30 SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation – CACH

Group Reflection

After completing our project on Cach, S.A, we were able to investigate how our company was able to formulate the plans for clean water in Nicaragua and execute them effectively, as well as sustainably. Throughout our research when exploring innovations that bring good to society, we found that only a very small percentage of the water on earth is potable. This astonishing fact is even more baffling when we put it into context that over 70% of the Earth is made up of water, Water, which is such a necessary element for human existence, a need that is not accessible to 55.52% of Nicaragua (Macrotrends). While current climate goals are mostly emphasized on reducing pollution, and emissions, as well as treating other current issues, we believe there is not enough awareness of the lack of accessibility to water that many countries around the world struggle with. CACH, S.A. has addressed this issue and has provided the world with more glimmering hope that such an imperative element for human survival is equitably accessible across Nicaragua.

Throughout our reflection, we will explain how we were able to successfully work together as a group in order to create a presentation highlighting the sustainability and global actions Cach, S.A is currently doing in Nicaragua. The extensive information that was gained during in class lectures as well as information posted online gave us a strong understanding of the ways in which businesses can be more sustainable. After learning about the 17 Sustainable goals, and how businesses around the world tackle each of the goals in different ways, it was very interesting seeing how a business is achieving these goals in a more in depth way. By being able to analyze a company and get to the roots of their plans and how they expect to achieve them.

We as a team have learned a lot about sustainability throughout the entirety of this project. The cross-country aspect of this project gave us insight on how sustainability in one country may differ from the next. As we look at the company we chose, who is building access to clean water supply for individuals who do not have it, it puts it into perspective of the difference that some businesses are making compared to others.

Accountability is another big topic from our course content, as a lot of times companies will only participate in CSR and sustainability to appear good in public relations. As we have seen first hand with lots of companies in Canada and the USA. On the other hand Cach, S.A is holding themselves and the community accountable by giving members of the community the tools and information necessary to make sure that this clean water does not end up tainted. This is a very important step as action without accountability leads to disaster.

Coming from very diverse backgrounds our members of our group had a decent amount of prior knowledge that did not come from the classroom. The previous knowledge we had about consumers wanting to choose businesses that are sustainable, gave us a good idea on why Cach, S.A was able to be very successful. 77% of consumers are more willing to buy products from a company with a CSR pledge. (Forbes, 2020) The impact of our CACH, S.A on the community and surrounding individuals was so great that they continue to grow and get more clients everyday. It has proven to us that this background knowledge that we had on consumers wanting to support businesses that are working towards bettering the world and creating a sustainable future is true.

When completing a project with students across the world, there are a lot of unforeseen challenges, some of those include planning and time management. One thing that worked very well for us was the ability to work on our group assignment at different times. As we were able to have the freedom to work on the projects given to us on our own time, we eliminated the need for some students to stay up super late or wake up at odd times in order to make things work. Another thing that worked for us was having one of the group members translate the interview into english . At first this was a challenge, as the company that was chosen did not speak english. We were able to overcome this by doing the interview in Spanish, and then translating to English, and then deciphering the information and creating a story. Our entire group was open to exploring new ideas and researching further into the sustainability actions that companies are taking all across the world. By having such a strong group and an incredible company to interview, we found a lot of things ended up working out as we were all willing to put in the work.

To conclude our reflection, we would like to emphasize the importance that the company we chose (Cach, S.A) has on the communities in which it creates access to clean water. We believe that the information that we learned in class as well as the previous knowledge that we have gained from real world experiences, helped us immensely as we worked through this project. Seeing first hand that a company that is very sustainable and is using its business for the better good of society can succeed on a high level. This proved to us that all companies around the world are capable of doing so. Working alongside members of our group from different countries showed us the challenges and rewards that come along with this project. The issue of sustainability is one that all companies should be looking to fix. There is only one world, and we believe that the saying “business as a force for good”, is one that should take precedence over things such as maximum profit for shareholders.

Individual Reflections

Aline: In this digitalized world we have become even more connected, and the things that once seemed impossible are now possible through the magic of technology and collaboration. I have personally grown and learned a little more from this experience when dealing with unforeseen instances, managing diverse teams, and inspiring autonomy and creativity. As a team we all try our best to collaborate, it is easy to do so when we see each other constantly and are aware of what we need to get done, the key to this is communication. Being in communication of what has happened, and what will happen allows us as a team to be in tune with our mission and what deficits we may be able to cover. And of course, listening plays a major role in this communication. One must be able to truly listen to a team and ensure that we all have a clear understanding of what is being said. I am truly thankful that I have team members who have supported each other, offered solutions, and are quick to stay on top of our major goals. I truly hope that this experience can be translated on a larger scale so that the people who need to be inspired by innovation and positive entrepreneurship can hear these stories and serve as a reminder that we can make positive change. Climate change is a global issue, it is something that affects everyone, and so, everyone must collaborate to create a positive change and bring hope to future generations to create good.

Eric: As this project is wrapping up, the things that I have learned will be valuable to me in my future academic and business career. Sustainability is a very global issue and the ways in which each country and city tackles it are very different. The company that we chose holds them to a very high standard when it comes to their sustainable goals and holding their team accountable for the work they do. They not only give clean water to companies, but they also give them the knowledge to maintain this water supply and teach the individuals how to ensure the water is sustainable. Being from multiple different countries was a tough task to manage, as we had to find times that worked for each of us with different time zones, as well as conduct an interview in a different language. These barriers were tough to overcome, but our group worked diligently to achieve our end result. By working in this setting it has better prepared me for the future, where I will be in meetings with clients or co workers across the world and give me a better understanding on how to conduct international business. The story also showed me what all businesses should be doing to re-enforce sustainability. When a company puts their resources to good use, it can achieve amazing sustainable solutions to complex problems. All businesses should be held to the highest standard when it comes to sustainability as global warming and climate change are a massive issue that needs to be tackled by everyone, no matter the country.

Edna: Embarking on this cross-cultural project has been a transformative journey, teaching me valuable lessons in adaptability, effective communication, and the boundless possibilities that technology and collaboration bring to our interconnected world. At first I was nervous to see how this project would go, as you are with all new experiences, working with a diverse team spread across the globe. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the seamless connection we established from the first meetings. This experience not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but was also an enriching experience providing us with multifaceted learning. It emphasized the importance of sustainable business practices, showcasing the collective power we possess to effect positive change for the future. Throughout this experience, I witnessed personal growth, recognizing the significance of infusing passion into our work and most importantly saw the crucial role of communication in achieving shared goals. I am beyond grateful for my teammates who offered support, proposed innovative solutions, and remained committed to our objectives. As we
navigate the complexities of climate change, the project really demonstrated the necessity for collaboration, instilling hope and inspiration for a future where individuals and businesses collectively contribute to a more sustainable world.

Endiah: This project really inspired and motivated me to focus more on sustainability related to different businesses around the world. Sustainability plays an important role in our daily lives which makes it even more important to have a sustainable business. Businesses and people who care about our planet help protect the biodiversity of our planet. I absolutely loved the company that we chose, CACH. S.A. I was very inspired by how this organization helps provide sanitation services for different people who don’t have clean water. This made me realize that even though one person can’t change the world, each person can help make an impact. When we have everyone make an impact, that will collectively help change the world. In our group, there were people from different countries and we all had different perspectives. Having a diverse group really helped us form many ideas and it was very easy for all of us to express what we thought. This has impacted me to research more about international business. I am interested in traveling around the world and meeting different people to discuss sustainability within businesses. I really hope that I am able to do this project again in the future.