The significance and implementation of the SDGs, illustrated with specific examples

SDG 4 – Quality education for all

Genuine nature conservation flourishes where people experience and understand the wilderness. That is why we focus on environmental education in Canada, Peru and Germany. In Peru, forest guardians work alongside local communities. In Canada, through Eagle Wing Tours, we take school groups into the temperate rainforests of the fjords – where pupils experience first-hand just how fragile intact ecosystems are. In Germany, the Wilderness Run mobilises thousands of young people every year to get involved in global species conservation.

SDG 6 – Clean Water

Forests create their own rain: the plants of the Amazon basin transpire 20 billion tonnes of water every day – 20 times more than evaporates over the sea. The forest sustains itself.

At the same time, the rainforest acts as a natural filter: rainwater seeps into the forest floor and is purified. Without the forest, water runs off directly – regional water cycles break down and drought spreads. This is already becoming evident as deforestation rates rise. Every square metre of rainforest that is protected safeguards local and global water cycles.

SDG 13 – Climate action

Global warming must be limited to 1.5 degrees by 2030. Intact forests play a key role in this: they store as much CO₂ as is present in the entire atmosphere. If we destroy them, more CO₂ will be released than we can sequester again in the foreseeable future. Deforestation and the drainage of peatlands account for 10 to 15 per cent of all annual global emissions. By protecting Germany’s forests and peatlands, we are slowing down this trend – locally, measurably and effectively.

SDG 14 – Life below water

SDG 14 calls for all forms of marine pollution, particularly from land-based activities, to be prevented and significantly reduced by 2025. When forests are cleared, their nutrient-rich topsoil is washed away by rain. This soil is washed into rivers, causing them to become eutrophic and release excessive nutrients into the sea. By protecting forests and their rivers, we therefore also prevent marine pollution and thus directly support the achievement of SDG 14.

SDG 15 – Life on Land

SDG 15 calls for the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems and forests by 2030. By protecting intact forests, we prevent deforestation, soil degradation and desertification – whilst at the same time enabling the restoration of neighbouring areas. Only if existing wilderness is preserved can biodiversity spread out from there and help damaged areas to recover – particularly those threatened by drought, flooding and desertification.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

In line with SDG 17, we forge effective civil society partnerships to promote sustainability, particularly within the private sector. Without our corporate partners, we would not be able to protect as much old-growth forest as we have done so far. They take responsibility and, through their commitment to nature conservation, are in some cases even leading the way as pioneers in their respective industries.

SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities

We work in regions characterised by structural power imbalances and make a point of acknowledging this. Through long-term partnerships, fair salaries, scholarships and capacity-building, we work specifically to reduce inequalities. We do not see ourselves as a ‘Western solution’, but rather as a learning organisation engaged in direct dialogue with local stakeholders and indigenous communities. This also means critically reflecting on our own role – for example, in our dealings with First Nations in Canada or local communities in Peru.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

We are also driving change at local level. Since 2023, our agroforestry project with Peruvian farmers has been combining sustainable production, local self-sufficiency and ecological restoration. Our aim is to promote resilient communities that actively contribute to climate stabilisation. In Dresden, our ‘My Tree – My Dresden’ project has not only improved the urban climate but also raised awareness of global interdependencies.

SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production patterns

With every product, our partner companies protect a section of old-growth forest. They calculate their carbon footprint and offset it through old-growth forest protection – together with their customers, who help the company’s forest to grow through their donations. In this way, we are making a tangible contribution to SDG 12 together.