Terrestrial ecosystems provide a series of goods, functions and services that are vital for human survival. Goal 15 focuses on managing forests sustainably, restoring degraded land and soil and halting the loss of biological diversity. It also takes urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species while integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning.
Radionuclides and stable isotopes are used to measure rates of soil erosion and land degradation, providing the evidence needed to design effective land restoration projects. In the fight against wildlife crime — such as the illegal trade of ivory or pangolin scales — nuclear forensics can determine the geographic origin of poached products, helping law enforcement track illegal trade routes. These applications protect biodiversity by ensuring that land remains productive and that endangered species are shielded from exploitation through high-tech tracking.
