Report on the Intersection of Animal Culling Practices and Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: Contextualizing Culling within Global Sustainability Frameworks

• Animal culling, the selective reduction of a wildlife or livestock population, is a management tool employed for ecological, agricultural, and public health purposes. Its implementation carries significant implications that intersect directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• This report analyzes the multifaceted impacts of animal culling, evaluating its alignment with, and potential conflicts against, key SDG targets. The objective is to frame culling not as an isolated conservation or agricultural issue, but as a complex activity with far-reaching consequences for sustainable development.

2.0 Analysis of Culling Practices through the SDG Lens

2.1 SDG 15 (Life on Land) & SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Ecosystem Management

• Biodiversity Conservation: Culling is often justified as a necessary intervention to protect native species and restore ecological balance, directly supporting SDG 15.3 (combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation) and 15.5 (halt biodiversity loss). This includes managing overabundant herbivore populations to prevent habitat degradation.
• Invasive Species Control: The control of invasive alien species through culling is critical for achieving SDG 15.8, which aims to prevent and significantly reduce their impact on land and water ecosystems.
• Associated Risks: Poorly planned or executed culling programs risk disrupting food webs and harming non-target species, potentially undermining the very biodiversity targets they aim to protect.

2.2 SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) & SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Economic and Food Security Dimensions

• Agricultural Protection: Culling is utilized to protect crops and livestock from damage or predation by wildlife, thereby contributing to SDG 2.1 (end hunger) and 2.4 (ensure sustainable food production systems).
• Economic Stability: For industries reliant on agriculture and forestry, culling can be seen as a tool to ensure economic viability and protect livelihoods, aligning with SDG 8. However, it can also negatively impact economies reliant on wildlife tourism if charismatic species are targeted.

2.3 SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Public Health Imperatives

• Zoonotic Disease Control: A primary driver for culling is the control of zoonotic diseases (e.g., avian influenza, rabies, bovine tuberculosis) that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This practice is a direct measure to support SDG 3.3 (end the epidemics of communicable diseases).
• Preventative Action: By reducing the population density of disease vectors or reservoirs, culling aims to mitigate the risk of widespread epidemics in both human and livestock populations, contributing to overall public health security.

2.4 SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) & SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

• Ethical and Humane Standards: The methods used in culling raise significant ethical questions. SDG 12 calls for sustainable practices, which in this context extends to ensuring animal welfare and minimizing suffering.
• Governance and Transparency: The decision to implement a culling program requires robust, transparent, and accountable governance, as mandated by SDG 16. This includes science-based justification, public consultation, and clear regulatory oversight to prevent conflict and ensure social acceptance.

3.0 Recommendations for SDG-Aligned Culling Programs

1. Prioritize Non-Lethal Alternatives: Before resorting to culling, institutions must exhaustively evaluate and, where feasible, implement non-lethal management options such as fencing, translocation, or fertility control, aligning with SDG 12’s principle of responsible management.
2. Mandate Science-Based Justification: All culling decisions must be based on rigorous scientific evidence and continuous monitoring to assess their effectiveness and ecological impact, ensuring they contribute positively to SDG 15.
3. Enforce Humane Standards: Establish and enforce strict protocols for animal welfare during culling operations, reflecting ethical considerations inherent in the broader sustainability agenda.
4. Ensure Transparent Governance: Foster stakeholder engagement and public transparency in the decision-making process to build trust and ensure actions are aligned with SDG 16, promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
5. Integrate with Broader Strategies: Culling should not be a standalone solution but part of a holistic management plan that addresses root causes, such as habitat loss or human-wildlife conflict, thereby contributing to a wider range of SDGs.

1. Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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2. Specific SDG Targets

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3. Indicators for Measuring Progress

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4. Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: raconteur.net