Report on the Kohler Trust’s Contribution to Great Lakes Research and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Freshwater Management

A $2.5 million gift from the Kohler Trust for Clean Water to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) has been established to enhance research on the Great Lakes. This initiative represents a significant multi-stakeholder collaboration, directly aligning with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The funding establishes the Kohler Endowed Chair of Great Lakes Science, with Harvey Bootsma appointed as the inaugural chair, to lead targeted research efforts at UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences.

Advancing SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The primary objective of the endowment is to address critical challenges to freshwater resources, directly supporting the targets of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The research will focus on understanding and mitigating threats to water quality and ecosystem health.

• Target 6.3: Improve Water Quality: The research will investigate chemical and nutrient contamination and the proliferation of harmful algae blooms to reduce pollution.
• Target 6.5: Implement Integrated Water Resources Management: The endowed chair structure allows for a focused, multi-year approach to specific water challenges, promoting integrated management.
• Target 6.6: Protect and Restore Water-Related Ecosystems: The core mission is to generate scientific knowledge for the protection and preservation of the Great Lakes ecosystem for future generations.

Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems in Line with SDG 14 and SDG 15

The research initiative will conduct in-depth examinations of complex threats to the Great Lakes, which is fundamental to protecting biodiversity. This work contributes to the aims of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by focusing on the health of a globally significant freshwater ecosystem.

1. Invasive Species: The program will include studies on the impact of invasive species, such as mussels, on the ecosystem’s stability.
2. Contamination: Research will address the effects of chemical and nutrient contamination on aquatic life and overall water quality.
3. Ecosystem Health: A holistic approach will be taken to understand the interconnected factors affecting the health of the Great Lakes biome.

Socio-Economic Impact and Alignment with SDG 8 and SDG 11

Protecting the Great Lakes is intrinsically linked to sustainable economic and community development. The health of this resource underpins regional prosperity and public health, aligning with several SDGs.

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The Great Lakes provide drinking water for 10% of the United States population. Ensuring the safety and quality of this water source is vital for community well-being.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The lakes are a major economic engine, directly supporting 1.3 million jobs and generating $82 billion in wages. Preserving the ecosystem is essential for sustaining these economic benefits.

Fostering Future Innovation and Education (SDG 4)

The endowment is designed not only for immediate research but also to build long-term capacity in freshwater science, which supports SDG 4 (Quality Education). The gift enables the School of Freshwater Sciences to:

• Attract and retain leading freshwater researchers.
• Train the next generation of scientists and professionals dedicated to water resource management.
• Create a sustainable platform for ongoing scientific discovery and problem-solving related to freshwater challenges.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

The article highlights issues and initiatives that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The core focus on freshwater research, ecosystem health, and partnerships aligns with the following goals:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The primary focus of the research funding is on “water quality,” “ecosystem health,” and addressing “chemical and nutrient contamination” in the Great Lakes, which are a source of drinking water.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The research aims to understand and solve challenges facing the Great Lakes ecosystem, including “harmful algae blooms,” “invasive species,” and other threats to the freshwater ecosystem.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article explicitly states that the Great Lakes are a “major economic engine, sustaining 1.3 million jobs that generate $82 billion in wages,” linking the health of the ecosystem to economic stability and employment.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The entire initiative is a result of a partnership between the “Kohler Trust for Clean Water” (a private entity) and the “University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee” (an academic institution) to achieve the shared goal of protecting freshwater resources.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – The gift supports higher education and scientific research by funding an “Endowed Chair of Great Lakes Science,” “attracting and retaining the best freshwater researchers,” and “training the next generation of freshwater scientists and professionals.”

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

Based on the specific activities and goals mentioned in the article, the following SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials…
   • Explanation: The research funded by the gift is explicitly aimed at addressing “water quality,” “harmful algae blooms,” and “chemical and nutrient contamination,” which directly contributes to this target.
2. Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
   • Explanation: The article’s central theme is the protection and preservation of the Great Lakes. The research focuses on understanding and solving “complex challenges facing our Great Lakes” to ensure their long-term “ecosystem health.”
3. Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • Explanation: Although this target specifies “marine pollution,” its principles apply to large bodies of freshwater like the Great Lakes. The research on “nutrient contamination” and “harmful algae blooms” directly addresses the goals of this target.
4. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts… and take action for their restoration…
   • Explanation: The research into “invasive species like mussels” and other “threats to the freshwater ecosystem” is a direct action toward sustainably managing and protecting this large aquatic ecosystem.
5. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…
   • Explanation: The article describes a $2.5 million gift from the “Kohler Trust for Clean Water” to the “University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee,” which is a clear example of a private-public partnership aimed at achieving sustainable development outcomes.

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

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Financial Investment in Research and Conservation (Implied for SDG 6, 14, 4): The article explicitly states the financial commitment of the partnership: a “$2.5 million gift.” This amount serves as a direct indicator of the resources mobilized for freshwater research.
• Level of Water Pollution (Implied for Target 6.3 & 14.1): The focus on researching “chemical and nutrient contamination” and “harmful algae blooms” implies that the concentration of these pollutants and the frequency/severity of blooms are key indicators of water quality and ecosystem health.
• Prevalence of Invasive Species (Implied for Target 14.2): The specific mention of research on “invasive species like mussels” suggests that the population size and impact of these species are indicators used to assess the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
• Number of Jobs and Economic Value (Explicit for SDG 8): The article provides concrete figures that serve as baseline indicators of the economic importance of the Great Lakes: “1.3 million jobs” and “$82 billion in wages.” The sustainability of these figures depends on the health of the ecosystem.
• Development of Human Capital in Science (Implied for SDG 4): The goal of “training the next generation of freshwater scientists and professionals” implies that an indicator of success would be the number of students and researchers engaged in this field as a result of the endowment.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: uwm.edu