Dear members of the Rotary family,
April brings light, renewal, and new life. Everywhere
we see how much strength lies in small, steady steps: buds begin to open, the
ground turns green again, and with spring comes renewed hope. That is precisely
why it is so fitting that Rotary turns its attention to protecting our
environment in April. Rotary sees environmental protection as part of its
commitment to the common good and supports projects that protect natural
resources and strengthen ecological sustainability.
The review of our district’s Club Action Plans paints
an encouraging picture: ecological sustainability is no longer just a side
issue in District 1980. It has taken concrete shape in several clubs - in
hands-on projects, long-term partnerships, and initiatives that combine
environmental awareness with Rotarian action. Within the Club Action Plans,
projects in the areas of biodiversity, water and landscape protection, drinking
water, and plastic reduction stand out in particular.
For example, RC Augst-Raurica is contributing to
tangible local environmental improvements through forest work in the
municipality of Kaiseraugst and a cleanup along the banks of the Rhine. RC
Rheinfelden-Fricktal, together with RC Laufenburg-Fricktal, is working with Nature and Bird Protection
Rheinfelden, supporting the project 100 Trees for
Rheinfelden, and promoting biodiversity in very practical ways through the Ambigua
Bird Park in Zeihen and the construction of a breeding
station. RC Olten-West is focusing on enhancing
the Born/Ruttiger Olten habitat. RC e-Club Central
Switzerland connects the issue of water access with global responsibility
through Run
for Water, while also supporting a Neophytes
Family & Friends Day on biodiverse land around Ebikon and Lake Rotsee.
The commitment of RC Basel-Dreiländereck has also
become visible through its work at Landskronberg
near Flüh (SO) and Leymen (F), as well as through water
distribution for animals in the mountains of the municipality of S-chanf.
Together with the natur3 association, the club is taking part in a cross-border
conservation project aimed at enhancing a species-rich cultural landscape.
Another especially visible area of engagement is the
fight against plastic pollution. What began as an idea has become a movement
within the district: RC Arlesheim has adopted a multi-year focus on combating
plastic in the oceans, RC Allschwil explicitly supports Mare Nostrum,
and other clubs are building on this initiative as well. This shows how a
strong Rotarian idea can be carried from club to club.
It is just as important to remember that not every
contribution to sustainability begins with a major flagship project. Some clubs
begin by putting structures in place. RC Luzern-Seetal has established a
specific role for Environment/Sustainability, RC Bottmingen-Birseck has also
created a sustainability function, and the young RC H₂O has already identified
several topic areas related to water and plans to develop concrete projects
from them. Steps like these are valuable, because they turn good intentions into
reliable continuity.
Ecological sustainability is not simply one more topic
alongside our other responsibilities. It touches many areas of our Rotarian
service: water, health, education, community, youth, and peace. When natural
foundations of life come under pressure, social stability, food security,
health, and future opportunities are always affected as well. Those who plant
trees, clean riverbanks, restore habitats, support drinking water projects, or
reduce plastic are also strengthening dignity, health, and social cohesion.
That is why, during Environment Month in April, I
would like to encourage all of you to take the next concrete step. Perhaps it
is a hands-on project in your region. Perhaps it is a collaboration with a
local environmental organization, a school, or a forestry operation. Perhaps it
is support for Mare Nostrum, a biodiversity project, a water-related
initiative, or a small club event that raises awareness while also bringing
people together. Not every club has to do the same thing. But every club can do
something.
Let us also share what is already happening.
Visibility creates impact. Good ideas inspire others. Successful projects
motivate other clubs to become active themselves. Those who do good and talk
about it strengthen not only the project itself, but also Rotary’s public
presence. Environmental projects in particular are an excellent way to show
that Rotary is both deeply rooted locally and forward-looking at the same time.
My wish for this April is therefore a simple one: let
us continue to make ecological sustainability in District 1980 more visible,
more concrete, and more collaborative. Not as a short-term campaign, but as
part of a Rotarian mindset that takes responsibility—for our communities, for
our landscapes, for our waters, and for future generations.
I thank all the clubs that are already doing
outstanding work in this area, and all those who are now taking the first or
the next step.
With warm Rotary greetings,
Unite for Good – Team Up!
John
