Posted by David Button on Nov 27, 2020
On Thursday night, I attended the Pollinator Seminar run by Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG).
 
There were some pretty switched on people including, Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp and that hairy guy from Gardening Australia Costa Georgiadis. I have to tell you that Rotary's new seventh area of focus, the environment is opening up a land of opportunity for us to do some interesting work. From education in schools, creating and maintaining habitats in our local area and even growing plants to attract and sustain pollinators, Rotary has a role to play. WE HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY.
 
Who knew there are 32 native bee species in Melbourne and over 1000 species across Australia? Who knew the City of Melbourne has beehives on top of some of their public buildings in the middle of the city? Who knew that pollinators add $14.2 Billion dollars to our economy? Who knew we would starve to death without them? Who knew that Rotary has so much work to do and we are only new to the cause?
 
District 9800 has taken a leading step in the direction of ESRAG for the moment and it would be terrific for members of our Club to be interested enough to develop projects that work with our local community. Primary schools, through the different gardening programs already in place, are a good place to start. Piggybacking off other organizations can deliver a meaningful project and build our network to the benefit of the environment.
 
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