biodiversity

AppWizard
November 21, 2025
World Fisheries Day is on November 21, celebrating fishing and promoting ecosystem health. Minecraft has launched fishing packs on its Marketplace, including an add-on that educates players about fish species and ocean pollution, featuring over 90 new fish and marine creatures. From now until January 29, 2026, all net proceeds from this add-on will support Conservation International's conservation efforts. The MobBlocks add-on offers a peaceful fishing experience with 70 new fish, while an advanced add-on introduces 40 new fish with realistic behaviors. The AutoFisher tool allows for easier fishing. Beginning September 26, 2025, Microsoft will contribute 100% of net proceeds from the add-on sales to Conservation International, along with a 0,000 contribution.
Winsage
November 11, 2025
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has allocated £312 million to upgrade its IT systems to Windows 10, just months before Microsoft ends support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. Defra faces challenges in migrating thousands of devices, with 24,000 outdated machines incompatible with newer systems. A survey indicates that 90% of UK finance firms also struggle with outdated IT infrastructure, increasing cybersecurity risks. The National Cyber Security Centre has warned organizations to prepare for migrations to Windows 11. Defra's £312 million expenditure includes software licenses, consulting fees, and hardware refreshes, but additional risks such as increased downtime and regulatory fines could lead to significant consequences. The department's outdated devices do not meet Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 requirements, complicating the upgrade process. Experts advocate for an upgrade to Windows 11, but extensive compatibility testing and user training are necessary. Government oversight bodies are scrutinizing Defra’s expenditures, and discussions suggest alternatives like Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which offers updates until 2032. The financial implications of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates pricing add strain, as costs double in subsequent years. The urgency for upgrades is emphasized by the potential cybersecurity risks, with experts warning of vulnerabilities affecting national food security and environmental initiatives.
AppWizard
November 7, 2025
The Bridging Worlds initiative, co-led by researchers from Plymouth Marjon University and the University of Salford and funded by the Kusuma Trust, engages students from Plymouth schools in hands-on activities focused on wildlife and environmental conservation. Participants take part in wildlife surveys, photography, and virtual habitat creation, receiving positive feedback for the transformative learning experience. The project emphasizes listening to young people's perspectives and incorporates creativity and play to address issues like biodiversity loss. Students engage in activities at Poole Farm, identifying rare species and creating conservation projects in Minecraft. The initiative utilizes technology to foster collaboration and creativity among participants. Insights from the project have been shared at national conferences, with plans for future educational resources.
AppWizard
September 26, 2025
The Minecraft Friendly Fishing Add-On is a collaboration involving over fifty contributors from various studios, including 5 Frame Studios, 57Digital, and others. Starting on September 26, 2025, Microsoft Corporation will support environmental conservation by donating 0,000 to Conservation International and allocating 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the Friendly Fishing map to the organization. Conservation International focuses on safeguarding nature through science, policy advocacy, fieldwork, and financial strategies.
AppWizard
August 22, 2025
The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles from 4 PM BST on August 21, 2025, until 4 PM BST on August 28, 2025: Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge and Strange Horticulture. Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge, published by Armor Games Studios and developed by Humble Reeds, is a cozy frog-collecting game where players create a sanctuary for frogs and rejuvenate wetlands' biodiversity through activities like photographing frogs and personalizing habitats. Strange Horticulture, published by Iceberg Interactive, is an occult puzzle adventure where players act as a plant shop owner, discovering and identifying plants while interacting with various characters and uncovering the narrative of Undermere.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Pandas can be found exclusively in bamboo jungles or jungle biomes, spawning on grass blocks with at least two bamboo blocks nearby. They typically appear in pairs or small groups. To breed pandas, players need to place at least eight bamboo blocks within a five-block radius and feed both pandas to trigger their love mode, resulting in a baby panda. Players can lead pandas using bamboo and should enclose them within a fence for protection. Pandas have distinct personalities: they can be lazy, playful, worried, aggressive, or weak.
AppWizard
February 27, 2025
To find a Rime Beetle in Monster Hunter Wilds, go to area 2 of the Iceshard Cliffs, where a blue beetle icon appears on the map. Additional locations include area 11 and area 13 on the middle level, as well as area 7 and area 8 on the upper level. The beetles are camouflaged in the snow, and players should follow their tracks. Use the capture net from the essential items hotwheel to capture them, as using the Hook Slinger does not aid in quest progress. Capturing a Rime Beetle rewards players with 10 mandragora, five honey, and 100 Guild Points.
AppWizard
December 26, 2024
Minecraft's oceans are currently underexplored and lack vibrancy compared to other environments in the game. Enhancements could include expanding underwater terrain with caves and trenches, introducing new life forms such as sharks, penguins, and whales, and adding more flora like colorful coral reefs and a plant similar to Gillyweed that allows temporary underwater breathing. Additionally, the introduction of Prismarine armor made from turtle scutes could improve swim speed and mining efficiency underwater. Luminous creatures like jellyfish could also be added to illuminate hidden areas and resources.
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