- Home
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Life on Land
Life on Land
Introduction
Four years since the first publication of the Asia–Pacific Migration Data Report the migration landscape in the region has undergone significant changes from the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating humanitarian crises to the growing imminence of climate change as a “threat multiplier” (United Nations n.d.). Along with the reopening of borders and proliferation of new opportunities millions of people have moved within and beyond the region reshaping numerous countries of origin transit and destination.
Asia–Pacific Migration Data Report 2023
The Asia–Pacific Migration Data Report 2023 is the fourth edition of the annual flagship publication series by the IOM Regional Data Hub for Asia and the Pacific. The report provides data-driven insights into key migration trends in 2023 drawing on the latest available data and information from diverse international regional and national sources. Structured around six thematic pillars – Migration Overview Types of Migration Migration Policy Migration and Vulnerability Migration and Development and Migration and Innovation – the report aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the migration dynamics in the region. This new edition contributes to supporting evidence-informed policy and programmatic actions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Safe Orderly and Regular Migration in alignment with the IOM strategic priorities of saving lives and protecting people on the move driving solutions to displacement and facilitating pathways for regular migration.
Introduction
The world stands at a critical juncture. As we look to the future our ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 hinges on one fundamental truth: nature is indispensable for human survival and development. Our economies societies and health are deeply intertwined with the ecosystems and biodiversity that sustain life on Earth. Yet these natural systems are under unprecedented threat from climate change environmental degradation and biodiversity loss exacerbated by persistent inequalities and growing conflict.
Nature for gender equality
The linkages between gender and nature are profound and multifaceted. Women play crucial and diverse roles managing and stewarding natural resources every day but gender inequality means their rights knowledge priorities and influence are often sidelined. Gender inequality and environmental degradation and exploitation interact often in a vicious cycle. Rights-based gender-responsive biodiversity policymaking programming and action can be game-changers for gender equality – closing chronic gaps for improved food livelihood and land security for women and their communities for example. At the same time the evidence is clear that gender equality delivers for nature too: gender-responsive environmental interventions are not only more effective equitable and sustainable they are shown to deliver improved biodiversity outcomes too.
Nature for water security
There is no replacement or alternative to fresh water. Healthy natural ecosystems underpin the global water cycle that provides fresh water for all life and sustainable development. Water covers 72 percent of the surface of our blue planet but only 0.03 percent is fresh water that is readily available for use. This is why water security is so essential for life on our planet.
Nature for Development
Nature underpins our lives societies and economies and is fundamental to achieving our 2030 Agenda. Addressing the nature crisis is essential to eradicating and preventing poverty reducing inequalities and protecting human rights. Moreover nature is a positive source of solutions and hope: a nature-positive transition is central to tackling planetary crises such as climate change. This publication offers entry points to operationalize the opportunity to advance the SDGs through nature. It will help decision-makers and practitioners recognize programming options and make the case for investing in nature to achieve development outcomes. It comprises key facts figures and talking points about nature through five different practice lenses - Nature for Food Security; Nature for Water Security; Nature for Climate Action; Nature for Gender Equality; Nature for Peace. This is a ‘living’ resource and call to action that will expand to cover more practices.
Foreword
In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges the need for transformative change is more urgent than ever. The interconnected crises of climate change biodiversity loss and social inequality threaten our planet and the well-being of current and future generations. As we strive to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we must recognize that the solutions to these challenges lie not only in technological advancements but also in the power of nature itself.
Nature for peace
The world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis driven largely by biodiversity loss and climate change. As humanity surpasses critical planetary boundaries including biodiversity loss ecosystems that are vital for life and human prosperity are under threat. Over 75% of terrestrial and 40% of marine environments are degraded leading to drastic declines in wildlife populations and pushing a million species toward extinction.
Nature for food security
Nature-based solutions are defined as “actions to protect sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively simultaneously benefiting people and nature.” Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) depend on nature and functioning ecosystems to be productive. Protecting and restoring nature is essential to supporting food security. Restoration through agroforestry alone has the potential to increase food security for 1.3 billion people. Restoring mangroves could add 60 trillion edible fish to coastal waters every year. As land and ecosystems that serve as the foundation for crop and livestock production are degraded transitioning towards agroecological and regenerative food systems will be key to both securing livelihoods and advancing action on climate change and biodiversity loss.