SIMPLE

FORRU-CMU contributed to the SIMPLE project, by providing inputs for the development of a virtual reality (VR) tool that simulates forest restoration in classrooms. Using a headset, students are able to play a restoration strategy game in a 3D virtual forest, where they can collect seeds and plant various tree species to restore forest ecosystems. They can experience the impact of their actions in minutes, rather than the decades it would take to watch a real forest grow. The virtual forest provides a safe environment in which to test restoration strategies and thus avoid failure in the real world.

FORRU-CMU provided images and data to the system engineers at the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA, Thailand), so that the tree species in the virtual forest perform as they would in a real forest. NSTDA also collaborated with FORRU-CMU to test the system with Chiang Mai school children and their teachers from the YFR Project. Restoring a virtual forest allows students to learn from their mistakes without endangering the ecosystem.This work was just one part of an ongoing international project with SE Asian countries:

"Co-funded by the European Union, the SIMPLE project is raising awareness of sustainable environmental solutions among the younger generation in the Lower Mekong countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam). Can Tho University (CTU, Vietnam), the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD, France) and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA, Thailand) are the architects of this ambitious project. SIMPLE is developing coherent, multilingual 3D virtual universes (VUs), to raise awareness among school children of environmental issues and bridge gaps among scientists, educators, young students, civil society and local authorities of Lower Mekong countries. The VUs will enable school children to explore challenges and develop solutions to country-specific environmental problems safely in their classrooms, all using the same technologies and teaching methods. These engaging games are being designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Interactive simulations will enhance understanding of the science behind environmental issues and the impact of proposed policies.

Jeanne Cottenceau
Project Coordinator/ Deputy Team Leader - SIMPLE project

The VR Forest Game starts with seed collection using various virtual tools. Other modules deal with tree planting, fertilizer application and even fire fighting ... without getting burnt. The forest may not look real, but the trees perform just like real ones in terms of fruiting, survival and growth, because FORRU-CMU's data were used to build the model.

Following on from the SIMPLE project VR-Forest is now being used as a training tool within the SCORE Project - FORRU-CMU's flagship outreach program sponsored by Keidanren Nature Conservation Foundation (KNCF) .