In the new mission and vision of Para la Naturaleza, emphasis is placed on both human and non-human well-being and ecological culture. This commitment starts internally with the organization’s team. This exercise includes actively listening to their experiences, valuing their observations and feedback, and responding promptly to their needs and ideas. During the strategic planning process, the need for a meaningful pause in the operational activities of Para la Naturaleza was repeatedly expressed, to dedicate meditative time for evaluating, adjusting, and improving its processes and projects. The transformation that began with the initiation of this participatory strategic planning process carries with it the responsibility to address this request, which comes from the team’s deep commitment to the organization’s mission and vision.

At Para la Naturaleza, we often look to nature itself for innovative ideas to improve our mission, operations, and services. This process is called biomimicry. Biomimicry is based on observing how living organisms have solved problems over millions of years of evolution, seeking to replicate those solutions in human design. By mimicking natural processes, biomimicry promotes the development of more sustainable technologies and practices without compromising the planet’s processes and ways of life.

Following this lesson from biomimicry, the response to the Para la Naturaleza team’s need for an operational pause comes from adaptation and metamorphosis processes that allow certain organisms to survive during periods of high temperatures and water scarcity, known as estivating. During these periods, organisms enter a state of low external activity, apparent dormancy, which helps them conserve energy and water. This process is similar to hibernation in certain animals, although it is activated in response to heat rather than cold.

Inspired by the biological processes of estivating in amphibians and reptiles that seek refuge underground or in shaded areas to avoid intense heat, and by metamorphosis, which allows insects to adapt to different environments and food sources throughout their life by shedding their skin, Para la Naturaleza intends to emulate this process. It will allow the organization to adapt, giving time and space for the projected changes in the form and function of our operations during the transition from one Strategic Plan (2019-2023) to another (2025-2030).

In botany, estivating is also the period of organization of the petals and sepals of a flower bud before it opens. Therefore, by organizing a clearly defined period of introspection, metamorphic estivating proposes to restore the energy and balance of the organization so it can become stronger. The time provided by estivating will be used to:

• Ensure the proper closure of projects that are coming to an end.
• Deeply study the new strategic principles.
• Create operational plans for the effective implementation of new strategies and tactics.
• Take time to integrate new well-being practices.
• Adjust operational processes aligned with the proposals of the new Strategic Plan.
• Celebrate the transition from one Strategic Plan to a new one with activities that strengthen the team.
• Evaluate and perform thorough financial analysis.

The following actions will facilitate this three-month estivating period:

Project Review:
In project management, a temporary interruption to review progress, make adjustments, and ensure that objectives are being met will help properly close pending projects, review their budgets and purposes, and prepare for new ones.

Performance Analysis:
The estivating period will serve to evaluate performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and make strategic adjustments to the organizational structure.

Training:
This pause will also provide an opportunity to retrain Para la Naturaleza team members, reinforcing the necessary skills and knowledge, reactivating training, onboarding programs, cross-training, knowledge sharing, and more.

Well-being and Culture:
Nurturing the team and fostering unity among perspectives will be one of the main objectives of the estivating period.

Maintenance:
The scheduled pause will allow for preventive maintenance of structures, machinery, and equipment in visitor centers, trails, and protected natural areas.

Safety:
Reviewing and implementing new climate safety protocols and ensuring that best practices are followed.

Some of the short- and long-term benefits of estivating will include:

Continuous Improvement:
It will facilitate a proactive approach to process improvement and overall good functioning.

Training and Development:
It will provide the opportunity to train and retrain both old and new community members, increasing their well-being, competence, and motivation.

Meetings:
Celebrations or activities aimed at strengthening the Para la Naturaleza community will be designed to enrich relationships, improve collaboration, and boost team morale. These celebrations can be fun and functional, helping the organization strengthen bonds and improve teamwork skills. Some proposed activities include cross-training, job-shadowing, reading groups, training, and nature meditation.

Error Prevention:
It will allow for the identification and correction of issues before they turn into larger incidents or crises.

Increased Safety:
It will ensure that safety standards are maintained and improved.