Every once in a while you come across an idea and you think to yourself, “now that’s a really, really, good idea.” That is the feeling I got when I stumbled upon Tree Nation. Tree Nation, a Spanish based company, wants to plant 8 million trees in the sub-Saharan, in the shape of a gigantic heart. And they are using an ingenious method to do so. Combining aspects of social networking, Sim games, and global Internet fundraising.
Tree nation has developed an ingenious tree mapping software that allows you to (using GPS) zoom to the spot where your tree is planted. The map interface reminds me of Sim city, and is very well done.
When you see each little square being filled up with trees, it adds to the feeling of accomplishment, and helps people stay focused on such a large goal. This same model, of asking people from all over the world to concentrate on one project a small bit at a time, could be re-used for a million good causes. I would love to see something like this where you (the “game player”) install solar panels and wind turbines in developing nations. In a way Tree Nation has created the most realistic online “game” ever. A game where the outcome of success is not just a level up, but the regeneration of a nation, and the improvement of real peoples lives.