Abstract:

Objective: The metaverse represents the integrated and highly convergent application of next-generation information technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. It provides strong momentum for the development of new quality productivity and offers novel solutions for high-quality development in the forestry and grassland sector. However, current forestry and grassland informatization still faces multiple constraints, including insufficient full-coverage perception, limited whole-process simulation capability, and difficulties in multi-stakeholder collaborative governance. This study aims to explore concrete implementation pathways for building a forestry and grassland metaverse, so as to promote the transformation and upgrading of research paradigms and management models, overcome key industry bottlenecks, and comprehensively advance the innovation and development of smart forestry. Method: On the basis of defining the concept and connotation of the forestry and grassland metaverse, an overall design approach was proposed, and a comprehensive framework integrating hardware infrastructure, technical systems, and application systems was constructed. A technology system centered on artificial intelligence, digital twins, and blockchain was systematically reviewed. In conjunction with the development needs of smart forestry, potential applications in resource monitoring, forest genetics, silviculture, forest management, ecological conservation and restoration, equipment development, industrial development, and governmental administration were discussed. Meanwhile, current technical challenges and future development pathways were analyzed from a technological perspective. Result: A forestry and grassland metaverse system framework was established, characterized by hardware infrastructure as the foundation, multi-technology integration as the core, and business scenarios as the orientation. This framework enables dynamic mapping of the real forestry and grassland world, simulation and deduction, immersive interaction, multi-agent collaboration, and intelligent decision-making. It opens up a full-scenario application mode for the forestry and grassland sector and promotes the paradigm shift of smart forestry from “perception–computation–management” to a new model of “immersion–interaction–co-creation.” In addition, this study analyzes the practical challenges currently faced in constructing the forestry and grassland metaverse, and provides directions for subsequent optimization and development. Conclusion: The forestry and grassland metaverse represents an advanced form of deep integration between next-generation information technologies and the forestry and grassland industry. It has the potential to drive the sector’s transformation from traditional static data analysis to an immersive, interactive, and co-creative paradigm. By establishing a new operational model featuring virtual–real mapping, high immersion, and human–machine collaboration, the forestry and grassland metaverse is expected to systematically address key bottlenecks in smart forestry development and further enhance efficiency and governance capacity across the entire industrial chain. Future efforts should focus on breakthroughs in core technologies and innovations in social collaboration mechanisms to accelerate practical implementation and large-scale application.

Key words: metaverse, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, smart forestry, blockchain