Animals vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report calls on international policymakers to integrate principles of animal welfare and wildlife conservation in all efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by United Nations members in 2015, the SDGs outline international priorities to achieve sustainable human development, including management of population growth, infrastructure plans, and longevity of our natural resources. However, to date they place limited emphasis on the value of the natural world.
"Our connection with the natural world has never been clearer than it is at this moment, as demonstrated by the unprecedented impact of global climate change, global pandemics and environmental degradation," said Mark Hofberg, Campaigns Officer at IFAW and lead author of the report. "It is therefore necessary that we acknowledge this vital relationship and include animals at the start of all decisions around sustainable development."
Effective welfare and conservation actions will contribute significantly to achieving the SDGs and improving people's lives at the pace that is required for the health of our planet. Acknowledging the role of animals can lead to greater food security, prevention of disease, and strengthened contribution of vital species to overall ecosystem health?and thus increased resilience against the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
Key findings highlighted in the report include:
Climate Action, SDG #13. Large mammals such as elephants and whales are keystone species that help to promote growth and sequester carbon as they traverse vast habitats. Global losses of wildlife have cascading consequences throughout ecosystems, which in turn make humans more vulnerable to the dangers of climate change.
Life on Land, SDG #15. Humanity is at a critical juncture in preventing biodiversity loss and halting the extinction of endangered species. We rely on terrestrial ecosystems in both subtle and obvious ways, some of which we may not realize until it is too late. When wildlife habitats are protected, ecosystem services thrive and destructive forces are mitigated.
Life Below Water, SDG #14. When marine and coastal species are healthy and their habitats protected, they too contribute to key ecosystem services that support the functions and benefits of flora and fauna. Marine species are integral to the ocean-based resources upon which many communities absolutely depend.
Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG #8. In direct contrast to poaching and other wildlife exploitation, nature tourism creates economic growth in a sustainable way?focused on productive, inclusive and decent work for all. To Africa alone, 80% of tourism is attributed to wildlife viewing.
Good Health and Well-Being, SDG #3. Habitat destruction, unsanitary livestock conditions and global wildlife trade are just a few of the ways in which wildlife comes into closer and sustained contact with humans. Proper management would have a profound effect on protecting people from zoonotic disease spillover events. At the same time, evidence increasingly shows that immersion in nature is beneficial for physical and mental health.
IFAW advocates for the integration of animals into all stages of relevant human development projects?from policy, to planning, to evaluation. This includes disaster planning and risk reduction efforts, ensuring sustainable agriculture and fisheries practices, reducing the threat of animal consumption-based pandemics, and supporting global efforts to protect habitat and biodiversity of our lands and oceans.
To read the full report and IFAW's recommendations, click here.
About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
IFAW is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we're up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org.
SolarBank Corporation (CBOE CA: SUNN) ("SolarBank" or the "Company") announces that it has partnered with TriMac Engineering of Sydney, Nova Scotia to develop a 10 MW DC community solar garden in the rural community of Enon, and three 7 MW DC...
Strong and effective enforcement of Canada's environmental and wildlife protection laws is one of the concrete ways Environment and Climate Change Canada delivers on the commitment to provide clean air and water, and protect and conserve wildlife...
In celebration of Earth Day, SunTrain ? a pioneer in renewable energy distribution ? visited the Port of Oakland to showcase the benefits of its "Trainsmission" technology on energy distribution, and how it could contribute to the Port's leadership...
Boviet Solar Technology Co. Ltd. (the "Company" or "Boviet Solar"), a Vietnam solar energy technology company specializing in manufacturing monocrystalline PV cells, Gamma Seriestm Monofacial, and Vega Seriestm Bifacial PV Modules, today announces...
The federal government recently delivered Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation.
It is a plan to build a Canada that works better for everyone, where younger generations can get ahead, where their hard work pays off, and where they can buy a...