SDG 15: Life on land

How can science help to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of ecosystems? In Utrecht, we do this by researching complex issues beyond the borders of disciplines. The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) are a major guiding principle for us.

  • Advantages of shadow coffee

    Coffee plantations with a lot of shade can contribute to supporting biodiversity. Can biodiversity on existing coffee plantations be restored by planting trees?

    Sustainable coffee plantations
  • Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
  • Replicating natural grasslands

    In our Botanic Gardens, plant- and soil ecologists are replicating natural grasslands to study the effect that changing climate, combined with the loss of biodiversity, will have on the ecosystem.

    Botanic test gardens
  • Towards regenerative farming

    Can we create a net-positive agricultural system? A multidisciplinary team of researchers is exploring how the Dutch agricultural system can become regenerative, with sustainable farmer business models.

    Challenges in farming
  • Our research into life on land
    Explore our research
  • Large mammals for a better climate

    Restoring populations of large mammals in the wild revitalise the flora and fauna. This can also contribute to fighting global warming.

    Mitigating climate change


SDGs: Our compass towards a better world