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
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.

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

Watersheds, Rivers, Oceans
Cleaning the Rivers of the World provides support, leadership, and
fellowship for its members and…
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
BIODIVERSITY
Featured Events

Speaker: Mike Bergey, Alice Hoffman
Topic: Two seasoned renewable energy experts will discuss how small wind can be cost competitive as the primary power source or through multi-technology solutions.
August 19th 2022 at 8:45 am (GMT-06:00) Central Standard Time
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Speaker: Nilam Bedi, May O'Brien, Christopher Puttock, Salvador Rico, Mina Venkatamaran
Topic: The goal of this Global Grant Workshop is to guide prospective applicants through the steps from the initial idea of a project to being awarded a Global Grant for Environment Area of Focus.
August 20th 2022 at 12:00 pm (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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Speaker: Lis Mullin Bernhardt, Barry Rassin, Dr. Chris King, C. Mark Eakin, Vic Grosjean
Topic: Sustainable development to transform our world.
September 1st - September 6th 2022 at 8:00 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Standard Time(PuertoRicoandUSVirginIslandsTime)
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Speaker: Jim Ippolito, Roy Pfaltzgraff, Lisa Eash, Steve Fonte, Pankaj Trivedi
Topic: soil biology, cover crops, tillage pros and cons
September 10th 2022 at 3:00 pm (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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Speaker: Nancy Pelosi, Nuria Fernandez, several transportation & energy experts
Topic: strategies for green transportation, liveable cities, clean energy now and in the future
September 10th 2022 at 4:00 pm (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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Speaker: Paul Watson, Steve Bender, Lori Cloutier, Salvador Rico, John Mathers
Topic: Learn about the crucial link between water and planetary health, and how we each can become an ambassador for clean and healthy water.
September 10th - September 11th 2022 at 4:30 pm (GMT +00.00) Greenwich Mean Time (Dublin)
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Speaker: Laurie Zuckerman, Ilarion (Larry Merculieff), Carey Gillam
Topic: Connecting the World through Sustainability
November 3rd - November 5th 2022 at 8:00 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska Standard Time(Alaska)
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BIODIVERSITY
Featured Projects
Projects surrounding biodiversity.