"Life on Land," Alaska Zone Symposium, Connecting the World Through Sustainability

Rotary Life on Land Symposium - Connecting the World through Sustainability
August 31, to September 3, 2023
Rotary International Zones 28/32

Welcome by Event Chair Diane Fejes

How does sustainable living benefit humanity?

Nature has a finite capacity to regenerate itself in the face of pressures on its land, water, and air resources.

Our speakers will address sustainability and solutions, both in the Arctic as well as from a worldwide perspective.  Will Alaska Ninja Warrior Nick Hanson make a surprise appearance?  Come and find out!

Our special guest speakers will include from Rotary International:

2023-24 President Gordon McInally from Scotland (at left), Rotary International Director Drew Kessler from New York and Director-elect Chris Etienne from Michigan.

Several other speakers are confirmed, including:

Christopher Puttock, a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) and incoming Chair of the Rotary Action Group Council 

Two United Nations Environmental Programs on the environment: "Preventing, Halting and Reversing the Loss of Nature" and “Adopt A River.” 

Dr. Michele Devlin:  Professor of Environmental Security at the U.S. Army War College and Professor of Arctic Health and Human Security with the National Science Foundation’s UNI ARCTICenter. She is a Doctor of Public Health, registered nurse, and emergency medical technician.

Gwen Holdmann: Director of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power an applied energy research program based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks which focuses on community- scale fossil and renewable/alternative energy technologies. Specific areas of emphasis include power systems integration for microgrids, hydrokinetic energy, low temperature geothermal, and diesel efficiency.

Begin your adventure with the optional Princess cruise from Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage via Whittier, exploring the deep green of the coastal mountains, the varying blues of our glaciers and the wonderful wildlife scenery that is Alaska.

Enjoy Alaska’s beauty with your fellow Rotarians and the wonder of glaciers that are quickly disappearing in Glacier National Park.

Join our local Rotarians for a dinner in the home, and talk to real Alaskan residents to find out all you ever wanted to know about the arctic and hiking, fishing or hunting in the wilderness.

Alaska is globally significant for its large tracts of intact habitats and their role in conserving biodiversity and storing carbon while supporting traditional and cultural uses.

What better place to learn about environmental sustainability while enjoying the beauty of Alaska with your fellow Rotarians.

Participate in our local project in collaboration with the Anchorage and Eagle River Parks departments clearing out invasive species that take over from natural moose habitat, working to upgrade the nature centers outdoor area for natural habitat and soaking in Alaska’s outdoor awe-inspiring views.

Come early or stay longer to add on our Alaska State Fair with the GIGANTIC vegetables – see 2100 lb., pumpkins, or 952 kg for you Canadians, eh?  

JOIN us and be inspired by our vast landscapes, Alaska Native cultures, wildlife, and wild places.

Alaska is the place to be in August 2023!