Council of the Forest
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Nonhuman Nonsense AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 700 000 |
| Project duration | March 2025 - June 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Call for proposals within Hållbara Värdekedjor |
| Call | Future prototypes for a sustainable forest value chain |
Purpose and goal
Council of the Forest is an interactive digital platform where AI models embody nonhuman forest entities—trees, fungi, rivers, and animals—engaging in discussions about their needs and challenges. By weaving together Indigenous worldviews, ecological sciences, and philosophical perspectives, the project reimagines governance through an ecological lens. Designed for the Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve, it serves as both an educational and political tool.
Expected effects and result
The project challenges anthropocentric decision-making by amplifying nonhuman perspectives in forest governance. The Council produces policy recommendations based on AI-mediated discussions, sparking debate in environmental, legal, and academic spheres. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, artists, and local communities. By engaging public audiences, it cultivates empathy for nonhuman entities, encouraging more responsible ecological relationships.
Planned approach and implementation
The project unfolds in three phases: research, development, and presentation. Research involves interviews with BVJ stakeholders and selection of 4-6 nonhuman entities representing the area. Development includes programming the interactive website, generating AI prompts, and designing animations. The final phase features a live demonstration in the biosphere reserve, a hybrid event inviting stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to engage with the Council and its discussions.