Realising Good Growth SDG15

Overview

Humans depend on the Earth and the oceans to live. SDG15 aims to secure sustainable livelihoods for future enjoyment generations. It aims to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss. While effects will be felt locally first, the long-term consequences are global, and the impact is highly relevant to business, presenting risks and opportunities.

Countries are trying to implement social principles to protect biodiversity (plants and animals) and ecosystems, including public awareness work.

Business Opportunities & Benefits

• Addressing environmental risks, such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change, can help mitigate potential legal, financial, and reputational risks.
• Sustainable practices often lead to cost savings, such as reduced energy consumption, waste generation, and water usage.
• Engaging in initiatives to protect and restore ecosystems can foster stronger relationships with local communities, leading to increased trust and support.
• Supporting SDG15 can drive innovation and the development of new products and services that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

How can an organisation pursue SDG15?

There is a need to retain the integrity and vitality of natural resources today and for future generations to ensure long-term socio-economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable land management. Businesses can directly contribute to SDG 15 by measuring, managing, and mitigating its impact and dependence on land and ecosystems.

Potential solutions include:
• Protect forests and mountain areas.
• Adopt best practices for land use planning and management.
• Reforest the land, and finance the restoration of degraded land for production and conservation purposes.
• Expand markets for responsible forest products and thereby support sustainable forest management.
• Recycle and reduce the consumption of paper, glass, metal, and old electronics.
• Purchase second-hand, refurbished or recycled furniture, equipment, clothes, etc.
• Compost food scraps to reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
• Clean your local parks and forests to sustain the ecosystem of your local green space.
• Do not use pesticides to protect and sustain soil quality.
• Expand industrial reuse of water and support watershed protection programs.
• Invest in natural infrastructure (e.g. an area or system that is naturally occurring or naturalised) as a cost-competitive alternative to grey infrastructure e.g. dams, seawalls, roads, pipes, water treatment plants, etc.
• Strive to end poaching and trafficking of protected fauna and flora species.

Sustainable Development Goal #15

Life On Land

Overview

Business Opportunities & Benefits

How can an organisation pursue SDG15?

More SDGs