The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) is focused on protecting life on land and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. This goal includes conserving and restoring ecosystems like forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, promoting sustainable forest management, combatting desertification and land degradation, conserving mountain ecosystems, and halting the loss of biodiversity while protecting threatened species. SDG 15 also emphasizes fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources, addressing illegal wildlife trafficking and poaching, controlling invasive alien species, integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into national planning, mobilizing financial resources for biodiversity conservation, promoting sustainable forest management, and supporting local communities in pursuing sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Preserving life on land is an urgent challenge marked by several formidable obstacles. Rampant deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urbanization threatens vital ecosystems and disrupts carbon cycles, exacerbating climate change. Biodiversity loss, driven by habitat destruction and invasive species, weakens ecosystems’ resilience and genetic diversity. Land degradation, including soil erosion and desertification, threatens food security and livelihoods. To address these issues, we must prioritize reforestation and sustainable land-use practices, protect natural habitats, and promote conservation efforts, recognizing that healthy land ecosystems are crucial for both human well-being and the planet’s ecological balance.
Below are some organizations making contributions to life on land.
Biodiversity Conservation and Habitat Protection
WildMe – Uses AI and camera traps to monitor wildlife populations and protect endangered species, providing data-driven insights for conservation efforts.
Wildlife Works – Combines carbon credits with community development to protect endangered species and their habitats, empowering local communities and preserving biodiversity.
Rainforest Trust – Protects tropical rainforests by strategically purchasing and safeguarding land, preventing deforestation and safeguarding biodiversity hotspots.
Conservation International – Works to conserve nature, biodiversity and cultural diversity in priority regions, applying science, partnerships and innovation to achieve conservation goals.
Combating Desertification and Land Degradation
The Water Project – Provides clean water and sanitation solutions to communities in Africa, promoting sustainable water management and preventing land degradation.
World Agroforestry – Promotes the use of trees and shrubs in farming systems to improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and enhance food security in drylands and degraded areas.
Forest Conservation and Restoration
One Tree Planted – A non-profit that works with businesses and individuals to plant trees around the world, restoring forests, mitigating climate change, and supporting biodiversity.
Land Conservation and Restoration
Eden Reforestation Projects – Plants trees in degraded lands worldwide, restoring ecosystems, sequestering carbon, and empowering local communities.
World Land Trust – Helps communities conserve and restore valuable ecosystems through land purchase and protection, benefiting biodiversity and local livelihoods.
BioCarbon Engineering – Develops and implements biochar-based solutions to restore degraded soils, improve agricultural productivity, and capture carbon emissions.
Policy and Advocacy for Land Sustainability
National Wildlife Federation – Works to protect wildlife, habitats, and public lands through research, advocacy, and education, ensuring sustainable land use and conservation practices.
Indigenous Environmental Network – Supports and empowers Indigenous communities to protect their lands, waters, and traditional ecological knowledge, promoting sustainable land management and environmental justice.
Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management
TerraGlobal – Helps farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, such as soil conservation and water management, to build resilience and reduce their environmental impact.
The Good Food Institute – Promotes plant-based and cultivated meat alternatives as solutions to environmental challenges in agriculture and land use.
Regenerative Agriculture Alliance – Promotes regenerative farming practices that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem resilience, contributing to sustainable food production and land use.
Terramera – Develops microbial biofertilizers and plant health products that reduce reliance on chemical inputs and promote natural soil fertility, supporting sustainable agriculture practices.
Technology and Data for Land Management
PrecisionHawk – Offers drone-based data and analytics for agriculture and land management, optimizing resource use and improving agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
OpenTreeMap – Creates a global map of trees using satellite and LiDAR data, providing valuable data for forest conservation and monitoring efforts.
_____
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #15 (Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss) is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read a review of innovative organizations working across other SDGs.
0 Comments