Play for Peace: Leveraging Place-Based Educational Game Design to Mitigate Human-Animal Conflict

Overview & Synopsis

Human-Animal Conflict (HAC) poses a growing threat to both biodiversity and human livelihoods, exacerbated by climate change and habitat loss. This book explores the potential of place-based educational game design as a novel approach to foster coexistence and mitigate HAC. Using case studies from two ecologically and culturally rich regions in India—Anegundi and Kodagu—the research highlights the critical role of Traditional Knowledge (TK) in shaping sustainable human-wildlife relationships. The methodology integrates More-than-Human Design principles and stakeholder mapping to create an empathetic, interactive learning experience. The resulting artifact, the educational board game 'Guardians of the Grove,' is designed to engage local communities and decision-makers. It translates complex ecological dynamics and indigenous wisdom into playable game mechanics, promoting a deeper, non-anthropocentric understanding of shared landscapes. This work illustrates how integrating design philosophy with the local ecological context can cultivate a lasting relationship of harmony and coexistence among diverse species.