About the Game
Welcome to an immersive and thought-provoking serious game developed by Prof. Florian Kapmeier from the ESB Business School and Prof. Paolo Goncalves from the Università della Svizzera italiana. The game explores the complex interplay between tourism-driven economic growth and environmental degradation in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), using the Maldives as a case study. The core of the game is the PPS Simulator that provides real-time feedback to users and hence enables users to test policies on their own.
The game has been successfully facilitated with high school and university students, providing them with a dynamic and interactive learning experience. Participants gain insights into the multifaceted issues surrounding sustainable development, tourism management, and environmental preservation. The game fosters critical and systems thinking, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the real-world implications of the decisions made in the pursuit of economic growth.
How does it work?
The Preserving Paradise Simulation is a role-playing game set in a fictional summit on the future of the Maldives. The facilitator, acting as the former Maldives’ president, guides participants representing various interest groups. Groups negotiate strategies in rounds, interacting with each other. The facilitator employs the PPS simulator to assess the impact of each group’s actions on environmental and economic parameters.
Participants collaborate to reach an agreement reducing cumulative waste in the Maldives. Throughout the event, they confront climate science, engage in political drama, and test their ambitions against the simulator. The experience prompts reflection on how it challenges assumptions about climate action and global equity. The aim is to provide an interactive exploration of sustainable development complexities and the delicate balance between environmental preservation and economic factors.
The Preserving Paradise Simulation is ideal for groups ranging from 8 to 50 people and can be conducted either online or in-person. While the standard duration is 1.5 to 2.5 hours, it can be condensed to just 60 minutes if needed. The game is versatile, catering to diverse audiences, including high school students, community members, industry professionals, and policymakers. All the necessary materials and tools for the game are accessible for free in multiple languages on this website.
Leading the Game
The Preserving Paradise Simulation is a role-playing game set in a fictional summit on the future of the Maldives. The facilitator, acting as the former Maldives’ president, guides participants representing various interest groups. Groups negotiate strategies in rounds, interacting with each other. The facilitator employs the PPS simulator to assess the impact of each group’s actions on environmental and economic parameters.
The Preserving Paradise Simulation is a role-playing game set in a fictional summit on the future of the Maldives. The facilitator, acting as the Maldives’ president, guides participants representing various interest groups. Groups negotiate strategies in rounds, interacting with each other. The facilitator employs the WPAS simulator to assess the impact of each group’s actions on environmental and economic parameters.
Connect with Facilitators
Preserving Paradise Facilitators
Prof. Dr. Paulo Goncalves - Università della Svizzera italiana
Prof. Dr. Florain Kapmeier - ESB Business School
Daniel Uphoff - BSc International Business
