UP Institutional Advancement SDG Report

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14.5. Conserve coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law, and based on the best available scientific information 14a. Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of biodiversity to development

Our context A central challenge to our pursuit for sustainable development is the complexity arising from interfaces and interdependencies between myriad risks and across multiple ecosystems. While the SDGs are discretely represented, they are all interconnected, with linkages and dependencies across the full suite of 17 SDGs. This is particularly relevant when we consider all forms of life and the sustained viability of planetary ecosystems which co-exist, and on which we depend. As with the resource constraints of our planetary boundaries, our development actions are significant contributors to destruction or dysfunction of living systems with which we co-exist. For instance, current food production systems are responsible for the bulk of unsustainable land use practices – directly impacting on “life on land” and the viability and resilience of natural ecosystems.

Relevant targets

Relevant targets

Co-existing with all forms of life 15.1. Conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems 15.2. Sustainable management of forests 15.3. Combat desertification and restore degraded land and soil 15.5. Reduce degradation of natural habitats and biodiversity 15.8. Prevent and reduce invasive alien species 15.9. Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values

In the South African context, the primary industries of agriculture and mining have historically and continue to play a significant role in the country’s economic development. Their social and environmental impacts are also well recognised. Navigating these challenges are commonly seen through the lens of trade-offs – either accepting or minimising the impacts for the sake of development, or forfeiting development for the sake of protection. UP is navigating this complexity at two levels: operationally, in our co-existence with society and ecosystems related to our geographic footprint; and through our core functions as we embed transdisciplinarity into our core functions of education, research and engagement to find better ways to address the wicked problems of society.

Our contribution towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals | 2020 Progress Report

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