Kaanbal Suut
Strengthening internal capacities and leadership of civil society organizations in the Yucatan Peninsula
The Project
Kaanbal Suut aims to strengthen the capacities, leadership, and networking opportunities of organized civil society groups in the Yucatan Peninsula to promote the scope of their projects and thereby advance the conservation and sustainability impacts of natural resources in the region.
Context
Kaanbal Suut is an initiative created in 2021 by FMCN, with the support of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and currently operated by Sureste Sostenible. The project arises with the interest of strengthening organized civil society groups (alliances, civil associations, collectives, cooperatives, and networks) and promoting their success in advancing the impacts on the conservation and sustainability of natural resources strategically on the Yucatan Peninsula.
The project's innovative design incorporates relevant aspects of the context derived from the COVID-19 pandemic and the main social, economic, and environmental challenges experienced by organized groups in the Yucatan Peninsula. Throughout the year, the training the groups receive incorporates innovative topics that integrate the most relevant needs identified by the regional organizations. The learning format is mostly virtual and combines theoretical and practical aspects, making the learning processes and experiences effective and attractive.
The project is divided into four learning modules: Strategic Planning, Talent Management, Financial Sustainability, and Communication. Community Workshops are held monthly for all the organized groups that comprise the Kaanbal Suut network. These sessions focus on innovative topics such as fiscal risks, digital transition, personal and group development, and territorial defense. Likewise, throughout the year, spaces are facilitated for the three generations of the Kaanbal Suut Community to connect, exchange knowledge, and explore ways to collaborate.
- Training and assistance to the 20 selected organizations that met the selection process requirements.
- Institutional strengthening of organized groups in the Yucatan Peninsula that work with and/or are led by women, youth, and/or indigenous groups.
- Facilitation of virtual spaces for all the organized groups that make up the Kaanbal Suut network to strengthen their networking opportunities and reinforce the capacities of all the groups.
The Kaanbal Suut project seeks to strengthen the internal capacities and leadership of civil society organizations and networks in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Achievements
As a result of the two versions of the project, 40 organized civil society groups have been strengthened, 100 leaders have been trained, and more than five partnerships have been established through the Kaanbal Suut network.
The second generation of Kaanbal Suut concluded its training process in 2022, with a total of 20 organized groups represented by 34 leaders who strengthened their capacities and enhanced the impact of their organizations. Throughout the year, 32 virtual sessions and two face-to-face meetings were held. Two strategic alliances were established among the Generation 2022 organizations, and three are in development. Through the strengthening received by the 20 Generation 2022 organizations, it is estimated that 2,000 people have indirectly benefited.
Following the success of the first and second versions of the program and with the support of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, a new group of 20 organizations will be selected to strengthen their capacities in 2023.
Allies
Donor: The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Partner: Sureste Sostenible, A.C.