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.
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
As the State of Florida’s University of Distinction in Environmental Resilience, FIU is providing the science for a healthier and more sustainable planet including Life on Land. Explore our efforts In the World, For the Community and On Campus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earth and Environment Graduate Seminar Series
Weekly
FIU MMC Campus, WC 130Seminars are hosted several times a month, featuring experts discussing the issues facing our natural world and solutions for more sustainable communities.
FIU Environment Forum
Annual
This annual event is hosted every spring, focusing on the latest issues impacting policy and strategies to support environmental sustainability.
News
Wrongfully accused: research acquits mosquitoes as carriers for Lyme disease
Oct 6, 2025
FIU calls upon citizen scientists to help collect data during King Tide
Oct 1, 2025
Spread of invasive swamp eels poses new risks to Everglades
Sep 29, 2025
Get it to grow: FIU shares agricultural knowledge with farmers in South Africa
Sep 22, 2025
New AI flood model gives water managers up-to-the-minute decision-making tool
Sep 17, 2025
FIU gets $6.375 million renewal from NSF for Everglades research
Sep 10, 2025
New York's Coopers Beach named America's best beach as 3 others stricken from top 10
May 22, 2025
Not in the mood: Mercury messes with songbirds’ mating game
May 1, 2025
25 years of Everglades restoration has improved drinking water for millions in Florida, but a new risk is rising
Apr 15, 2025