Goal 15 centers on conserving terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and preventing biodiversity loss. Healthy ecosystems are essential for human survival, supporting more than half of global GDP and embodying significant cultural, spiritual, and economic value.

The planet currently faces an intertwined crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. From 2015 to 2019, an estimated 100 million hectares of productive land were degraded each year, impacting 1.3 billion people. Nearly 90% of deforestation is driven by agricultural expansion, with oil palm harvesting alone causing 7% of global deforestation between 2000 and 2018.

Efforts to protect forest ecosystems, especially in developing nations and tropical regions, are critical for sustainable development. Humanity must reassess its relationship with nature to meet Goal 15. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted recently, offers clear goals for 2050 and specific targets for 2030 to reinvigorate biodiversity conservation efforts.

Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/