Biodiversity and ecosystems

Biodiversity and ecosystems, encompassing the vast variety of life on Earth and the natural systems they inhabit, are fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their importance is acknowledged explicitly in several SDGs due to their critical role in maintaining environmental balance and supporting human life and well-being.

SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) are directly focused on the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, respectively. These goals recognize the intrinsic value of biodiversity and the vital services ecosystems provide, such as habitat for wildlife, carbon sequestration, and soil formation. The preservation and restoration of ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and coral reefs are essential for maintaining biodiversity, which in turn supports ecological resilience and the sustenance of human life.

The role of biodiversity and ecosystems in achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) is significant. The variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, underpins agricultural productivity. Pollinators, soil organisms, and genetic diversity of crops are all crucial for food production and agricultural resilience. Ecosystems support agriculture not just in terms of crop yield but also in sustaining the natural resources like soil and water, upon which agriculture depends.

Similarly, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) is closely tied to the health of ecosystems. Natural habitats such as forests and wetlands play a key role in filtering and purifying water, maintaining the water cycle, and regulating water flow. This natural filtration process is vital for providing clean drinking water and supporting sanitation systems.

Biodiversity and ecosystems are also crucial for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Natural environments regulate diseases by supporting a balance among species that, in turn, can control pest and disease outbreaks. Additionally, a vast number of medical discoveries, including medicines and treatments, have their origins in biological resources, underscoring the potential of biodiversity in contributing to human health and well-being.

Moreover, biodiversity and ecosystems play a significant role in addressing climate change, linking to SDG 13 (Climate Action). Ecosystems such as forests and oceans are major carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems are vital strategies for climate change mitigation. Additionally, healthy ecosystems provide crucial services for climate change adaptation, such as protecting against extreme weather events and helping communities adjust to changing environmental conditions.

However, achieving these goals requires addressing threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, such as habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, and invasive species. It also involves balancing the needs of human development with environmental conservation, ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

Biodiversity and ecosystems are integral to achieving multiple SDGs. Their conservation and sustainable use not only benefit the environment but are essential for food security, water purity, human health, and combating climate change. The protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems are therefore crucial steps towards sustainable development and ensuring the well-being of current and future generations.

This content aligns with Goal 15: Life on Land by highlighting the exceptional biodiversity and ecology of tropical birds.
This chapter advances the UN SDG goals 12 and 11 by focusing mainly on the IPLC perspective in seabird conservation. By understanding this worldview and the associated approaches, we can set the stage to build a bridge between both groups in an effort to achieve more effective approaches to seabird conservation.
This articles identifies the current issues in the governance of global marine protected areas, and propose viable solutions to address those issues to enable effective marine governance.
This study reveals that climate change reduces the variety of wetland ecosystem services and increases socio-economic vulnerability and economic stress.
Elsevier,

Christian John Wenker, Chapter 33 - Exhibit Biodiversity and Animal Health, Editor(s): Eric Miller, Nadine Lamberski, Paul Calle,
Fowler' s Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy, Volume 10, W.B. Saunders, 2023, Pages 217-222, ISBN 9780323828529

This content aligns with Goal 15: Life on Land by highlighting how biodiversity might be increased between zoo enclosures through the introduction of native flora and fauna.
Elsevier,

The Lancet Planetary Health, Volume 6, September 2022

This Personal View supports SDGs 3 and 15 by explaining how restoring ecosystems can reduce risk of infection and adverse sequelae from COVID-19.
This work is the first comprehensive eDNA biodiversity survey conducted on Earth’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. Species composition in high-alpine ecosystems is a useful indicator for monitoring climatic and environmental changes at the upper limits of habitable environments, which highlights the potential importance of this study to future works in this area.
Elsevier,

Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Occurrence, Environmental Impacts and Treatment Processes, 2023, Pages 387-403

This chapter aligns with Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation, Goal 13: Climate action, and Goal 14: Life below water by providing an overview of the state of knowledge of interactions between climate change and MPs/NPs.
Elsevier,

Relationship Between Microbes and the Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume 2: Microbial Mitigation of Waste for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume 5, 1 January 2022

This chapter aligns with Goal 14: Life below water by explaining details of the various pollutants of aquatic sediments and their effects on the health of the aquatic ecosystem.
This chapter aligns with Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation and Goal 14: Life below water by aiming to critically review previous research on the presence of heavy metals, microplastics, and organic contaminants in urban waters and to synthesize the current knowledge of various urban water pollution sources.

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