District 7430 Environmental Sustainability
                      
Caring for our environment is now Rotary’s 7th Area of Focus, and presents a very exciting challenge for clubs to tackle on a local, regional, national, and international level.
 
Rotary members are addressing environmental issues the way they always do: coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy, and planning for the future.
 
In June 2020, The Rotary Foundation Trustees and the Rotary International Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the Environment as Rotary’s 7th Area of Focus.  Rotary supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance environmental sustainability, and foster harmony between people and the environment.
 
District 7430 has quickly committed to this area of focus. Efforts are being led by the District’s Environmental Sustainability Team. 
 
Rotarians and their community partners around the globe are taking action in:
 
  • 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
 
RECENT NEWS                                                    
 
CALENDAR
February 7, 2024
ESRAG Meeting
Rotary International at COP28
Register online at: https://esrag.org/event/
 
April 20, 2024
Rotary Day of Service - A Focus on the Environment
club environmental projects throughout the District
 
April 26, 27, 28, 2024
Environmental Exhibit at District Conference
Bethlehem, PA
 
April 27
Environmental Breakout Session
District Conference
Bethlehem, PA
 
May 24, 2024
WASH Rotary Action Group
World Water Summit 16 - Sustainable Sanitation - we can't wait
 
 
 
CLUB ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD
 
Many Rotary Clubs have already appointed a Club Environmental Lead or champion, someone who is interested in the environment and is willing to organize environmental projects within the local community and be a local advocate for Protecting the Environment.
 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT IDEAS for ROTARY CLUBS 
 
 
GRANTS AVAILABLE for ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS
DISTRICT GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR THE ROTARY YEAR 2024-2025 ARE DUE MARCH 31, 2024
 
Your club is encouraged to apply for a District Grant to help fund an environmental sustainability project in your community.  The Grants Committee can help you with the application.
 
Your club may also consider working on a project with a Rotary club from another area of the world.  Clubs are being encouraged by The Rotary Foundation to apply for Global Grants for activities that protect or restore the environment.
 
RESOURCES
 
Team Members, Mission, and Purpose
 
 
 
Environmental Resources for Rotary Clubs
Organizations that can act as an informational resource or partner for environmental projects and activities.
 
Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) is the group of Rotarians who were instrumental in getting “Supporting The Environment” recognized as an Area of Focus. Their experience, expertise, and organization are great resources for Rotarians.
 
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Rotary Action Group (WASHRAG) supports and ensures sustainable long-lasting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to communities in need.
 
Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species (RAGES) supports worldwide initiatives to protect and save endangered species.
 
Home Page Stories
The District Pollinator Project
 
The District Environmental Sustainability Team has taken the lead in creating a pilot pollinator project in which all Rotarians can participate. 
 
The garden is located at a Boy Scout/Girl Scout Camp in Northern Berks County. The site is Camp Edmar located between Kutztown and I-78.
 
In the fall of 2023 the team worked with camp staff to create the garden at the camp facility. Beginning in spring 2024 the Rotarians will be called upon to help maintain the garden. Watch for announcements regarding work dates. 
 
This pilot pollinator project is being funded through a District Grant. 
 
The Environmental Sustainability Team is encouraging individual clubs to plant pollinator gardens in their communities in collaboration with county and municipal parks departments.
 
District Environmental Sustainability Team
terry.reed731@gmail.com
610-743-0818