"Animal Town" – an innovative game app created by BIOFIN Philippines – engages gamers in biodiversity conservation

An innovative mobile game is using entertainment as a tool to raise awareness and mobilize resources. "Animal Town", developed through UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in the Philippines, engages players in conservation-themed gameplay while generating financial support for environmental efforts.

Since its launch in March 2024, the game has gained 19,367 users globally and has generated $367.41 in revenue. While still in its early stages, "Animal Town" represents a unique approach to integrating conservation messaging into mobile gaming, tapping into the Philippines’ vast gaming community, which includes over 30 million gamers. They roughly spend US$13 each on their beloved apps and PC games via game downloads and in-app purchases.

Bridging the conservation awareness gap

Designed as a casual simulation game, "Animal Town" allows players to take on the role of biodiversity advocates working alongside talking animals to protect and manage their virtual town. Players complete various quests that mirror real-world conservation efforts, such as gathering information, stopping illegal activities, and answering biodiversity trivia.

By integrating verified biodiversity information into its gameplay, the app educates players about the importance of protecting Philippine wildlife while keeping them engaged with interactive content.

A finance solution for conservation

Beyond raising awareness, "Animal Town" serves as a small but growing finance mechanism for conservation initiatives. The game generates revenue through in-app purchases and advertisements, with profits allocated to public grants that support biodiversity projects under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB).

The Philippines faces a severe biodiversity financing gap, with only $100 million available annually to fund the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) - far short of the estimated $530 million needed each year. While the financial contribution from "Animal Town" is still modest, its potential for growth underscores the role that creative funding solutions can play in addressing this shortfall.

A collaborative effort for conservation

"Animal Town" was developed by ThinkBIT Solutions Phils., Inc., a Filipino-owned IT solutions company recognized for its expertise in game development. The game was created in partnership with the UNDP, DENR-BMB, and the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP), which is responsible for managing the funds generated and ensuring their transparent allocation to conservation projects. “We will ensure that the funds are directed towards the conservation of our natural resources and remain committed to maintaining transparency in reporting their utilization to our valued players and partners,” says Forest Foundation Philippines Executive Director, Atty. Jose Andres Canivel.

With the increasing popularity of mobile gaming and continued support from the gaming community, "Animal Town" showcases the potential of innovative digital solutions in driving environmental awareness and action. The game is available for download on the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS), inviting more players to be part of this conservation effort - one quest at a time.