#SDG15

[intlforestday]

HoW Africa drylands can stabilize the Global climate?

Regreening Africa aims to reverse land degradation on 1 million hectares across 8 countries in Africa. So far, the project has improved the #livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience of 500,000 households by restoring ecosystem services.

[remittancesday]

Remittances helps families to achieve their own Sustainable Development Goals.

By 2030, it is projected that over US$ 5 trillion will be sent home by migrants to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with much of this money going directly to rural areas where 80 per cent of the world’s poor live, face food shortages, and the impacts of climate change.

This money, sent by migrants and diaspora communities, directly supports millions of families to achieve their own Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They contribute directly to poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, small business development, gender equality, and rural economic growth.

[developmentinformationday]

Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2024 - Financing for development at a crossroads.

United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs

[20may]

Strengthening the science-policy interface on pollination.

This Assessment covers changes in animal pollination as a regulating ecosystem service that underpins food production and its contribution to gene flows and restoration of ecosystems. It addresses the role of native and exotic pollinators, the status of and trends in pollinators and pollination networks and services, drivers of change, impacts on human well-being, food production of pollination declines and deficits and the effectiveness of responses to pollination declines and deficits. The Assessment informs enhanced policy responses to declines and deficits in pollination by identifying policy-relevant findings for decision-making in government, the private sector and civil society, as well as helping to demonstrate how an essential ecosystem service contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Plenary approved the Summary for Policymakers and accepted the chapters of the Assessment at its 4th session in February 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (IPBES 4). As the first of the completed IPBES thematic outputs, the publication of this Assessment has generated a wide range of follow-up products, actions and policy initiatives. Some of the most noteworthy of these are:

A formal endorsement of the key messages of the Assessment by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity at its 13th meeting (COP13).

The formation of a “Coalition of the Willing” by a growing number of Governments around the world, inspired by the assessment to act nationally to protect pollinators and to promote pollination.

The publication, in both the Nature and Science journals, of major articles building on and reviewing the assessment. Access the media releases.

An ever-expanding list of national strategies and action plans on pollination, premised on the outcomes of the assessment, in countries including, among others: France, the Netherlands, Brazil, South Africa and the Republic of Korea.

IPBES would like to acknowledge and thank all of the experts who contributed to the Assessment, and whose efforts have already made so great an impact in strengthening the science-policy interface on pollination.

[southsouthcooperationday]

Opening plenary (SDG Action Weekend, Mobilization Day).

As the opening to SDG Action Weekend, the opening plenary of the Saturday proceedings will emphasize the urgency of this moment. Halfway to the 2030 Deadline, we are not halfway there –many goals remain off-track and global economic, geopolitical, and environmental headwinds threaten progress in other areas.

The 2030 Agenda is a promise, not a guarantee, and humanity is in the hotseat. In the face of these challenges, participants will be reminded by speakers that transformation, at scale, is possible. We have the right tools and capabilities but now we need everyone, individually and collectively, to channel these resources more efficiently to deliver on the SDGs. This session will feature a keynote speech from a former Head of State, providing a sober reality check of the moment and emphasizing the possibility for us to achieve our promise. To close, an empowering performance from Yemi Aladewill set an uplifting tone as stakeholders head into the programming of SDG Mobilization Day.

---

To maximize the SDG Summit's impact, the Secretary General is convening an SDG Action Weekend, which will generate opportunities for stakeholders, UN entities, and Member States to convene inside the United Nations Headquarters and set out specific commitments and contributions to drive SDG transformation between now and 2030.

The SDG Action Weekend will consist of the SDG Mobilization Day on Saturday, 16 September, and the SDG Acceleration Day on Sunday, 17 September at UNHQ in New York.

The SDG Mobilization Day (16 September) will create an opportunity for stakeholders from all sectors to convene inside the United Nations Headquarters and mobilize towards an ambitious SDG Summit and UN General Assembly High-Level Week.

The SDG Acceleration Day (17 September) will be centred around the UN High-Impact Initiatives

The SDG Summit on 18-19 September will mark the mid point of the SDGs. It must secure the breakthroughs and momentum needed to change course and achieve the SDGs by 2030. To maximize the Summit's impact, the Secretary General is convening an SDG Action Weekend, which will generate opportunities for stakeholders, UN entities, and Member States to convene inside the United Nations Headquarters and set out specific commitments and contributions to drive SDG transformation between now and 2030.

[biodiversityday]

3 conditions that will help scale blended finance for nature-positive outcomes.

“There is no pathway to limiting global warming to 1.5C without action on protecting and restoring nature,” wrote four architects of the Paris Agreement ahead of the COP15 UN biodiversity conference last December. “Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is only possible if we act now to deliver a nature-positive society.”

Building a nature-positive world and scaling up climate finance flows by at least 590% to meet the 2030 global climate goals will require an immense mobilization of resources. Blended finance will be a particularly important source of finance for nature by using public or philanthropic funds to catalyze private investment. Blended finance is also key for bridging the $700 billion per year biodiversity financing gap.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) takes significant steps to scale financing for nature as it seeks to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and put nature on a path to recovery. Conservation International’s Exponential Roadmap for Natural Climate Solutions outlines a path to reach net-zero emissions from the land sector by 2030 through natural climate solutions that protect existing ecosystems, sustainably manage working lands and restore degraded forests and wetlands but getting there will require seismic changes in global finance, even for “cost-effective” mitigations solutions costing less than $100 per ton.

Therefore, it is important to put in place the enabling conditions for blended finance to scale up quickly.

Scaling finance through diverse coalitions

First, we must build ambitious coalitions to finance key biodiversity areas. Leveraging ambitious coalitions between the Global North and the Global South by partnering with different kinds of international entities will be critical to accelerate action and scale up financing toward the common goal of protecting nature. The G17 (the world's 17 megadiverse countries) will likely be able to effect greater influence than any of the individual countries on their own.

The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a coalition of UN Agencies, nations, philanthropies, private investors and organizations meant to address the threat of global temperature rise to the world’s remaining coral reef populations. This blended finance instrument is a 10-year, $625 million vehicle meant to “supercharge” conservation efforts to protect vulnerable coral ecosystems – a powerful example of the impact that can be achieved in coalition.

Working in a coalition is also key to ensuring no one gets left behind. Indigenous peoples represent only 6% of the global population but protect 80% of global biodiversity. A recent Conservation International paper on drivers that reverse deforestation trends shows that indigenous-led management is key to slowing deforestation. Despite their role as custodians of nature, Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) receive very little global environmental finance.

Coalition building – with actors who prioritize IPLC involvement – will help redirect finance flows to community-led conservation efforts. According to the World Economic Forum report, embedding traditional ecological knowledge and empowering Indigenous peoples as co-investment leaders in nature-based solutions brings value to both corporate action on nature and the long-term health of nature.

Mainstreaming nature across multilateral development banks

Second, nature considerations must be mainstreamed across the operations and policies of multilateral development banks (MDBs) to scale up blended finance. Making MDBs fit for purpose to address the interconnected crises facing the Global South this century has been an international priority following the publication of the Bridgetown Initiative and the Summit for a Global Financing Pact, which took place last June.

Last year’s COP15 decision also calls upon MDBs and other international financial institutions to be engaged in the design and operationalization of the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) GBF Fund.

We’ve already seen the difference MDBs can make when leading in developing blended finance instruments. The World Bank’s Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) is a $150 million outcome-based bond that leverages grant-based financing from the GEF with private investments to protect endangered black rhino populations, tying investors’ returns to rhino growth rates. The GFCR draws on various MDBs and the Green Climate Fund to help unlock coral reef adaptation financing.

“

Elections can bring changes in political will to fund nature in response to the twin biodiversity and climate crises.”— Akanksha Khatri, Head of Nature and Biodiversity, World Economic Forum | Carlos Correa, Senior Fellow, Conservation International

Strong foundations

Third, insulating climate and biodiversity finance from the swing of the political and economic pendulum is key. Elections can bring changes in political will to fund nature in response to the twin biodiversity and climate crises. Economic downturns and shrinking corporate budgets often impact sustainability investment. Strong national policies with standardized tools and processes must be institutionalized to unlock funding for nature consistently.

Funding mechanisms can also be structured to be resilient. The GFCR draws funding from diverse stakeholders, including commitments from the governments of Germany, Canada, France and the UK. Collaborating with multiple member states, multilateral institutions and the private sector makes the GFCR less reliant on a single actor and more resilient to shifts in national politics.

These daunting challenges to bridge the climate finance and biodiversity funding gaps present a golden opportunity for blended finance and other innovative mechanisms to catalyze public, private and philanthropic investments. These three enabling conditions will help unlock blended finance’s potential to meet 2030 climate and biodiversity targets.

The world’s ambitious climate goals can only be achieved if we protect nature.

Blended finance can provide the catalyst to scale funding to protect nature and climate.

By working in coalition, mainstreaming nature across multilateral development banks and institutionalizing blended finance for nature-positive initiatives, we can quickly scale the blended finance needed to meet global climate and biodiversity goals.

[dayofcombattingsandandduststorms]

Sand and dust storms and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sand and dust storms (SDS) present a formidable and wide-spread challenge to achieving sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. They have become a serious global concern in recent decades due to their significant impacts on the environment, health, agriculture, livelihoods, and socio-economic well-being. Sand and dust storms are an essential element of the Earth’s natural bio-chemical cycles, but are also caused in part by human-induced drivers, including climate change, and unsustainable land management and water use. In turn, sand and dust storms contribute to climate change and air pollution. Sand and dust storms’ impacts are felt in all regions of the world, both in developed and developing countries, and pose severe challenges to achieving 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, especially:

SDG-2 — Goal 2: Zero hunger

SDG-3 — Goal 3: Health

SDG-6 — Goal 6: Water and sanitation

SDG-8 — Goal 8: Economic growth

SDG-11 — Goal 11: Cities

SDG-13 — Goal 13: Climate action, and

SDG-15 — Goal 15: Biodiversity forests and desertification.

At least 25 % of global dust emissions originate from human activities, and in some areas, desert dust has doubled in the 20th century. The impact of this phenomena is difficult to control, as human activity in one part of the world can cause sand and dust storms in another region. However, just as sand and dust storms are caused by human activities, these storms can also be reduced through human actions.

[coopsday]

Cooperatives partners for accelarated sustainable Development.

This year’s theme is “Cooperatives: partners for accelerated sustainable development” and the celebration will mark the 29th International Day of Cooperatives recognized by the United Nations and the 101st International Cooperative Day.

Through #CoopsDay, local, national, and international policymakers, civil society organisations and the public in general can learn about the contribution of cooperatives to a just and sustainable future for all.

[internationalteaday]

Celebrate International Tea Day 2023 with us under the theme “Bringing people together over a cup of tea”.

This year, theme is "Bringing people together over a cup of tea''; The observance of the International Tea Day 2023 will focus on smallholder tea producers. The Day aims to raise awareness of the deep cultural, heritage and economic significance of tea around the globe.

The observance of the International Tea Day aims to raise awareness of the key role the sector plays in reducing extreme poverty (SDG1), fighting hunger (SDG2), empowering women (SDG5), supporting the sustainable use of the terrestrial ecosystem (SDG15), and in contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

[wisdomist]

Eco Girl is here!

Eco Girl is here!

I created a portfolio page for Eco Girl, which was published in October 2022. It contains an outline of the book project, some sketches and some finished art. It was a really intense and enjoyable project to work on. Lets hope it is a successful book too!

[nandini-writes-sometimes]

Enhancing CSR Impact through Collaboration with MARPU Foundation

What’s to Read:

Integration of CSR Goals with respect to corporate giants SDGs.

How MARPU impacts these strategies?

Partnering with MARPU.

MARPU’s SDG Initiatives.

Integration of CSR Goals with respect to corporate giants SDGs:

In today’s world, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become more crucial than ever. Companies worldwide are acknowledging their role in promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realizing that their responsibilities extend beyond just shareholders to encompass communities and the environment. Integrating CSR initiatives into business operations can create shared value, benefiting society. However, the true impact of CSR can only be unraveled via strategic partnerships with organizations that bear the passion and resources toward leading change in a sustainable way.

How MARPU impacts these strategies?

The SDGs provide a universal framework through which businesses can structure their CSR strategies. But setting specific targets also helps big corporations make a dent in broader, global efforts while enhancing their reputation and social impact. MARPU Foundation, with its work by way of provisioning clean water in rural communities, manifests this best. Their initiatives are detailed into SDG 6: ensuring clean water and sanitation.

In today’s digitally driven society, the use of new technologies can develop volunteering activities to their fullest potential in both efficiency and reach. Technology also enables the broadening of the volunteer base through remote volunteering by opening opportunities for people to participate regardless of where they may be located, thus aiding companies in engaging diverse individuals.

Therefore, overlaps between the values and goals of the corporation and the NGO are a must for the strategic partnerships to work. A notable example is the collaboration between a tech giant and the MARPU Foundation to promote digital literacy.

One of the major attributes the MARPU Foundation employs in establishing the impact of its programs is quantitative and qualitative measurement of data. Likewise, corporations must adopt strong analytics to capture direct and indirect results for their CSR interventions.

Partnering with MARPU:

CSR “CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY”:

Unleash Positive Change: Adopt a Project

Powerful Impact with Corporate Donations

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT:

Volunteerism: A New Chapter in Employee Engagement

Payroll Giving: Empowerment through Generosity

BRAND DEVELOPMENT:

Event Sponsorships: Merge Visibility with Impact

Donation Boxes: Simple Giving, Significant Impact

Cause-Related Marketing: Where Business Meets Compassion

MARPU’s SDG Initiatives:

The MARPU Foundation adheres to their work theme of supporting the SDGs:

– Environmental Sustainability:

1.     SDG6(Clean Water and Sanitation)

2.     SDG7(Affordable and Clean Energy)

3.     SDG11(Sustainable Cities and Communities)

4.     SDG12(Responsible Consumption and Production)

5.     SDG13(Climate Action)

6.     SDG14 &SDG15(Life below Water & Life on Land)

– Economic Development:

1.     SDG1 & SDG2(NO Poverty & Zero Hunger)

2.     SDG8(Decent Work and Economic Growth)

3.     SDG9(Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)

4.     SDG10(Reduced Inequalities)

– Social Development:

1.     SDG3(Good Health and Well-being)

2.     SDG4(Quality Education)

3.     SDG5 (Gender Equality)

– Partnership for Goals:

1.     SDG17

Link: https://www.marpu.org/

[intlforestday]

Forests do more for the climate than store and sequester carbon.

For example, they:

regulate rainfall

provide cooling benefits

protect coastal areas

provide forest products for local communities facing climatic threats

[eyeontw]

六福旅遊集團X莊福文教基金會六福永續獎開跑 全台國中小生動起來

近年環境永續議題發燒，六福旅遊集團長期致力環境永續，與莊福文教基金會共同攜手，針對全台國中小學童推動六福永續獎競賽，倡議聯合國永續發展目標SDG15陸域生態保育及維護生物多樣性，提升學童對全球及台灣瀕危保育動物認知，培養孩子尊重生命的態度，並關注環境永續發展議題。即日起至2024年2月29日止，從3種保育動物：犀牛、熊鷹、長頸鹿擇1說明，以說書表演形式拍攝2-3分鐘的影片介紹動物特徵、習性、生活方式，創意形式不拘，即可免費報名。獎項豐富多元，總值高達50萬元的獎品，除最大獎有機會入住關西六福莊，還有位處四

獎品總值高達50萬，把握機會免費暢遊六福村、關西六福莊、六福萬怡 近年環境永續議題發燒，六福旅遊集團長期致力環境永續，與莊福文教基金會共同攜手，針對全台國中小學童推動六福永續獎競賽，倡議聯合國永續發展目標SDG15陸域生態保育及維護生物多樣性，提升學童對全球及台灣瀕危保育動物認知，培養孩子尊重生命的態度，並關注環境永續發展議題。即日起至2024年2月29日止，從3種保育動物：犀牛、熊鷹、長頸鹿擇1說明，以說書表演形式拍攝2-3分鐘的影片介紹動物特徵、習性、生活方式，創意形式不拘，即可免費報名。獎項豐富多元，總值高達50萬元的獎品，除最大獎有機會入住關西六福莊，還有位處四鐵共構的五星級台北六福萬怡酒店，且每位得獎者都能暢遊六福村。 　去年六福永續獎首度舉辦，僅開放國小生報名，短短二個月期間，已吸引上百件參獎作品，在各界引頸期盼下，2024年除國小生外，進一步開放國中生參與，為呼應台灣雙…

[developmentinformationday]

Assessing the progress of all 193 United Nations Member States on the SDGs.

Sustainable Development Report 2023 ''Implementing the SDG Stimulus'' Read the full report

[unsustainanledevelopmentgoals]

SDG15: Life on Land

It targets the following:

Ensure conservation of mountain ecosystems

Protect biodiversity and natural habitats Protect access to genetic resources and fair sharing of the benefits

Eliminate poaching and trafficking of protected species

Prevent invasive alien species on land and in water ecosystems and

Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity in governmental planning.

[southsouthcooperationday]

Remarks by the United Nations Secretary-General on the opening plenary (SDG Action Weekend, Mobilization Day)

Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the opening plenary of the SDG Action Weekend (Mobilization Day).