The interconnected socio-ecological and economic dimensions of SDGs also invite local community engagement in addressing ecosystem concerns where ecological knowledge is needed e.g. goals #12 Responsible Consumption and Production, #14 Life on Water and #15 Life on Land.  Others, e.g. #13 Climate Impacts and #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, can benefit from ecological input. Progress on ecologically oriented goals is integrally linked to progress on others, e.g. #8 Jobs & livelihoods; #10 Inequalities within and between countries and #16 Peace, justice and strong institutions.

We’ll overview the SDGs, focusing on challenges and opportunities for ecologists’ engagement.  Panelists with UN and human rights expertise will join ecologists to share examples of applying SDGs in education, curriculum development, institutional action and partnerships.  Through small groups and open discussion, we’ll explore applying the goals at our home institutions and regionally, and how individuals and ESA sections can more effectively engage with human rights and sustainability movements.