Page 24 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 14: Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Virtual worlds offer unique opportunities to achieve Goal 14 by
contributing to marine education, monitoring and conservation, as well
as by promoting virtual world-enabled solutions for sustainable fisheries
and marine biodiversity preservation. To leverage these opportunities,
it will be important to first tackle the challenges of potential impacts of
virtual world technologies on marine ecosystems.
Addressing the environmental footprint of critical infrastructure, such
as data centres, will be key to realising the benefits of immersive experiences for marine
education, monitoring and conservation. Virtual simulations and interactive platforms can
provide individuals with the opportunity to explore and understand marine ecosystems, raising
awareness about their fragility and the importance of conservation efforts [b-World Ocean Day].
Virtual environments can also simulate marine ecosystems, allowing researchers to study and
analyse complex interactions, species behaviour and the impacts of human activities [b-SEA].

Furthermore, virtual world-enabled solutions can contribute to sustainable fisheries and marine
biodiversity management and conservation [b-AIMS]. By incorporating data-driven models and
simulations in virtual worlds, policymakers and stakeholders can explore sustainable fishing
practices, assess the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, and design effective
marine protected areas. Lastly, virtual worlds such as the metaverse can facilitate collaboration
among scientists, policymakers, and communities, promoting the preservation of marine
ecosystems and the sustainable management of ocean resources [b-IHR].

Case study: Hydrous immersive underwater expeditions

The Hydrous, a non-profit organization focused on ocean conservation, has developed
immersive VR expeditions to raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine
ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of ocean resources. The Hydrous' VR expeditions
take users on a virtual journey beneath the ocean's surface. The immersive experiences
combine 360-degree visuals with educational content, providing users with valuable insights
into the challenges facing marine environments and the importance of ocean conservation
efforts. [b-Hydrous]

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