Life on Land Sustainable Development Goal 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of ecosystems. This goal tackles deforestation, biodiversity loss, desertification, and land degradation while supporting climate action and human wellbeing.
SDG 15 emphasizes science-based conservation, sustainable agriculture, and resilient infrastructure to balance economic growth with nature. Strong policies, community action, and cross-sector collaboration are essential to maintain life on land for current and future generations.
| Focus Area | Key Targets | Typical Indicators | Impact on People and Planet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Conservation | Stop deforestation, restore degraded forests | Forest area as proportion of total land area | Carbon storage, water regulation, livelihoods |
| Biodiversity Protection | Protect species and habitats, prevent extinctions | Red List index; proportion of rare species threatened | Ecosystem resilience, food security, medicines |
| Combat Desertification | Restore drylands, sustainable land management | Land productivity trend; vegetation cover change | Stable agriculture, reduced forced migration |
| Conservation Finance | Mobilize resources, benefit-sharing mechanisms | Official development assistance for biodiversity | Long-term funding for protected areas and communities |
Protecting Forests and Combating Deforestation
Forests regulate climate, conserve water, and provide livelihoods for millions. SDG 15 prioritizes halting deforestation, restoring degraded lands, and expanding sustainably managed forests to strengthen ecosystems and human resilience.
Drivers of Deforestation
- Agricultural expansion, especially for palm oil, soy, and cattle
- Illegal logging and unsustainable timber harvesting
- Infrastructure projects and urban sprawl
- Wildfires and climate-induced disturbances
Policy and Community Actions
National forest policies, REDD+ programs, and Indigenous land rights help align conservation with local development. Public-private supply chain commitments and transparent monitoring using satellite data improve enforcement and accountability.
Safeguarding Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Healthy ecosystems underpin clean air, food, and disease regulation. SDG 15 advances protected areas, ecological corridors, and integrated landscape management to prevent extinctions and adapt to climate change.
Measures to Protect Species
- Expanding and effectively managing protected areas
- Restoring wetlands, mangroves, and grasslands
- Regulating wildlife trade and invasive species
- Engaging local communities in conservation planning
By valuing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, governments and businesses build more stable production systems and reduce vulnerability to shocks.
Addressing Desertification and Land Degradation
Land degradation threatens food security, water access, and stability, especially in arid regions. SDG 15 promotes sustainable agriculture, land restoration, and early warning systems to halt and reverse desertification.
Restoration Techniques
- Agroforestry and conservation agriculture
- Soil conservation structures and terracing
- Afforestation and reforestation with native species
- Integrated water management and drought-resistant crops
Targeted investments in rural infrastructure, access to finance, and women’s land rights amplify community-led restoration and productivity gains. Partnerships across sectors align economic growth with land stewardship.
Strengthening Policy, Finance, and Reporting
Achieving SDG 15 requires robust policies, transparent data, and sustained financing. National biodiversity strategies, environmental rule of law, and international cooperation underpin measurable progress on the ground.
Key Policy Levers
| Policy Instrument | Description | Benefit | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protected Area Systems | Legal designation of land and sea areas for conservation | Habitat protection and ecotourism | Expanding network of nationally designated areas |
| Environmental Impact Assessment | Evaluate project risks to ecosystems before approval | Avoid irreversible damage | Mandatory assessments for large infrastructure |
| Payment for Ecosystem Services | Compensate landowners for conservation outcomes | Incentivizes stewardship and equity | Water fund schemes in Latin America |
| Sustainable Public Procurement | Include environmental criteria in contracts | Drives market demand for responsible products | Zero-deforestation supply chain policies |
Taking Action for Life on Land
- Support policies that expand and effectively manage protected areas
- Choose products verified as deforestation-free and sustainably sourced
- Invest in landscape restoration and sustainable land management projects
- Advocate for inclusive governance that respects Indigenous and local communities
- Track and disclose environmental impacts using credible data and indicators
FAQ
Reader questions
How does SDG 15 connect to climate change goals?
Protecting forests, wetlands, and peatlands stores carbon, reduces emissions, and builds resilience to extreme weather, making SDG 15 a core component of climate action.
What role do Indigenous peoples and local communities play?
Indigenous territories often have lower deforestation rates; recognizing land rights and supporting community-based conservation improve both biodiversity outcomes and social equity.
Can sustainable agriculture help achieve Life on Land targets?
Yes, practices like crop rotation, reduced tillage, and diversified farming maintain soil health, protect pollinators, and lower pressure to convert natural habitats into farmland.
How can businesses contribute to SDG 15 measurably?
Companies can set science-based targets, remove deforestation from supply chains, invest in restoration projects, and report progress using standardized biodiversity metrics.