Fundación Montecito
Promoting Environmental Culture in a Colombian Wetland Community
Fundación Montecito is a non-profit organization rooted in Sogamoso, Colombia. With a mission centered around their two nature reserves, the founders, Felipe and Juanita advocate for environmental awareness and active participation.
The Question
How might we connect local communities with environmental culture and create a sense of belonging?
While embracing the local pace of life and overcoming language barriers, Ash and I spent an immersive 8 weeks in Colombia. Collaborating pro bono with Fundación Montecito, we carried out the grant they had received. Since the funding was granted before our involvement, we worked creatively within its limitations to tackle the foundation’s mission.
With the founders focused on acquiring the next grant, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. With the help of translators and AI, we navigated the Spanish-speaking landscape and got to grips with the topic of Colombian biodiversity to create meaningful content — one endangered bird at a time.
We guided the research, development and production of educative materials and the annual El Muyso Festival — dedicated to educating local families about the conservation of Lake Tota's wetlands. We began where it made sense - speaking with the future protectors of the land — the children.
The Approach
Research
We spoke with lots of little experts (facilitated by Felipe's translation skills) in their homes and schools to gain insight into their lives and needs. This research in Lake Tota helped us pinpoint the problem and inspired new ideas.
Synthesis
We collated all our new knowledge into themes that evolved into our opportunity areas (see “What We Found”). These insights paved the way forward.
Student at Sede Tota, age 8
“One time when I was five, I went by the lake with my family, I experienced the presence of a boat and some ducks and their eggs.”
Luis, father
“Nature is not an important topic to discuss, the topics of interest are related to what we do, like agriculture or livestock.”
Ideation
I led ideation workshops to generate new ideas, all rooted in and inspired by our insights. Working closely with stakeholders, we prioritized our concepts based on impact and alignment with project timelines and budget.
Design & Development
Ash expertly led the visual design development, collaborating seamlessly with local carpenters and printers to bring our ideas to life with meticulous attention to detail. Thank you to the talented craftspeople of Sogamoso!
Results & Impact
Our work resulted in a brand, a board game, a conservation award, socials and bird guides, all unveiled at the annual El Muyso Festival at Lake Tota. Each design was finetuned to evoke environmental attitudes, behaviors, and practices within the local community. Our goal is that over time and with continued engagement, the community at Lake Tota will feel a sense of belonging and protection for its precious land. To ensure sustainability, we created templates and onboarded the founders to Figma, empowering them to continue the work seamlessly. Our tailored approach means we made a lasting impact that will serve the organization for years to come.
El Muyso board game. Photo by Ash
Board game playing cards
El Muyso Festival branding
El Muyso board game. Photo by Ash
Lake Tota bird guide. Photo by Ash
Lake Tota bird guide
What We Found
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01 Due to Fundación Montecito’s tireless work, these schoolchildren demonstrated significant knowledge about nature and conservation. However, an education gap exists between these children and their parents. Given their openness to learn, consider designing learning experiences that cater to both children and adults.
02 High praise has made it clear that the annual El Muyso Festival is a success and holds community significance. To further engage the community, explore ways to expand the festival’s impact.
03 Additionally, since other community events are limited to religion and municipality topics, there’s a clear opportunity to introduce gatherings that break away from this routine. Locals’ daily lives revolve solely around school, work, and home, emphasizing the need for fresh experiences.
04 Despite locals’ interest in environmental and cultural events, many expect something in return for attending. Consider providing additional incentives, even small ones like snacks or educational materials, to encourage participation.
05 Communities living and working amongst the wetlands often view the land solely as a production resource, ignoring the lake. Strengthen relationships with the land by highlighting its value beyond productivity.
06 As an underprivileged community, it’s no surprise they prioritize survival over environmental concerns. When a tree gets in the way of growing more crops, locals don’t hesitate to chop. Address immediate needs while gradually integrating sustainable practices.
07 The desire to inspire, motivate, and teach others is present within the community. Leverage this by creating initiatives or materials that allow community members
What We Transformed
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In Felipe’s words…
“Your work has had a profound impact on Fundación Montecito. It has improved our educational outreach, increased community engagement, and added a professional touch to our materials. Both the game and the bird guides are being used by a wide range of people, from local students and teachers to tourists and other visitors interested in our natural heritage. Your dedication, professionalism, and innovative approach have set a new standard for our projects. I wish you both were a permanent part of our team!”
What I learnt
Adaptation — In this new working environment and culture, I discovered the art of adaptation. Without a word of Spanish between us, I learned to work with live translation during research and harnessed the power of AI to create content. It wasn’t always easy, but was undeniably rewarding.
Initiative — With limited time working side by side with the founders, I used my initiative to push things forward with confidence. I took charge of key tasks, ensured deadlines were met, and maintained momentum on the project.
Scale down — With experience working with big clients and large budgets, I had to learn to scale back and look for small wins. Working with a tight budget taught me to focus on solutions that make the biggest impact.
In Collaboration with Ash Murphy
Ash is a talented Identity Designer. She has a natural aptitude for uncovering and expressing a brand's personality. Bright and bubbly, I'm privileged to call her my friend.
This was our second successful collaboration together… where next?!
Details —
Self-initiated pro bono
Date: Autumn 2023
Design team: Collaboration between myself and friend, Aisling Murphy
Carpentry: José Luis
Design deliverable photography: Aisling Murphy
Festival photography: Casey French
This work was selected for the 2023 100 Archive
Links
Aisling Murphy
Fundación Montecito
100 Archive - 2023 Selection