Biodiversity refers to the variety and number of species of life found within certain regions and in the world as a whole. An ecosystem is an ensemble consisting of a specific environment and the living beings in it. There are a great number of different species within the same ecosystem, and a huge number of different ecosystems on earth.

Forests: Around 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihood. Forests are home to more than 80% of all terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

Desertification: 2.6 billion people depend on agriculture, but 52% of the land used for agriculture is moderately or severely affected by soil degradation. Due to drought and desertification, each year 12 million hectares are lost (23 hectares per minute), where 20 million tons of grain could have been grown. Globally, 74% of the poor are directly affected by land degradation.

Biodiversity: Of the 8,300 animal breeds known, 8% are extinct and 22% are at risk of extinction. Of the over 80,000 tree species, less than 1% have been studied for their potential use.

Why Education is crucial to achieving SDG-15
Biodiversity education contributes to integrating protective ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts. (Access to Learning objectives for SDG-15)
Early Childhood Care and Education
At this level, an understanding of the existence of wild animals within specific habitats is born through experiential learning. This can take on the form of seeing wildlife in their natural environment or participating in school gardening activities. Respect for animals and appreciation for nature are developed. (Access Educational materials here)

Primary Education
Learners at this stage begin to understand the importance of biodiversity and the threats to it and to habitat loss and are exposed to the concept of endangered species. By beginning to apply systems thinking methods to understand ecosystem interdependencies (e.g. deforestation leads to habitat loss), their appreciation for the need to conserve biodiversity is raised.(Access Educational materials here)

Secondary Education
At this level, the students’ understanding of the effects of land-use change activities is deepened. Through detailed analysis of the environmental impact of certain activities, they become aware, explore and support potential, environmentally sustainable solutions. (Access Educational materials here)

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ABOUT: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a key element of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its aims form one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal on education SDG 4.7 and it is considered a driver for the achievements of all 17 SDGs.
for sustainable development. It is about including sustainable development issues, such as climate change and biodiversity into teaching and learning. Individuals are encouraged to be responsible actors who resolve challenges, respect cultural diversity and contribute to creating a more sustainable world.