By Alphonse George & Blany Pinto for BIS Mumbai

Twenty-eight students and seven staff members from four schools gathered at Don Bosco Lonavla on July 27- 28, 2026 with a clear purpose: to confront environmental challenges and turn concern into action. This is part of Don Bosco Lonavla’s efforts at EI-Environmental Intelligence Integral Ecology initiative. 

The two-day workshop on Integral Ecology, animated by Fr Savio Silveira (International Coordinator Integral Ecology-Youth Ministry, Salesians of Don Bosco), challenged participants to look beyond headlines and examine their own role in shaping the future of their town.

Fr Silveira opened the programme with a direct question: “What are some of the environmental issues faced by Lonavla?” Participants identified concerns affecting the town and its surroundings. He then pushed the discussion further, inviting them to reflect on how their daily habits and choices might contribute to those problems.

The conversation revealed a powerful insight. Environmental damage is caused not only by industries and governments but also by everyday actions. Participants recognised the impact of single-use plastics, wastage of water and electricity, excessive consumption, and improper disposal of waste.

Moving from the local to the national picture, Fr Silveira outlined five major environmental challenges facing India: air pollution, water pollution, climate change, poor waste management, and biodiversity loss. He highlighted how air pollution from vehicle emissions, industries, and the burning of fossil fuels affects human health, especially that of children. He explained how water pollution limits access to safe drinking water and contributes to waterborne diseases. He pointed to climate change as a driver of extreme heat, irregular rainfall, floods, droughts, and changing monsoon patterns that affect agriculture, water availability, livelihoods, and health. He also noted that poor waste management pollutes soil and groundwater, while biodiversity loss weakens ecosystems and threatens many species.

On the second day, the focus shifted from problems to solutions. Participants explored the UNESCO framework for Green Schools, a whole-institution approach to Education for Sustainable Development built on four dimensions: School Governance, Facilities and Operations, Teaching and Learning, and Community Engagement.

The challenge was practical. Each school identified five initiatives under each dimension, recorded them on charts, and explained how these actions could strengthen both the school and the wider community.

Reflecting on the workshop, Yuga Padwal, Eco-Captain of Auxilium School, said the programme gave her “a clearer understanding of environmental challenges” and inspired her to help make Lonavla cleaner and greener. Maira Masuldar of Kaivalya Vidya Niketan expressed gratitude for the opportunity and hoped to share what she had learned with her family, friends, and fellow students.

The programme concluded with a shared commitment to build Green Schools through practical action, collaboration, and care for our common home.