43 SDG 15 – Life on Land – Team 43

Team Reflection

As a team, our discussions and exploration of sustainability, business innovation, and storytelling have been incredibly insightful and thought-provoking. Delving into the concepts of Restorex and its mission to promote sustainability through furniture restoration, Education which seeks to care for the environment and community through education, Ski for a Benefit which thins out trees to reduce the risk of wildfires, Me & the Bees and Honesty Honey which protects the bees and combats climate change, all these have sparked conversations about the tangible actions businesses can take to contribute positively to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like Life on Land (SDG 15). The stories of these businesses underscores the importance of accountability in business operations. It also highlights how businesses can create value not only financially but also socially and environmentally. This aligns with the triple bottom line framework, which emphasizes the need for businesses to measure success beyond profits and consider their impact on people and the planet.

Our exploration of the Appreciative Inquiry process has highlighted the power of focusing on what works well and celebrating successes in sustainability initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within businesses. Not only did we gain a deeper appreciation for cultural differences and how they influence approaches to sustainability and business innovation, but we also recognized the value of collaboration and shared learning, as we exchanged ideas, perspectives, and experiences to deepen our understanding of these complex topics. Understanding the cultural context of Kenya, Spain, and Canada helped us recognize the diverse challenges, priorities, and opportunities in promoting sustainable practices. The discussions in our course around accounting for sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility also provided us with the foundation through which we navigated these topics.

Through coursework focused on teamwork and collaboration, we developed essential skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, and consensus-building. By using these skills, we were able to effectively distribute tasks according to our various strengths. Though the time differences were challenging and it was a bit difficult to meet at a time that worked for all, everyone’s commitment to the activity and positive attitude helped get us through.

Moving forward, we are inspired to apply these insights and lessons learned to our future endeavors, whether it’s in academic projects, professional endeavors, or personal initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and responsible business practices. Our collective reflection has reinforced our commitment to driving positive change and making a meaningful impact on our communities and the environment.

Individual Reflection

Setor
This COIL activity has been an exciting and fun experience. By exploring the different Sustainable Development Goals with my team, I have learnt the tangible impact that innovative approaches can have on addressing environmental challenges in relation to our different cultures/countries. The Appreciative Inquiry process and its application in highlighting positive examples of sustainability initiatives has also deepened my understanding of how businesses can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the discussions on student-authored stories have highlighted the importance of research, critical thinking, and effective communication in driving meaningful change. Overall this has been an enlightening experience not only because of the new knowledge gained from exploring the various SDGs but also in the new friends acquired.