Tree Identification Simulation in Tanzania
Pekka Salokannel
We believe that trees are just as important as animals. That's why we created a virtual learning simulation that allows you to learn about plant identification on your own time.
Whether you're working in the field of nature conservation or a tourist guide, our new simulation provides you with interesting facts about trees and their use for food and medical use. This way, you'll be ready for any questions that might come up during your field study!
3DBear, together with The College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM) and Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), have created an immersive educational experience that will help you to learn about tree identification. We'll take you on a journey through the savannah of Tanzania as we explore the Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. The VR environment has been built on the Wonda VR platform, and the project has been funded by Finnpartnership.
The virtual learning simulation teaches students how to identify trees in their natural habitat and the unique facts about each tree. It is designed for nature conservators, tourist guides and everybody who wants to learn more about plants. Students can also learn about the medicinal uses of trees and their importance to the local ecosystem. Our simulation gives access to a virtual field study area where students can work as an introduction before the visit or as a revision after the visit.
There are many different types of plant identification methods, including:
Learning the common names for trees and other plants in your area.
Learning to identify trees by their leaves and bark.
Learning to identify trees by their flowers and fruit.
The College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM), Mweka is the leading institution in professional and technical training in Wildlife and Tourism Management. The College is located in Northern Tanzania on the Southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain on earth. CAWM field training taking place in Tanzania’s major wildlife protected areas and the College’s Field Study Area at Kwakuchinja.
The Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor is a narrow strip of land between two national parks in northern Tanzania. The corridor connects two national parks: Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. It's an important area for wildlife, including elephants, zebras, lions, leopards and giraffes. The corridor was created as part of an effort by conservationists to protect the local flora and fauna.
College students usually spend two months in the field identifying different plants and animals, as well as doing other outdoor activities and training. However, Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor is 4 hours away from the campus. Therefore, accessibility becomes an issue. Travel and accommodation also bear considerable costs. With the help of the virtual learning environment developed, now any student can access the plant identification remotely. This also makes the environment accessible to other vocational training institutes in Tanzania and beyond!
