After a short brainstorming session on the concept of sustainability, an important aspect of sustainable management and the fundamental limitations of renewable raw materials are addressed and made tangible with the matchstick game. In this way, the original meaning of the principle of "sustainability" is introduced in a playful way. In the game, the pupils take on the role of forest thieves who, in the first round, endeavour to harvest as many trees as possible for themselves. In a second round, they manage the forest together. In the evaluation, it becomes clear that the existence of the forest is threatened by excessive harvesting and that sustainable management is made more difficult by competition. This game is about realising that the sustainable use of resources is difficult to achieve under competitive conditions. In the matchstick game, the pupils manage a forest using two different strategies. In the first round, they try to maximise the yield for themselves when harvesting wood. In the second round, they co-operate with each other. When evaluating the game, the emotions involved in playing the different strategies should be discussed (competition vs. co-operation, injustice in the distribution of opportunities) and the effects of the different management methods should be analysed on a meta-level and transferred to other areas.

The instructions for the game must be read in advance so that the group can be quickly familiarised with the game. The game can be played with 4-32 players. It takes about 40 minutes. Firstly, the rules (AB Rules) are explained and visualised on the flipchart. Two rounds are played. It should not be announced before the first round that a second round (with different rules) will be played. The rules must be printed out or written down in advance.

* Marker and pen for each group of 4
* Worksheet
* 2 boxes of matches

Introduction to the concept of sustainability:
www.agenda21-treffpunkt.de/info/bildung-nachhaltig.htm

17 global goals for sustainable development:
tinyurl.com/hphnzzy

Handbook for global thinking and action:
Jugend denkt um. World. Tree of hope. How we change the world
Tree of hope - The youthinkgreen documentary film:
www.youtube.com/watch