Biodiversity for Sustainable Development

SDG 9

Contributions of Biodiversity to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems can provide reliable and cost-effective natural infrastructure. For example, coral reefs and mangrove forests protect coasts against flooding that are expected to increase with climate change. Urban green belts and vegetation can absorb run-off of surface water and support resilience against storms and erosion.

Such natural infrastructure, also called green infrastructure, offers multiple benefits compared to single-purpose grey infrastructure, and are often more effective compared to the latter in terms of cost, longevity and effectiveness.

Related SDG 9 Targets

  • SDG Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all (related to Aichi Targets: 2, 4, 14, 15)
  • SDG Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities (related to Aichi Targets: 2, 4, 8, 14, 15, 19)

Relevant Aichi Biodiversity Targets
Biodiversity values integrated
Sustainable production and consumption
Pollution reduced
Ecosystem services
Ecosystem restoration and resilience
Sharing information and knowledge

Related Resources