The Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) is organising a diverse range of activities for convention delegates, prior to and during the Rotary International Convention in May 2023.
These activities include Environmental Tours, an Action Summit, a RAGtime event pre-RICOON; and break-out sessions during the convention. The aim is to showcase a sample of Rotary environmental initiatives across the world; and to encourage Rotarians to take further action to support and recover our environment.
Environmental Excursions are planned for May 24-26. Options being considered include:
Maribyrnong River Wildlife Corridor – proposed program includes: hear from the Yarra Riverkeeper; plant trees; enjoy a barbecue lunch.
Visit a Bat Colony in Melbourne – a walking tour along the Yarra to observe the native grey-headed flying fox colony.
The City of Melbourne ‘Green Line’ Project and Rotary’s involvement – see the beginning of this project, supported by the Rotary Club of Melbourne and Rotarians for Bees, with aspiration to improve river health; create and ecological river pollinator corridor; and provide environmental education.
Visit Donations in Kind (DIK) – a RAWCS Project, DIK volunteers collect and redistribute donated goods. Delegates will see the vast range of goods available and learn how the project is managed.
Visit Green top gardens and environmentally sustainable buildings in the Central Business District.
For further information or register interest contact ESRAG Oceania Chair: ted.waghorne@canterburyrotary.org
ESRAG Environment Actions Summit May 25th:
Keynote speakers include Professor David Karoly, an internationally recognised expert on climate change and climate variability; and Patrick McCafferty, Managing Director, Yarra Valley Water, the first water utility to join the UN Global Compact, an organisation with a strong sustainability focus.
Other presentations include: Cleaning the rivers of the world; mangrove restoration; Rotarians for Climate website; Lithium-ion battery recycling; Environmental envoys to engage Rotary clubs; Oyster shell reef restoration; Trees for Survival; and Light up Timor through Enterprise.
Delegates will participate in an action workshop to inform Rotary Environment Action Guides.
Cost (including lunch) $US60; Rotaractors: $US30; ESRAG members: $US54
Register for Action Summit
ESRAG Breakout Sessions at RICON
ESRAG presenters, all leaders of major environmental initiatives, will present three exciting breakout sessions during the May 27-31 Rotary International Convention:
Adopt a River (ESRAG and UNEP): Salvador Rico of Cleaning the Rivers of the World
Stop Plastic Pollution: Lori Cloutier, Co-Chair, ESRAG Plastics Solutions Task Force
Plant-Rich Diet - A DELICIOUS Climate Solution: Ambaree Majumder, Co-Chair, Plant-Rich Diet Task Force
Check the RICON 2023 website for dates and times of these sessions: https://convention.rotary.org/en/melbourne/breakout-sessions
RAGTime 25th May
RAGTime is an opportunity for members of all 26 RAGs (Rotary Action Groups) to meet in an informal setting and exchange ideas with other RAGs; Rotary leaders and staff.
Event details: 25th May, 19.00-21.00 at Jardin Tan, Royal Botanic Gardens. Cost (including canapes and one drink) $US60 for Rotarians; $US30 for Rotaractors.
Register for RAGTime
For further information on all these activities, read the ESRAG Special Edition Newsletter