The Realms

What is a Realm?

A Realm is a digital layer (or virtual representation) associated with a real-world location - anything from nature resorts and reserves to urban green spaces, school, backyards, anyplace at all. Each realm is a unique digital space where users can explore, document and discover the local nature and biocultural stories associated with it.

How can I explore a Realm?

In the physical world, you can visit any publicly accessible Realm listed on (noting some may be private). Perhaps you knew it was a Realm before you visited, or perhaps you only discovered this during your visit via a QR code?

Once you onboard to the virtual experience of a Realm (via a QR code in the real world, or via a link to a realm's webpage, or via the GoE 'View Public Realms' page ) you can:

• view observations and stories from past explorers,

• discover species found in or near the realm, or even

• add your own sightings and/or stories

How can I add to a Realm?

If you've visited the location in the real world, you may have encounters with nature that you'd like to share in the form of sightings or stories.

Even if you have not visited the realm, you may have knowledge or expertise that you can share in the form of stories or identifications (to help validate the species of the sightings being submitted by others).

Adding stories

It's super simple. These can be anything - they can even be links to other sources of data, such as YouTube or TikTok videos, or podcasts, or Medium articles. These stories may be insights about the species in the realm, nature-related events, talks, artistic expression, or your personal reflections of your own encounters with nature. Anything related to the location and its biocultural state of affairs.

Add species observations

You can add species observations - photos or videos - through any of the supported apps.

Or you can add directly through the Realm page. Click 'Harvest BioCultural Units here... > ...Sightings'.

You can add your stories via the individual realm's webpage 'Harvest BioCultural Units here... > ...Stories'. (What's a BioCultural Unit?)

Ready to make your own impact through a Realm? Start by finding a Realm to add to (view all public Realms here), or you can even create your own Realm (get started for free).

How do I set up my own Realm?

It's free and easy to get started. Just go here. Guardians of Earth allows users to create their own Realms. Whether it's your backyard, a local park, or a nature reserve you manage, you can set up a realm and start adding observations.

Where do I go if I need support setting up or managing my Realm subscription(s)?

If you need support setting up or managing your Realm subscription, we're here to help! You can reach out to our dedicated support team through the following channels:

• Email: Send us an email at [email protected] with your questions or concerns. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.

• Discord: Join our Guardians of Earth Discord server and post your question. Our community and team members are active there and can provide quick assistance.

Remember, we're here to ensure your experience with Guardians of Earth is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance!