To safeguard places that contribute significantly to global biodiversity and continue preventing forest land to let the biodiversity thrive, Goal 15 aims to restore and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and other ecosystems.
Between 1990 and 2015, the world’s forest area diminished from 31.7 per cent of the world’s total land mass to 30.7 per cent. More forests are being protected and areas under long-term management plans and voluntary certification have increased.
Wildlife poaching and trafficking continues to thwart conservation efforts. Since 1993, the global Red List Index of threatened species has fallen from 0.82 to 0.74, indicating an alarming trend in the decline of mammals, birds, amphibians, corals and cycads. Protecting key biodiversity areas is necessary to strengthen natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.
While land degradation continues, biodiversity loss is rampant, invasive species are proliferating, and the illicit wildlife poaching and trafficking continue to undermine efforts to protect and restore vital ecosystems and species. Goal 15 is the protection plan for life on Earth.
15.1By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
15.2By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
15.3By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world 15.4
15.4By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development
15.5Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
15.6Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed