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One thing we know about Rotarians; if there is a problem that needs to be solved, you will find a Rotarian. Over the last century, Rotarians have taken on many problems facing our world, whether its fresh water, literacy, education, food insecurities, and polio eradication. The impact of Rotarians putting their talents and efforts to address these issues and many others has been meaningful and has benefited millions of people in all corners of our globe.So when Rotary added Protecting the Environment as the 7th Rotary Area of Focus, Rotarians did not shrink from this new challenge. In fact, many Rotary clubs were already engaging in environmentally focused projects, like Adopt-A-Highway, recycling events and other clean up days. But with a new Area of Focus, Rotarians have stepped up their game.
Leading the charge in District 7090, IPDG Frank Adamson, conceived a project that would have an impact over many Rotary Districts. The Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup started during a pandemic, is now taking root as one of our best District-wide events. The project aims to have volunteers take on the task of cleaning the shorelines of the Great Lakes and the tributaries that flow into them. Judging by the posts on social media, our district have responded in true Rotarian fashion, getting out, partnering with non-Rotarians, and taking on the challenge of keeping clean our most precious asset: Fresh Water.
Why is this important? The Great Lakes, spanning over 750 miles, has 84% of the supply of surface Fresh water to our countries, and 21% for the entire world, and is home to about 250 species of fish. And as many clubs know, having engaged in fresh water projects all around the world, this resource is so important to our very existence.
What else is there to do to help our environment? From climate change to pollution issues, the problems seem so large; can we as Rotarians truly help? The answer is yes. The answers lie in all clubs doing their part. By taking a big complex, problem, and breaking it down to the more manageable club level projects, we can begin to make the difference in our environment. The projects can be a varied as our clubs can imagine (sounds like a Theme). Do not be afraid to think of projects outside the box.
Here is a sampling of the ideas to consider:
- Protecting and restoring land, coastal, marine, and freshwater resources
- Enhancing the capacity of communities to support natural resource management and conservation
- Supporting sustainable agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture practices
- Addressing the cause of climate change by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases
- Strengthening ecosystems and communities affected by climate change
- Supporting education initiatives that promote behavior that protects the environment
- Advocating for sustainable consumption to build an economy that uses resources more efficiently
- Addressing environmental justice issues and public health concerns
At the Rotary.org website, under Our Causes, you will find a variety of resources to guide your club in selecting projects to help our environment. Some projects are pretty obvious (you may be already doing them), and some are not so obvious, but have incredible long term impacts. As Rotary clubs, and being People of Action, we need to respond to this initiative’s challenge, and help make our world a better place, not only for us, but for those to follow. The how part will be up to your club's “imagination”!