MSD 019: Unit 16 - SDG15–Life on Land

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 UNIT 16: SDG 15 – LIFE ON LAND

16.0 Introduction

Terrestrial ecosystems are home to 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Forests, drylands, wetlands, grasslands, and mountains provide essential ecosystem services — from food, water, and climate regulation to habitat for wildlife and pollination for agriculture. Yet, these ecosystems are under constant threat from deforestation, desertification, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.

Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) seeks to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.”

16.1 Objectives

At the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the purpose and significance of SDG 15.

·         Describe the key concepts related to biodiversity and land-based ecosystems.

·         Explain the targets and indicators of SDG 15, especially Target 15.3.

·         Identify India’s progress, initiatives, and challenges under SDG 15.

·         Explore the interlinkages of SDG 15 with other SDGs.

16.2 Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development comprises 17 SDGs that serve as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the environment, and ensure prosperity for all. SDG 15 addresses the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems — crucial for food security, climate stability, water regulation, and human health.

16.3 Concepts of Biodiversity

🌱 What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth — including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. It ensures the resilience of ecosystems and supports essential services such as:

·         Nutrient cycling

·         Soil fertility

·         Water filtration

·         Pest and disease control

·         Carbon sequestration

🌳 Importance of Biodiversity on Land

·         Forests act as carbon sinks, combatting climate change.

·         Healthy soils contribute to food security.

·         Biodiverse ecosystems prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.

·         Indigenous knowledge is often rooted in biodiversity-rich areas.

16.4 Sustainable Development Goals and SDG 15

🎯 Key SDG 15 Targets (Selected):

Target

Objective

15.1

Ensure conservation of inland freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

15.2

Promote sustainable forest management and afforestation.

15.3

Combat desertification and restore degraded land.

15.4

Ensure conservation of mountain ecosystems.

15.5

Reduce degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.

15.6

Promote fair sharing of genetic resources.

15.7 & 15.c

End poaching and trafficking of protected species.

15.9

Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national planning.

📊 SDG 15 Indicators include:

·         Forest area as a percentage of total land area

·         Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity under protection

·         Land degradation neutrality

16.5 India in Context of Goal 15

India, with its diverse ecological zones ranging from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats and coastal mangroves, is a megadiverse country. It has taken multiple steps to achieve SDG 15:

🌿 Key Initiatives:

·         National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and State Biodiversity Boards

·         National Afforestation Programme and Green India Mission

·         CAMPA Fund for forest conservation and afforestation

·         National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem

·         Project Tiger and Project Elephant

·         Establishment of Protected Areas: India has over 100 national parks and 500+ wildlife sanctuaries.

📉 Challenges:

·         Rapid urbanization and land-use change

·         Illegal wildlife trade and poaching

·         Human-wildlife conflict

·         Shrinking forest cover in some regions

·         Unsustainable agricultural practices

16.6 Target 15.3 Explained

🔍 Target 15.3: "Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world by 2030."

What is Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)?

LDN means that any loss of productive land is compensated by restoration elsewhere, maintaining a stable or improving land quality at the national level.

🌾 Relevance for India:

·         Over 30% of India’s land is affected by degradation and desertification.

·         Dryland regions (e.g., Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana) are highly vulnerable.

·         India is a signatory to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and hosted the COP14 in 2019.

·         Government schemes like Soil Health Cards, Watershed Development, and Desert Development Programme aim to restore land productivity.

16.7 Linking of SDG 15 with Other SDGs

SDG 15 is deeply interconnected with several other goals:

Linked SDG

Connection to SDG 15

SDG 1 – No Poverty

Forests and land are sources of livelihood for millions.

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger

Healthy soils and ecosystems ensure food security.

SDG 6 – Clean Water

Forests help regulate water cycles and filtration.

SDG 13 – Climate Action

Forests sequester carbon and buffer climate impacts.

SDG 3 – Good Health

Biodiversity supports traditional medicine and well-being.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities

Green spaces improve urban resilience and livability.

Ecosystem health directly affects human health, development, and disaster risk reduction.

16.8 Let’s Sum Up

·         SDG 15 focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

·         Forests, soils, and wildlife are essential for food, climate, and health security.

·         India has made considerable efforts toward Goal 15 through afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and anti-poaching laws.

·         Target 15.3, on achieving land degradation neutrality, is especially relevant for India’s drylands.

·         SDG 15 plays a foundational role in supporting many other SDGs and overall sustainability.

 

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