By Emily Crunican – Staff Photographer

Back in May of 2023, I was fortunate to receive a certificate in Water Resource Management and Sustainable Practices, a program hosted by The Green Program (TGP) in Peru. This opportunity was made possible thanks to Bishop’s Exceptional Student Talent (BEST) Project Fund. The BEST Project Fund is a gift donation by an anonymous alumni, and is considered to be the “premiere experiential learning opportunity at Bishop’s” according to the university website. This funding assists students to “determine their career paths and realize their ambitions.”

TGP is based out of the United States, with programs in Iceland, Nepal, Belize and Peru. Their mission is “to educate and empower future sustainability leaders through experiential education, responsible travel and adventure.”

In Peru, our days were split up between class and fieldwork. Our in-class lectures at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola covered the topics of Peruvian diversity, past and present local water management practices, environmental concerns in Peru, climate change and renewable energy and sustainable development in the Peruvian context. Throughout the two weeks I spent there, we were also working in groups on our capstone projects. 

During our numerous field trips, we visited the Huatanay River, right in the town of Cusco, and saw first-hand the impacts of pollution in the river on the surrounding environment and community. We also visited a local water treatment facility, surveyed ancient Incan aqueducts at an archaeological site and collected data for a geographic information system.

We visited the renowned Machu Picchu and toured a bio-waste facility. After speaking with the engineers there, we gained insights into the different initiatives aiming to preserve this wonder of the world, considering the challenges posed by littering and pollution within the area.

The next day, we took a train to Ollantaytambo. From there, we rode ATVs to our next class at Huaypo Plan Meriss, where we learned about the surrounding farms that the lake provides irrigation for. 

One of our projects was completed in Choco, where the community included us in the installation process of an irrigation line that would service many farms and greenhouses in the community. It was incredible and rewarding to see the water finally flow out of the line after all the hard work. Engaging with this community was an amazing experience, knowing that we participated in a project that would have a lasting impact. It was also incredible to hear first-hand stories from locals regarding their experience farming in Peru.

During my time in Peru, I made great friends and lasting connections with people in my field of interest and learned valuable lessons about water management and sustainability. My time in Peru further fuelled my love for environmental studies and sustainable agriculture and has ultimately given me certainty that this is the field of work I want to pursue a career in. 

Any student who has an idea for an experiential learning opportunity is encouraged to check out the BEST Project Fund. Applications are due in January 2024. More information can be found at https://www.ubishops.ca/future-students/fees-and-funding/scholarships-awards-bursaries/b-e-s-t project-fund/.