Greenpeace teams up with Alchemy for new VR app
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Greenpeace UK has teamed up with Alchemy VR for the launch of its first VR app, ‘Virtual Explorer’.
Through a range of 360-degree immersive films, the app gives supporters the chance to experience places like the Amazon and Arctic first-hand, and take action to defend them.
One of the films, Munduruku: The Fight to Defend the Heart of the Amazon, was shot in the heart of the Amazon rainforest by Alchemy VR and highlights the world of the Munduruku Indigenous People. These communities are currently under threat from government plans to build huge hydroelectric dams on their ancestral lands. Alchemy VR and Greenpeace spent two weeks living with the Munduruku people, capturing the very essence of their way of life to create the virtual reality experience.
The Greenpeace Virtual Explorer app and its accompanying headset will enable people in the UK to visit some of the earth’s precious environments, and be inspired to protect them.
The app was conceived and created by AllofUs, an interactive design agency.
John Sauven, Greenpeace UK executive director, said: “We all know that much of our planet’s remaining wilderness is under threat. But these places we never visit, and rarely even see, often take a backseat to problems we view as more important. By using virtual reality we hope to bring political decision-makers, corporate leaders and members of the public much closer to the amazing places we’re campaigning to protect. It’s important everyone understands how vital it is that we succeed.”
James Manisty, director of Manuruku: The Fight to Defend the Heart of the Amazon at Alchemy VR added: “VR as a medium has an incredible potential to immerse people in locations they might never be able to see otherwise, and to foster empathy for threatened groups and places through the immediacy of the experience. It’s a revolutionary technology and we’re proud to be partnering with Greenpeace to create impactful experiences for the vital causes it champions.”
A key feature of the app will be accessible information and petitions concerning the habitats and animals featured in the films. Anyone moved by their experience can take action in the real world against environmental threats, as well as donating to support the organisation’s work.
In addition, a selection of non-VR films and other educational content and messages from campaigners and people in the field will keep app users up-to-date on Greenpeace’s campaigns.
