Treasure Hunts in Natura 2000: Turning Nature Discovery into an Adventure

How can Natura 2000 become meaningful for people who are not already interested in nature conservation? The Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes-Eifel found an innovative answer through a LIFE Belgium for Biodiversity pilot project: three free, digital, trilingual treasure hunts that guide visitors through Natura 2000 sites while turning learning into a fun outdoor adventure. The hunts were developed within the Totemus mobile application and lead participants through some of the most remarkable landscapes of eastern Belgium, combining exploration, storytelling and environmental education.

Impact: Reaching New Audiences for Natura 2000

The project's greatest achievement is its ability to make Natura 2000 tangible and engaging for a broad audience. By using digital gamification instead of traditional information panels, the treasure hunts invite participants to observe landscapes, solve natural heritage puzzles, and discover biodiversity in an interactive way. This approach particularly appeals to families and recreational visitors who might otherwise have limited engagement with nature conservation messages.

The results demonstrate a remarkable reach. As of July 2026, the three Natura 2000 treasure hunts had attracted 4,487 participants:

• Hautes Fagnes – Voyage au cœur de Natura 2000: 1,487 participants.
• Sous le regard du lion, un écrin Natura 2000: 2,246 participants.
• Aventures dans le bocage : entre haies, eaux et forêts Natura 2000: 754 participants.

Together, these experiences introduced thousands of visitors to Natura 2000 sites and their ecological value through a positive, immersive, and memorable experience.

Scaling Natura 2000 Through Existing Communities

A key strength of the project is its integration into the popular Totemus platform. The three Natura 2000 hunts became part of a wider network of more than 262 treasure hunts available on the application, giving Natura 2000 visibility within an established community of over 100,000 players. This allowed the project to reach people who might never actively search for nature-related activities, significantly extending the visibility of the Natura 2000 brand.

A Lasting Legacy

The impact of the project extends well beyond its implementation period. The treasure hunts are designed to remain available for at least five years, with maintenance and updates already guaranteed. Because the project is largely digital, it requires very little physical infrastructure while continuing to attract new participants over time. The concept is also highly replicable, offering inspiration for other Natura 2000 sites and conservation organisations looking for innovative ways to engage visitors.

Ultimately, this pilot project demonstrates how digital tools and gamification can transform biodiversity awareness. By combining recreation, tourism and environmental education, it successfully brings Natura 2000 closer to citizens, creates a deeper appreciation for local landscapes, and builds long-term support for nature conservation.

Image	Image
Image	Image