Report on the Role of Native Plants in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report analyzes the critical role of native plant species in achieving multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By examining the ecological and environmental benefits, it highlights how the cultivation of native flora contributes directly to SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The findings are based on insights from conservation experts and environmental organizations.

SDG 15: Life on Land – Protecting Terrestrial Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Halting Habitat Fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation is identified as a primary cause of species extinction. The expansion of infrastructure and urban development divides natural landscapes, isolating wildlife populations and threatening their survival. In Georgia, where 90% of land is privately owned, individual landowners have a significant opportunity to counteract this trend. By converting conventional lawns, which outnumber protected areas, into native habitats, private citizens can create crucial corridors for wildlife, directly contributing to the targets of SDG 15.

Supporting Native Wildlife and Pollinators

Native plants are fundamental to local food webs, providing essential nourishment and shelter for indigenous fauna. Their integration into landscapes is vital for the survival of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are critical for ecosystem health and agricultural productivity.

• Georgia serves as a vital stopover point for migratory species, including monarch butterflies, making the availability of native plant resources in residential yards essential for their journey.
• The National Wildlife Federation states that landscapes composed of at least 70% native plants provide significant benefits to local wildlife.

SDG 13 & SDG 6: Climate Action and Water Management

Climate Mitigation and Air Purification

The U.S. Forest Service reports that native plants play a direct role in climate action by mitigating the effects of carbon emissions.

1. Carbon Sequestration: Native plants effectively remove and store atmospheric carbon.
2. Reduced Air Pollution: By thriving without the extensive use of gas-powered maintenance equipment common for lawns, they help reduce air pollution.

Water Conservation and Quality Protection

Native plants are adapted to local precipitation patterns, offering substantial benefits for water resource management in line with SDG 6.

• Reduced Water Consumption: They require significantly less irrigation than non-native turf grasses.
• Pollution Prevention: Their natural resilience reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, preventing harmful runoff into water systems.
• Erosion Control: Their deep root systems help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

SDG 11 & SDG 12: Sustainable Communities and Responsible Consumption

Developing Sustainable Green Spaces

The transformation of private and public landscapes with native plants is a key strategy for building sustainable communities (SDG 11). These low-maintenance landscapes reduce the environmental footprint of urban and suburban areas while enhancing local ecological resilience.

Promoting Responsible Production and Consumption Patterns

Achieving widespread adoption of native plants involves challenges related to consumer awareness and market availability, which are central to SDG 12.

• Consumer Demand: Studies indicate that 60% of consumers would choose native plants if they were aware of the benefits.
• Market Barriers: Many large retail stores do not carry a wide selection of native plants or fail to label them as such, as the horticultural industry is historically structured to propagate non-native ornamental species.
• Supporting Local Economies: Consumers are encouraged to support local nurseries that specialize in growing and selling native plants, thereby fostering a more sustainable production system.

Recommended Native Plant Species for Supporting Local Ecosystems

Expert Recommendations for Attracting Wildlife

Conservation botanist Carlee Steppe recommends the following species:

• Fragrant Sumac: Provides cover and food for birds and small mammals.
• Sweet Goldenrod: Supports numerous bee species.
• Passionflower: Attracts a variety of butterfly species.
• Smooth Phlox: Serves as a host plant for beetles, moths, and butterflies.

Additional Species from the Georgia Native Plant Society

• Jewelweed
• Scarlet sage
• Cinnamon fern
• Ebony spleenwort

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The text focuses on protecting terrestrial ecosystems by promoting native plants to combat habitat fragmentation, which is cited as the “number one thing that causes species to go extinct.” It emphasizes providing habitat and food for wildlife, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies, directly aligning with the goal of halting biodiversity loss.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article connects the use of native plants to climate change mitigation. It explicitly states that native plants “help reduce air pollution” and “remove carbon from the air,” which are crucial actions for combating climate change.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article discusses sustainable consumer choices and production patterns. It highlights that native plants are a more sustainable option for landscaping as they “do not require fertilizers and require fewer pesticides” and “require less water than lawns.” It also touches on the production side, noting that “large box stores don’t carry native plants” and that the infrastructure is not yet set up for their large-scale propagation, pointing to a need for more sustainable production and retail practices.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article addresses the role of urban and suburban areas in conservation. By stating that “Ninety percent of the state of Georgia is owned by private land owners” and that lawns can provide significant habitat, it promotes the idea of making residential areas more sustainable and biodiverse. This contributes to creating green spaces that support ecosystems within human settlements.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The article implies a connection to this goal by mentioning that native plants “do not require fertilizers and require fewer pesticides.” Reducing the use of these chemicals helps prevent agricultural and residential runoff, thereby improving the quality of local water sources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.1: “By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services…” The article’s central theme of using native plants to “restore habitat for wildlife” directly supports this target.
• Target 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.” The article directly addresses this by identifying “habitat fragmentation” as the primary cause of extinction and advocating for native plants to provide food and shelter for pollinators (bees, butterflies) and other wildlife.
• Target 15.9: “By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes…” The article promotes this at a micro-level by encouraging private landowners to integrate biodiversity into their own properties, turning lawns into valuable habitats.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.3: “Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation…” The article serves as an educational tool, raising awareness about how individual landscaping choices (planting natives) can contribute to climate mitigation by removing carbon from the atmosphere.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.” The article promotes this by highlighting that native plants “require less water than lawns,” encouraging more efficient use of water resources.
• Target 12.8: “By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles…” The article itself is a form of providing this information. It also points out a gap, stating that “once consumers know the benefits of native plants 60% of consumers will plant natives,” but that stores often fail to provide this information.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of native plant coverage in landscapes: The article states, “Landscapes with at least 70% of native plants add a significant benefit to native wildlife.” This provides a specific, measurable threshold that can be used as an indicator for habitat restoration quality (relevant to Target 15.5).
• Consumer awareness and action: The article mentions a study showing that “60% of consumers will plant natives in their yards” once they are informed of the benefits. This percentage can be used as an indicator to measure the effectiveness of awareness campaigns (relevant to Target 12.8).
• Proportion of privately-owned land used for habitat: The article highlights that “Ninety percent of the state of Georgia is owned by private land owners.” The percentage of this land that is converted from traditional lawns to native plant habitats could serve as an indicator of progress in integrating biodiversity into local planning (relevant to Target 15.9).
• Presence and diversity of pollinator species: The article implies that an increase in native wildlife, such as “butterflies, bees and other pollinators,” is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Tracking the populations of these species in areas with native plants can serve as a direct indicator of biodiversity improvements (relevant to Target 15.5).
• Reduced consumption of resources: An implied indicator is the reduction in the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides in residential landscaping. This could be measured through sales data for these products or surveys of homeowners (relevant to Targets 6.3 and 12.2).

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: augustachronicle.com