Sustainable Development Goals SDGs Goal 15: Life on Land

What is SDGs Goal 15?

SDGs Goal 12 is “Life on Land,” with its mission statement being to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

This goal has 12 targets and 14 indicators measuring how well the world is tackling climate change. Targets include taking urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, conserving terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, and acting against poaching and trafficking of protected species.

Life on Land in Japan

Loss of biodiversity is a big issue around the world, including Japan. In fact, Japan has its own Red List, where it shares the list of threatened species in Japan. While similar to SDGs 14’s Life Below Water, there are many parallels we can draw between them, none so more obvious than the human causes that threaten ecosystems.

Yet, Japan found its score decreasing in this aspect when we look at its performance report. Conditions for the species on the Red List are worsening. Sites that are important to biodiversity also needs more protection.

SDGs Goal 15 in Japan

IUCN Red List sheds light on endangered species in Japan

Perhaps it is the image that Japan is highly advanced that makes it easy to forget that Japan is a significant part of Japan. Ecosystems in the country are varied and include everything from mountains, forests and wetlands. It is important to learn about the species at risk so we can take the first step to protecting them.

IUCN Red List sheds light on endangered species in Japan

3 Japanese organizations dedicated to biodiversity and conservation

The country’s rich biodiversity is at risk due to climate change and other human activities. And there are a number of organizations in Japan doing their best to conserve it, from education to research to policy proposals.

3 Japanese organizations dedicated to biodiversity and conservation

Japan tries to save fireflies before their cherished light goes out

Fireflies are metaphorically the symbol of love and cherishment in Japan, and symbolic in Japanese culture. They appear in poetry, music and even anime. Yet, they have seen a significant drop in populations due to reasons like habitat loss. We share how Japan is protecting this precious symbol.

Japan tries to save fireflies before their cherished light goes out

Challenging, inadequate animal welfare in Japan

Japan lags behind other countries in animal welfare initiatives, and this has significant impact on the certain practices in Japan, from the continuance of whaling to the gassing trucks for stray animals. This article takes a closer look at the gaps related to animal rights in Japan.

Challenging, inadequate animal welfare in Japan [Reference] SDGs Goal 14: Life Under Water (link to be added at a later date)