'Animal Town' game app launched to raise funds for biodiversity conservation

Environment enthusiasts and the government came up with a novel approach to increase public awareness and financial support for biodiversity conservation.

Unveiled on Friday, the ''Animal Town'' mobile application is a simulation game in which the player assumes the role of a recruit in a team of biodiversity advocates to help a group of talking animals manage a town to protect biodiversity.

''Through Animal Town, we have a powerful tool at our disposal to mobilize support for biodiversity conservation efforts. By simply playing the game and making in-game purchases or viewing ads, players can directly contribute to funding crucial conservation initiatives across the country,'' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Jonas Leones said in his speech during the launch event in Quezon City.

''Every virtual transaction translates into a tangible impact on the ground, whether it be reforestation projects, wildlife protection measures, or community-based conservation initiatives.''

Animal Town also serves as a platform to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and its sustainable management.

''Through interactive gameplay and effective storytelling, players will gain a deeper understanding of the wonders of our natural resources, fostering a sense of empathy and responsibility towards their protection and conservation,'' Leones said.

Animal Town was developed by the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative, which onboarded ThinkBIT Solutions Phils., Inc., a wholly Filipino-owned IT solutions company that specializes in game development, web and mobile solutions, and event technology solutions.

The new app's revenue will be managed by the Forest Foundation Philippines, and DENR-BMB will choose which conservation initiatives Animal Town should support.

“We will exercise prudent stewardship over the funds generated by Animal Town. We will ensure that the funds are utilized in accordance with the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) and are directed towards the conservation of our natural resources,'' FFP executive director Atty. Jose Andres Canivel said.

''We also commit to maintaining transparency in reporting the utilization of the funds to our valued players and partners.''

Reports said the DENR aims to generate P810,000 in revenue from the app this year.

Animal Town can be downloaded from Google Play for Android phones or the App Store for iOS phones. —VBL, GMA Integrated News