The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development covers 17 goals, the 15th of which is “Life on Land,” namely: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Under this major goal, there are 12 targets, the 15.9 of which is “By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.”

●Current Situation  

The World

Biodiversity has not yet been truly integrated into planning and development processes

Many countries report examples of incorporating biodiversity into various planning and development processes. There has been a steady upward trend of countries incorporating biodiversity values into national accounting and reporting systems. At the same time, there is less evidence that biodiversity has been truly integrated into development and poverty reduction planning as required by the target.

Source: United Nations, Our World in Data

China

China attaches importance to ecological protection and sustainable development

Image source: Xinhuanet

The Chinese government attaches great importance to ecological environment protection and sustainable development, and has proposed an important strategy for the construction of ecological civilization. China has formulated the ecological protection red line policy, which clearly delineates the ecological protection red line areas, where development and utilization are strictly restricted. China implements an ecological compensation mechanism, which provides economic compensation to ecological environment providers through accounting for the value of ecosystem services, and encourages the protection and restoration of ecosystems. 

China has established ecological civilization demonstration zones, aiming to explore new models and new paths for sustainable development by promoting the construction of ecological civilization in specific areas. China actively participates in international cooperation and advocacy. As a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, it participates in the UNEP's Ecosystem Services Valuation Initiative.

Source: Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China

●Cases

The World

Patagonia launches ecological protection and social investment projects

Image source: Patogonia

Patagonia is an outdoor apparel and equipment company dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental protection. 

1. Conservation projects

Patagonia promotes the integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning and development processes by funding and supporting conservation projects. The company cooperates with environmental protection organizations to carry out ecological protection projects, including the Salmonid Rivers project and the Regenerative Organic Agriculture project.

2. Social investment

Through social investment, Patagonia supports organizations and projects that are committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. The company supports environmental protection organizations, scientific research institutions and community projects through donations and funding to promote the protection and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Source: Patogonia

Danone integrates ecosystem and biodiversity values into business

Image source: Danone

Danone is committed to integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into various aspects of its business and contributes to national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accountability.

1. Danone Ecosystem Fund

Many of these projects focus on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

2. Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI)

Danone is a founding member of the SAI Platform, which brings together companies, farmers, and NGOs to promote sustainable agricultural practices. 

3. Biodiversity Action Plans

Danone has developed the Biodiversity Action Plans. These plans outline specific actions and targets to protect and enhance biodiversity in and around their operations. 

4. Reporting and transparency

Danone publishes annual sustainability reports that provide detailed information on their efforts to integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into their operations. These reports highlight the company's progress, challenges, and future commitments.

Source: Danone

China

BGI protects biodiversity through technology and education

Image source: BGI Research

BGI promotes the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity in various ways, and promotes the harmonious coexistence of human beings and the natural environment.

1. Scientific research and technical support

BGI provides scientific support for the research and protection of ecosystems and biodiversity through genomics research and technological innovation. BGI's advanced technology and expertise can be used in species identification, genetic diversity analysis, environmental DNA monitoring, etc., providing important data and tools for biodiversity research and protection.

2. Database construction and sharing 

BGI is committed to building and maintaining biodiversity databases, integrating and storing biodiversity data from all over the world. These databases provide important resources for scientists, conservation agencies, and governments, promoting cooperation and exchange in biodiversity research and conservation.

3. Education and training

BGI promotes public and professional awareness and understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity by organizing training courses, seminars and academic exchange activities. 

4. Cooperation and initiatives 

BGI actively participates in international cooperation and initiatives, and cooperates with conservation agencies, research institutions, and governments around the world to jointly promote the protection and sustainable use of ecosystems and biodiversity. BGI provides support and assistance to related initiatives and projects through technical support, data sharing, and experience exchange.

Source: BGI, BGI Genomics, BGI Research 

Shenzhen Investment focuses on environmental sustainability

Image source: Shenzhen Investment Limited

The 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance Report by Shenzhen Investment Limited showed that the construction and operation of the projects would not damage the local ecological environment and would not emit excessive pollution sources. In 2022, Shenzhen Investment continuously promoted the certification of green buildings and had six new projects with green building certifications. With a view to leading a green lifestyle through green housing, the company actively explored the protection of biodiversity, and solid wastes were 100% recycled.

Source: Shenzhen Investment Limited

●Background

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiated by the United Nations

On January 1, 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 169 targets, of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change while ensuring that no one is left behind.