By: PHF PP Rtn Rajendrakumar V. Saraf
Environmental Stewardship is defined as being responsible for the quality of the environment for everyone living in it. Environmental stewardship involves conserving natural resources, combating pollution, and protecting biodiversity to sustain our environment for future generations. It encompasses eight key focus areas: environmental education, conservation of natural resources, sustainable use of resources, environmental monitoring, biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, pollution control, and environmental advocacy.
Economic development, coupled with a rising quality of life, has increased both resource consumption and waste generation, resulting in adverse and deteriorating environmental effects. It is therefore crucial that we all become environmental stewards to secure a healthier future.
The concept of environmental stewardship is rooted in three questions: What can I do? What can my family do? What can we do together? One must begin with individual action, extend it to the family, and ultimately engage with society.
1. Conservation of Natural Resources
Natural resources include:
- Biotic: Forests, wildlife, domestic animals, aquatic life
- Abiotic: Water, land, fossil fuels, minerals
- Renewable: Solar, wind, hydropower, biomass
Activities include conserving forests, wildlife, local animal breeds, minerals, water, and energy. Examples: avoiding products made from animal parts, eliminating aluminium foil in kitchens, refraining from using tissue paper and plastic bags, and participating in Rotary UNEP community action for fresh water.
2. Sustainable Management of Natural Resources
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but a loan from our children.” Applying the 7Rs—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Re-gift, Recycle, Repair, and Upcycle—ensures responsible resource use.
3. Environmental Education
Understanding local weather, geography, ecosystems, the life cycle of materials, water cycles, and manufacturing processes helps environmental stewards act knowledgeably and educate others.
4. Environmental Monitoring
Simple techniques can track pollution and resource use:
- Using tape and a magnifying glass to monitor dust
- Measuring rainfall with a water bottle
- Testing water hardness with soap
- Measuring water and energy use at home
- Identifying chemicals in personal care products
5. Ecosystem Restoration
Small actions include:
- Brown leaf mulching
- Installing bird water pots or beehives
- Sustainable tree planting
Group activities: mangrove restoration and organic farming. Example project: My Tree My Kid, where youth grow a plant from seed and care for it for three years after planting.
6. Biodiversity Protection
This includes providing bird nests, supporting pollinators, protecting the food chain, using traditional eco-friendly products, promoting ecotourism, and resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
7. Pollution Control
Everyone must act to:
- Reduce water, carbon, and waste footprints
- Use public transport
- Eliminate food waste
- Buy chemical-free, plant-based products
- Avoid products that contribute to indoor pollution
8. Environmental Advocacy
Once knowledgeable, stewards can:
- Pick up litter and inspire others
- Join riverbank and ocean cleanups
- Promote food conservation
- Lead or support tree-saving campaigns
- Highlight environmentally harmful products
Marking one day a week as “Environment-Friendly Day” can help establish lifelong habits.
Environmental stewards can choose one vertical to study, practice, and promote. A small group of stewards can become a powerful force for change, ensuring a clean, green, and safe environment for future generations.
Environmental stewardship leads to sustainable living—a lifestyle aimed at reducing the use of Earth’s and personal resources. It minimizes environmental impact and ensures a healthy planet for generations to come.
About the Author:
Rtn. Rajendrakumar Saraf is an experienced environmental engineer with several roles in Rotary International, District 3131, and ESRAG, including:
- Mentor, RI District 3131 Supporting the Environment Avenue (2024–2025)
- Director, RI District 3131 Supporting the Environment Avenue (2025–2026)
- Member, The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers – Environment
- Regional Coordinator, Asia Oceania Region, ESRAG Climate Solutions Taskforce
He has trained over 6,500 participants as environmental stewards.
