How can we make the complex world of Swiss (or European) forestry and the wood industry tangible, engaging, and even fun – especially for students and young adults? This question sparked our latest collaboration with FSC® Switzerland (Forest Stewardship Council®) and PH Zürich (University of Education), resulting in WaldWege (Forest Paths), an immersive strategy game that brings the challenges of forest management to life.

Developed through a collaborative process involving key stakeholders from across the forestry sector – including WaldSchweiz, FSC® Switzerland and Germany, the Association of Swiss Foresters (ASF), Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), WWF, ETH Zürich, WSL, and students – WaldWege invites players to explore how their decisions shape the forests of tomorrow.

Step Into the Shoes of a Forest Manager or Wood transformer

In WaldWege, players don’t just learn about sustainable forestry – they become part of it. Taking on roles such as forest managers, sawmill operators, or construction planners, they face real-world dilemmas across the wood supply chain. Each choice has consequences that unfold over 150 years of simulated forest development, revealing the long-term impacts of today’s actions.

This isn’t just a game – it’s an interactive learning environment where experimentation is encouraged, trade-offs are explored, and the intricate balance between economic, ecological, and social forest functions becomes clear.