SDG15_Life On Land

What Is SDG 15 and Why It Matters

Forests, grasslands, and terrestrial ecosystems are not just scenic landscapes—they’re the lungs of our planet, homes to millions of species, and vital resources for food, medicine, and climate regulation. But today, they’re under threat. From deforestation and desertification to biodiversity loss, our relationship with nature is out of balance.

Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) challenges us to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,” and halt biodiversity loss. But what does this mean for marketers and businesses? It means we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to change the narrative, reshape consumption, and market a future that lives in harmony with nature.

SDGs_15. Life On Land

Quick Overview: SDG 15 – Life on Land

Goal: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss.

Our forests and ecosystems sustain all life on Earth. They are essential to global food security, clean water, carbon sequestration, and health—especially for vulnerable communities that depend directly on natural resources.

Yet we continue to degrade our ecosystems at alarming rates. Biodiversity is vanishing. According to the United Nations, 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. The root causes? Unsustainable land use, climate change, pollution, and overconsumption.

SDG 15 isn’t just a conservation goal—it’s a call to restore the foundation of life itself. And that restoration must be supported by new stories, new systems, and new kinds of brands.

Marketing as a Force for Change

In a world where every purchase sends a signal, marketing is not just a tool for visibility—it’s a tool for values.

When brands commit to protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, it’s not enough to change how they source materials. They must also change how they communicate, championing regenerative practices, uplifting nature-positive narratives, and helping consumers see themselves as stewards of the Earth.

Marketing aligned with SDG 15 connects people back to the land. It makes soil, seeds, and species visible again. And it uses the power of story to rebuild the bond between people and planet.

Real-World Examples

1. PANGAIA: Fashion Rooted in Science and Soil

PANGAIA is redefining what it means to be a sustainable fashion brand. Their approach? Combine cutting-edge material science with Earth-positive values. PANGAIA uses bio-based, recycled, and plant-derived materials—including organic cotton, eucalyptus-based Tencel, and seaweed fiber. But what truly sets them apart is how they integrate biodiversity and regeneration into their brand narrative.

Their marketing is clear, confident, and unapologetically educational. Each product label lists the scientific innovations behind the fabric—whether it’s treated with peppermint oil to reduce washing, or made with dye from food waste. And with campaigns centered around reforestation and carbon capture, PANGAIA turns customers into participants in a larger ecosystem of impact.

Through digital storytelling, minimalist aesthetics, and community-driven campaigns like “#PANGAIAForest,” they don’t just sell clothes—they grow awareness. Their partnership with Tomorrow Tree Fund supports biodiversity and reforestation projects worldwide, and their website includes transparent environmental impact reports.

Their message is simple: Nature is our greatest designer. Let’s protect it.

2. Lush Cosmetics: Ethical Sourcing with Earth at Heart

Lush has long been a pioneer in sustainable beauty, but its marketing around ethical sourcing and biodiversity protection is what elevates its impact. Lush promotes ingredients that are responsibly sourced from permaculture farms, community-based cooperatives, and rewilding projects.

From honey harvested without harming bee colonies to packaging-free “naked” products, Lush’s campaigns are bold and nature-driven. Their “Bee Kind” and “Re:Fund” initiatives directly support conservation, while their in-store visuals and online messaging link each product to its planetary impact.

By actively supporting grassroots environmental movements and using their platforms to advocate for policy change, Lush transforms every touchpoint—whether a shampoo bar or a TikTok ad—into a tool for land regeneration and biodiversity awareness.

What small business can do for SDG 15

What Can Small Businesses Do?

Whether you run a coffee shop or a digital agency, your brand can support SDG 15. Here’s how:

Choose Regenerative Suppliers: Prioritize partnerships with growers, makers, and distributors who care for the land.

Reduce Land Impact: If you rely on packaging, opt for compostable, plant-based materials. Reduce waste and rethink logistics.

Bring Nature Into the Narrative: Use your content to educate customers on biodiversity, ecosystems, and sustainable land use.

Support Restoration Projects: Donate a portion of proceeds to local conservation efforts or partner with reforestation initiatives.

Show Your Roots: Share where your ingredients, ideas, or inspirations come from. Highlight your land ethics through brand storytelling.

Even small shifts—when communicated well—can inspire ripple effects and help create a culture that values life on land.

Redefining Success in Marketing

Marketing success has long been measured by clicks, conversions, and quarterly growth. But in the age of ecosystem collapse, success must also mean revival, regeneration, and respect for nature.

The most meaningful brands today aren’t just loud—they’re aligned. They put purpose before promotion and use storytelling as a tool to reconnect people with the planet. In the context of SDG 15, success means creating campaigns that don’t just convert—but conserve.

Planting Seeds for a Regenerative Future

The future of life on Earth depends on the choices we make now. SDG 15 reminds us that the land is not a resource to extract from—it’s a living system we belong to. And every product, post, or pitch can either degrade that system or help it heal.

Brands like PANGAIA and Lush show us that business can be in harmony with biodiversity, and marketing can speak not just to consumers—but to citizens of the Earth.

So, let’s start planting new stories—stories that grow forests, protect species, and remind us that all life is connected.

Let’s market for a world where life on land thrives.

What’s one action you can take to support SDG 15?

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Momoko Seki

Momoko Seki is a passionate storyteller, digital strategist, and associate at Alcor Media, where purpose meets marketing.

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