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

Learn more

Tiny solar lamps spotlight the urgency of energy transition

Tiny solar lamps spotlight the urgency of energy transition

Sep 1, 2024

by Ariel Miller, ESRAG Newsletter Editor Solar Light Campaign striving to Leave Noone Behind Buffalo, NY, September, 2024: Founded by American Rotarian Sarah Baird, a small nonprofit is leveraging $15 solar lights into a campaign to convince global stakeholders to...

A Brief History of ESRAG

A Brief History of ESRAG

Aug 30, 2024

By Karen Kendrick-Hands and Paul Riehemann ESRAG's journey Paul Riehemann, Past President, and Karen Kendrick-Hands, Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin, U.S., District 6250, co-founded the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), a journey that began...

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.

LEARN MORE

Pollinators

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

LEARN MORE

Watersheds, Rivers, Oceans

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

LEARN MORE

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: Wet waste management - Benefits and Challenges
    Speaker: Dr. Suneet Dabke
    Topic: Composting
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
    More info
    ESRAG Seminar: Textile Stewardship and Legislation
    Speaker: Joanne Brasch
    Topic: circular textile economy
    (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
    More info
    VIEW ALL EVENTS