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Life on Land

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework to turn global ambitions into local action. Florida International University is ranked No. 32 in the world for positive impact on Life on Land according to the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Our faculty, students and staff are addressing the environmental and economic realities of climate change, protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, and working on the frontlines of conservation to support Life on Land.

 

15 Life On Land

It doesn't fall to somebody else. It's not another person's duty. It's not another generation's responsibility. It's ours.

Dr. Paul Reillo, Director of the FIU Tropical Conservation Institute and Founding Director of the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation

Life on Land

FIU is working across all targets set by the United Nations General Assembly in Sustainable Development Goal 15 to achieve a sustainable future for the world’s forests, wetlands and other natural ecosystems.

FIU scientists in the field

15.1 Conserve and restore

From the Arctic to the Tropics, FIU is providing scientific solutions to the devastating and complex challenges of natural disasters, climate change, wildlife trafficking, species extinction and other man-made impacts. Find out more on FIU’s efforts to conserve and restore Life on Land.

Liu and researchers in the forest

15.2 Manage and protect forests

Through conservation, community forest management, species research and new species discoveries, FIU is promoting the sustainable management of forests all across the world. Find out more on FIU's efforts to manage and protect forests.

DeVito in the field

15.3 Restore land and soil 

Located in Miami, where the land is subsiding and the seas are rising, FIU is not just researching land degradation. We are living it. Our scientists are focused on developing solutions for environmental resilience here and all across the planet. Find out more on FIU's efforts to restore land and soil.

Catenazzi researching in the mountains

15.4 Conserve mountain ecosytems

From high atop the Andes to the mountainous regions of China, FIU researchers work in the toughest of terrains, discovering new species and protecting the plants and animals that give life to these biodiversity hotspots. Find out more on FIU's efforts to conserve mountain ecosystems.

Paul Reillo with Bongo

15.5 Reducing degradation of natural habitats

From in-the-field conservation to innovative captive breeding programs,, FIU scientists are leading global initiatives to save species, establish protected habitats and provide the science needed to reverse the degradation of natural habitats on every single continent. Find out more on FIU's efforts to reduce degradation of natural habitats.

Matt Shirley

15.6 Promote access to genetic resources

FIU researchers are rapidly adding to global knowledge about the world’s plants, animals and ecosystems they occupy, including scientific understanding of species, identification of previously unknown species, disturbances and threats, conservation opportunities, and genetic innovations that could lead to a more sustainable future. Find out more on FIU's efforts to promote access to genetic resources. 

Pangolin

15.7 End poaching and trafficking

FIU leads international campaigns in the fight against illegal trafficking of wild orchids, sharks, turtles, tropical birds and even pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammal. The innovations in DNA science and technology being developed here can be used to protect species anywhere. Find out more on FIU's efforts to end poaching and trafficking.

Invasive species

15.8 Prevent invasive species

From the Florida Everglades to the illegal wildlife trade in Asia, FIU scientists are providing the science to improve wildlife management strategies, trafficking interventions and other tactics to combat existing and prevent new introductions of invasive species to ecosystems. Find out more on FIU's efforts to prevent invasive species. 

15.9 Integrate ecosystems and biodiversity values

FIU researchers are developing assessment frameworks for determining inclusion of biodiversity in Strategic Environmental Assessments, identifying new methods for cross-collaborations in research and providing the scientific data needed to evaluate ecosystem and biodiversity values. Find out more on FIU's efforts to integrate ecosystems and biodiversity values.

15.a-c Mobilize resources

Providing the science, tools and training needed for Life on Land, FIU researchers are developing low-cost solutions and expertise needed to conserve biodiversity, sustainably manage ecosystems and combat illegal wildlife trafficking of species of all kinds. Find out more on FIU's efforts to mobilize resources. 

Degree Programs

Across biology, chemistry earth and environmental sciences, FIU provide hands-on instruction for students interested in careers supporting sustainable Life on Land. This includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment. The university also offers degrees in Global Sustainable Tourism, environmental engineering, politics and international relations, public policy and administration, and other related fields. We equip our students with the knowledge and skills needed to find solutions for a sustainable and inspiring future. 

Learn more about FIU's academic offerings

Global Learning for Global Citizenship

FIU’s Global Learning initiative provides a foundation for students to create innovative, equitable, and sustainable solutions for our interconnected human and natural communities.

Every FIU undergraduate is student is required to take at least two Global Learning courses as part of their degree program. FIU offers 268 courses to fulfill this requirement, all focused on global, sustainable and responsible citizenship. 

Learn more about FIU Global Learning

Featured Events

FIU's Institute of Environment as well as academic departments host a variety of campus and community events to promote conservation and sustainability for Life on Land. 

  • Regional Nile Virtual Conference

    Feb. 6 - 7, 2025

    This conference will discuss ideas and potential collaborative frameworks in the Nile River Basin. Abstract submissions deadline is Dec. 15, 2024.

    Submit an abstract

  • Earth and Environment Graduate Seminar Series

    Weekly
    FIU MMC Campus, WC 130

    Seminars are hosted several times a month, featuring experts discussing the issues facing our natural world and solutions for more sustainable communities.

    Seminar schedule

  • FIU Environment Forum

    Annual

    This annual event is hosted every spring, focusing on the latest issues impacting policy and strategies to support environmental sustainability.

    Recordings from past forums

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