Contributions of Biodiversity to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Biodiversity supports the provision of ecosystem services which are central to economic activities. Marine and terrestrial ecosystems underpin many national and global economic sectors providing employment such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, tourism, transport and trade. Biodiversity conservation and restoration, by enhancing ecosystems functions and services, can lead to higher productivity and more efficient resource use.
Almost all provisioning services and some regulating services provide inputs to the economy, and hence contribute to value for productive and consumptive uses. Recent assessments show that ecosystem services deriving from the management of natural resource stocks (soils, water, minerals, forests, wildlife) form the most important component of assets for nearly all countries in Sub-Sahara Africa. For example, it is reported that natural capital accounted for 41% of the total wealth of low-income countries in 1995 and 30% in 2005.
Biodiversity also offers opportunities for business development. For instance, tourism accounts for about 10% of global GDP and generates one in eleven jobs. Major tourism attractions are closely linked to biodiversity and natural landscapes such as protected areas, mountains and beaches, wildlife and native cultures, as well as eco- and agri-tourism. Ecotourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors that can serve as a key engine of development for least developed countries and small island developing states.
Related SDG 8 Targets
- SDG Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead (related to Aichi Targets: 2, 4, 6, 7, 14, 16)
- SDG Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products (related Aichi Targets: 2, 4, 14)
Relevant Aichi Biodiversity Targets  |
Biodiversity values integrated |
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Sustainable production and consumption |
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Sustainable management of aquatic living sources |
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Sustainable agriculture aquaculture and forestry |
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Ecosystem services |
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Access to and sharing benefits from genetic resources |
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Related Resources
