Life on Land
This goal targets the improvement of rural livelihoods, agricultural practices and food security in a sustainable manner. It also promotes technologies that assists oil management and the generation of renewable resources through the facilitation of cleaner production mechanisms, resource efficient methods and systems.
Concepts and case studies under SDG 15 are as follows:
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of genes, species, ecosystems and landscapes that comprise our world (UNESCO, 2010). Every species has a role to play in an ecosystem, which results in increased productivity and sustainability. However, the decline in the number of different species threatens the wellbeing of our planet. Also known as biodiversity loss, this decline negatively affects the food chains that human beings depend on; it also destroys water resources and leads to a scarcity of medicine and drug resources which could have been obtained from lost organisms (Wheeling Jesuit University, Center for Educational Technologies, 2018).
Agriculture in India
Organic agriculture in Hong Kong
Water management
Water management requires policies and rules related to the planning, development, distribution and management of water resources for optimal use. It is forecast that by 2050 the Earth will have to feed and provide energy for 2–2.5 billion more people (Cosgrove & Loucks, 2015). To meet the nutritional needs of this additional population, we need to consider the amount of water that is consumed in the production of different goods, energy and food. Considering the increase in population and demand for drinking water, irrigation, agriculture, sanitation, and due to droughts, managing water resources constitute an important aspect for the sustainability of our planet.
Water politics
Sustainable consumption
Sustainable consumption refers to 'the use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials, as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the lifecycle of the service or product, so as not to jeopardize the needs of further generations' (UNEP, 2010). Sustainable consumption is not just about buying more sustainable products, but also refers to ways of living that improve upon mainstream consumption practices.
Wood-based fibers could lead sustainable fashion out of the woods
Waste management
Waste management is the collection, transportation and disposal of garbage, sewage and other waste products. Important reasons for working towards proper waste management are to protect the environment and support the health and safety of the population. Certain types of waste can be hazardous and can also pollute the environment. Bad waste management practices can also cause land and air pollution resulting in serious medical conditions in humans and animals. Good waste management, on the other hand, can help save costs as it reuses materials, conserves natural resources and creates safer environment, including workplaces (Department of Industry, Innovation and Science(AU) , 2018).
Hong Kong’s awareness on waste management
Land contamination
Contaminated land mainly refers to land that has been polluted by hazardous substances as a result of anthropogenic (human-centered) activities (e.g. industrial or commercial operations) carried out on, and around, a site over the years. Sites previously used by some trades may contain contaminated soils, such as those used for boat/ship building or repairs, chemical manufacturing/processing, concrete and asphalt production, motor vehicle repairs, petrol filling stations, oil storage installations, metal scrap yards etc. (GovHK, n.d.).
