Last Thursday I got the opportunity to partake in a remarkable trip to the International Water Management Institute in Sri Lanka, where I had the privilege of attending an enlightening two-hour presentation on waste management, water management, and sustainable practices.

This presentation was a treasure trove of knowledge that was open to students studying biology, chemistry, and ESS, as well as those who were part of the ECO-schools and recycling service groups. What made this trip an exceptional experience was that the presentation was delivered by one of my classmates’ dads, Pay Dreschel. This made the experience even more engaging and meaningful, as we were able to hear firsthand about the work being done at the institute and how it related to the topics we were studying in class.

During the presentation, we were introduced to a myriad of projects undertaken by the institute to improve water and waste management in Sri Lanka. We were also made aware of the importance of sustainable practices in energy use, as well as the impact different fertilizers can have on the environment. As a student studying chemistry HL, this knowledge was particularly fascinating to me, as it deepened my understanding of sustainable practices and the impact of various fertilizers on the environment.

As a member of the ECO-schools service group, this trip was an incredibly eye-opening experience. We were given the opportunity to witness firsthand how waste is managed in Sri Lanka, and how products are being recycled to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This experience gave me a newfound appreciation for the importance of sustainable practices and their impact on the environment and the communities they serve.

All in all, this trip to the International Water Management Institute in Sri Lanka was a shining example of the IBDP’s emphasis on experiential learning and engagement with real-world issues. It provided a unique opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of sustainability and the impact of human activity on the environment. It also allowed me to bond with my classmates and gain new insights into how we can make a positive difference in the world through responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Learning Objectives:

LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

During the presentation at the International Water Management Institute in Sri Lanka, we were able to engage with real-world issues such as waste management, water management, and sustainable practices. By participating in the lecture, we gained a better understanding of the challenges that the modern world faces in moving towards a circular economy. We learned about the different projects undertaken by the institute to aid in water and waste management in Sri Lanka. Additionally, we recognized the conflict in making these solutions economically viable in modern society.

LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Through our participation in the presentation, we gained a greater awareness of the ethical implications of our choices and actions. We learned how our actions as consumers can have a significant impact on the overall economy, especially in terms of how our actions can make a positive impact in making our country ecologically clean. We were able to understand the importance of spreading awareness, engaging in clean-ups, being environmentally aware of our purchases, and other actions that contribute to responsible environmental stewardship. This experience allowed us to consider the ethical implications of our choices and actions, and how we can make a positive difference in the world through sustainable practices.