There is a new collaboration between the United Nations Environment Programme and Rotary. Through this partnership, Rotarians are encouraged to clean up, protect, and monitor their local waterways. The strategic partnership aligns with both the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Rotary’s environment area of focus.

 

The partnership “brings together Rotary’s community-based solutions and UNEP’s technical expertise,” RI President-elect Stephanie Urchick said when announcing the partnership in January. 

 

At the center of the partnership is a program enabling Rotary and Rotaract clubs to make commitments to the health of their own nearby waterways. Called “Community Action for Fresh Water,” the program encourages clubs to organize river cleanup days, raise awareness in their communities about the importance of healthy waterways, conduct basic water quality tests, and report their findings.

 

These locally based activities are crucial to protecting the environment on a global scale, says Rafael Peralta, regional director and representative for the UNEP’s office for North America.

 

To participate, Rotary and Rotaract clubs can identify a local body of water (river, lake, wetland, or natural reservoir) and commit to protecting and restoring it. They can then engage with the local community and other relevant groups to identify any major threats to the body of water and ultimately develop a plan of action in coordination with nongovernmental organizations, private enterprises, or government agencies.

 

If your club is interested in learning more, and perhaps adopting a waterway in your area, you can reach out to the District Environmental Sustainability Team for some guidance.

 

 

The District Pilot Pollinator Garden at Camp Edmar in the Kutztown area is thriving. The Kutztown Rotary Club led an effort on the Rotary Day of Service to remove leaves and weeds from the garden beds. It appears that all 130 plants survived the winter with no frost, deer, or rabbit damage. Our fingers are crossed that the bees and other pollinator insects will show up soon.

 

 

A big thank you to all the Rotarians around our District who participated in an environmental project this spring. Your work to clean up our communities, plant trees, and create pollinator gardens grows every year.  The District Environmental Sustainability Team appreciates all the work you do. We’re looking for more Rotarians to join our team. Please consider it.

 

Terry Reed

District Environmental Sustainability Chair

 

 

In the wake of a devastating crisis in Ukraine, a beacon of hope emerged from an unexpected collaboration between Rotary districts. It all began nearly two years ago, during the Zone 28/32 Conference in Toronto, where four past governor classmates initiated a dialogue that would set the stage for a remarkable journey of impact!

Aware of the opportunity provided through The Rotary Foundation Disaster Grants program, the idea of pooling resources to maximize aid took shape. With the enthusiastic support of then DG Len and Foundation Chair Cindy, the ambitious goal of securing a grant of $100,000, was set in motion. Pooling efforts with other districts, the collective strength amplified their impact. District 7430, though its contribution seemed modest, played a crucial role in making the full impact possible.

As the grant unfolded, tangible results began to surface. A mobile water filtration system, AQUASET-RO 1000, was acquired directly from the supplier. Medical and dental supplies, along with essential winter clothing, were procured and transported to Ukraine, reaching thousands in need.

The thermal clothing, in particular, proved invaluable in the harsh winter, providing comfort and protection to those enduring the bitter cold. Meanwhile, the water purification unit brought safe drinking water to villages between Mykolaiv and Kherson, benefiting thousands of residents.

Borys Bodnar, a Ukrainian Rotary member, attested to the significance of these efforts, emphasizing how the thermal clothing and water purification system were instrumental in sustaining communities through ongoing hardships.

Tony Preston, the project coordinator echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the undeniable success of the project, evidenced by the overwhelming demand for aid. While the exact number of lives touched may never be fully quantified, the impact undoubtedly spans tens of thousands, with countless individuals receiving crucial medical care and comfort during their time of need.

Through collaboration and unwavering dedication, Rotary districts came together to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. This story stands as a testament to the power of connection in Rotary and taking collective action in the spirit of humanitarianism.