SDG 15
Life on Land
Protecting the Soil, Forests, and Species That Sustain Us
From the forests of the Himalayas to the grasslands of Central India, from the Sundarbans mangroves to the Western Ghats — life on land is India’s lifeline. Yet, we are losing forests, wildlife, and fertile soil at alarming speed.
Our Roots Are in the Earth
Over 80% of terrestrial animals, plants, and fungi live in forests.
India is one of 17 megadiverse countries — home to tigers, elephants, and 45,000+ plant species.
Yet:
25% of India’s land is undergoing desertification.
Deforestation and habitat loss threaten iconic species.
Poaching, climate change, and unsustainable farming deepen the crisis.
Healthy ecosystems = clean air, fertile soil, fresh water, and resilience against floods and droughts.
💬 “When we destroy forests, we don’t just lose trees. We lose teachers, medicines, protectors of our future.”
From Degradation to Restoration
Afforestation drives and agroforestry are scaling.
India has pledged to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Rural youth can play a big role in agroecology, wildlife tourism, eco-business.
Rising opportunities in biodiversity research, forestry management, and climate-smart agriculture.
💬 “India’s green frontier is not only in forests, but in the courage of its young people to protect them.”
From Protectors of Today to Stewards of Tomorrow
Awakening (14–18 years): Join wildlife clubs, tree-planting campaigns, or nature camps. Learn to identify local plants and birds.
Becoming (19–24 years): Study forestry, agriculture, environmental sciences. Volunteer with NGOs fighting poaching or promoting organic farming.
💬 “To heal the land is to heal ourselves — and create work that endures.”
Impacting (25–40 years): Lead projects in land restoration, wildlife conservation, climate-smart farming, or green entrepreneurship.
Youth Restoring the Green Shield
🧩 Journey 1: Karan, 16 — “Awakening in the Forest Classroom”
📍 Uttarakhand | Class 11 StudentCause: Deforestation near his village
Action: Joined Eco-Club at school, learned about native species
Next Step: Leading plantation drives during monsoons
💬 “I thought the forest just gave us firewood. Now I see it gives us life itself.”
🧩 Journey 2: Divya, 23 — “Becoming a Wildlife Guardian”
📍 Madhya Pradesh | B. Sc. ZoologyCause: Poaching threats to tigers near Kanha
Action: Internship with a wildlife conservation NGO
Next Step: Pursuing a Master’s in Wildlife Ecology
💬 “I want to be part of the team that ensures India’s tigers never vanish again.”
🧩 Journey 3: Sameer, 32 — “Impacting Through Agro-Innovation”
📍 Telangana | Agri-Tech EntrepreneurCause: Farmers facing soil degradation
Action: Founded a start-up promoting regenerative agriculture
Impact: Partnered with 2,000 farmers to restore soil health
💬 “The soil is our most valuable asset. Treat it well, and it will never betray you.”
Life on Land Is the Root of All 5 Pillars
People: Healthy ecosystems mean food, water, and medicine for all.
Planet: Land ecosystems regulate carbon and biodiversity.
Prosperity: Agriculture, forestry, and eco-tourism drive livelihoods.
Peace: Resource scarcity drives conflict — restoration builds harmony.
Partnership: Forests and wildlife know no borders; cooperation is key.
💬 “Protecting life on land is not charity. It is investing in the mother of all wealth — nature itself.”
Beyond Careers — Everyday Guardianship of the Land
Plant and protect trees in your community.
Support organic farmers and eco-products.
Volunteer in wildlife sanctuaries or with afforestation programs.
Reduce meat consumption and waste to ease pressure on ecosystems.
💬 “Every tree planted; every patch of land restored is a promise kept to future generations.”
Leading India’s Green Restoration
Governments: Enforce Forest protection laws, invest in land restoration, scale agroforestry.
Private Sector: Support reforestation, sustainable supply chains, and biodiversity-friendly investments.
Both Together: Position India as a leader in rewilding and green economies.
💬 “A nation that restores its land restores its dignity.”
