PlayDecide: Facilitating dialogue on biodiversity and coexistence through a discussion game

Human impact on the natural environment has grown dramatically in recent decades. Expanding human activities have reduced the space and resources available to non-human species, and, combined with the escalating impacts of climate change, are driving the current decline in biodiversity. In response to this deepening crisis, various initiatives have been taken to protect and restore biodiversity, which in some cases have led to conflicting coexistence scenarios. At the heart of this issue lies an essential and open question: how can we use natural resources equitably and share the planet with other living beings? What values should underpin our relationship with non-human nature? To encourage discussion around these crucial issues, we created the discussion game “Where the wild beings are”, based on the PlayDecide format. PlayDecide is a collaborative game that allows participants to familiarise themselves with an issue, look at it from multiple perspectives, reflect on their own beliefs, and engage in constructive conversation. Our version of the game focuses on human-wildlife interactions, with particular emphasis on the Euro-Mediterranean region. We developed a set of cards to stimulate discussion, along with four reference policy positions based on the value frames outlined in the IPBES “Values Assessment Report” (2022). These tools guide players in articulating their views and working together towards a shared position. We have begun testing the game in university settings and at thematic festivals, gathering feedback and conducting an evaluation survey to assess how the game experience influences participants’ pre-existing positions on the topic.