Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Most countries in the region retain sizeable sections of forested area, although habitat loss continues to be a risk due to unsustainable logging practices and forest conversion for plantation and agricultural uses. Invasive species are the leading cause of species extinction on island ecosystems and can impact food and economic security. A regionally co-ordinated response is in place for the management of invasive species in the Pacific.
Ecosystem-based approaches are being integrated into national and sector plans, with potential benefits including enhanced livelihood opportunities and food security; increased biodiversity conservation; and improved carbon sequestration and sustainable water management. The Red List Index, is an indicator of changes in biodiversity and species extinction risk over time.
Dataset for SDG 15 can be downloaded here
By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area
Metadata for indicator 15.1.1 can be downloaded here
Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type
Metadata for indicator 15.1.2 can be downloaded here
By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management
NOTE: this indicator is not one of the 132 indicators in the Pacific SDG indicator subset
By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world
Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area
NOTE: this indicator is not one of the 132 indicators in the Pacific SDG indicator subset
By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development
Indicator 15.4.1: Coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity
NOTE: this indicator is not one of the 132 indicators in the Pacific SDG indicator subset
Indicator 15.4.2: Mountain Green Cover Index
NOTE: this indicator is not one of the 132 indicators in the Pacific SDG indicator subset
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index