In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are the blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. The goals interconnect and in order to "leave no one behind", they address the global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.
The theme of SDG 15 is Plant on Life. The goal requires the world to 'Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss'. Of all the losses and degradation, the loss of biodiversity is the primary concern as it is the foundation of ecosystem services with which human wellbeing is intimately linked. No feature of Earth is more complex, dynamic, and varied than the layer of living organisms that occupy its surfaces and its seas. Additionally, no feature is experiencing more dramatic change at the hands of humans than this extraordinary and singularly unique feature of Earth.
Humans are dependent on the earth and oceans for their sustenance and livelihood. Humanity is more dependent on vegetation of forests and materials from the oceans than anything else. Plant life provides 80 per cent of human diet and people rely on agriculture as an important economic resource and means of development. Globally, 2.6 billion people depend directly on agriculture to earn a living. Forests account for 30 per cent of the earth's surface, providing vital habitats for millions of species and are important sources for clean air and water and are important for combating climate change. Around 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. Forests are home to more than 80 per cent of all terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. Of the 8,300 animal species known, eight percent are already extinct and 22 per cent are at risk of extinction. As much as 80 per cent people living in rural areas of developing countries rely on traditional plant-based medicines for basic healthcare. Of more than 80,000 tree species, less than one per cent has been studied for potential use.
Still, presently, 13 million hectares of forests are being lost every year while the persistent degradation of drylands has led to desertification of 3.6 billion hectares of land. Though 15 per cent of land is currently under protection, biodiversity is still at risk. 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 handicapping the fight against poverty.
The earth is facing unprecedented land degradation; loss of arable land, at 30 to 35 times more than the historical rate; drought and desertification. This is resulting in the loss of 12 million hectares, thus affecting poor communities globally.
SDG 15 aims to conserve and restore the use of terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, drylands and mountains by 2020. Halting deforestation is also vital to mitigate the impact of climate change. Urgent actions need to be taken to reduce the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity. Efforts are being made to manage forests and combat desertification. At the moment, two international agreements are being implemented which will promote use of resources in an equitable manner. Financial investments in support of biodiversity are also being provided.
TARGETS OF SDG 15: The goals of SDG 15 are as follows:
- By 2030, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services in line with obligations under international agreements;
- Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally;
- Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil including those affected by desertification, drought and floods
- Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, along with their biodiversity in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development;
- Take urgent and significant actions to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species;
- Promote fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed;
- Take urgent actions to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products;
- Introduce measures to prevent and significantly curb the introduction and impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species;
- Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts;
- Mobilise and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems;
- Mobilise significant resources from all sources and levels so as to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to ensure progress of management initiatives like conservation and reforestation;
- Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities
THE BANGLADESH SCENARIO: Stretching along the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarbans is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. According to recent articles in the media, the Sundarbans, which is the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to several endangered species, is facing a threat from "heedless industrialisation".
The World Heritage Committee of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature had all objected against industrialisation in Sundarbans. Still, more than 320 industrial projects in the Sundarbans, including a massive coal-fired power plant has been approved by the authority, allegedly after bypassing requirements for public participation and an environmental impact assessment.
Industrialisation is threatening the unique ecosystem of the forest which hosts Royal Bengal tigers, Ganges river dolphins and other endangered species. Industrialisation is going to affect 6.5 million locals whose lives, health, housing, food and cultural activities depend directly on safe, healthy and sustainable Sundarbans.
"The threat posed by untrammelled industrialisation of the Sundarbans is emblematic of the threats facing the environment around the world," said John Knox, the UN Special Rapporteur in August of last year. He stressed that "pursuing short-term economic gain in disregard of environmental costs" was simply unsustainable. The Human Rights Council-appointed independent human rights expert explained that mangrove forests provide "benefits for clean air and water that extend far beyond their immediate location.
To have a truly sustainable development, it is critical that the environment is protected. In order to ensure that environmental concerns are taken into account, governments across the world need to listen to the voices of those who are most affected by proposed industrial projects.
Dr Muhammad Abdul Mazid is former Secretary to GoB and Chairman, NBR.
