Canterbury Soroptimists choose new project.
At the recent Canterbury Soroptimists’ Reflections Day, we discussed what we have been doing over the last year, our on-going work, and proposals for possible new projects to focus on in the coming year. We wanted something that would build on work we are already doing, would involve all our members, in an activity of individual choice, linked by a common theme, and at a level of time and energy that people’s busy schedules allow. We chose a project on biodiversity.
We are in an exceptional era when climate change, loss of habitat, over hunting and fishing, air/water/light/noise and earth pollution, along with other factors, are causing huge losses in the diversity and abundance of our planet earth’s essential flora and fauna. Although the current situation seems daunting, we have decided on a three-phase project to parallel the efforts of huge numbers of individuals and organisations working to turn the tide of biodiversity collapse.
Our project links in with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, numbers 2,3,6,7,11,12, but especially 13, 14, and 15. (Please see https://sdgs.un.org/goals)
Our project will have three phases: Education, Choice of action and Evaluation. Education will continue throughout. Evaluation will also be ongoing and choices of action may change and be added to as we all learn more about the topic and about what is going on in the Canterbury area that we can join in with.
Our biodiversity project co-ordinator is currently mapping out basic concepts, possible areas of interest, relevant local initiatives and research questions to go with each area of concern. She will present this to club members soon,
We will report on the first stage as we settle into it and, if readers are interested, we can share resources and report back on the next two stages too as we reach them.
Tessa Woodward
