Life on land
Life on Land is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015. It aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss by 2030.
What is Life on land?
Life on Land focuses on preserving and promoting the well-being of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other natural habitats. It addresses the critical challenges faced by our planet's ecosystems, such as deforestation, desertification, loss of biodiversity, and land degradation. By promoting responsible land use and conservation efforts, the SDG aims to secure a sustainable future for all life forms inhabiting terrestrial environments, including humans.
The goal seeks to combat deforestation, which leads to the loss of valuable carbon sinks, habitat destruction, and contributes to climate change. It also addresses desertification and land degradation, which threaten the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the land for agriculture and sustenance. Additionally, Life on Land emphasizes the need to protect and restore biodiversity, recognizing the vital role of healthy ecosystems in supporting life and providing various essential services, from clean air and water to climate regulation.
Definition of Life Below Water
Life on land Initiatives
Reforestation and Afforestation Programs
Aimed at planting trees and restoring degraded forests to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change, these programs create resilient ecosystems that support a wide variety of plant and animal species, while also providing essential ecosystem services such as clean air, water, and soil protection.
Protected Areas and Conservation Projects
Centered on creating and maintaining protected areas to preserve natural habitats and safeguard endangered species, these initiatives ensure their survival and promote ecological balance, serving as critical refuges for wildlife and contributing to scientific research and education.
Sustainable Land Management
By advocating responsible land use practices, including sustainable agriculture and the prevention of land degradation, these programs foster harmony between human activities and the environment for long-term prosperity, empowering local communities to become stewards of their land and promoting sustainable development.
Why Life on land is Important
Fundamental Role in Supporting Life
Life on Land is of utmost importance as terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, play a fundamental role in supporting life on Earth. These ecosystems are home to an incredibly diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are crucial for the functioning of ecosystems and provide vital services to humanity. From pollination of crops by bees and other insects to the purification of water by wetlands, these natural habitats are essential for the well-being and survival of both wildlife and human populations.
Ensuring Ecological Balance
The health and balance of terrestrial ecosystems are intricately connected to the overall ecological stability of the planet. Healthy forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change. Wetlands and grasslands act as natural water filters, maintaining water quality and regulating water flow, thereby preventing flooding and droughts. Moreover, the intricate web of life in these ecosystems ensures that various species coexist and rely on each other in complex ways, contributing to the resilience of the entire ecosystem.
Deforestation, Desertification, and Land Degradation
Life on Land addresses critical challenges posed by deforestation, desertification, and land degradation. Deforestation leads to the loss of valuable carbon sinks, exacerbates climate change, and threatens the livelihoods of indigenous communities and countless plant and animal species. Desertification, driven by factors like overexploitation and climate change, turns fertile land into barren desert, resulting in the loss of productive land for agriculture and grazing. Land degradation, caused by unsustainable agricultural practices and urban expansion, reduces soil fertility and further exacerbates environmental problems.
Life on land Statistics
1 Million Animals
According to Forbes, the current biodiversity and climate change crises are catastrophes of our own making. It is our moral and ethical responsibility to fix this mess, and to do so now. The Report has provided overwhelming evidence attesting to our precarious situation, as well as clear and unambiguous suggestions for what we can do at individual, local, national and global levels to remedy it. Procrastinating in the face of this impending disaster will certainly seal the grim fate of our species and that of the planet.
93% of the Forest
According to Food and Agriculture Organization, ninety-three percent of the forest area worldwide is composed of naturally regenerating forests, and 7 percent is planted.
The area of naturally regenerating forests has decreased since 1990 (at a declining rate of loss), but the area of planted forests has increased by 123 million ha.
12% of The World’s Greenhouse Gas
According to The World Bank, approximately 12% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to deforestation and forest degradation. The 2019 IPCC special report on Climate Change and Land affirmed that planting forests and protecting existing forests is key to limiting global warming to 1.5ºC or well below 2ºC increase. Such investment is urgently needed as many of the world’s remaining forests are increasingly threatened by activities such as agricultural expansion, timber extraction, and fuelwood collection.
Life on land in the News
Farmers in northern Haiti dig for resilience
A large majority of the mainly rural population in the north of the country is facing a hunger crisis according to the latest Integrated Food Security Classification Phase or IPC report IPC which provides an overview of the severity and magnitude of food insecurity and malnutrition.
The Haitian Government, the World Food Programme (WFP), and other partners have been supporting farmers in the region as they recover from a cycle of droughts and floods.
News – Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on land
Land degradation affects more than 60% of global soil resources, due mostly to intensive agriculture and deforestation. Degraded land influences the lives of more than 1 billion people who rely on this land for food production. To protect and sustainably use the world’s natural resources, countries work with the IAEA and its partners, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 on protecting, restoring and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Life How We Live: digging deep for life on land Water
Research from the United Nations shows that land biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history. Deforestation is just one aspect of the damage to land that is contributing to climate change, affecting lives and livelihoods, and putting species at risk of extinction. Nourishing biodiversity on land is one of the goals of our environmental impact program, How We Live, through interventions that range from tree planting to sustainable farming.
How to Help Life on land Initiatives
Get Involved Locally
Participate in community-led initiatives like tree planting, habitat restoration, and environmental education programs, connecting with like-minded individuals and contributing directly to the improvement of your local environment, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among community members, and inspiring others to take action for a greener future.
Support Conservation Organizations
Contribute to organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife, as your financial support can aid in research, conservation efforts, and community engagement initiatives, amplifying the impact of your contribution and helping these organizations implement effective strategies for long-term sustainability.
Raise Awareness
Spread awareness about the importance of Life on Land and the need for collective action to protect our terrestrial ecosystems through various means such as social media campaigns, educational workshops, advocating for nature-friendly policies, engaging with schools and local communities, and collaborating with media outlets to reach a broader audience.
