Role of Forestry Sector in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Assignment
Title: Role of Forestry Sector in Achieving Sustainable
Development Goals
Submitted By
Reg. No. - 2018631059
Session: 2018-19
Course No: FES-419
Submitted To
Prof. A. Z. M. Manzoor Rashid, PhD
Course Teacher
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh.

Introduction:
The United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, commonly
referred to as the Global Goals. These goals serve as a universal call to action to end poverty,
protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity for all individuals by 2030. The 17 SDGs
are interconnected, recognizing that progress in one area can greatly impact outcomes in
others(UNDP, 2023). They aim to strike a balance between social, economic, and environmental
sustainability, focusing on advancing the most disadvantaged. The Sustainable Development
Goals work towards a world of peace and prosperity, eradicating major issues such as poverty
and hunger, all while protecting the planet. Amid the climate crisis, this has never been more
important. Achieving these goals requires the collective efforts of society, including innovation,
knowledge, technology, and financial resources in every context.
The history of Sustainable Development goals:
The historical trajectory of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a global journey that
has been characterized by concerted efforts to address pressing environmental, social, and
economic challenges. This odyssey can be traced back to the 1972 Stockholm Conference, which
raised international awareness about environmental issues, thereby laying the groundwork for
conversations on sustainable development. The 1987 Brundtland Report introduced the concept
of sustainable development, stressing the need to strike a balance between economic
advancement, environmental conservation, and social equity. The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de
Janeiro represented a significant milestone as world leaders adopted Agenda 21, a
comprehensive plan of action that underscored the interconnectedness of environmental, social,
and economic concerns, thus paving the way for future discussions on sustainability. The year
2000 saw the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to tackle poverty,
hunger, and related challenges. Despite their many achievements, the MDGs had some
limitations. In 2012, the Rio+20 conference acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive
and inclusive global agenda to replace the MDGs, leading to the creation of the Open Working
Group on SDGs in 2013, which comprised representatives from UN member states. The group's
objective was to develop a new set of global goals. The turning point came in 2015 when the
United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda consisted of

17 SDGs with 169 associated targets, encompassing a wide range of issues, from poverty and
inequality to climate change and environmental conservation. The SDGs have become a central
framework for international development and cooperation, and since then, governments, civil
society, businesses, and organizations worldwide have been working to implement and monitor
progress towards these goals. The target for achieving the SDGs has been set for 2030, providing
a 15-year roadmap for addressing the world's most pressing challenges. The history of the SDGs
is a testament to the global commitment to sustainable development, recognizing the need to
balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity, and these goals
represent a shared vision for a more equitable and sustainable future, guiding international efforts
to address the complex, interrelated issues that impact people and the planet. (Paul, 2008)
The goals are described below:
1. No Poverty:
Over 736 million people still live on less than $1.90 a day, lacking basic needs such as food,
water, and sanitation. Women are more affected by poverty than men. The Sustainable
Development Goals aim to end poverty in all forms by 2030, by targeting the most
vulnerable, increasing resources and services, and supporting those affected by conflict and
climate-related disasters.
2. Zero hunger:
Economic growth and increased agricultural productivity have reduced undernourishment by
50% in two decades. Though progress has been made, 821 million people still suffer from
chronic hunger. The SDGs aim to end all hunger and malnutrition by 2030, promoting
sustainable agriculture, supporting small-scale farmers, and improving productivity through
international cooperation.
3. Good health and well-being:
Good health is key to achieving the SDGs, but progress has been uneven due to multiple
factors such as economic and social inequality, rapid urbanization, climate threats, and
emerging global health priorities. A multisectoral, rights-based, and gender-sensitive
approach is crucial to address these issues and build good health for all.
4. Quality education:
Since 2000, we've made significant progress towards achieving universal primary education.

In 2015, the enrollment rate in developing regions reached 91%, and the number of out-of-
school children has nearly halved. However, challenges still exist, particularly in rural areas
and for children from poorer households. Our goal is to provide inclusive, quality education
for all, with free primary and secondary schooling for girls and boys by 2030, equal access to
vocational training, and universal access to higher education.
5. Gender equality:
Empowering women and girls is vital for economic growth and development. UNDP has
made gender equality central to its work and has seen remarkable progress in the past 20
years. However, women are still systematically denied the same work rights as men, and
there are huge barriers to overcome, such as sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal
division of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office. It is vital to
give women equal rights to land and property, sexual and reproductive health, and to
technology. Encouraging more women leaders will help achieve greater gender equality.
6. Clean water and Sanitation:
Water scarcity affects over 40% of people and is projected to worsen with rising
temperatures. Safe drinking water for all by 2030 requires investing in infrastructure,
sanitation, and hygiene. Protecting water ecosystems is crucial. Over 800 million people need
access to basic services and 4.5 billion lack safely managed sanitation services.s
7. Affordable and clean energy:
From 2000 to 2018, access to electricity increased from 78% to 90%, and those without
electricity decreased to 789 million. But demand for affordable energy continues to rise, and
reliance on fossil fuels is causing climate changes. Investing in renewable energy, improving
efficiency, and ensuring access for all is crucial to achieving SDG 7 by 2030 and driving
growth while protecting the environment.
8. Decent work and economic growth:
Over the past 25 years, there has been a significant reduction in extreme poverty among
workers, and the middle class in developing nations has almost tripled. However, the global
economy is recovering slowly, resulting in slower growth, wider inequality, and insufficient
job opportunities. The SDGs aim to encourage entrepreneurship, job creation, eliminate