Overview

Ecoweb is an interactive simulation platform designed to bridge the gap between complex ecological research and public understanding.

Users can explore various ecosystems—from the Swedish forest to the Serengeti—to understand how species are connected. The platform allows for real-time experimentation, such as removing a species to observe trophic cascades or adjusting environmental factors like land use to see how biodiversity responds.

Project History

The project was originally created by Anna Eklöf, researcher at Linköping University, and game-developers Måns Gezelius and Magdalena Annell, funded by Formas and Visual Sweden. Between 2019 and 2022, the team developed several experimental builds, eventually leading to the formation of Lutra Interactive.

The project gained significant momentum through a partnership with Universeum, resulting in a polished exhibition version that debuted at the Vislab in Gothenburg in spring 2023.

Releases

Since its initial launch, Ecoweb has evolved into several specialized versions:

• Ecoweb Serengeti: Focused on species in the Serengeti national park in Tanzania.
• Ecoweb Sweden: Focused on Nordic forest data and local biodiversity.
• Ecoweb Jordbruk: Developed for Agtech2030 to explore farming impacts.
• Ecoweb WWF: A specialized build highlighting the ecological importance of old-growth forests.
• Ecoweb Bolmen: Created for Region Kronoberg and Sydvatten to visualize aquatic ecosystems.