Human life depends on the earth as much as the ocean for our sustenance and livelihoods. Plant life provides 80 percent of the human diet, and we rely on agriculture as an important economic resources. Forests cover 30 percent of the Earth’s surface, provide vital habitats for millions of species, and important sources for clean air and water, as well as being crucial for combating climate change.
Every year, 13 million hectares of forests are lost, while the persistent degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares, disproportionately affecting poor communities.
While 15 percent of land is protected, biodiversity is still at risk. Nearly 7,000 species of animals and plants have been illegally traded. Wildlife trafficking not only erodes biodiversity, but creates insecurity, fuels conflict, and feeds corruption.
Urgent action must be taken to reduce the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity which are part of our common heritage and support global food and water security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and peace and security. (undp.org)
Information:
[ http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-15-life-on-land.html ]
[ https://www.globalgoals.org/15-life-on-land ]
Tracker:
[ https://sdg-tracker.org/biodiversity ]https://sdg-tracker.org/biodiversity ]
Downloads:
LIFE ON LAND: Why it Matters.pdf
SDG_15_Simon_Levin.pdf
Life on Land: Goal 15 (APN 2017)
Justin Sheu
Published on Jan 25, 2017
Additional YouTube Videos:
[ https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sustainable+Development+Goal+15 ]SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Goal 15: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Forests cover 30 per cent of the Earth’s surface and in addition to providing food security and shelter, forests are key to combating climate change, protecting biodiversity and the homes of the indigenous population. Thirteen million hectares of forests are being lost every year while the persistent degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares.
Deforestation and desertification – caused by human activities and climate change – pose major challenges to sustainable development and have affected the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the fight against poverty. Efforts are being made to manage forests and combat desertification. From [ http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/ ]
Indigenous women in Peru combat climate change and boost economy (un women)
To combat the impact of climate change, the indigenous women of Laramate in Peru have turned to ancestral farming techniques with support from UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality. In addition to healthier crops and improved incomes for the community, the programme has boosted indigenous women’s participation in public spaces and decision-making.
TEACHER RESOURCES and LESSON PLANS
World’s Largest Lessons: Life on Land