Author(s): Embassy of Slovenia in the Nordics; UN Global Pulse

Description

‘Buzzing Futures’ is an innovative and interactive discussion game that invites you to explore the vital future of our ecosystems through the eyes of pollinators. Developed by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the Nordics in collaboration with UN Global Pulse, this unique card game merges creative storytelling, systems thinking, and playful engagement.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Dive into scenarios that challenge you to think beyond biodiversity and food security, reflecting on how bees and other pollinators shape more resilient, sustainable societies. With simple “WHO,” “WHAT,” and “WHEN” cards, the game sparks surprising and thought-provoking prompts, encouraging players to connect ideas across diverse sectors—from farming to policymaking, research to corporate leadership.

TO PLAY:
Download the pdf, cut out all the cards, follow the instructions on how to play, and your discussion about the future can begin.

WHY PLAY BUZZING FUTURES?
It’s designed to make complex discussions about pollinator decline accessible, inclusive, and engaging. The game transforms speculation into collaboration and action, helping participants imagine both utopian and dystopian futures to collectively build better outcomes.

WHO’S IT FOR?
Whether you’re a policymaker, a beekeeper, or a student, Buzzing Futures will inspire curiosity and a sense of agency, demonstrating how our decisions—individual and collective—shape possible futures. It emphasizes that environmental resilience is a shared story, one where everyone has a crucial role to play. Perfect for diverse environments—schools, public institutions, community events, and even corporate boardrooms—Buzzing Futures encourages dialogue and cooperation across disciplines and age groups. It’s more than just a learning tool; it’s a space to think creatively, listen deeply, and co-create actionable ideas that support the Sustainable Development Goals.

Buzzing Futures is freely available for download, and additional facilitation materials will be published soon. We would love to hear your insights from playing the game too! Share your feedback and ideas here.

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About the project:

The “Bee Resilient: The Future of Pollinators” project, led by the Embassy of Slovenia in the Nordics, in partnership with UN Global Pulse, is a collaborative initiative that delves into critical learning questions for enhancing ecosystem resilience.

Through multi-stakeholder workshops piloted in Finland in November 2024 and additional ones in the Nordics planned in 2025, this initiative gathers insights to explore the future of pollinators, addressing key threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. During the workshop, we harness scenario-based explorations, creative storytelling and social science methodologies to envision flourishing alternatives for these essential creatures..

The collected insights shaped a discussion game, Buzzing Futures, that contributes to a better understanding and greater recognition of the crucial role bees and other pollinators play in preserving biodiversity, ensuring food security, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals