THEME

Biodiversity

The term biodiversity (from “biological diversity”) refers to the
variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems,
and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural
processes that sustain life.

WHAT IS IT?

Biodiversity at ESRAG

How does biodiversity benefit humanity?

Earth’s biodiversity, now suffering catastrophic losses because of human activity, is essential for human communities to survive and thrive. We depend entirely on nature’s ability to provide us with ecosystem services. Here are some examples. Indigenous plants capture water for our aquifers, keep soil fertile, and prevent erosion. Healthy, unpolluted watersheds protect our drinking water. Terrestrial and marine forests sequester carbon and defend us from drought, heat, sea-level rise, and storm damage. A huge share of the human food supply depends on pollinators, and mangroves and coral reefs provide the habitat for our fisheries. Protecting wild habitats from human encroachment reduces our risk of pandemics.

BIODIVERSITY

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Take Action on Biodiversity

Through ESRAG, you will discover an array of projects through which Rotarians are protecting biodiversity and advancing many other Rotary humanitarian goals including safe water, community economic development, and health. Examples include regenerative farming, watershed restoration, river clean-ups, planting trees to rebuild soil and provide food, and pollinator gardens.  Some of these projects advance resilience and generate new sources of income for communities. For example mangrove projects buffer storms and generate carbon offset credit revenue which communities can use for other needs like education or health care. 

Operation Pollination

Operation Pollination enables and encourages Rotarians to engage in pollinator protection and education projects.

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Pollinators

The Pollinator Task Force empowers and equips Rotarians to protect pollinators and educate about their importance.

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Watersheds, Rivers, Oceans

Cleaning the Rivers of the World provides support, leadership, and
fellowship for its members and…

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BIODIVERSITY IMPACT

Resources

ESRAG’s biodiversity theme brings together their
“Life on Earth” activities into one cohesive unit.

What does life on Earth cover?

This Biodiversity covers four great realms that can be visualized in the diagram below.

Biodiversity of Life

Seeking to slow and stop further loss of species

Ecosystem Restoration

Seeking to restore ecosystem services of the web of life

Sustainable Production

Seeking to produce and harvest resources efficiently

Environmental Resilience

Seeking to establish a sustainable balance between humans and biodiversity

Mission

In keeping with the mission for all Rotary Action Groups, the mission of ESRAG’s Biodiversity Task Force is to explore the different avenues of service that are available to the Rotary Family, and specifically to be engaged with projects for Supporting the Environment.

Primary Actions

The three primary actions are to:

  1. PROVIDE EDUCATION: we need to provide the best understanding of nature, the best management practices for sustainability, and the best interrelationship between humanity and the life on Earth that supports our daily existence.
  2. BUILD PARTNERSHIPS and SPONSORSHIPS: there is a multitude of organizations at all levels of society that are actively engaged in supporting “Life on Earth”, some will be our collaborators and cooperators, others will seek our volunteer support, and others will be seeking to support us.  The opportunities are endless.
  3. TRACK OUR PROGRESS: In ESRAG we call this Project Impact Reporting (PIR). This is not only the place to showcase our Rotary Action stories but also to monitor our progress on Effective Conservation, asking the question “How well are we doing?” and being able to have an evidence-based answer.
    BIODIVERSITY

    Featured Events

    ESRAG Seminar: RAG for Community Economic Development
    Speaker: Nilam Bedi, James Louttit
    Topic: Rotary Action Group on Community Economic Development: How it works and how it can support Rotary's environmental objectives
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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    Plastic Cafe
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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    Test for Oceania
    (GMT+10:00) Australia Eastern Time(Sydney,Melbourne,Guam)
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    Minga Mundial por el Agua
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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    Eden Prairie Eco Expo
    Topic: The Eco Expo include 45+ organizations with Eco-Friendly products, services, and focus. The event runs from 10AM to 6PM at the Eden Prairie Center Mall in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
    (GMT-06:00) Central Standard Time
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    ESRAG Seminar: WASH Rotary Action Group
    Speaker: K. Neil Van Dine
    Topic: WASH Rotary Action Group links water and sanitation to improved hygiene, better health, and empowerment of the community.
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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    Clean Energy Transition
    Speaker: Dr. Fatih Birol and Pat Merryweather-Arges
    Topic: Clean Energy Transition: The Climate Landscape and Momentum of Clean Energy
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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    ESRAG Seminar: Increasing Coastal Ecosystem Biodiversity
    Speaker: Tom Goreau
    Topic: Increasing coastal ecosystem biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem services with low voltage electrical fields.
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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    Rotary Day at UNESCO Conference
    Topic: Rotary Day at UNESCO Conference in Paris
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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    ESRAG Seminar: How AI is helping prevent fires
    Speaker: Dave Rice
    Topic: How AI is helping prevent fires and promote sustainability
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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    ESRAG Seminar: Trash ‘N’ Fashion Show Costa Rica
    Speaker: Joshua Fabricio Céspedes Campos
    Topic: Sustainable fashion with recycled garments, which raises awareness about the importance of preserving the environment
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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