How can digital games, augmented reality, and other “playful technologies” make forest governance more fair and inclusive? This is the central question driving the PlayFair Forest Network (PFFN), an SNS-funded collaboration bringing together researchers and practitioners from across the Nordic-Baltic region.
Text and photo: Philip Chambers
In May 2025, the PFFN held its first in-person meeting in Helsinki, Finland, where members shared examples of playful technologies. From public participation GIS systems and forest optimisation and simulation tools to location-based augmented reality games and robots. The range of technologies presented was notable, as were shared challenges around accessibility and cost.
Webinars
PFFN’s online webinars covered topics such as forest experiences with robot dog companions, green mobility, positive behavioural change through gamification, Smart Innovation Packages (SIP’s) for participatory rural interventions, as well as forest recreation and cultural ecosystem services. In November 2025, an online workshop gathered members to co-design a policy brief, one of the network’s primary goals for 2025.
The network is currently conducting a survey of all members to gather insights about barriers to equity, examples of how playful technologies have either improved or hindered fairness, and recommendations for policymakers.
– Whether you attended our events or not, we want to hear from everyone, says Dr. Mari Selkimäki, member of the network’s core group from the University of Eastern Finland.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond
In January 2026, PFFN will meet in Uppsala, Sweden, to finalise the policy brief and explore Swedish examples of participatory technologies. The brief will synthesise insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working at the intersection of digital technologies and forest governance.
Beyond policy recommendations, the network is building a research agenda that identifies critical knowledge gaps and opportunities for joint funding applications. Questions include: How can playful technologies support the rights of various communities (known or unknown) in forest decision-making? What design principles ensure accessibility across different ages and digital literacy levels? How do we measure long-term impacts on governance outcomes?
The PlayFair Forest Network represents growing recognition that technological innovation in forestry must be accompanied by careful attention to equity and inclusion. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the network helps ensure that forestry’s digital transformation creates opportunities for broader democratic participation rather than reinforcing existing inequalities.
What is the PlayFair Forest Network (PFFN)?
Established at the beginning of 2025, the network examines how technologies ranging from location-based games to virtual reality forest tours can either support or hinder equitable participation in forest planning and decision-making. With members from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, and Italy, PFFN spans forestry, urban planning, game culture studies, and human-computer interaction.
– We’re seeing rapid growth in digital tools for forest engagement, explains professor Teppo Hujala, the network’s coordinator from the University of Eastern Finland.
– But we need to ask: who benefits from these innovations, and who gets left behind?
The network organises its work around three interconnected pillars: playful technologies and environmental engagement; fairness, equity, and participation in forest planning; and cross-cultural learning and adaptation. This framework acknowledges that what works in one cultural context may not translate directly to another.