Interconnectedness of the Goals: Goal 14 & Goal 15
Updated: Nov 4, 2018
Image credit: Neal Holmes
One of the most exciting aspects of the Global Goals is their interconnectedness. Previously, the multiple areas of development have been treated rather separately within their own categories. Now, however, we have a way to explore how social, environmental and economic development are all related to one another. This year, we are exploring how each goal and their associated targets need to see the achievement of each other in order to be fulfilled as a whole.
Goal 14: Life Below Water and Goal 15: Life On Land
Goal 14 aims to conserve and sustainably make use of the oceans, seas and marine resources, and Goal 15 aims to ensure we protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
These two goals are quite obviously interconnected; they both look to achieve sustainability in flora and fauna around the world.
Target 15.1 states that by 2020, we should ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands. Terrestrial and inland freshwater systems include rivers, which connect either to another river or to the ocean. Therefore, any direct work done towards Target 15.1 will demonstrate progress towards Goal 14. This also applies to Target 15.8 which aims to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species by 2020, also affecting the achievement of Goal 14.
By reaching a stage of sustainable management of fish stocks, we can also make significant progress towards Goal 15. Many birds rely on fish for food. These birds are then food for other species of animals. Our world runs based on a very delicate ecosystem; Goal 14 and Goal 15 are crucial to protecting this ecosystem and ensuring its longevity.
To find out more about these two goals and their interrelatedness, you can read more by visiting #Goal14: #LifeBelowWater and #Goal15: #LifeOnLand.
This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website.