In response, AlmapBBDO and Greenpeace Brazil have introduced “Flying Guardians,” a modification to a hyper-realistic flight simulator utilizing satellite imagery provided by Planet Labs PBC, a renowned Earth data and insights provider. This adaptation enables players to witness real instances of illegal mining and deforestation in the Amazon, particularly within the Munduruku and Yanomami territories. The mod features updated satellite images of the rainforest alongside contextual information about these areas.
This cyber-activism tool from Greenpeace replaces the game’s original maps with up-to-date satellite data from Planet. As users navigate over environmentally sensitive regions of the rainforest, they encounter real-time imagery, empowering them to identify potential sites of concern and report precise coordinates.
Ricardo Guerra, Planet’s director for Latin America, highlighted, “This initiative, rooted in speed, technology, and adaptability, bridges the gap between the aspirations of a new generation to effect change, the gaming community, and satellite technology.” He emphasized Planet’s commitment to innovative projects addressing urgent environmental needs, expressing pride in supporting Greenpeace’s remarkable initiative, initially launched in Brazil but with significant potential for global expansion.
Jorge Dantas, spokesperson for Greenpeace Brasil’s Indigenous Peoples sector, underscored the devastation wrought by illegal mining on Munduruku and Yanomami lands, including loss of life, environmental degradation, rampant diseases like malaria, and contamination of rivers with mercury. The constant updating of maps using technology allows each player to witness firsthand the destruction caused by illegal mining in the Amazon. Dantas urged everyone to support efforts to eradicate wildcat mining from Indigenous lands by signing Greenpeace’s petition.
The flight simulator’s customizations include the addition of Greenpeace planes, informational command towers providing geographic coordinates of Munduruku and Yanomami lands, and a feature enabling users to sign Greenpeace’s petition within the game interface.
Marco Giannelli, CCO of AlmapBBDO, praised the initiative for seamlessly integrating updated maps through Planet’s imagery, thereby raising awareness about a crucial environmental cause. He emphasized the potential of this virtual game to generate substantial real-world impact.
The game’s enhanced dynamics encompass four radio channels broadcasting relevant information to users. These channels cover Greenpeace Brasil’s activities, Planet’s satellite data and global initiatives, fictional narratives set in Munduruku and Yanomami territories, and guidance on in-game commands and tools provided by Greenpeace Brasil.
Players are encouraged to share alerts on social media, tagging @GreenpeaceBrasil and using the hashtags #FlyingGuardians and #AmazoniaLivreDeGarimpo.
For those interested, the game and the initiative can be explored further through download links provided.
