IBChangemakers: ‘Nature connects us; we must not disconnect’

The Service as Action (SAA) component of the IB curriculum nurtures responsibility, empathy, and global citizenship by encouraging students to connect classroom learning with meaningful real-world community engagement. Keep this in mind, the students of MYP-5 at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, for the academic year 2024-25, undertook different projects. Meet Shreya Gupta, whose project on Habitat Loss changed her outlook towards the environment and sustainability. Here’s how.

What motivated you to choose habitat loss as a theme for your SAA project?

I wanted to connect with nature because I feel many people are disconnected from it. I aim to highlight the importance of nature. One day, while standing on my balcony, I saw pigeons sitting on a high-voltage electric cable. Suddenly, one pigeon fell and could not get up. A car ran over it. That incident stayed in my mind and motivated me to work on protecting nature.

While researching this topic, what was the most surprising aspect you discovered?

When I researched habitat loss, I found that many animal and bird species are already extinct, and some are on the verge of extinction. For example, sparrows are disappearing. That concerned me.

How did you engage with your school and teachers while working on this project?

I engaged with my supervisor and discussed my topic with them. I was guided with ideas on how to proceed with the project. One idea was to make a birdhouse. Another was to teach younger students about protecting animals.

What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

The challenges I faced included meeting deadlines, making models, and researching extinct animals and birds, as well as strategies to protect them. I overcame them by using multiple websites for ideas and by making a timetable to complete each step of the project on time.

As a student, what do you think you can realistically do to reduce the impact of habitat loss?

We can keep the environment safe for animals and birds. We should not harm them unnecessarily. We should stop land, air, and water pollution, and reduce plastic use. These steps directly help animals and birds.

How has this project changed the way you look at the environment in your daily life?

I have come closer to nature. I now collect plastics in my area, clean my building surroundings whenever I get time, and give food and water to animals and birds. For example, I feed domestic cats and dogs in my neighbourhood.

In what ways has this project impacted you personally?

This project has given me empathy towards protecting birds and animals. I feel a sense of responsibility in providing for their needs, like food and water. It has also built my leadership skills by encouraging me to spread awareness about animal and bird protection.

Do you see yourself continuing this work beyond the project? If yes, how?

Yes, I want to continue. I will make birdhouses for birds and install them on my balcony. Whenever I see injured animals, I will send them to vets or animal hospitals for treatment.