Environment

Rotary has a long history of humanitarian work, with initiatives going back to founder Paul Harris, who co-founded a nature conservation club in 1909. Protecting the environment officially became Rotary's seventh area of focus in June 2020.

Through this area, clubs can apply for Global Grants from The Rotary Foundation to fund projects that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability and encourage harmony between people and nature.

Key goals

• Protecting and restoring land, coastal, marine and freshwater resources
• Supporting sustainable agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture
• Addressing the causes of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Strengthening the resilience of ecosystems and communities affected by climate change
• Supporting educational initiatives that promote environmental protection
• Advocating sustainable consumption and the circular economy

Projects around the world

• Reforestation: in India, Rotary members planted over a million seedlings in 100 days after devastating cyclones
• Waste management: Swiss Rotarians founded the "Mare Nostrum – End Plastic Soup" association to clean rivers and lakes
• Clean energy: clubs in Gyumri and North Fresno installed solar panels and LED lighting in a medical clinic, cutting energy costs by 80%
• Water conservation: in India, check dams were built to control stormwater runoff and improve groundwater levels

Rotary draws on the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), which focuses on six priorities: biodiversity, the circular economy, climate, food systems, pollution and sustainable living.