2013

Online game and competition for Latvian schools concludes

From February until May, all schools in Latvia had a chance to participate and compete in the online game “Mežotājs” (forest caretaker). Limbaži Secondary School No. 3 achieved the best results among 152 schools and attracted the largest number of players – 186 students.

“Mežotājs” provides positive insight into state forest management. Some planning is necessary first - players cut down mature trees, while old and large trees are left to continue to grow. Dry trees are also spared as they play an important role in nature. Players also construct new roads and repair the old ones adjacent to their forest. When people play the game, they become familiar with forest regeneration activities, the continuity of nature and the use of modern equipment (its use reduces carbon dioxide emissions and oil spills). The game also shows that skilful forest management brings additional revenue to the state budget. “I believe that the game provides knowledge and is interesting for children and adults alike,” says Solveiga Vītola from Vecumnieki Secondary School.

All enthusiasts can try out the game in the “anonymous” mode where their score will not be saved - www.mezotajs.lv.

The competition is organized by JSC “Latvia's State Forests” in cooperation with the National Centre for Education within the framework of the international environmental education program “Learning about Forests”. The game was developed by the association “Avantis” in collaboration with “Nextlevel Ltd”.