SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

New methods are required in agriculture and forestry that simultaneously take into account soil carbon sequestration and productivity, biodiversity and the economic viability of operations. Balancing these elements in a sustainable way requires up-to-date scientific knowledge, reliable assessment of economic impacts and social acceptability. We draw on a wide range of scientific methodologies to develop solutions can balance these challenging objectives.

For example, in 2022 we developed solutions to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss in the land-use sector. Our aim is to find solutions that can also boost economy and ensure security of supply.

In this section we present our report on nature management in commercial forests and the synthesis report on continuous cover forestry. The section also shows how sustainable land-use practices improve soil biodiversity while helping to reduce water pollution and combat climate change. We also present ways to reconcile forest management, measures to protect the endangered Siberian flying squirrel, and the recreational use of urban forests.