Botanica is a simulation activity that combines a number of skills and different elements relating to the Citizenship programme of study. It aims to highlight some of the complex ways in which major sporting events can have an impact on host countries. It also illustrates the variety of interest groups that are affected by major decisions that have to be taken by governments. Further, through the creation of a fictional developing country, Botanica, students are also able to reflect on some of the difficulties faced by poorer countries of the South.

This version of Botanica stretches over two lessons, although it will be apparent that there are several stages at which you could take more time to consider specific issues or carry out further research. The simulation provides plenty of opportunities to include additional materials from other campaign groups and organisations who are involved in similar activities for real. It also offers a good opportunity to consolidate or introduce work on 'cash crops' , international trade, poverty and other development issues.

It is advisable to think about groupings, organisational strategies, additional staff support and timings in advance as these options and opportunities for extension will require planning. Given that there are eight groups it may also be possible to do this activity with two or more classes combined.

You may also find it useful to read the guidance booklet Citizenship Education: The Global Dimension , which is available from the Development Education Association at www.dea.org.uk or 29-31 Cowper Street, London EC2A 4AT.

Your local Development Education Centre will have additional resources to supplement this activity.

Botanica is a country of very varied climate and vegetation ranging from desert to tropical rainforest, and temperate zones to high mountains. It is rich in natural resources and is famous as a centre for plant research. It is experiencing many of the problems associated with so-called development. There is a heavy national debt to service, which is causing severe dislocation, and the government is keen to attract as much investment from overseas as possible.

The government of Botanica wants to tender as a possible host country for the 2014 World Cup. This is possible because the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) has decided that the competition should be held in a developing country that year to enable a poorer country to improve their sporting facilities. FIFA has sought sponsorship from businesses and governments for this initiative and the country winning the bid will have substantial foreign investment poured into it for the development of the infrastructure necessary for hosting such an event.

Botanica's proposal must:

•	meet FIFA's sporting criteria as well as the requirements for infrastructure (planned) and civil support
•	for political reasons, be shown to have the acceptance of all the people of Botanica.

The exercise is designed to simulate a consultative process in which the opinions of a range of stakeholders are invited. The culmination will be a political decision on whether or not to proceed with the bid.

Participants will be in role, for the most part in groupings as citizens of Botanica, representing a diverse range of the population.

This unit is based on a much larger simulation activity developed by Support for Education in Environment and Development (SEED) at the University of Leicester Botanic Garden. It has been developed closely with staff and students from Folville Junior School and Fullhurst Community College.

Funding for the development of Botanica has come from Christian Aid, Oxfam and the European Union. Support has also come from the Cooperative Society, Radio Leicester, Cecil Jacobs and Jessops, Radio Leicester, Planet Works and the Leicester Mercury . Materials have been contributed by Christian Aid, Oxfam, Tourism Concern and Botanic Gardens Conservation International.

Peter Batty (St Martin's College, Leicester), Sue Baughan and Rose Welshman (SEED, University of Leicester) have rewritten the project in a shortened version for inclusion in this resource. The Institute for Citizenship would like to thank them for their work and support. This is an even briefer version of the project than that suggested by the authors and focuses on the World Cup rather than the original Olympic Games. If you would like to find out more information about the complete project and how it has developed with local schools, please contact:

SEED Leicester University Botanic Garden Stoughton Drive South Leicester LE2 2NE Tel: 0116 2712933