The University of Virginia (U.Va.) and Azure Worldwide, an organization co-founded by Philippe Cousteau, are partnering to showcase a new concept in environmental engagement and action: The Bay Game, an interactive game that simulates the conditions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed with players taking the roles of people who live in the watershed and make their livelihoods from the resources of the bay.

As the game is played, every decision by players taking on the roles of watermen, farmers, developers and policymakers has an impact on the health of the Bay and the well-being of those stakeholders.

Originally created in 2009 as a tool to help determine and demonstrate the importance of political and civic collaboration in conservation efforts, a new version of the Bay Game will be unveiled and played by 163 students on April 8th at 11:30 a.m. at Clark Hall at the University of Virginia. Cousteau will host the event with Thomas C. Skalak, U.Va.‘s vice president for research.

The U.Va. Bay Game is an unprecedented initiative made possible through a unique multidisciplinary development team. Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research, it was created with the input and knowledge of faculty members and students from eight schools: the School of Engineering and Applied Science, McIntire School of Commerce, College of Arts & Sciences (Environmental Sciences), School of Architecture, School of Law, Darden School of Business, Curry School of Education and the School of Medicine.