🌳 SDG 15: Life on Land

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

🌐 Why SDG 15 Matters

Land ecosystems are essential for human survival and well-being — they provide food, clean water, oxygen, and are home to 80% of all terrestrial species.

  • 🌲 Forests cover about 31% of Earth’s surface and are vital for carbon storage and biodiversity.

  • 🐾 1 million species are at risk of extinction, many within decades, due to human activities.

  • 🏜️ Desertification affects over 3.2 billion people, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

  • 🌾 Soil degradation threatens food production and water quality.

  • 🌍 Biodiversity loss undermines ecosystems that support human life — including agriculture, medicine, and clean air and water.

  • ⚠️ Human actions, including deforestation, pollution, poaching, and land-use change, are accelerating ecosystem collapse.

  • 🔁 Restoring and protecting land ecosystems is key to achieving multiple other SDGs, including zero hunger, clean water, and climate action.

🧭 Key Targets of SDG 15

Target Description Target Year
15.1 Conserve terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, especially forests, wetlands, and mountains Ongoing
15.2 Promote sustainable management of forests and halt deforestation 2020+
15.3 Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, and strive for land degradation neutrality 2030
15.4 Ensure conservation of mountain ecosystems Ongoing
15.5 Take urgent action to halt biodiversity loss and prevent extinction of threatened species Ongoing
15.6 Promote fair sharing of benefits from use of genetic resources Ongoing
15.7 End poaching and trafficking of protected species Ongoing
15.8 Prevent invasive alien species in ecosystems Ongoing
15.9 Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning Ongoing
15.a–c Mobilize financial resources and enhance international support for biodiversity and ecosystems Ongoing

📊 Progress and Challenges

Progress:

  • 🌿 Growth in protected areas, including national parks and conservation reserves.

  • 🌲 Reforestation and afforestation projects underway in many countries.

  • 📈 Expansion of data collection and monitoring on biodiversity.

  • 📜 Adoption of global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022).

Challenges:

  • 🌍 Biodiversity is declining faster than at any point in human history.

  • 🐘 Illegal wildlife trade and poaching continue to threaten iconic species.

  • 🪵 Deforestation rates remain high, especially in tropical regions.

  • 🏜️ Land degradation affects 75% of Earth’s land area.

  • 🧪 Chemical use, invasive species, and pollution continue to harm ecosystems.

  • 💸 Funding gaps for ecosystem protection persist, especially in developing countries.

🧠 Who Is Involved?

  • Governments: Develop and enforce environmental laws and conservation programs.

  • UN Agencies: FAO, UNEP, CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity), UNCCD.

  • NGOs and Conservation Groups: WWF, IUCN, Rainforest Alliance, and others lead reforestation, habitat protection, and species recovery efforts.

  • Indigenous Peoples: Stewards of 80% of Earth’s remaining biodiversity — their rights and knowledge are crucial.

  • Scientists: Track biodiversity, study ecosystems, and develop restoration methods.

  • Private Sector: Adopt sustainable land-use practices in agriculture, mining, and forestry.

  • You!: Individuals help by supporting conservation, making responsible consumer choices, and protecting nature locally.

🌐 International Agreements Supporting SDG 15

  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Global agreement to protect biodiversity and share its benefits.

  • UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) – Focused on land degradation and desertification.

  • CITES – Treaty to protect endangered species from trade.

  • Forest Principles (Rio Earth Summit 1992) – Foundation for sustainable forest management.

  • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) – Sets global targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.

🧩 How You Can Help

  • 🐝 Support biodiversity-friendly products (shade-grown coffee, sustainable wood).

  • 🚯 Avoid single-use plastics and reduce waste to prevent pollution of habitats.

  • 🌱 Plant trees, support reforestation, and care for local green spaces.

  • 🐘 Don’t buy wildlife products (e.g. ivory, exotic pets, endangered plant items).

  • 📚 Educate yourself and others on biodiversity and local ecosystems.

  • 🍽️ Eat sustainably – reduce food waste, choose local and organic.

  • 🧹 Volunteer with conservation projects and clean-up drives.

  • 🗳️ Vote for nature-positive policies and support environmental organizations.