Life on land
A flourishing life on land is the foundation for our existence on this planet. As integral parts of the planet’s ecosystem, we have caused severe damage through deforestation, loss of natural habitats, and land degradation. Promoting the sustainable use of our ecosystems and preserving biodiversity is not merely a cause; it is essential for our survival.
Goal 15 addresses biodiversity loss, deforestation, land degradation, and desertification, recognising terrestrial ecosystems as essential for climate regulation, food production, and water cycles.
The goal focuses on sustainable land use, forest management, ecosystem restoration, and protection of species. Structural drivers include agricultural expansion, extractive industries, infrastructure development, weak land tenure, and enforcement gaps.
International coordination occurs through the Convention on Biological Diversity, while organisations such as World Wide Fund for Nature and Rainforest Alliance support implementation.
Protected areas and restoration initiatives have expanded, yet extinction rates remain high. International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May) highlights these tensions. GSN situates land-use change within political and economic systems.
The bioeconomy’s industrial test is no longer in the laboratory
Finance turns to regulation as biodiversity markets mature in early 2026
Waste Warriors Society scales up waste management work across the Indian Himalayan region
Rubbish on the fly: global outrage at videos showing litter thrown from trains
Soi Dog Foundation, the quiet defence of animal dignity
Locally controlled forest restoration programme targets market access for community-led management
Global finance still fuels destruction despite urgent call for nature positive investment
Global conservation gains mark a new phase for forest protection and community leadership
Call to ban wild-caught primate imports amid welfare and health concerns
Planetary boundaries in peril but a narrow window remains open
Ivory: an old obsession in a market that shifts
Jane Goodall leaves a legacy of science, empathy and hope
Shaping compassion for animals since 1866
BirdLife International and the power of global partnerships in conservation
Turning crisis into art: Local communities transforming pollution into beauty
Land management: Is the solution to be found or to be remembered?
Satellite-guided drone reforestation: A high-tech solution to climate and biodiversity crises
The fight for Takayna
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand: A beacon of ethical wildlife conservation
The global impact of mining: Challenges and consequences
Monkeys in reforestation: A natural strategy for ecosystem regeneration
The earth’s deserts are expanding: Global cooperation is our last hope
Reversing biodiversity decline through the Altyn Dala conservation initiative
Interview with India Rose Matharu-Daley of the Global Society Delegation at the United Nations
Cigarette butts: The hidden threat to our environment
Supercharging biology for a healthier society
World Bee Day: Celebrating the unsung heroes of our ecosystem
Mother Earth Day
Counteracting global deforestation with AI
Amateur paleontologists uncover ancient biodiversity oasis
Helicopters rescue tortoise operation
Vertical farming
Back to wilderness
20 Million trees and counting
Growing futures
From chaos to care: Worldwide Vets
Planetary restoration with Commonland
Drones are being used by a startup to help with reforestation.
An app was created to link people who want to gather plastic on mountains.
Rhinos Reintroduced to Restore African Grasslands and Biodiversity
Leading the charge in shaping a sustainable and just future in Latin America
Conservation Volunteers Australia: we’re here to help you do that
Project Coyote: Fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife
The tale of the Peepal tree: an Indian folklore echoing sustainable development
Meng Haoran's "Spring Dawn": A timeless ode to nature and its relevance to modern sustainability
Leslie Dart plants almost 372,000 trees during the summer
Vandana Shiva: protector of biological and cultural diversity
Program unites science and community efforts to restore reefs
Reintroduction of endangered white rhinos signals a step forward for biodiversity conservation
Global Witness: Twitter bot to combat deforestation
TARGETS
Everyone can contribute to achieving the Global Goals. By focusing on these targets, meaningful action can be taken to create significant impacts across various areas. This approach encourages collaboration and collective efforts to address critical issues, ensuring that no one is left behind.
CONSERVE AND RESTORE TERRESTRIAL AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, particularly forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in accordance with international agreements.
END DEFORESTATION AND RESTORE DEGRADED FORESTS
By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
END DESERTIFICATION AND RESTORE DEGRADED LAND
By 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.
ENSURE CONSERVATION OF MOUNTAIN ECOSYSTEMS
By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, to enhance their capacity to provide essential benefits for sustainable development.
PROTECT BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL HABITATS
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt biodiversity loss, and by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
PROMOTE ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND FAIR SHARING OF THE BENEFITS
Promote the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and ensure appropriate access to these resources, as agreed internationally.
ELIMINATE POACHING AND TRAFFICKING OF PROTECTED SPECIES
Take urgent action to end the poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna, addressing both the demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.
PREVENT INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ON LAND AND IN WATER ECOSYSTEMS
By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems, and control or eradicate priority species.
INTEGRATE ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY IN GOVERNMENTAL PLANNING
By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounting practices.
INCREASE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO CONSERVE AND SUSTAINABLY USE ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY
Mobilise and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems.
FINANCE AND INCENTIVIZE SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
Mobilise significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management. Provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including conservation and reforestation efforts.
COMBAT GLOBAL POACHING AND TRAFFICKING
Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.