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

Eating for Earth: How a Plant-Rich Diet Protects Biodiversity

Eating for Earth: How a Plant-Rich Diet Protects Biodiversity

May 11, 2025

By Joan Marie Gagnon In recent years, the call to adopt more sustainable lifestyles has grown louder, with one particularly appetizing solution taking centre stage: embracing a plant-rich diet. Beyond the well-documented health benefits, such dietary choices play a...

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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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: Unused lever in nature protection - Storytelling
    Speaker: Markus Gilles

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    ESRAG Seminar: Simple Solutions for Complex Global Issues
    Speaker: Nancy Economou
    Topic: literacy, poverty, solar power, renewables

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    ESRAG Seminar: Textile Stewardship and Legislation
    Speaker: Joanne Brasch
    Topic: sustainability and circular economy

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    ESRAG Seminar: Partners for environmental project in Zimbabwe
    Speaker: Guity Javid and Brian Gower
    Topic: Regenerative Agriculture, tree planting and ecosystem services.

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