30 SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities – Team 33

Team Reflection

As we reflect on our COIL project journey, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, we collectively delve into the insights and implications of two AIM2Flourish stories: “Transforming Ocean Trash Into Sustainable Treasures” and “Goodbye Foam and Plastics.” These stories, beyond their immediate context, have sparked a deeper understanding and numerous questions among us, broadening our perspective on the role of businesses in fostering social and environmental good.

Our analysis began by dissecting the stories behind Reef Picks and Green Paper Products. Reef Picks, operating in Isla Verde, Batangas, captivated us with its model of creating sustainable community developments. Their approach of developing eco-friendly tourism activities and supporting local artisans illuminated a path of economic and environmental symbiosis. This led us to ponder its feasibility in Canada, considering the nation’s rich coastal landscapes and the potential for engaging local and indigenous communities in similar sustainable tourism initiatives.

Similarly, Green Paper Products’ innovation in compostable tableware resonated with our growing awareness of plastic waste challenges. Their collaboration with food services to supply compostable packaging seemed particularly relevant to Canada, especially given the country’s increasing environmental consciousness and initiatives to reduce plastic waste.

As we engaged in discussions, we discovered the multifaceted nature of these innovations. While focused on SDG 11, their impact clearly extended to other SDGs – Reef Picks aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through its ocean conservation efforts, and Green Paper Products echoes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) in its sustainable waste management practices.

Our journey through these stories has been both enlightening and challenging. It forced us to rethink the conventional roles ascribed to businesses in society and the extent to which they can contribute to sustainable development goals. We were intrigued by the adaptability of these models to different geographical contexts and their potential scalability.
In our group discussions, we often found ourselves reflecting on how these stories tie into our academic learning. We drew connections to the concepts of sustainability and the triple bottom line, and these real-life examples provided a tangible context to these theories. However, the stories also exposed gaps in our knowledge, especially in understanding the practical challenges of implementing such business models in varying cultural and environmental settings.

Looking forward, we see ourselves as future business leaders, inspired by these stories to integrate sustainability into our business ethos. We agree that businesses play a crucial role in advancing sustainable practices and that this responsibility extends beyond just profit-making.

Throughout this project, we emphasized collaborative learning and task sharing, leveraging our diverse strengths and perspectives. Regular group discussions and an iterative feedback process were key to our approach. However, coordinating across different time zones presented challenges, requiring us to be flexible and proactive in our communication.

In summarizing our experience, we unanimously feel that this project has enriched us, both in terms of practical knowledge and in our approach to understanding the role of businesses in sustainable development. It has broadened our perspectives, and we are now more equipped to approach sustainability challenges with innovative solutions, keeping in mind the broader impact on society and the environment.

In essence, our journey through the COIL project has been transformative, instilling in us a deep appreciation for the role of innovative business practices in achieving sustainability goals. We are motivated to carry these insights into our future careers, committed to fostering sustainable and resilient communities.

Individual Reflections

Seth

Participating in the COIL project as part of a virtual team was an eye-opening journey, both in understanding sustainable development and in learning the art of international collaboration. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds was not only enjoyable but also illuminating. It was fascinating to see how sustainability issues in our own countries bore striking similarities to those in other parts of the world, underscoring the universal nature of these challenges.

The challenge of coordinating across different time zones, requiring multiple meetings to include everyone, was a logistical hurdle but also a lesson in adaptability and effective communication. It highlighted the importance of being flexible and understanding in a multicultural team setting.
What stood out most was the realization that solutions to sustainability challenges can often be transferable across borders. It was intriguing to see how innovative approaches in one country could be adapted and applied domestically. This aspect of the project was particularly enlightening, broadening my perspective on tackling global sustainability issues and the potential of shared knowledge and experiences.

Overall, this experience enriched my understanding of sustainable development and the value of cross-cultural collaboration. It has equipped me with valuable insights into international teamwork and the potential of collective, global efforts in addressing environmental challenges.

Yusuf Al-Khaldi

Engaging in the COIL project has been very eye-opening for me and has offered a lot of insight into sustainable development specifically SDG 11 and international collaboration. Working with a very diverse team has taught me the importance of adaptability and effective communication and has helped me take this experience into my future job as a police officer. It was very fascinating to witness how solutions implemented in one country could be adapted and applied elsewhere across the world! Overall this experience has allowed me to gain knowledge and a deep understanding of sustainable development and the significance of cross-cultural collaboration in driving positive change! If I could I would do this class all over again as it was very fun and enjoyable and I would definitely recommend this class to my mates at the University of Guelph!