In its report, Using Gamification for Nature Conservation, the Luc Hoffmann Institute claims US$598-$824bn is needed to “restore the planet” by 2030. It warns that “traditional fundraising tactics, such as donation campaigns, have proven insufficient in drawing in the resources required [and] fail to engage a younger, digital-savvy generation”. With more than 2.6 billion gamers worldwide, the report proffers harnessing the power of gaming to generate revenue for conservation.
The model, known as ‘gamification’, seeks to treat people not just as donors but “as customers of the asset we are fighting to preserve”, says Adrian Dellecker, head of Strategy and Development at Luc Hoffmann Institute.