On July 25, 2024, in order to raise awareness of environmental protection among elementary school students, the United Nations Training and Research Institute Hubei International Training Center, in collaboration with Huayang Street Youth Service Center (1286 Wanhangdu Road, Shanghai), successfully conducted an educational course focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goal 15. The eventaimed to educate children about and involve them in actions for the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity and zero land degradation.

The staff of UNITAR CIFAl Hubei and the studentsof the Huayang Street Youth Service Center in Shanghai

Background

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consist of 17 global goals,covering aspects from poverty eradication to promoting partnerships. Goal 15,"Life on Land," emphasizes the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including biodiversity in forests,drylands, wetlands, and mountains.

Highlights of the Event

This event featured teachers from the United Nations Training and Research Institute Hubei International Training Center, who delivered an engaging and informative course to the children. In this SDGs classroom session, we primarily explored SDG 15—Life on Land, with special emphasis on land degradation issues.

To combat land degradation, specific measures taken in China were introduced, such as the policies of converting cropland to forest or grassland and the"Three-North" Shelter belt Project. International cooperation in combating land degradation was underscored through news examples. Additionally,the event introduced the Greening Program initiated by UNITAR CIFAl Hubei,aimed at improving global desertification land ecology, with goals including zero land degradation, poverty reduction, food and water security, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Lastly,discussions focused on how urban residents can protect land by reducing food waste, minimizing plastic waste, purchasing local and seasonal foods, and choosing soil-friendly plants. The theme of World Environment Day 2024,focusing on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, further emphasized the importance of land protection. Through this classroom session,we aimed for a deeper understanding of land degradation issues and encouraged active participation in land conservation efforts.

Children actively engaged in discussionsduring the course, their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning fully ignited.

Conclusion

Through this event, children not only gained knowledge about environmental protection but also developed a sense of responsibility and mission. We believe these children will become active participants and advocates for environmental protection in the future.

Huayang Street Youth Service Center will continue to collaborate with the United Nations Training and Research Institute Hubei International Training Center to conduct more educational activities on Sustainable Development Goals, providing children with a broader learning platform and working together to build a more sustainable world.