Mobile games supporting invasive species control

New methods for controlling invasive species are constantly being developed—approaches that lower the threshold for participation and encourage people to take part in caring for nearby nature. One example is the Crowdsorsa mobile game, launching in Pöytyä during the summer. Through the app, residents can participate in the control of harmful invasive species and receive rewards for their work.

In the app, players search for and remove species such as lupine and Himalayan balsam, and document their work using their phones. The goal is to make invasive species control accessible, community-driven, and motivating.

However, invasive species management is carried out in many different ways. Harmful plants are removed for example through volunteer work and community events, observations are recorded in iNaturalist, and information is shared on social media. In many areas, sightings of invasive species can also be reported to the municipality, where they can be included in green space management.

Even small actions can make a big difference. A single observation, removing a plant from your local area, or sharing information can help slow the spread of invasive species and support biodiversity.

Similar Crowdsorsa campaigns have already been implemented in several municipalities. In Lieto, players removed nearly 30,900 square metres of invasive species last summer, with many young participants involved as well.

Crowdsorsa is a startup company from Tampere whose mobile game is used in several countries to support environmental monitoring and nature management. In addition to invasive species control, the app has been used to map litter, accessibility, and street conditions.

📱 The Crowdsorsa app is available on the App Store and Google Play.

Read more: Pöytyä bulletin.