Protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems and promote their sustainable use.
The conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are crucial for social and economic development and for human survival. However, statistics show a constant decline in biodiversity and loss of forest. The loss of forest land threatens human well-being, particularly affecting the rural poor, including indigenous and local communities. Biodiversity and forests contribute to poverty reduction by enabling food security and health, providing clean air and water, and storing CO2 emissions. Biodiversity is the basis for ecological development.
Goal 15 calls for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems. By 2020, deforestation is to be ended and degraded forests restored. Reforestation should be significantly increased worldwide. Similarly, desertification is to be combated by 2030 and areas affected by desertification, drought and flooding are to be rehabilitated. To protect biodiversity, Goal 15 calls for urgent action to end poaching and trade in protected plant and animal species.
