The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): An intro and application to the forest sector

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): An introduction to what they are and how they can be applied in the forest sector

There have been many approaches to sustainability over the years and many different private and public organizations that have demonstrated leadership.  Most recently, there have been actions to broaden the approach to sustainability and to increasingly recognize how social, economic, and environmental systems are interrelated.  An example of both identifying and working to address these interconnections are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations SDGs are 17 goals with 169 targets that all 191 UN Member States have agreed to try to achieve by the year 2030.

This report provides an introduction to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including what they address, their purpose, and how the goals connect to the forest sector.  Examples of how the SDGs are being used in the public and private sector are provided as well as discussion of how the SDGs could be better applied if targets are to be reached in the coming decade.