To develop effective partnerships with Government agencies, private sector entities and civil society groups to deliver outcomes on SDG Goals 14 and 15
The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a unique platform for collaborative action. In all the 62 countries where WCS works to conserve wildlife and wild places, biodiversity and ecosystem services, we do so with Governments, private sector and civil society groups. WCS is particularly well placed to establish effective partnerships for the implementation of SDG Goals 14 and 15. SDG Goal 14 [Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development] and SDG Goal 15 [Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss]
In the SAAR region, in relation to SDG 14, WCS is committed to improving the catch and sustainability of small-scale fishers operating in tropical developing countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, where biodiversity is highest and economies are highly dependent on healthy marine ecosystems. Today, 90% of all fishers operate in small-scale coastal fisheries, live in developing countries such as Indonesia, and are dependent for protein and livelihoods on a sustainable catch from the ocean. WCS aims to improve marine resource governance and the sustainability of coastal fisheries. WCS seeks to triple fish biomass because this will restore ecosystem health and fisheries production, significantly expand protection for critical habitat and species to protect at least 10% of the oceans in conditions approaching pristine, and improve the overall sustainability of coastal communities and the resilience of their livelihoods. In relation to SDG 15, WCS helps establish and manage parks and protected areas, promote the sustainable use of forests and rangelands, and conduct research and public outreach on the most effective ways to protect, restore and sustainably use terrestrial ecosystems. Our core focus, and the heart of our expertise and experience globally, is working with partners on the ground in large, wild terrestrial and aquatic systems to conserve the full complement of native wildlife species and the vital ecological roles they play in maintaining healthy, productive and resilient ecosystems.
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