SDG 15

SDG 15 is: "Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss." Forests provide a home for millions of species and give us all clean air and water. To protect and restore life on land, we need to stop deforestation and preserve biodiversity. This is an SDG badge.

Meerkat requirements

We all like a clean house. Let’s keep the area where we live clean and beautiful too. Do 4 of these:

1. Earn the Gardening badge where we plant a vegetable patch, or plant trees in a park where needed.
2. Earn the Nature badge.
3. Prepare a soil erosion demonstration to show why we should stay on paths when hiking. Take 3 shallow boxes and fill with sand, plant grass on the one, cover another with compost, leaves and grass cuttings, and leave the other one bare.

Cub requirements

This was part of the 2020 National Cub Challenge. Complete either the FIRST or SECOND set of challenges:

1. Complete the Water Champ Challenge Badge and share your findings with the rest of the Pack.
2. During Arbour Week which runs from the 1st to the 7th of September do TWO of the following:
   1. Carry out a tree survey in your community.
   2. Make seed paper or bombs and plant around an area that could be made more beautiful with flowers or plants.
   3. Make a Rainforest Terrarium.
   4. Carry out or assist with a conservation project in your community.

Scout requirements

Complete either the FIRST or SECOND set of challenges:

1. Complete the Water Champ Challenge badge.
2. Complete THREE of the following:
   1. With your Patrol or Troop, clear a local area of alien vegetation.
   2. Plant at least 3 fruit bearing trees/plants in your local community. Care for and maintain the garden you have planted for a period of at least 6 months.
   3. Volunteer at an animal shelter for a period of at least 3 months.
   4. Research and present a poster/display/video you have created on your community’s local bird/animal life and how you can help maintain their habitat.
   5. Complete the Observation Scoutcraft Badge.
   6. Complete the Environmental Awareness (if not completed for a previous challenge).

Rover requirements

1. Earn the Public Health Award.
2. Earn the Project Award.
3. Earn the Community Service Award.
4. With your Crew and a Patrol or Troop, clear a local area of alien vegetation.
5. Volunteer at an animal shelter for a period of at least 3 months.
6. Complete the Environmental Awareness (if not completed for a previous challenge).

Adult requirements

Complete any 3 of the following and share your findings with your Troop or Adult forum:

1. Complete the Water Champ Challenge Badge for adults.
2. BIODIVERSITY:
   1. What does biodiversity mean and does it matter to us?
   2. Explain how healthy biodiversity can help to combat global warming.
   3. Consider the benefit and work of the bees – what would happen to our world without them?
   4. Consider the statement: interdependency vs human intervention between humans and wild animals – e.g. elephants in a nature reserve.
3. ENDANGERED SPECIES: There are many endangered species. Illegal trade of some of our species endanger their survival.
   1. Pick three endangered species that are less common, i.e. not Rhino or elephants.
   2. Explain how they are endangered and how you would like to help save them.
4. Celebrate a special day e.g.: Earth Day (22nd April) or Environmental Day (5th June) by doing something appropriate. Write up your actions.
5. At home, plant a wildlife garden for insects and birds. For example bee-friendly flowers, insect and bug hotels, ponds etc. Journal your progress over a period of at least 3 months.
6. DEFORESTATION:
   1. Investigate the causes of deforestation in South Africa and one other African country.
   2. What steps are being taken to prevent deforestation and by whom?
   3. What steps can you take to help prevent deforestation in South Africa?
   4. What organisations are helping to prevent deforestation and what are they doing?
7. ALIEN VEGETATION:
   1. What is alien vegetation?
   2. What problems do they cause for the environment?
   3. Discuss why these are problems. What can be done about them? By whom?
   4. List 5 alien species found in your area.

See also

• SDG badges
• National challenge 2020
• Scouts for SDGs