Illegal mining in the Amazon rainforest is wreaking havoc on indigenous lands, destroying ecosystems, and threatening lives. A recent study by Greenpeace Brasil reveals alarming statistics: in 2023 alone, the equivalent of 1,409.3 hectares of land belonging to indigenous communities like the Yanomami, Kayapó, and Munduruku peoples were destroyed due to illegal mining activities. This translates to an appalling rate of four football pitches’ worth of land being cleared every single day.
To draw attention to this critical issue and mobilize support, Greenpeace Brasil is launching an innovative project called “Flying Guardians.” This initiative takes the form of a mod to a hyper-realistic flight simulator, a popular game enjoyed by millions worldwide. Partnering with Planet Labs PBC, a leading provider of Earth observation data, Flying Guardians integrates real-time satellite imagery of the Amazon rainforest into the game, specifically focusing on areas within the Munduruku and Yanomami territories.
The mod allows players to fly over these environmentally sensitive regions and witness firsthand the devastating impact of illegal mining and deforestation. By incorporating updated satellite data provided by Planet, users can identify and report instances of illegal activity, contributing to efforts to protect the Amazon and its indigenous communities.
Ricardo Guerra, Planet’s director for Latin America, emphasizes the importance of technology in addressing environmental challenges. By harnessing the power of satellite imagery and gaming, Flying Guardians aims to bridge the gap between the gaming community, technology enthusiasts, and environmental activists. The initiative has the potential for global expansion, offering a novel approach to raising awareness and fostering engagement in environmental conservation efforts.
Jorge Dantas, spokesperson for Greenpeace Brasil’s Indigenous Peoples sector, highlights the urgent need to address the devastation caused by illegal mining. Through Flying Guardians, players can gain insights into the realities faced by indigenous communities and support advocacy efforts to combat illegal activities in the Amazon.
The game features customizations such as Greenpeace planes and command towers providing geographic information about the affected territories. Players can also sign Greenpeace’s petition to stop illegal mining without leaving the game interface. Flying Guardians is a collaborative effort between Greenpeace Brasil and ad agency AlmapBBDO, designed to educate, inspire action, and drive positive change.
Marco Giannelli, Chief Creative Officer at AlmapBBDO, applauds the initiative for its potential to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations about environmental conservation. With dynamic gameplay and interactive features, Flying Guardians offers players a unique opportunity to become stewards of the Amazon and advocates for its protection.
Through radio channels within the game, players receive information about Greenpeace’s mission, Planet’s satellite data, and fictional narratives set in the Munduruku and Yanomami territories. Additionally, players can share their experiences and alerts on social media platforms, amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.
Join the fight against illegal mining in the Amazon by downloading Flying Guardians and becoming a guardian of the rainforest today. Together, we can protect our planet’s precious ecosystems and safeguard the rights of indigenous communities for generations to come.
