At La Mano del Mono we believe that true transformations are born when people, ideas and purposes are connected. This is how, through the Mexico Accelerator Programme (MAP) -an initiative of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship y New Ventures Mexico-we had the opportunity to collaborate with Christian BuggeIKEA Mexico's Marketing and Public Relations leader, to strengthen the development of Reserva Naturaour sustainable management software for natural areas.
During the program, we were one of 50 social enterprises selected to receive strategic mentoring from IKEA co-workers. In our case, that guidance came from Chris, who brought not only his marketing expertise, but also his genuine enthusiasm for conservation and strategic vision.
"I am very interested in protecting nature and the impact tourism can have on it. When Mau explained the project to me, I knew I wanted to be part of it."shared Chris during a chat we had to reflect on this collaboration.
What is Reserva Natura?
Reserva Natura is a digital software that allows visitors to book tourist experiences in natural areas, while generating income for their conservation. It not only improves tourism management, but also combats over-tourism and allows decision-making based on real-time data. It is currently in operation in two reserves: one in northern Mexico for whale watching and the other in Michoacán, in the monarch butterfly sanctuary.
Thanks to the guidance of Chris and the IKEA team, we learned to clearly distinguish between the two key components of Reserva Natura: on the one hand, the software as a service (SaaS) for visitor management, and on the other hand, the marketplace to promote regenerative experiences. This strategic clarity has allowed us to move forward with greater focus and efficiency.
"Chris helped us see that we needed fireworks on one side and impact points on the other."Mau recalls with a smile, alluding to the metaphor with which they managed to separate and enhance each part of the project.
A two-way relationship
The most valuable thing about this type of program is not only the technical knowledge, but also the human relationship that is built. For us, collaborating with someone like Chris meant having a mirror from a great company, but also an ally who believes in what we do and encourages us to continue growing.
And for Chris, the experience was just as enriching:
"Collaborating with social entrepreneurs gives you perspective. It's inspiring to see people really driven by purpose. These kinds of partnerships remind us why we do what we do."
MAP: Social enterprises and great allies
The Mexico Accelerator Programme (MAP) showed us that it is possible to connect different worlds -the corporate and the social- around the same objective: to create a positive impact. Through this program, we not only strengthened our technological proposal, but also reaffirmed the power of strategic alliances to care for our environment and improve the quality of life of the communities that inhabit it.
From Mexico to the world, we continue to work so that more natural areas have tools that allow their conservation, sustainable use and connection with responsible visitors.
Want to learn more about Reserva Natura and how we are transforming tourism in Mexico and Latin America?
We invite you to follow us in our social networks and explore more about our work 👉 www.lamanodelmono.org
