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Play for Nature

Seminar

Using board games to protect the planet’s biodiversity - a case study with the makers of Kavango Board Game.
Event date
Thursday 7 May 2026, 10am to 11am
Location
In-person only
Sustainibility Clinic, Campus West, University of York (Map)
Audience
Open to staff, students, the public
Admission
Free admission, booking required

Event details

Play for the Planet is thrilled to be hosting the designers and creators of the Kavango board game!

Join us for an inspiring seminar with Matt Brown and Zara Reid, the visionary duo who developed Kavango while living and working on the front lines of conservation in Botswana. This isn't just a game; it’s a labor of love where Matt personally hand-crafted every piece of artwork and handled the graphic design to bring the African wilderness to life.


A Story of Hope and Impact

Driven by real-life conservation success stories, Matt and Zara wanted to channel hope and optimism into an accessible format. In Kavango, players step into the shoes of conservation experts in Southern Africa, tasked with the challenge of transforming a degraded landscape into a thriving nature reserve.

The game’s impact is truly global:

  • Global Reach: Captured the hearts of gamers and conservationists alike.

  • Localized: Translated into four languages and sold worldwide.

  • Giving Back: Profits from every sale directly support conservation charities in Southern Africa.

What to Expect

In this session, you’ll hear firsthand about their journey—from the initial spark of an idea to the complex milestones of global retail. Matt and Zara will also share a sneak peek into their next project: a game exploring the story of Scottish re-wilding through the lens of beaver reintroductions.

Whether you are interested in game design, environmental advocacy, or the business of ethical products, this is a unique opportunity to learn how the power of play can change the world.