Our Systems Maps are at the core of our approach to effectively analyzing and identifying the vision, challenges, and opportunities, from a whole systems perspective, within the region.  We have translated the Osa & Golfito Systems map into an online, publicly accessible, platform below.  This allows stakeholders to access the most current systems map available in real time.

Insert Kumu link here – https://kumu.io/icm/osa

In this map we were able to effectively capture the core vision of the multi-stakeholder groups in a virtuous feedback loop where sustainable enterprises support a regenerative blue/green economy, which then generates local employment and sustainable income, incentivizing local people to take care of the environment and ensure its future health and well being.  One of the main conclusions of this mapping exercise is that pure conservation policies enacted by the government, when paired with the poverty realities of the region, actually exacerbated damage to the ecosystem and reinforced financial resource scarcity. One of the key interventions that people were not previously aware of is the importance of whole systems collective action to reduce fragmentation amongst stakeholders and to enhance effective governance and financing.

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Below is the simplified version of the Osa & Golfito Systems Map. It shows the main causal dynamics among a blue/green economy, healthy ecosystem, thriving community and effective governance, along with key levers in blue and barriers in red.

Figure 2 Simplified Osa & Golfito Systems Map

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Figure 3 shows the simplified Osa Systems Map with an initial systems financing overlay. It hypothesizes how various systems financing instruments in yellow (such as grants, microfinance, social impact bonds, carbon credits, impact investing, ESG screens, and public financing) can be applied collectively to shift the Osa ecosystem into a regenerative green/blue economy. This is obviously a very simplistic and hypothetical view that will be enriched with the detailed effects (positive and negative) of existing or proposed financial interventions and proposed models for new approaches to placing philanthropic and investment capital.  More work needs to be done to further develop what specific financing instruments, investment opportunities, and project profiles are needed on the ground; these are the main objectives of this proposal.

Figure 3 Simplified Osa & Golfito Systems Map with Initial Systems Financing Overlay