Every fortnight we are going to dive into one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a new segment we have called ‘SDG Spotlight’. We hope that this will create further awareness of the SDGs, as well as put them into a context that is relevant for every day life and for agriculture.
Everybody has an ability to make progress towards the SDGs whether it is at an individual, business or family level, or at the larger scale. By understanding the SDGs and finding small ways to incorporate them into our every day activities, whether it be on farm, at home or in business, we are able to continue working towards creating a better future for people and planet, while ensuring prosperity.
What better place to start our ‘SDG Spotlight’ series than an introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals to familiarise ourselves with what they are all about!
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. At their core the SDGs are focused on five P’s: People, Planet, Peace, Prosperity, and Partnerships. They are very ambitious goals based on a transformational vision to work towards building a better future for all people and the planet. This focus allowed for the creation of the 17 SDGs which cover many key topics such as biodiversity and ecosystems, education, sustainable agriculture, poverty eradication, gender quality, industry, technology, trade, innovation, and much more.
Key features of the SDGs include:
- An integrated approach – that is, the SDGs recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that sustainable development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability
- An applicability to a wide range of contexts including global and international, policy, business, and individuals
- A universal language to communicate sustainable development that is recognised by all countries around the world
- The pursuit of ‘win-win’ co-operation to create gains for all countries, parts of the world and of society
- An emphasis on benefit for all – better futures for current and future generations, and prioritisation of people who traditionally have been left behind
- A focus on economic, social and environmental objectives to ensure a balanced approach to sustainable development
Sounds great! But how are the SDGs relevant to me?
Good question!
It’s easy to assume that the SDGs are goals that relate to the global scale and therefore that progress towards them is dependent on powers bigger than us. While the actions of governments, corporations, and the international community are critical for achieving these goals, there are also plenty of reasons and ways that we can get involved in making strides towards progress for a better world.
As global citizens, the issues covered by the SDGs are relevant to all of us in some form or another. Let’s take a look at an example:
SDG 12 is all about ensuring responsible consumption and production patterns.
Some of the targets under this goal include:
- Achieving the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
- Halve per capita food waste at the retailer and consumer level, as well as reducing food losses along production and supply chains
- Environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle
- Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
Looking at some of these targets alone it is clear that they cover a wide range of focus areas that could be applied to various aspects of life.
As an individual I could commit to supporting this goal by being mindful of my consumption patterns such as looking to support local where possible, or prioritise buying products that have an ability to be re-used or returned to the earth such as wool. It could be making sure to cut down my food waste as much as possible, or ensure that that any food waste goes to compost or to chickens/pigs instead of landfill.
At a business level there are plenty of opportunities to support this goal. On farm it could be ensuring that I commit to using any product or farm waste recycling schemes I can in order to reduce waste to landfill. It could be ensuring to undertake best practice when triple rinsing drench and chemical containers. For any business, agri or otherwise, the commitment to recording and reporting your contributions to upholding sustainable practices is a really great way to communicate what you have done, but also a great opportunity to allow reflection as where to focus future efforts.
How can I apply the SDGs to my farming business?
When Becks created The Whole Story, the SDGs were a pivotal inspiration. She sought to create a framework for sustainability that was aspirational, holistic and tangible, as well as being something that farmers get excited about that isn’t just wrapped up in compliance and regulation.
Farming is all about community, land, environment, economy, people and legacy – something which aligns beautifully with the SDGs! As identified in the example above for SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, there are many ways to relate an SDG to your current efforts or aspirations on farm to implement sustainable practices for people, planet and profit.
What are some other examples?
SDG 2 is all about ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, as well as promoting sustainable agriculture.
Actions towards this goal could include donating an milk or meat to Meat the Need once a year to help with stocking New Zealands food banks with quality protein. It could be continuing to learn about and implement practices that help to increase resiliency to weather events so that you can have a more resilient and sustainable agricultural enterprise.
SDG 4 is about ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
This could look like having a professional development plan with your employees, or for yourself, to ensure the opportunity for relevant upskilling and education. Maybe you have capacity to be a mentor or provide insights to someone who is keen to learn more about what you do and your journey to get there. It could even look like volunteering to have the local school for a trip once a year, or engaging in programmes such as Farmer Time which virtually connects farmers and a class of primary/intermediate students to learn about agriculture.
A challenge to leave you with: What is one action you can take towards an SDG during the month of October?
Let us know in the comments or on socials! We’d love to hear how you are incorporating the SDGs into your life and business.
