Sustainable Development In Bangladesh: Goal 15 – Life On Land

Barrister Fabliha Afia:

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind

My family came to Bangladesh from Arab around 500 years ago to preach Islam. My great paternal grandmother is also from the Syed family. Syed’s are the direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). That makes me a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). All praises to Allah.

I am grateful to Allah for everything. I also have a message, and that message is about Faith.

Human inventions are amazing. For example, the internet, it is full of wonder, we get all the information online, we get live news, we get to enjoy live entertainment, we can communicate with each other in real time, we can see each other in real time… wow! We also invented the rocket and went to the moon… wow!

However no matter how amazing man made inventions are, God’s creation is more amazing. For example, we invented the rocket and went to the moon, but we cannot create the beautiful moon, which not only lights up the night sky but also affects the tide. We cannot create the magnificent sun, we cannot create the mesmerising sky, we cannot create the amazing universe.

There is so much to learn from nature. For example, the plants, it gives us oxygen. And the oxygen is free for all of us. Nature is so good. Nature is so kind. Nature is important everyday, every moment. Nature is valuable everyday, every moment. And we should be respectful towards nature and each other. We should be good and kind, everyday, every moment, towards nature and each other.

Nature also embraces harmony and coordination, like symphony. For example, the sun shines during the day and the moon at night. Nature also does not divide between gender, age, religion, wealth, power, colour or status. Nature is for everyone. We all see the same sun, the same moon, the same sky, the same stars. All living beings are loved by Allah. There is no disparity. There is no division. We should also be loving and live in harmony with nature and each other.

All the delicious food we eat, that too comes from nature. Food provides nutrition. The water we drink, that is also a natural element. Water provides  hydration. The air we breathe, that too is a natural element. The sun gives light, with which the plants make food, the plants in turn make oxygen and we need oxygen to live. This shows we are interconnected. This shows we are one with the universe. We are never alone. There is always Allah.

Allah is the Creator, the Originator, the Self-Existing, the Self-Sufficient, the Everlasting, the Producer, the Inheritor, the Owner of All, the Sovereign, the Fashioner of things, the Almighty, the All-Powerful, the Strong, the Prevailer, the Dominant, the Omnipotent, the Subduer, the Giver of Life, the Taker of Life, the Resurrector, the Guardian, the Trustee, the Distresser, the Protecting Friend, the Gatherer, the Supremely Exalted, the Watchful, the Responsive, the Witness, the Magnificent, the Majestic, the Highest, the Greatest, the Incomparable, the Glorious, the Bountiful, the Boundless, the Exalter, the Enricher, the Sustainer, the Preserver, the Nourisher, the Bestower, the Lord of Majesty and Generosity, the Firm, the Forbearing, the Repeatedly Forgiving, the Much-Forgiving, the Pardoner, the Ever-Pardoning, the Most Patient, the Abaser, the Giver of Dishonor, the Avenger, the Restorer, the Source  of Peace, the Source  of Faith, the Truth, the Holy, the Pure, the Light, the Most Appreciative, the Perceiver, the Manifest, the Guide, the Compeller, the Restrainer, the Extender, the Reckoner, the Appraiser, the Expediter, the Delayer, the Hidden, the Patron, the Withholder, the Righteous Teacher, the Giver of Honor, the Victory Giver, the Praiseworthy, the First, the Last, the Ever-Living, the Eternal, the All-Encompassing, the One.

Spending time in nature also makes us happy. Nature fills our heart with wonder and awe. We should also spread joy and happiness.

Nature is beautiful everyday, every moment. Nature is glorious, kind, good, and so beautiful, sweet, understanding, pure, loving, nurturing and divine. We are part of the beautiful nature. And we should also embrace all the good qualities.

We are all creations of Allah. Allah is the Most Kind, the Most Merciful, the All-Compassionate, the Gentle, the All-Seeing, the  All-Hearing, the All-Knowing, the All-Aware, the Equitable, the Judge, the Just, the Wise, the Source of Good, the Most Loving. Allah cannot see us in pain. And thus we should all take care of the nature and each other, including ourselves. The world needs more love and kindness.

A way to take care of nature is to protect life on land.

SDG 15: LIFE ON LAND

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 is life on land. The United Nations (UN) has defined 12 Targets and 14 Indicators for SDG 15. The original texts of the Targets and Indicators are as follows:^[1]

15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements

15.1.1 Forest area as a proportion of total land area

15.1.2 Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type

15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

15.2.1 Progress towards sustainable forest management

15.3 By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

15.3.1 Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area

15.4 By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development

15.4.1 Coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity

15.4.2 Mountain Green Cover Index

15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

15.5.1 Red List Index

15.6 Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed

15.6.1 Number of countries that have adopted legislative, administrative and policy frameworks to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits

15.7 Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products

15.7.1 Proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly trafficked

15.8 By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species

15.8.1 Proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species

15.9 By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts

15.9.1 Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

15.A Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems

15.A.1 Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

15.B Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation

15.B.1 Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

15.C Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities

15.C.1 Proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly trafficked

DEFINITIONS, GOALS AND DATA OF THE INDICATORS

Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. The Indicators can be further explained as follows:^[2]

15.1.1 Definition: Indicator 15.1.1 is forest area as a proportion of total land area. 

Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether productive or not, and excludes tree stands in agricultural production systems (for example, in fruit plantations and agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens.

Goal: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

Unlike most SDGs which have a target year of 2030, this indicator is set to be achieved by 2020.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh forest area as share of land area is gradually decreasing. In 2005 the ratio was 11.18%, in 2010 it was 11.08%, and in 2015 it was 10.98%.

15.1.2 Definition: Indicator 15.1.2 is the proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.

Protected areas are covered by three indicators: the proportion of total terrestrial area classified as protected; proportion of important sites of terrestrial biodiversity who are protected; and proportion of important sites of freshwater biodiversity who are protected.

Goal: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

Unlike most SDGs which have a target year of 2030, this indicator is set to be achieved by 2020.

Bangladesh: Terrestrial protected areas are totally or partially protected areas of at least 1,000 hectares that are designated by national authorities as scientific reserves with limited public access, national parks, natural monuments, nature reserves or wildlife sanctuaries, protected landscapes, and areas managed mainly for sustainable use. In Bangladesh the share of land that was protected was 4.61% in 2017.

Proportion of important sites for terrestrial biodiversity that are covered by protected areas shows temporal trends in the mean percentage of each important site for terrestrial biodiversity that is covered by designated protected areas. Share of terrestrial biodiversity sites that are protected is gradually increasing. In 2010 the ratio was 48.00%, and in 2018 it was 48.02%.

Proportion of important sites for freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas shows temporal trends in the mean percentage of each important site for freshwater biodiversity that is covered by designated protected areas. Proportion of important sites for freshwater biodiversity that were covered by protected areas is constant. In 2016 the ratio  was 20.76%, in 2017 it was 20.76%, and in 2018 it was 20.76%.

15.2.1 Definition: Indicator 15.2.1 is progress towards sustainable forest management. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is composed of five sub-indicators that measure progress towards all dimensions of sustainable forest management.

Three sub-indicators focus on the extension of forest area, biomass within the forest area and protection and maintenance of biological diversity. One relates to the availability of a long-term management plan; and the final measures areas which are independently verified for compliance with a set of national or international standards.

Goal: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

Unlike most SDGs which have a target year of 2030, this indicator is set to be achieved by 2020.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh forest area net change rate indicates a net loss of forest area. Forest area net change rate measures the annual net change in forested area, as a percentage of total forest area. Negative values indicate a net loss of forest area, and positive values a net gain. In 2005 the ratio was -0.18%, in 2010 it was -0.18%, and in 2015 it was -0.18%.

Above-ground biomass in forest is gradually increasing. Above ground biomass density is measured in tonnes of forest biomass per hectare. In 2005 the density was 98.97 t/ha, in 2010 it was 118.59 t/ha, and in 2015 it was 123.86 t/ha.

Proportion of forest area within legally established protected areas is gradually increasing. In 2005 the ratio was 17.21%, in 2010 it was 17.35%, and in 2015 it was 18.96%.

Proportion of forest area with a long-term management plan was 60.40% in 2010.

Forest area certified under an independently verified certification scheme was 0 hectares in 2018.

15.3.1 Definition: Indicator 15.3.1 is the proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.

Goal: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the share of land degraded was 65% in 2015.

15.4.1 Definition: Indicator 15.4.1 is coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity.

This indicator measures the average share of each important site for mountain biodiversity that is covered by designated protected areas. The indicator does not measure the effectiveness of protected areas in reducing biodiversity loss, which depends on a range of management and enforcement factors.

Goal: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity.

Bangladesh: Average share of each important biodiversity that is covered by designated protected areas. The indicator does not measure the effectiveness of protected areas in reducing biodiversity loss, which depends on a range of management and enforcement factors. In Bangladesh the coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity was 0% in 2018.

15.4.2 Definition: Indicator 15.4.2 is the Mountain Green Cover Index.

The Mountain Green Cover Index measures the percentage of mountainous areas covered by some form of green vegetation.

The Green Cover Index measures the changes of the green vegetation in mountain areas – i.e. forests, shrubs, trees, pasture land, crop, land, etc. – in order to monitor progress on the mountain target.

This is monitored through very high resolution multi-temporal images from Google Earth and Bing Maps and Landsat 7 and 8 datasets from Google Earth Engine.

Goal: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity.

Bangladesh: Mountain Green Cover Index measures the percentage of mountainous areas covered by some form of green vegetation. In Bangladesh, Mountain Green Cover Index in 2017 was 87.5%.

15.5.1 Definition: Indicator 15.5.1 is the Red List Index.

The Red List Index (RLI) defines the conservation status of major species groups, and measures trends in the proportion of species expected to remain extant in the near future without additional conservation action.

An RLI value of 1.0 equates to all species being categorised as ‘Least Concern’, and hence that none are expected to go extinct in the near future. A value of 0 indicates that all species have gone extinct.

Goal: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the Red List Index value is gradually decreasing. In 2014 the value was 0.78, in 2016 it was 0.77, and in 2019 it was 0.76.

15.6.1 Definition: Indicator 15.6.1 is the number of countries that have adopted legislative, administrative and policy frameworks to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits. 

This indicator is measured through several sub indicators that track countries’ participation in protocols concerned with the promotion and sharing of genetic resources for plants, food and agriculture.

Goal: By 2030 promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources.

Bangladesh: The Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House Protocol covers genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources. In Bangladesh there is no legislative measure reported to the Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House according to 2012 data.

Bangladesh is a party to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) according to 2018 data. The Protocol provides greater legal certainty and transparency for both providers and users of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. It helps to ensure benefit-sharing in genetic knowledge and resources.

Bangladesh is not a party to the Nagoya protocol according to 2012 data. (However the data is outdated. Bangladesh is now a party to the protocol.)^[3] The Nagoya Protocol provides greater legal certainty and transparency for both providers and users of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

15.7.1 Definition: Indicator 15.7.1 is the proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly trafficked.

Goal: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

15.8.1 Definition: Indicator 15.8.1 is the proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species.

Goal: Introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species by 2020.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

15.9.1 Definition: Indicator 15.9.1 is progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

Goal: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.

Unlike most SDG targets which are set to be achieved by 2030, this indicator is to be achieved by 2020.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

15.A.1 Definition: Indicator 15.A.1 is the official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems.

This indicator is reported as the annual official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity by recipient, and value of assistance by donor.

Goal: Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems by 2030.

Bangladesh: Total official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity received was $21.25 million in constant US$ in 2017.

Data about the total official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity, by donor is not available.

15.B.1 Definition: Indicator 15.B.1 is the official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems.

This indicator is reported as the annual official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity by recipient, and value of assistance by donor.

Goal: Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management by 2030.

Bangladesh: Total official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity received was $21.25 million in constant US$ in 2017.

Data about the total official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity, by donor is not available.

15.C.1 Definition: Indicator 15.C.1 is the proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly trafficked.

Goal: Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species by 2030.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

LIFE ON LAND: WHY IT MATTERS

The aim of SDG 15 is to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.^[4]

Human life depends on the earth as much as the ocean for our sustenance and livelihoods. Plant life provides 80 percent of the human diet, and we rely on agriculture as an important economic resources. Forests cover 30 percent of the Earth’s surface, provide vital habitats for millions of species, and important sources for clean air and water, as well as being crucial for combating climate change.^[5]

Protecting important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity is also vital for ensuring long-term and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater natural resources.^[6]

Healthy mountain ecosystems are fundamental to ensuring the provision of ecosystem services to upland communities as well as lowland peoples.^[7]

Biodiversity is also essential for all life on Earth, including human life. Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems support transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies.^[8]

Urgent action must be taken to reduce the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity which are part of our common heritage and support global food and water security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and peace and security.^[9]

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT

In Bangladesh, the natural world has the same rights as humans. It is acknowledged that all forms of life have a right to exist. Bangladesh has afforded all its rivers the same rights as living beings. Thus protecting hundreds of waterways and the world’s largest delta.^[10]

Protection of the wildlife is also a priority. Article 18A of the Constitution of Bangladesh provides that ‘The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to preserve and safeguard the natural resources, biodiversity, wetlands, forests and wild life for the present and future citizens.’^[11] Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 further ensures the conservation of wildlife, forest and biodiversity.^[12]

Bangladesh has also ratified the Big 5 international wildlife laws which are: the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 1973,^[13] Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 1979,^[14] Convention on Biological Diversity 1992,^[15] Ramsar Conservation 1971,^[16] and The World Heritage Convention 1972.^[17] 

In respect of Covid-19, it has shown the importance of protecting the wildlife for the health of the planet and ourselves.^[18] ‘Covid-19 is one of those viruses that have crossed the species barrier and jumped from animals to humans. Evidence suggests that the host in this case was a bat or possibly a pangolin, for sale in the wet market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where live animals are sold for food. The SARS pandemic originated in the wet market in Guangdong, probably from a palm civet. The terrible HIV AIDS pandemic came from viruses that jumped from monkeys and chimpanzees sold for meat in Central Africa.’^[19]

‘And I want to say this too, that it’s our disrespect of the natural world that has brought this pandemic upon us. It’s our fault, we have done it. Our disrespect of nature and our disrespect of animals. Also as we destroy for example forests, the rich biodiversity of animal life is being pushed closer together, giving opportunities for viruses and bacteria to jump over from animals to other animals, and then animals are being pushed into closer contact with us because of reduced food supplies in their own environment, then this again creates a situation where bacteria or virus can spill over from an animal to a person, and by combining with cells in the body produce sometimes a new disease like Covid-19.’^[20]

‘My heart is with all who are sick, all who have lost loved ones. I just hope and pray that the nightmare will soon be over. I also hope and pray that the nightmare may end for the wild animals who are captured and kept in horrible conditions for food. Or because some people believe that various animal parts can be used to cure diseases or give people strength and virility. Because animals, bears, pangolins, civets, bats, rhinos and so on, they all have feelings just like us. Like us, they suffer pain. Like us, they know of fear, loneliness and despair. All over the world, we’ve been destroying the places where animals live, in order to get materials to build our homes, our cities, and to make our own lives more comfortable. And, as a result, we’ve brought the climate crisis on ourselves. Many species of animals and plants have become extinct, and our too-close relationship with wild animals in the markets, or when we use them for entertainment, has unleashed the terror and misery of new viruses. Viruses that exist in animals without harming them, but mutate into other forms to infect us with new diseases, like Ebola, SARS, MERS, and now the coronavirus. We have amazing brains, we’re capable of love and compassion for each other, let us also show love and compassion for the animals who are with us on this planet. Let us all live in peace and harmony together.’^[21]

EXAMPLES OF KEY BUSINESS ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS

Businesses can also contribute to this SDG. Business and ecosystems are linked. Companies affect ecosystems because they rely on the provisioning services (e.g. freshwater, fiber, food) and regulatory services (e.g. climate regulation, flood control, water purification) ecosystems provide.^[22]

60% of the world’s ecosystem services have been degraded over the past 50 years and we continue devaluing our natural resources at an alarming rate. Estimates indicate that 2-5 trillion USD of ecosystem services are lost each year from deforestation alone. While many of the effects are felt locally first, the long-term consequences are global and the scale is highly relevant to business, presenting risks and opportunities.^[23]

To retain the integrity and vitality of natural resources today and for future generations and to ensure long-term socio-economic growth and prosperity, sustainable management of land is key. Business can directly contribute to this SDG by measuring, managing and mitigating its impact and dependence on land and ecosystems. Companies can implement strategies to incentivize sustainable land use, responsible forest management and environmental stewardship. To secure supply of natural resources and raw material in the future, companies will also have to increase efforts to restore degraded land. By scaling up research and development in innovation, investing in natural infrastructure and implementing responsible sourcing policies, companies play an integral part in preserving and restoring vital ecosystems, promoting the sustainable use of land and forests, while retaining consumer confidence in their product offerings.^[24]

Companies can for example:^[25]

• Measure, manage and mitigate impacts on ecosystems and natural resources.
• Scale up best practices for land use planning and management.
• Invest in natural infrastructure as a cost-competitive alternative to grey infrastructure.
• Finance the restoration of degraded land for production and/or conservation purposes.
• Support and apply landscape approaches, based on multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaborative action, to overcome social and environmental fracture lines in landscapes facing deforestation, land and ecosystem degradation.
• Commit to and implement responsible sourcing practices beyond compliance – applying environmental and social safeguards – for all raw materials and commodities.
• Expand markets for responsible forest products and thereby support sustainable forest management.
• Foster product and technology innovation to optimize resource efficiency, reduce impacts on ecosystems and lower carbon emissions.
• Scale up industrial reuse of water and support watershed protection programs.

HOW ACCESS TO INFORMATION WILL HELP

Sustainable development has 17 goals (SDGs). Each of these goals have targets and indicators. If data is collected for all the targets and indicators and regularly updated, then the system will be more organised. This will also ensure better coordination and efficiency.

Availability of information will also give a better view and make it easier to monitor the progress of the SDGs. Updated information will help to form effective strategies. This will enable better understanding of what further needs to be done to meet the SDGs, and allocate resources accordingly.^[26]

For example, SDG 15 is life on land. The United Nations (UN) has defined 12 Targets and 14 Indicators for SDG 15. Each of the indicators will be analysed to explain how data can help form the perfect strategy and thus further help to achieve SDG 15 by 2030.

The analysis is however based on outdated information. Many developments have occurred over the years. Improvements are continuously being made to achieve SDG 15. Thus updated information is required for accurate analysis.

The following analysis of SDG 15 is therefore only to exemplify how data can be used to form the perfect strategy.

The indicators of SDG 15 are as follows:

15.1.1 In Bangladesh forest area as share of land area in 2015 was 10.98%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 100% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 2. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 100% by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(100 – 10.98 = 89.02) in (July – December = 06 months)] 89.02% in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (89.02 ÷ 06 = 14.84) 14.84% to reach the target of 100% by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

15.1.2 In Bangladesh the share of terrestrial land that was protected was 4.61% in 2017. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 40% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 1. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 40% by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(40 – 4.61 = 35.39) in (July – December = 06 months)] 35.39% in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (35.39 ÷ 06 = 5.90) 5.90% to reach the target of 40% by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

Share of terrestrial biodiversity sites that was protected in 2018 was 48.02%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 100% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 3. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 100% by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(100 – 48.02 = 51.98) in (July – December = 06 months)] 51.98% in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (51.98 ÷ 06 = 8.66) 8.66% to reach the target of 100% by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

Proportion of important sites for freshwater biodiversity that were covered by protected areas in 2018 was 20.76%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 100% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 2. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 100% by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(100 – 20.76 = 79.24) in (July – December = 06 months)] 79.24% in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (79.24 ÷ 06 = 13.21) 13.21% to reach the target of 100% by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

15.2.1 In Bangladesh forest area net change rate in 2015 was -0.18%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 20% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 5. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 20% by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(20 – (-0.18) = (20 + 0.18) = 20.18) in (July – December = 06 months)] 20.18% in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (20.18 ÷ 06 = 3.36) 3.36% to reach the target of 20% by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

Above-ground biomass density in 2015 was 123.86 t/ha. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 300t/ha is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 3. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 300t/ha by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(300 – 123.86 = 176.14) in (July – December = 06 months)] 176.14 t/ha in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (176.14 ÷ 06 = 29.36) 29.36 t/ha to reach the target of 300t/ha by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

Proportion of forest area within legally established protected areas in 2015 was 18.96%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 50% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 2. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 50% by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(50 – 18.96 = 31.04) in (July – December = 06 months)] 31.04% in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (31.04 ÷ 06 = 5.17) 5.17% to reach the target of 50% by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

Proportion of forest area with a long-term management plan was 60.40% in 2010. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 100% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 4. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 100% by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(100 – 60.40 = 39.6) in (July – December = 06 months)] 39.6% in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (39.6 ÷ 06 = 6.6) 6.6% to reach the target of 100% by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

Forest area certified under an independently verified certification scheme was 0 hectares in 2018. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 50 million hectares is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 1. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 50 million hectares by 2020.

This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(50 – 0 = 50) in (July – December = 06 months)] 50 million hectares in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (50 ÷ 06 = 8.33) 8.33 million hectares to reach the target of 50 million hectares by 2020.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

15.3.1 In Bangladesh the share of land degraded was 5% in 2015. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 0% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (1 being the best), the global target reached is 5. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be decreased in order to reach the target of 0% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of decrease required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is 65% in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years) 65% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of decrease required will be (65 ÷ 10 = 6.5) 6.5% to reach the target of 0% by 2030.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is high and accordingly initiatives can be taken to decrease it.

15.4.1 In Bangladesh the coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity was 0% in 2018. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 100% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 1. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 100% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(100 – 0 = 100) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 100% in 10 years.  Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (100 ÷ 10 = 10) 10% to reach the target of 100% by 2030.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

15.4.2 In Bangladesh, Mountain Green Cover Index in 2017 was 87.5%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 100% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 9. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 100% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(100 – 87.5 = 12.5) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 12.5% in 10 years.  Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (12.5 ÷ 10 = 1.25) 1.25% to reach the target of 100% by 2030.

Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such share is low and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it.

15.5.1 In Bangladesh the Red List Index value in 2019 was 0.76. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 1 is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 8 (8 being the best), the global target reached is 6. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 1 by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(1 – 0.76 = 0.24) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 0.24 in 10 years.  Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (0.24 ÷ 10 = 0.024) 0.024 to reach the target of 1 by 2030.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand which species are at risk and accordingly initiatives can be taken to prevent extinction.

15.6.1 In Bangladesh there is no legislative measure reported to the Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House according to 2012 data. Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh does not meet the target, and legislative measure is required.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status and accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target.

Bangladesh is a party to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) according to 2018 data. Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh meets the target and the status should be maintained.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status and accordingly initiatives can be taken to maintain the target.

Bangladesh is not a party to the Nagoya protocol according to 2012 data. (However the data is outdated. Bangladesh is now a party to the protocol.)^[27] Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh meets the target and the status should be maintained.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status and accordingly initiatives can be taken to maintain the target.

15.7.1 Indicator 15.7.1 is the proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly trafficked. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above, and accordingly initiatives can be taken to prevent it.

15.8.1 Indicator 15.8.1 is the proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status and accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.

15.9.1 Indicator 15.9.1 is progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status and accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.

15.A.1 Total official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity received was $21.25 million in constant US$ in 2017.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status and maintain transparency.

Data about the total official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity, by donor is not available.

Availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether such support is being provided. And accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.

15.B.1 Total official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity received was $21.25 million in constant US$ in 2017.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status and maintain transparency.

Data about the total official development assistance (ODA) for biodiversity, by donor is not available.

Availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether such support is being provided. And accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.

15.C.1 Indicator 15.C.1 is the proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly trafficked.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above, and accordingly initiatives can be taken to prevent it.

In this way the progress of SDG 15 can be monitored. A monitoring system is necessary to measure the progress.^[28] The monitoring system explained above is original  work. This monitoring system also achieves all of the Indicators of SDG 15.^[29] All praises to Allah.

CONCLUSION

If everyone, which includes individuals, private bodies and the Government, works together and the progress continues, then SDG 15 will be achieved by 2030.

My family has been working for the welfare of the people and the nature for generations after generations. I believe we are all here to make the world a better place. And I write for the welfare of the nature and the people.

My family has settled here in Bangladesh for the love of the people. I share the same sentiment. I was born here in Bangladesh, and out of love for the country, I choose Bangladesh as the role model for the elaboration of sustainable development.

I have been warned about writing once. Death is a truth we cannot deny. But an idea cannot be killed. Faith will live. Love will live. There will always be Allah. There will always be light. There will always be good. And there will always be hope. I hope we will all work together and make this world a better place for all.

Ameen.

^[1] UN – SDG 15 <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg15> accessed 08 June 2020

^[2] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/biodiversity> accessed 08 June 2020

^[3] Convention on Biological Diversity <https://www.cbd.int/kb/record/pressRelease/81865?RecordType=pressRelease> accessed 09 June 2020

^[4] UN – SDG 15 <https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2016/goal-15/> accessed 09 June 2020

^[5] UNDP – SDG 15 <https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-15-life-on-land.html> accessed 09 June 2020

^[6] UN – SDG 15 <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg15> accessed 09 June 2020

^[7] Ibid.

^[8] Cristiana Pasca Palmer, ‘Where Are We in Achieving SDG 15?’ (2018) <https://sdg.iisd.org/commentary/guest-articles/where-are-we-in-achieving-sdg-15/> accessed 09 June 2020

^[9] UNDP – SDG 15 <https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-15-life-on-land.html> accessed 09 June 2020

^[10] The World Economic Forum <https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156976862286479&id=7746841478> accessed 09 June 2020

^[11] The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Article 18A <http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-367/section-41505.html> accessed 09 June 2020

^[12] Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 <http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/bgd165019.pdf> accessed 09 June 2020

^[13] Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 1973 <https://www.cites.org/eng/disc/what.php> accessed 09 June 2020

^[14] Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 1979 <https://www.cms.int/en/legalinstrument/cms> accessed 09 June 2020

^[15] Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 <https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVII-8&chapter=27> accessed 09 June 2020

^[16] Ramsar Conservation 1971 <https://www.ramsar.org/> accessed 09 June 2020

^[17] The World Heritage Convention 1972 <https://whc.unesco.org/en/convention/> accessed 09 June 2020

^[18] UN Environment Programme <https://www.facebook.com/unep/photos/a.418240325711/10158485678320712/?type=3&theater> accessed 09 June 2020

^[19] Dr. Jane Goodall – Primatologist <https://www.facebook.com/janegoodall/videos/2857212744363984/UzpfSTEwMDAwMzY1OTczMjExMToxODUxODY3MTIxNjExOTI4/> accessed 09 June 2020

^[20] Dr. Jane Goodall – Primatologist <https://www.facebook.com/janegoodall/videos/260214338523042/> accessed 09 June 2020

^[21] Dr. Jane Goodall – Primatologist <https://www.facebook.com/brutnature/videos/210364497055545/UzpfSTEwMDAwMzY1OTczMjExMToxODcxNDUwMzIyOTg2OTQx/> accessed 09 June 2020

^[22] SDG Compass – SDG 15 <https://sdgcompass.org/sdgs/sdg-15/> accessed 09 June 2020

^[23] Ibid.

^[24] Ibid.

^[25] Ibid.

^[26] UN – Sustainable Development Goals <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?page=view&type=400&nr=2013&menu=35> accessed 11 June 2020

^[27] Convention on Biological Diversity <https://www.cbd.int/kb/record/pressRelease/81865?RecordType=pressRelease> accessed 09 June 2020

^[28] UN – Sustainable Development Goals <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?page=view&type=400&nr=2013&menu=35> accessed 11 June 2020

^[29] Ibid.

Fabliha Afia : Barrister-at-Law.