Remote Construction Process of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Endangered Pollinating Insects

Abstract

The national action plans (PANs) are an important tool for biodiversity conservation of endangered fauna. This work aims to analyze the process of elaboration of the PAN Insect Pollinators, carried out in a virtual format for the first time, in the context of the PANs (due to health restrictions during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic). Specifically, we seek to answer the following questions: 1) What adaptations were developed for the virtual methodology? 2) What results were achieved by remote construction? 3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual environment? 4) How can the virtual format contribute to the next PANs? The methodology was based on online meetings and asynchronous activities, using tools such as forms, digital whiteboards, and shared spreadsheets. After the meetings, evaluation forms were applied to collect the participants' impressions and suggestions of improvements to the method. Overall, the virtual format was well accepted by the participants and it was possible to meet the requirements for the Plan's validation. The participation of a support team with experience in PANs and the availability to prepare the material for virtual meetings proved to be indispensable to achieve the objectives. The virtual format brought advantages, such as low cost, a larger number of contributors, and objectivity regarding the use of time. As disadvantages, we observed less involvement from the participants and less enriching facilitation dynamics. It is worth mentioning that the virtual model developed here for the elaboration of PANs can be used or adapted for future PANs.