Sustainable Development Goal 15 — Engineering for sustainable development-How engineering can make it happen?

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The protection of forests, which cover 30 per cent of the Earth’s surface, is vital to combating climate change and protecting biodiversity in terms of both flora and fauna, as well as preventing desertification and ensuring food supplies (SDG Tracker). Engineers have an important role to play in managing biodiversity through the responsible use of forestry resources and the preservation of habitats to mitigate the impacts of hazardous industries. Engineers have also developed innovative technologies to map the Earth’s surface. These provide valuable geospatial information that can be used in agricultural monitoring, the design of infrastructure and predicting natural disasters such as earthquakes. One example is the development of participatory geographic information systems and 3D-modelling by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU. This tool is an effective means for disadvantaged groups, including indigenous communities, to enhance their capacity to map, analyse and negotiate for the appropriate and sustainable development of their resources, while protecting natural forests. These tools have been used effectively in Africa, the Caribbean and the South Pacific Islands. Sensor and drone technologies are being used to map populations of endangered animals. DNA sequencing is also being used to track animals from water samples in known habitats. One example includes platypus monitoring in Australia (CESAR). The International Meridian Circle Project is an example of collaboration between engineers in China, Poland and the Russian Federation. It uses satellite information to monitor the Earth and provides early warning of earthquakes.