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SDG Observatory

Goal 15: Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

 

Life on Land Globally

The ultimate goal of SDG 15 is to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. In achieving this goal, the United Nations has identified several separate issues, including combating desertification, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Additionally, the sustainable management of forests has been identified for its importance in ecosystem preservation and services.

Currently, an estimated 1 million animal and plant species are facing extinction. Additionally, deforestation and desertification for further human development is threatening the land and air quality of many communities across the world. When human populations encroach on fragile ecosystems, we threaten both the wildlife living there and ourselves by introducing possible zoonotic diseases. Preserving Life on Land requires recognition of the services the natural environment provides us, and cooperation to maintain the current quality of our planet.

 

Life on Land Locally

Across Texas, ecosystems vary from dry deserts to swampy wetlands. Some native species include whooping cranes, monarch butterflies, and Texas horned lizards. These species will soon face treats of increased litter pollution and climate change.

In a highly urbanized area such as DFW [Dallas / Fort Worth] , it is even more essential that an effort is made to protect native plant and animal species. Organizations such as the DFW Wildlife Hotline and Dallas Zoo strive to protect reduce harm on local wildlife species. At UT Dallas, we make an active effort to do our part in preserving natural lands and promoting biodiversity.

 

Highlights

Habitat Preservation

SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 14: Life Below Water
Two students holding butterflies in their hands.

Photo Source: UTD Bee Campus USA

UT Dallas sits in Texas’ Blackland Prairie. The Blackland Prairie region is a strip of dark, rich soil encompassing much of Dallas and following the I-35 corridor. Facilities Management has established a No-Mow Zone to encourage native prairie grasses and give plants an opportunity to reestablish. Mowing less and planting native species are a key part of our prairie restoration program. An eight-acre area on the southwest corner of campus is the home of the restoration and our largest Monarch Waystation. Native pollinators, like Monarch butterflies, Bumblebees, Mason Bees, and Honeybees, are crucial to the proliferation of many flowering and fruit producing plants. Office of Sustainability employees also upkeep the area by planting milkweed, a plant native to the North Texas area, each year. An organic land care experiment was also conducted by the Office of Sustainability in 2019. By using a soil compaction tested, also known as a penetrometer, the office was able to detect the level of compaction in an easily quantifiable and comparable way.

 

Tree Campus Higher Ed

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 13: Climate Action
A group of students planting trees.

Photo Source: UTD Habitats

UT Dallas has received Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The program helps colleges and universities establish and sustain healthy community forests. Tree-planting events also take place annually on campus with education provided to students regarding proper tree planting and tree care techniques. Students also received training to maintain the fruit trees in residence hall courtyards on a weekly basis by trimming, proper water care, checking for diseases as needed.

 

Pollinator Habitats

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 13: Climate Action
Two people standing next to a bee hive painted with a night sky pattern.

Photo Source: UTD Bee Campus USA

The University of Texas at Dallas is home to a certified Monarch Waystation where students have the opportunity to explore and volunteer at the location while witnessing nature evolve.

UTD utilizes 2 apiaries on campus for classroom teaching, student, and faculty research, and for outreach programs. During 2019 Earth Week, for example, 4 honeybee hives were installed on campus and 90 ounces of honey were harvested. The profits from honey sales are used to support further sustainability initiatives on campus. Led by a Bee Campus USA Committee, students/staff/faculty intended to coordinate and lend aid to individual conservation efforts, to evaluate the current state of conservation on campus, and to oversee the progression and improvement of conservation efforts in the areas of habitat, service learning, and outreach by helping to create long term policy and structural changes in the University to support pollinator conservation.

 

Bio Blitz

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Two students wearing large butterfly wings.

Photo Source: UT Dallas Magazine

In Spring 2019, UT Dallas hosted its first BioBlitz at its 10-acre monarch waystation in order to assess biodiversity at the area and to help with the DFW [Dallas / Fort Worth] metroplex effort in the City Nature Challenge. Citizen scientists assisted with biodiversity assessment in this STARS report and contributed to the #8 global (#3 US) ranking in the City Nature Challenge which advances scientific research globally. At the event on April 26th, 348 observations of 113 species were logged in 2 hours. While no vulnerable or endangered species were identified at that time, ongoing observation will allow for the detection of any changes in the ecological balance of the area.

In Fall of 2020, Eco Reps from the Office of Sustainability led the first-ever Virtual BioBlitz during Campus Sustainability Month. Using social media, Eco Reps informed students about how to use iNaturalist and complete an observation. At the conclusion of the Virtual BioBlitz, 17 students had participated to make 25 observations of 19 unique species.

 

Blanco Botello Garden

SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The Blanco Botello Garden was dedicated in 2016 to honor a former Office of Facilities Management staff worker. Since then, Eco Reps have upkept the garden, often providing produce to the Facilities Management team. Eco Reps have also worked to engage other community memberships in stewardship of the garden. Led by Eco Rep Julia Lafond in 2019, UTD Eco Reps partnered with the Preschool Language Development Program at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders. On this garden workday, preschool students were able to plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables in the Blanco Botello Garden.

 

UREC Outdoors / Leave No Trace

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
A man sleeping in a hammock next to a tent.

Photo Source: UTD UREC

The goal of UREC Outdoors is to learn new skills and care for the earth by following the principles of Leave No Trace. University Recreation provides experiences on campus and throughout North Texas led by UREC staff members. This includes camping, kayaking, ziplining, and hiking excursions. UREC Outdoors allows students to enjoy their natural environment while preserving Life on Land.

 

UNIV 3310: Intersectional Environmentalism Through Habitat Restoration and Service Learning

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

In Fall of 2021, a new class will be offered for UT Dallas students, funded by the UT System Quantum Leap Grant. This class will be held in partnership with the Trinity River Audubon Center. Students will learn habitat restoration from TRAC [Trinity River Audubon Center] experts while providing stewardship of an acre of the facility. Lectures, guest lectures, and reflections will highlight the intersectionality of environmentalism, social justice, and economics. Reflections and discussions will also allow for a personal exploration of interests related to sustainability and environmentalism.

 

Goals / Future Work

  • Advertise fruit picking from fruit trees near residence halls for UTD students
  • Continue expanding Bee Campus and Tree Campus programming

 

Other Work We Do

The programs highlighted here are just one piece of the work we do on campus to achieve SDG 15 [Sustainable Development Goal 15] . View the full dataset (PDF [Portable Document Format File] ), guided by the Association of Advancement in Higher Education (AASHEAssociation of Advancement in Higher Education)’s Sustainable Development Goal translation guide.

 

Learn More

  • Take the online courses regarding Life on Land from SDG Academy
  • Learn more about the targets and indicators at the UN Global Goals website