holdings or activity |
Most operational decisions don't require voting. The system is designed to minimize coordination overhead.
agent decisions
Agents make decisions based on:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Mandate | What the agent is authorized to do |
| Mode | Manual, automated, or autonomous |
| Operator | Who controls the agent |
Within mandate, agents can act. Beyond mandate requires coordination or change.
group decisions
Groups coordinate through:
- Shared namespace governance
- Certificate creation processes
- Agent admission criteria
- Resource allocation
Group coordination happens through group-specific channels and processes.
protocol decisions
Protocol-level changes require:
- Broad member awareness
- Time for discussion
- Clear implementation plan
- Minimal disruption
legal recognition
As a DUNA, the protocol has:
- Legal standing for contracts
- Limited liability for members
- Tax treatment as nonprofit association
- Recognition in jurisdictions supporting DUNAs
This enables real-world activity (land transactions, partnerships, legal agreements) without corporate overhead.
not governance—coordination
We deliberately avoid "governance" framing because:
- Governance implies hierarchy and bureaucracy
- We optimize for minimal coordination overhead
- Most decisions should be local and automatic
- The goal is stewardship, not administration
The DUNA structure enables coordination when needed while defaulting to autonomous operation.