Goal 15: Life on Land

Definition

Goal 15: Life on Land is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, aiming to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss. This goal emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems that are crucial for the well-being of all living organisms and plays a vital role in achieving overall sustainability within supply chains.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goal 15 aims to ensure that ecosystems are resilient and that the services they provide are sustainable for future generations.
2. Sustainable land management practices are essential to prevent soil degradation and promote soil health, which directly supports food security.
3. The target under Goal 15 includes protecting at least 15% of degraded ecosystems by 2020 to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
4. Biodiversity is not only crucial for ecological health but also supports economic development through sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
5. Achieving Goal 15 is interconnected with other SDGs, as healthy ecosystems contribute to water quality, climate regulation, and poverty alleviation.

Review Questions

• How does Goal 15: Life on Land relate to the concepts of biodiversity and ecosystem services?
  • Goal 15: Life on Land is fundamentally linked to biodiversity as it seeks to protect and restore ecosystems that harbor diverse species. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services such as clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. By promoting sustainable land management practices, Goal 15 aims to enhance these services, ensuring that both human societies and natural environments thrive together.
• Discuss the importance of sustainable land management practices in achieving Goal 15 and their impact on supply chains.
  • Sustainable land management practices are essential for achieving Goal 15 as they help combat issues like deforestation and soil degradation. These practices ensure that resources are used efficiently while preserving the health of ecosystems. In supply chains, adopting sustainable land management can lead to more resilient agricultural systems that produce food sustainably, reducing reliance on environmentally harmful practices and ultimately contributing to the stability of food supplies.
• Evaluate the challenges faced in implementing Goal 15: Life on Land and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges in supply chain contexts.
  • Implementing Goal 15 faces several challenges such as insufficient funding for conservation efforts, lack of awareness about biodiversity's value, and competing interests from industries like agriculture and mining. To overcome these challenges in supply chain contexts, companies can adopt strategies such as integrating sustainability assessments into their operations, investing in community-based conservation projects, and collaborating with NGOs to promote best practices. By aligning business objectives with sustainability goals, organizations can help facilitate the achievement of Goal 15 while maintaining profitability.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life found in a particular habitat or ecosystem, crucial for maintaining ecological balance and resilience.

Deforestation: The clearing or thinning of forests by humans, which significantly impacts biodiversity, carbon storage, and local climates.

Sustainable Forestry: The management of forest resources in a way that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, and ecological processes.