(UPM, Helsinki, 22 April, 2010) - UPM's virtual forest walk, UPM Forest Life received a certificate of honour in the e-Eemeli competition in Finland organised by the Association of Finnish eLearning Centre. www.upmforestlife.com was one of the finalists in this high level competition.
"www.upmforestlife.com is easy to use, versatile and is a finished product which suits a wide range of audiences thanks to its many language versions. The product evokes a strong emotional experience and promotes greatly the image of Finland," says the jury.
The e-Eemeli is an annual competition to look for the best eLearning solutions in Finland. This year's competition was the ninth in a row. The competition aims to recognise eLearning solution providers, products and services as well as to promote the innovativeness and quality of products.
The entries are evaluated by a jury consisting of e-learning specialists from companies and the public sector as well as pedagogics and education. The pedagogical and technical usability, possibilities to use it commercially, to scale it for different users, interactivity, impressiveness, social impact and life span are the aspects taken into account by the jury.
UPM Forest Life takes you on a walk through the forest. You explore the forest with your mouse to see modern sustainable forestry in action. The walk is both a visual and a learning experience. You can see and feel that the forest is full of life. You see different species and activities and you can also listen and relax: the birds are singing and the brook is rippling. You can even meet people who work in the forest or enjoy it for relaxation.
The site has found its way to all parts of the world after its original launch in March 2007. To date the site has had over 1.7 million visitors. Recently it has been most popular in France. It is possible to make the forest tour either in English, Finnish, French, German or Chinese.
UPM Forest Life is one of the learning tools also used by ENO-Environment Online, a global virtual school and network for sustainable development and environmental awareness. Thousands of schools from over 100 countries have taken part in ENO activities.
Earlier recognitions for UPM Forest Life include Pro Silvis medal by Finnish Forest Association and the “Web Oscar”, the Webby Award in 2008 as well as the European Excellence Awards in two different categories in 2007. The site was also shortlisted in Cannes and London International Awards and won silver in EPICA. In Finland, the site was chosen as the Forest Act of the Year in 2007. In addition, UPM Forest Life has won two categories in Finnish Grand One competition.
As a continuation to the forest walk, UPM launched www.upmcarbonlife.com in 2010. It highlights the importance of products made of renewable raw material, wood and energy generation in the carbon cycle.
For further information please contact:
Mr Timo Lehesvirta, Director, Sustainable Forestry, telephone +358 400 752 212
www.upmforestlife.com
UPM leads the integration of bio and forest industries into a new, sustainable and innovation-driven future. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. UPM consists of three Business Groups: Energy and pulp, Paper, and Engineered materials. The Group employs around 23,000 people and it has production facilities in 15 countries. In 2009, UPM's sales amounted to EUR 7.7 billion. UPM's shares are listed on the Helsinki stock exchange.
UPM – The Biofore Company – www.upmbiofore.com and www.upm.com
The Association of Finnish eLearning Centre is an independent national association that promotes sharing of knowledge, best practices and quality in eLearning. The Centre distributes information and performs as a contact surface for partner finding, such as experts and service providers, in Finnish eLearning market. www.eoppimiskeskus.fi
