“Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests,       
                        combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”

Why SDG 15 Matters in India

India is home to 8% of the world’s biodiversity, with over 90,000 animal species and 45,000 plant species. Forests, mountains, grasslands, and wetlands provide food, water, climate regulation, and livelihoods to millions—especially tribal and rural communities. But land degradation and biodiversity loss are accelerating due to human pressure and climate change.

Key challenges in India:

  • Deforestation and forest encroachment for agriculture and infrastructure

  • Land degradation affecting over 30% of India’s land area

  • Poaching and illegal wildlife trade

  • Loss of biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats and Northeast India

  • Desertification and soil erosion in arid zones

  • Forest fires, often worsened by rising temperatures and mismanagement

Navumeed Foundation’s Interventions We are working to bridge industrial and digital divides: Mapping and highlighting infrastructure gaps in remote areas Supporting rural innovation labs and youth entrepreneurship Partnering with local panchayats for solar electrification and rainwater harvesting infrastructure Promoting women-led manufacturing units through SHGs Advocating for green and climate-resilient infrastructure Facilitating access to government schemes like Startup India, Make in India, MUDRA loans, etc.