Page 25 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 15: Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage
forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Virtual worlds hold great promise for the achievement of Goal 15 through
enhanced biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. By
addressing potential risks of virtual world infrastructure on terrestrial
ecosystems, it will be possible to maximize the benefits of immersive
experiences for nature conservation, sustainable land management,
and precision agriculture.

While virtual worlds such as the metaverse promise new tools and
approaches for understanding and preserving terrestrial ecosystems, it is important to consider
potential risks and unintended consequences. This includes addressing the environmental
impact on terrestrial ecosystems of increased energy consumption and electronic waste.
Virtual worlds present an opportunity to utilize immersive experiences for nature conservation
education, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration planning [b-The Conservation
Foundation]. By integrating real-time data from remote sensors, drones and satellite imagery
into virtual worlds, researchers and conservationists can gain insights into wildlife behaviour,
habitat conditions and ecosystem dynamics. [b-SSIR] Virtual worlds can facilitate collaboration
and data sharing among experts and citizen scientists, enhancing understanding of terrestrial
biodiversity and supporting evidence-based conservation strategies [b-ESRI].

Additionally, virtual world-based solutions can contribute to sustainable land management
and precision agriculture. Farmers and land managers can access virtual tools for precision
farming, optimising resource usage and minimising terrestrial environmental impact. Virtual
worlds can also play a key role in promoting the adoption of sustainable land management
practices such as regenerative agriculture and reforestation, leading to improved ecosystem
health and biodiversity conservation [b-Global Ag Tech Initiative]

Case study: WWF Free Rivers AR experience

The World Wildlife Fund has developed an AR experience, WWF Free Rivers, to raise awareness
about the importance of protecting terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of
land resources. The WWF Free Rivers experience transports users to a virtual landscape where
they can explore diverse ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands and rivers, and learn about the
critical role these habitats play in supporting biodiversity and maintaining the Earth's natural
systems [b-WWF].

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