Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting and reversing land degradation. As of 2023, we explore the achievements of the top-ranking countries, assess India’s progress, and consider potential strategies for improvement.
Achievement of Top 5 Ranking Countries in SDG 15 (2023):
As of 2023, the top 5 countries making significant strides in achieving SDG 15 are Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden. These nations have demonstrated exemplary commitment to conserving biodiversity, combating deforestation, and promoting sustainable land management practices.
Sources:
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023
- SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023
India’s Achievement in Comparison to the Top 5:
India has made commendable progress in SDG 15, with notable efforts towards afforestation, wildlife conservation, and sustainable land use. However, compared to the top-ranking countries, India faces challenges related to deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss.
Sources:
- National Voluntary Review Report on SDGs by India 2023
- Environmental Performance Index 2023
What More Can India Do:
To further enhance its performance in SDG 15, India can consider the following measures:
a) Strengthening Afforestation Programs: Invest in large-scale afforestation initiatives to increase green cover and combat deforestation.
b) Sustainable Land Management: Implement policies and practices that promote sustainable land use, reducing soil erosion and degradation.
c) Biodiversity Conservation: Enhance efforts to protect and restore biodiversity, including the preservation of endangered species and their habitats.
d) Community Engagement: Involve local communities in conservation efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for sustainable land practices.
Sources:
- National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2023
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India