#SDG15 LIFE ON LAND

Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

A flourishing life on land is the foundation for our life on this planet. We are all part of the planet’s ecosystem and we have caused severe damage to it through deforestation, loss of natural habitats and land degradation. Promoting a sustainable use of our ecosystems and preserving biodiversity is not a cause. It is the key to our own survival.

Targets

Everyone can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals. Use these targets to create action to protect and restore life on land.

15.1 CONSERVE AND RESTORE TERRESTRIAL AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS

By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

15.2 END DEFORESTATION AND RESTORE DEGRADED FORESTS

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

15.3 END DESERTIFICATION AND RESTORE DEGRADED LAND

By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

15.4 ENSURE CONSERVATION OF MOUNTAIN ECOSYSTEMS

By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development.

15.5 PROTECT BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL HABITATS

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

15.6 PROMOTE ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND FAIR SHARING OF THE BENEFITS

Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed.

15.7 ELIMINATE POACHING AND TRAFFICKING OF PROTECTED SPECIES

Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.

15.8 PREVENT INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ON LAND AND IN WATER ECOSYSTEMS

By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.

15.9 INTEGRATE ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY IN GOVERNMENTAL PLANNING

By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.

Thoughts

Human life depends on the earth as much as the ocean for our sustenance and livelihoods. Plant life provides 80 percent of the human diet, and we rely on agriculture as an important economic resources. Forests cover 30 percent of the Earth’s surface, provide vital habitats for millions of species, and important sources for clean air and water, as well as being crucial for combating climate change. Every year, 13 million hectares of forests are lost, while the persistent degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares, disproportionately affecting poor communities. While 15 percent of land is protected, biodiversity is still at risk. Nearly 7,000 species of animals and plants have been illegally traded. Wildlife trafficking not only erodes biodiversity, but creates insecurity, fuels conflict, and feeds corruption. Urgent action must be taken to reduce the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity which are part of our common heritage and support global food and water security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and peace and security. Forests are home to more than 80 percent of all terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects and around 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. Every year, over 10 million hectares of forests are lost or otherwise destroyed. Acoustic sensors can be used in protected forests to detect chainsaws and trucks to curb illegal logging while sensors that detect smoke and cameras that recognize flames can provide early warning of a forest fire. Nearly 7,000 species of animals and plants have been illegally traded and over 31,000 species are threatened with extinction. Wildlife population monitoring via stationary cameras and drones can detect a decline in population from issues related to climate, deforestation, and poaching.