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Mozilla Japan Uses Firefox to Promote Nature Conservancy

As the release of Firefox 3.5 approaches (codenamed Shiretoko), Mozilla Japan has come up with a unique way to promote the version. They've teamed up with Japan's Shiretoko Nature Foundation and designed an interactive Web site named Discover Shiretoko that teaches visitors about the new browser version as well as the national park after which it was named.

"Shiretoko and Firefox: A Story in Four Parts" examines how Firefox and the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site have more in common that it may seem at first glance. Both, for instance, rely heavily on the power of the volunteer community.

The site also leads people to information about the interFORest project, a banner campaign that uses "virtual trees" that grow into a digital forest as campaign participation increases.

"The interFORest website allows one to see trees being planted and growing into a forest on a virtual landscape representing the Shiretoko peninsula. Mouse clicks allow one to move around the forest or zoom in. There is also an “illustrated tree guide” for viewing information about the websites with the banner. Like the individual virtual trees, the website as a whole also changes its appearance according to the current time of day and weather in the Shiretoko region, and the trees rustle in the wind as they grow larger. Various other events are also being prepared."

Discover Shiretoko is a beautifully designed site that does a wonderful job of teaching visitors about why Japan's Shiretoko peninsula is so special and why its preservation is so important. That it also teaches people about Mozilla and its community is a terrific added bonus.

• firefox
• mozilla
• Japan
• browswer
• ecology
• nature
• preservation
• conservancy

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