Blog
Are fin whales finished? Japan resumes commercial hunt
read moreanimals vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals
(Washington, D.C.—June 27, 2022)—A new report calls on international policymakers to integrate principles of animal welfare and wildlife conservation in all efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Thriving Together: The Critical Role of Animals in Achieving the SDGs" has been released today by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) and features case studies from around the world that clearly demonstrate the importance of animal and habitat health to overall human well-being.
Part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by United Nations members in 2015, the SDGs outline international priorities to achieve sustainable human development, including management of population growth, infrastructure plans, and longevity of our natural resources. However, to date they place limited emphasis on the value of the natural world.
“Our connection with the natural world has never been clearer than it is at this moment, as demonstrated by the unprecedented impact of global climate change, global pandemics and environmental degradation,” saidMark Hofberg, Campaigns Officer at IFAW and lead author of the report. “It is therefore necessary that we acknowledge this vital relationship and include animals at the start of all decisions around sustainable development.”
Effective welfare and conservation actions will contribute significantly to achieving the SDGs and improving people’s lives at the pace that is required for the health of our planet. Acknowledging the role of animals can lead to greater food security, prevention of disease, and strengthened contribution of vital species to overall ecosystem health—and thus increased resilience against the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
Key findings highlighted in the report include:
IFAW advocates for the integration of animals into all stages of relevant human development projects—from policy, to planning, to evaluation. This includes disaster planning and risk reduction efforts, ensuring sustainable agriculture and fisheries practices, reducing the threat of animal consumption-based pandemics, and supporting global efforts to protect habitat and biodiversity of our lands and oceans.
To read the full report and IFAW’s recommendations, click here.
For a selection of images available to the press, please view and download here.
About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
IFAW is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org
Press Contacts:
Stacey Hedman
Communications Director
Washington, DC
m: +1 508 737 2558
e: shedman@ifaw.org
Rodger Correa
Communications Director
Washington, DC
m: +1 202 834 6637
e: rcorrea@ifaw.org
every problem has a solution, every solution needs support.
The problems we face are urgent, complicated, and resistant to change. Real solutions demand creativity, hard work and involvement from people like you.
Unfortunately, the browser you use is outdated and does not allow you to display the site correctly. Please install any of the modern browsers, for example:
Google Chrome Firefox Safari