By Chris Stein, Chair of ESRAG’s Pollinator Task Force
On my daily walk through the St. Paul skyways (Minnesota, USA), I pass one of those “Pass It On” signs. One in particular features Nelson Mandela with the quote: “What can one person do?” As a Rotarian—and as Chair of ESRAG’s Pollinator Task Force—it always makes me think, “What can one club or district do to help pollinators?”
As many Rotarians now know, pollinator decline is a critical global environmental issue. Over 85% of plants on the planet require insect pollination for reproductive success, yet pollinators have declined by more than 40% in just the past fifty years. If this trend continues, we must all ask ourselves: What kind of world are we leaving for our children?
Some of the helpful “Operation Pollination Challenge” materials that were developed by Rotary District 6650 in eastern Ohio.
Here’s what just four Rotarians—with the support of their incredible teams—have done to tackle this challenge:
- In Minnesota, USA (District 5960)
Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula of the Fridley/Columbia Heights Rotary Club launched Operation Pollination projects in her community. With support from local foundations, the club created flower beds, a community garden (open to all), and has hosted an annual Monarch Festival for the past three years. - In District 4130, Northeast Mexico
District Governor Nominee David Eaton transported a butterfly statue—symbolizing the monarch butterfly—along its migratory route through Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Travelling by planes, trains, and automobiles, the statue raised awareness of monarch decline and over $150,000 for habitat conservation. - In Ohio, USA (District 6650)
District Governor Elayne Bozick launched an “Operation Pollination Challenge” as her signature initiative, encouraging all district clubs to take on a pollinator project. Her team developed a resource packet to make it easy for others to replicate their success. - Across France and Neighboring Nations
Past District Governor Pascal Quinty is leading a multi-district campaign called “Buy Flowers and Save Bees.” Involving all 22 Rotary districts in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra, and Monaco, the campaign has raised funds through rose bush sales to build beehives and hornet traps. They’ve even sold the honey from these hives!
These efforts show that one person—with a passionate team—can accomplish a great deal. Like the individuals above, your club or district can support pollinators in a way that fits your interests and capacity. It can be simple. The key is just to begin.
Visit Operation Pollination to start your journey.
