Report on Natural Regeneration as a Strategy for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Scientific evidence indicates that natural regeneration—the process of ecosystem recovery with minimal human intervention—is a potent strategy for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By reducing anthropogenic stressors, ecosystems demonstrate a significant capacity for self-restoration, contributing directly to global targets for environmental health and sustainability. This report analyzes several case studies that exemplify the effectiveness of this approach in achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Advancing SDG 15: Restoring Life on Land Through Passive Rewilding

Passive restoration and low-intervention rewilding have proven highly effective in restoring terrestrial ecosystems, halting biodiversity loss, and combating land degradation, all of which are central tenets of SDG 15.

Case Study: The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

Following human evacuation after the 1986 nuclear disaster, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has undergone a remarkable transformation. This unintentional rewilding has led to the area becoming Europe’s third-largest nature reserve, demonstrating nature’s resilience and contributing to SDG 15 targets through:

• The return and proliferation of diverse wildlife, including lynx, bison, and deer.
• The extensive growth of thick forests, which function as a significant carbon sink, supporting SDG 13.

Case Study: The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The 155-mile-long buffer zone between North and South Korea has remained largely untouched by humans for seventy years. This has allowed it to become an inadvertent wildlife sanctuary, directly supporting SDG 15’s goal of protecting threatened species.

1. Over 5,097 animal and plant species have been identified within the DMZ.
2. The area provides a critical habitat for 106 endangered or protected species.
3. Key protected species include the Red-crowned crane, Eurasian otter, and Armour leopard cat.

Case Study: Knepp Wildland, United Kingdom

The Knepp estate in West Sussex exemplifies a successful low-intervention rewilding project. By allowing natural processes to guide land regeneration, the project has achieved significant ecological outcomes aligned with SDG 15.

• A dramatic increase in biodiversity, including the return of rare species like turtle doves and purple emperor butterflies.
• Restoration of soil health and landscape complexity, contributing to land degradation neutrality (SDG Target 15.3).

Case Study: Costa Rica’s National Reforestation

Costa Rica reversed severe deforestation through national policies promoting natural regeneration and sustainable land use. By incentivizing landowners to allow forests to regrow, the country has made substantial progress toward SDG 15 and SDG 13.

• Forest cover has doubled since the mid-20th century.
• Regenerated forests support the return of native species such as tapirs and toucans.
• Improved soil fertility and water retention enhance ecosystem services and carbon sequestration.

Progressing SDG 14: Marine Ecosystem Recovery Through Protected Areas

The principle of natural regeneration is equally applicable to marine environments. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that restrict human activities serve as powerful tools for achieving SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by allowing ocean ecosystems to recover and thrive.

Case Study: Cabo Pulmo National Park, Mexico

Once severely overfished, Cabo Pulmo was designated a no-fishing zone in 1995 following advocacy from local communities. The results underscore the potential for marine restoration when ecosystems are protected.

• Total fish biomass in the park has increased by over 460%.
• Degraded coral reefs have recovered and now support a vibrant ecosystem.
• The park is a sanctuary for sea turtles, reef sharks, and large predatory fish, contributing to the conservation of marine biodiversity (SDG Target 14.2).

SDG 17: The Role of Partnerships in Post-Conflict Ecological Restoration

Effective ecosystem restoration often relies on collaborative efforts, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Post-conflict regions, in particular, offer unique opportunities for restoration projects that unite governments, private foundations, and local communities.

Case Study: Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique

Following the Mozambican Civil War, Gorongosa National Park suffered an ecological collapse, with large animal populations declining by over 90%. A partnership between the Gregory Carr Foundation and the Government of Mozambique initiated a restoration project focused on creating the conditions for natural recovery.

1. Systematic removal of over 20,000 traps and wire snares.
2. Implementation of strict anti-poaching and hunting restrictions.
3. Strategic reintroduction of keystone species to catalyze ecosystem recovery.

This collaboration has enabled the park’s ecosystem to heal, demonstrating a successful model for achieving SDG 15 and SDG 17 simultaneously.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

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

   The article primarily discusses issues of ecosystem restoration, biodiversity loss, and conservation efforts, which directly connect to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main SDGs addressed are:

   • SDG 15: Life on Land: This is the most prominent SDG in the article. It is addressed through multiple examples of terrestrial ecosystem recovery, such as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the Korean DMZ, Knepp Wildland in the UK, Costa Rica’s forest regeneration, and the restoration of Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. These cases focus on halting biodiversity loss, restoring degraded land, and protecting wildlife.
   • SDG 14: Life Below Water: The article explicitly addresses this goal with the example of Cabo Pulmo in Mexico. This section discusses the recovery of marine ecosystems, the restoration of fish biomass, and the protection of coral reefs through the establishment of a marine protected area (MPA).
   • SDG 13: Climate Action: This goal is connected through the discussion of Costa Rica’s reforestation efforts. The article mentions that as native vegetation returns, it allows for “carbon sequestration to occur,” which is a critical mechanism for mitigating climate change.
   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This SDG is relevant in the context of the Korean DMZ and Gorongosa National Park. The DMZ, a byproduct of conflict, has become a wildlife sanctuary due to the absence of human activity. The restoration of Gorongosa National Park after the Mozambican Civil War showcases how post-conflict recovery can include environmental restoration, requiring strong governance and institutional efforts to combat poaching and manage the park.
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The restoration of Gorongosa National Park is presented as a “transformative partnership between the Gregory Carr Foundation and the government of Mozambique.” This collaboration between a private foundation and a national government is a clear example of the multi-stakeholder partnerships needed to achieve sustainable development.

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

   Based on the article’s examples, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • SDG 15: Life on Land

     • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. The entire article, with its focus on “natural regeneration” and “rewilding” in places like Knepp Wildland and Costa Rica, directly relates to this target.
     • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. The article highlights the success of this in the Korean DMZ, which is home to “106 that are labeled as endangered or protected” species, and in Chernobyl, which has become a haven for “lynx, bison, deer, and other animals.”

   • SDG 14: Life Below Water

     • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts… and take action for their restoration. The case of Cabo Pulmo, where a no-fishing zone led to the thriving of once-degraded coral reefs, is a direct example of achieving this target.
     • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas. The designation of Cabo Pulmo as a marine protected area (MPA) and a “no-fishing zone” in 1995 is an implementation of this target.

   • SDG 13: Climate Action

     • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. Costa Rica’s national policies, including “payments for ecosystem services (PES)” and “protected land policies,” which result in carbon sequestration, demonstrate the integration of climate action into national strategy.

   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

     • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The joint effort between the private Gregory Carr Foundation and the public government of Mozambique to restore Gorongosa National Park exemplifies this target.

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 provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Indicators for SDG 15 (Life on Land)

     • Biodiversity Count: The article states that “5,097 animal and plant species have been identified” in the Korean DMZ, with 106 being endangered or protected. This serves as a direct indicator of biodiversity richness (related to Target 15.5).
     • Population Recovery Rates: The decline of large animal populations in Gorongosa by “over 90%” and their subsequent recovery is a key indicator of restoration success.
     • Area of Protected/Restored Land: The article mentions specific areas, such as the “3,500 acres in West Sussex” for Knepp Wildland and the Chernobyl area being the “third-largest nature reserve in mainland Europe,” which are indicators of the scale of conservation efforts (related to Target 15.1).
     • Removal of Threats: The removal of “more than 20,000 traps and wire snares” in Gorongosa is a measurable action indicator for reducing threats to wildlife.

   • Indicators for SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

     • Fish Biomass Increase: The article provides a precise metric for the success of the Cabo Pulmo MPA, stating that “fish biomass has increased by 460%.” This is a powerful indicator for measuring the recovery of marine ecosystems (related to Target 14.2).
     • Health of Coral Reefs: The qualitative description that “Coral reefs, once degraded, now thrive with life” in Cabo Pulmo serves as an indicator of ecosystem health.

   • Indicators for SDG 13 (Climate Action)

     • Carbon Sequestration: The article mentions that forest regeneration in Costa Rica allows for “carbon sequestration to occur.” While not quantified, this is a key process indicator for climate change mitigation.
     • Forest Cover: The article implies an increase in forest cover in Costa Rica after it had lost much of it in the mid-20th century, which is a common indicator for progress in reforestation.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
   SDG 15: Life on Land	15.1: Conserve and restore terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. 15.5: Halt biodiversity loss and protect threatened species.	– Area of land under restoration (e.g., 3,500 acres at Knepp Wildland). – Number of identified species (5,097 in the DMZ). – Number of endangered/protected species present (106 in the DMZ). – Return of rare species (turtle doves, purple emperor butterflies). – Recovery of large animal populations (reversing the >90% decline in Gorongosa).
   SDG 14: Life Below Water	14.2: Protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems. 14.5: Conserve coastal and marine areas.	– Percentage increase in fish biomass (460% in Cabo Pulmo). – Establishment of a marine protected area/no-fishing zone (Cabo Pulmo). – Qualitative health of coral reefs (“thrive with life”).
   SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies.	– Implementation of policies that lead to carbon sequestration (Costa Rica’s PES). – Increase in forest cover (implied in Costa Rica’s regeneration).
   SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions.	– Successful post-conflict environmental restoration (Gorongosa National Park). – Effective management of a demilitarized zone that becomes a nature reserve (Korean DMZ).
   SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.17: Encourage effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.	– Formation of a partnership between a private foundation and a government (Gregory Carr Foundation and Mozambique government for Gorongosa).

Source: earthday.org