GOAL OF THE MONTH – Goal 15: Life on Land
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Where We Are
Forests, biodiversity and land are under growing pressure from human activity. As of 2024, forest loss continues at alarming rates, with over 10 million hectares disappearing annually. Only 15% of land globally is under protection, while desertification and soil degradation threaten the livelihoods of over 3.2 billion people. Biodiversity is declining, with one million species at risk of extinction. Achieving Goal 15 requires urgent restoration of degraded land, halting deforestation, and conserving biodiversity across ecosystems.
The Pact for the Future highlights the urgent need to reverse biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems as a cornerstone of sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening multilateral efforts to protect natural habitats and ensure the fair use of natural resources.
SDG 15 in Numbers
- Soil degradation affects nearly one-third of the Earth’s land area, impacting food security for billions.
- Only 15% of land is currently under protection, far from the 30% goal by 2030.
- More than 1 million species face extinction, many within decades, due to human activities.
- Over 12 million hectares of forest are lost every year, primarily due to agricultural expansion.
“The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet – and its people. Restoring our damaged ecosystems will help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction.”
– António Guterres, UN Secretary-General (22 April 2025)
In Focus
15 May | Mid-year update of the World Economic Situation and Prospects Report
A sudden escalation of trade tensions has sent shockwaves through the global economy, dampening growth prospects while fueling uncertainty and inducing financial market volatility. Trade-dependent economies face the greatest risks, as rising tariffs and evolving trade policies threaten to disrupt global supply chains, increase production costs, and delay critical investment decisions. Tariff-driven price pressures are adding to inflation risks, complicating monetary policymaking. At the same time, trade barriers and heightened uncertainty are aggravating debt challenges by cutting export revenues, reducing foreign currency inflows, and tightening liquidity. Many developing countries, already constrained by limited fiscal space, may struggle to respond effectively, jeopardizing progress in sustainable development.
The World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2025 updates UN DESA’s economic forecasts from January 2025 and highlights the urgent need for stronger international cooperation to ease trade tensions and promote a stable, inclusive global economy. The report will be launched on Thursday 15 May at 12:30pm ET. Further details of the live press briefing will be available on webtv.un.org
22 May – International Day for Biological Diversity
This year’s International Day for Biological Diversity will spotlight how biodiversity underpins sustainable development and human well-being. With over one million species at risk of extinction, the day reminds us that protecting ecosystems is not optional — it’s essential. In 2025, the theme “Be Part of the Plan” calls on governments, businesses, civil society and individuals to take urgent action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. It aligns with SDG 15’s mission to restore ecosystems and build resilient communities by protecting the diversity of life on Earth.
Key Events
5-9 May | UN Forum on Forests
The UN Forum on Forests will convene in New York to discuss global forest policy and foster collaboration to combat deforestation. Forests are vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, but they are under threat from land conversion, climate change and unsustainable use. This year’s forum will spotlight nature-based solutions and sustainable forest management as key tools to address both climate change and biodiversity loss, central to the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the 2030 Agenda.
The annual Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI Forum) will explore how innovation can accelerate progress on the SDGs, including nature-positive solutions for Goal 15. From AI-assisted reforestation to satellite tracking of endangered species, technological advances are reshaping how we understand and protect ecosystems. The forum provides a unique space for scientists, governments, and youth innovators to share ideas and scale solutions that bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen environmental stewardship.
NEW! Upcoming Conference Updates
2025 UN Ocean Conference
Website: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025
Programme: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025
Press materials: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/media
Media accreditation for the UN Ocean Conference is open until 17 May 2025. Further details can be found here: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/participate
4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4):
Website: https://financing.desa.un.org/ffd4
Programme: https://financing.desa.un.org/ffd4/programme
Press materials: https://financing.desa.un.org/ffd4/media
Media accreditation for FFD4 Conference is open until 12 June 2025. Further details can be found here: https://financing.desa.un.org/ffd4/participate/media
International Days and Years
3 May | World Press Freedom Day
This year’s World Press Freedom Day focuses on the critical role of journalism in the face of rising disinformation and democratic backsliding. A free, independent press is essential to transparency, accountability and informed societies—cornerstones of sustainable development. As threats to journalists increase globally, the day calls on all actors to protect press freedom and uphold the right to access information. The 2025 theme “Journalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” explores the opportunities and ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies in the media landscape.
8 May | World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day raises awareness about the need for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. This year’s theme “Protect Insects, Protect Birds” draws attention to the interdependence of ecosystems and the cascading impacts of biodiversity loss. Migratory birds rely on healthy food chains and intact habitats—both under threat from land-use change, pollution and climate disruption. The day encourages global cooperation to protect flyways and preserve ecological balance, reinforcing the urgent need to advance Goal 15.
17 May | International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
Observed worldwide, IDAHOBIT is a call to action for equality, dignity and the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people. The 2025 commemoration emphasizes legal protection, inclusive policies and cultural change to end stigma and discrimination. Marginalized communities, especially those at the intersection of gender, race and environment, are often disproportionately impacted by climate and biodiversity loss. Ensuring equal participation and protection for all—including in climate decision-making—is essential to achieving the SDGs in a way that truly leaves no one behind.
ACTNOW for our Common Future
ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals. In the lead up to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, join the #SaveOurOcean ActNow challenge to drive initiatives to conserve the ocean. Whether it’s organizing or joining a beach cleanup, reducing your plastic footprint or advocating for policies that conserve the ocean, everyone can play a part and raise awareness of the urgent need to protect the ocean. Launching 13 May, join the challenge to #SaveOurOcean! Visit ActNow: https://www.un.org/actnow
National Climate Action Plans
As the climate crisis intensifies, the stakes could not be higher. This year, every country is required to submit an updated national climate action plan – called Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. To preserve a livable plant, these plans must align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The UN has come together to drive communication and advocacy efforts on the NDCs. Learn more about the NDCs here: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/all-about-ndcs
Awake at Night Podcast
Acclaimed actor, filmmaker and three-time Academy Award nominee Edward Norton has long been raising his voice on behalf of the planet and its most vulnerable communities. As a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, the Hollywood star reflects on his activist upbringing, and on balancing a successful acting career with a rich, varied and meaningful life. Listen to the full episode here -> https://bit.ly/4dZOVIo
Discover all the episodes and previous seasons here -> https://pod.link/1429922419