Life on Land: Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals address pressing global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. The SDGs build upon the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) from 2000-2015, providing a comprehensive roadmap for a sustainable future.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Goal 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss.

Ministries Involved

1. Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (MNRECC):

   • The main ministry responsible for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management.

   • It oversees policies related to forestry, water resources, and environmental sustainability.

   • The Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024, will increase wildlife protection, introduce a new fine amount of $RM10$ million for environmental criminals (before: $RM100,000$) and mandatory jail.

2. Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS):

   • Manages sustainable agriculture to prevent land degradation.

   • Promotes agroforestry and responsible farming practices.

   • Malaysia and Indonesia are committed to strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation in the agriculture sector and food security

3. Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK):

   • Regulates the palm oil, rubber, and timber industries to ensure sustainable practices.

   • Works with the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB).

   • Sabah established funds to address conflicts between elephants and other wildlife, including orangutans and humans.

Key Government Agencies

• Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN):

  • Protects endangered species and combats poaching.

Effects of the Issue in Malaysia

1. Deforestation: From 2001 to 2023, Malaysia lost $79\%$ of tree cover due to deforestation.

2. Endangered Species: Species at risk include:

   • Hopea subalata (Merawan Kanching)

   • Malayan tiger

   • Malayan tapir

Global Issues

1. Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Forests play a crucial role in absorbing $CO<em>2$ from the atmosphere. Deforestation reduces $CO</em>2$ absorption, and lead to increases in $CO_2$ in our atmosphere. Deforestation can also release other potent greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a warming effect and global climate change.

2. Biodiversity Loss: Deforestation leads to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, threatening biodiversity and causing endangerment and extinction for many plant and animal species.

Causes of the Issue

1. Deforestation:

   • The clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and urban expansion.

   • Leads to habitat loss, reduces $CO_2$ absorption, and contributes to climate change.

2. Industrialization and Urbanization:

   • The growth of industries and cities requires more resources and space.

   • Destroys habitats, causes pollution, and releases greenhouse gases.

3. Over-Exploitation of Natural Resources:

   • Overfishing, illegal logging, and mining deplete natural resources.

   • Drives species to extinction, degrades ecosystems, and harms biodiversity.

Government Solutions

1. Dasar Alam Sekitar Negara (DASN):
   There are eight (8) principles under the DASN to harmonize the goals of economic development with the importance of the environment, namely:

   • Environmental Monitoring

   • Conservation of Resilience and Diversity of Nature

   • Continuous Improvement of Environmental Quality

   • Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

   • Integrated Decision Making

   • The Role of the Private Sector

   • Commitment and Accountability

   • Active Participation in the International Community

   DASN aims to integrate environmental considerations into development activities and related decision-making processes, foster long-term economic growth and human progress, and to protect and improve the environment. It complements and adds to the environmental dimension contained in other national policies, such as forestry and industrial policies, and also takes into account Alam

2. The 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) 2021-2025:

   • Increase forest cover to $30\%$ of the land area by 2025 and enhance forest conservation.

   • Rehabilitate degraded land and peatlands, focusing on sustainable land management.

   • Protect biodiversity through the conservation of endangered species and natural habitats.

   • Encourage sustainable agriculture and green economic practices to reduce land degradation.

3. Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO):

   • Promotes the sustainable production of palm oil.

   • Guidelines ensure that palm oil production does not contribute to deforestation or habitat destruction.

   • Encourages better management practices to protect land and biodiversity.

What Can Other Sectors Do?

1. Businesses & Industry:

   • Adopt sustainable supply chains by implementing sustainable sourcing and production practices to minimize environmental impacts.

   • Invest in conservation projects and initiatives that promote sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.

2. Individuals:

   • Adopt sustainable consumption patterns by making conscious choices to reduce their environmental footprint.

   • Get involved in conservation efforts by volunteering for conservation organizations or participating in local conservation initiatives.

   • Educate others about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.