BirdLife & Trillion Trees

Sustaining Tropical Forests is Vital for the Planet

Visualising the Impact of Forest Decisions

The BirdLife Forest Landscape Sustainability Accelerator supports bold programmes protecting tropical forests through sustainable funding models. We were asked to create an animation that visualised the impact of land-use decisions and the links between healthy forests, local economies and climate. It also needed to reflect the beauty and biodiversity of tropical landscapes. The goal was to engage viewers emotionally while clearly showing the long-term consequences of both positive and damaging choices for people, wildlife and the environment.

 

Illustration comparing harmful practices like land grabbing and unsustainable farming with sustainable options like forest-positive farming and ecotourism, urging viewers to make environmentally conscious landscape decisions.
Illustration of a tropical forest with a zoom-in showing a butterfly and flowers, highlighting biodiversity and the role of healthy ecosystems in generating clouds and maintaining water cycles.
Bird’s-eye view of a forest with a zoom-in showing two people birdwatching near a river, highlighting eco-tourism and appreciation of biodiversity in a sustainable landscape.
Bird’s-eye view of a forest landscape with a zoom-in showing a conservationist studying a tree, emphasizing forest monitoring, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land management practices.

A Game-Inspired World That Brings Choices to Life

To engage viewers in the complexity of forest conservation, we took inspiration from games like Carcassonne and The Sims. We designed a 3D hexagon-based landscape where each decision triggered visible environmental and economic outcomes—bringing the dynamics of land use to life in a simple, compelling way.

To create a rich, believable world, we layered changing weather and lighting patterns, a detailed soundscape using natural elements, and hand-drawn 2D animations that highlighted intimate human and animal interactions within the tropical forest.

 

 

Bird’s-eye view illustration of a lush tropical forest with winding rivers, scattered huts, and agricultural patches, highlighting the balance between nature conservation and sustainable land use.