We near the end of another climate COP, and recent biodiversity COP, education must continue! Australian environmental education innovator Regeneration Projects has just launched its Two Bays App – a journey-based learning experience set in Melbourne’s urban water catchments.
Developed in partnership with students at the University of Melbourne and RMIT University, the app is a response to growing calls from the world’s youth for action on the planetary crisis.
“We decided to embrace a bit of Aussie ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) culture. We’re saying to young people, with this tool you have what you need to get started, in your own hands. Don’t wait for decision-makers!”, says Matt Sykes, Founder, Regeneration Projects (RP).
The App also responds to recommendations put forward in a recent campaign about ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ that RP, UN Youth Australia and RMIT teamed up on.
After 17 years working with pioneers of sustainable business and leadership around the world, Sykes realised that he had to translate this ecological knowledge for Gen Z.
“They’re digital natives, spending time with my nephews and nieces has really opened my eyes. I’ve been reluctant to embrace technology for a long time but have come to see that through tech we can work with schools, universities, local municipalities and youth organisations. The App becomes a gateway into the outdoors and urban ecosystems.”
What does the user experience look like? Well, after creating a personal profile, taking an Eco Q (ecological literacy) test and being guided through an induction that incorporates Indigenous and western knowledge, users step through five stages of learning – BALANCE, LISTEN, LEARN, LEAD & REFLECT. Highlights include:
- The mindfulness soundscapes (in BALANCE), which involve an interactive map where users can zoom to listen to the sounds of local creeks and birds, and chill out.
- The real-world case studies (in LEARN), featuring Regeneration Projects’ own work with local and international leaders tackling issues like climate change and reconciliation.
- The real-world case studies (in LEARN), featuring Regeneration Projects’ own work with local and international leaders tackling issues like climate change and reconciliation.
- The action pathways (in LEAD), which includes suggestions, tips and examples of practical things that you can do like litter clean ups, tree plantings and advocacy letters.
Demonstrating its ongoing commitments as an Actor in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and certified B Corp, the Two Bays App is about connecting local and global action on issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, mental health and reconciliation.
“We’ve begun testing the app and peoples’ first reaction is: ‘I could see this being applied to other communities’. The potential for scaling, adapting and localising to other cities and bio-regions is very exciting. For now, we’ll focus on our own backyard.” The Two Bays app is now available for download on the Apple iStore and Google Play. For more info about Regeneration Projects’ education programs go to: www.twobays.earth/
Credits
- Two Bays app by Regeneration Projects,
- Incubated as part of Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship’s Entrepreneur in Residence program
- Developed by University of Melbourne ‘Masters of Software Development’ students
- Supervisors: Dr Eduardo Araujo Oliveira and Dr Lucy Amelia Sparrow
- Students: Archit Agarwal, Yun Keng (Troy) Leong, Zhuoyang Liu, Sanjana Laddha, Wendian (Tony) Zhang, Xianlong Li
- Soundscapes by RMIT University Media Student, Yun Yang