Bounce beyond use the Three Horizons framework as an entry point to developing transformation pathways within the context of systems change.

Summary of Use:

In this example, we worked with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Latin America region within their Belize, Guatemala and Mexico teams.

The system in focus was the Selva Maya and MesoAmerican Reef – an ecologically and culturally rich region facing a number of systemic challenges. TNC has a vision of facilitating systems change within the region, to ensure that not only the natural environments flourish through numerous conservation efforts, but also that the socio-economic system has a radical new perspective and connection to nature. Bounce Beyond worked alongside two dozen leaders within TNC’s regional teams to undertake a systems change exploration, informed by a deep Three Horizons discovery.

Use Experience:

The Three Horizons is a phenomenal entry point into complex systems change work. It provides a language that immediately lands with participants, across languages. It holds the space for deep explorations and transformation – especially when coupled with other models such as Theory U.

We rarely find challenges with the framework itself, but rather how one sets it up and positions it in the context of the work. We find the wording of the data collecting survey question to be crucial. One element that we feel could be adapted is within the space of H3 – in how we really encourage participants to step away from their current way of thinking and being, and think into the emergence of a radical, uncertain future. We feel that scenarios could be introduced into this.

Scoping Statement:

We did not use a scoping statement specifically, but I have suggested what a scoping statement may have looked like below:

1.To explore what systems change looks and feels like within the Selva Maya and MesoAmerican Reef, and to foster action and innovation towards this.

2.The people convened for this work were leaders within The Nature Conservancy throughout Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico – all bringing diverse perspectives and a deep knowledge of the region. The outputs are to be used to radically shift TNC’s approach to leadership and conservation within the Selva Maya and MesoAmerican Reef.

3.The output of this project will increase TNC’s capacity within the three countries in focus to lead systems change work and facilitate action amongst diverse stakeholders.

Find out more:

Find out more about the project, including the use of Three Horizons, here.