The SDGs is a set of goals defined by the United Nations categorizing and emphasizing a set of goals that should be targeted, in order to achieve a sustainable development for the world. In terms of this set of goals, we will show in the following section, which SDG targets we are serving with our work.
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote Sustainable agriculture
Target 2.4
By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought,flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve soil quality
How we do it
Through promoting food forests and regenerative farming or agroforestry techniques, we spread the knowledge on how to achieve food resilience and how to restore soil health at the same time. Further regenerative farming is resilient to droughts, and prevents erosion while it increases biodiversity and biological productivity.
Target 2.5
By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and Domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed.
How we do it
Keeping a seed bank of local traditional high quality seeds, sharing those and sharing knowledge on how to keep your own seeds and helping other projects setting up a seed bank. Awareness raising for the topic in our events on regenerative farming and in speeches and interviews. Through this we are actively helping local knowledge on traditional seeds and biodiversity to be kept and given on to next generations.
Good Health
Target 3.4
By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
How we do it
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally. According to WHO, the 4 groups of diseases that account for over 80% of all premature NCD deaths are 1) Cardiovascular diseases (17.9 million people/year), 2) cancers (9 million), 3) respiratory diseases (3.9 million) and 4) diabetes (1.6 million). Through workshops and events our eco-school actively promotes a local whole food plant based diet that a plethora of scientific evidence proves to be the most environmentally sustainable and at the same time the only diet to be able to reverse those chronic diseases and to reduce descrimination gaps such as environmental racism. Promoting Food Forests also increases the urban green surface actively reducing air pollution, the main cause of respiratory problems, while enhancing the citizen’s well being and mental health that are directly affected from spending more quality time in nature.
Target 3.9
By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
How we do it
By sharing knowledge on regenerative farming which explicitly doesn´t use any hazardous chemicals but only relies on self produced elements of its own system, mainly organic matter through constant pruning, we are targeting one of the biggest pollutants on the planet - farming.
Quality Education
Target 4.4
By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
How we do it
Through our Erasmus+ youth worker mobility training course we train young people in acquiring professional skills that allow them to take their actions one step further. To build healthy businesses based on values of inclusion, solidarity and fairness. Further through the receiving of young entrepreneurs through the Erasmus for young entrepreneur program, we further train one on one young people at their start to entrepreneurship.
Target 4.5
By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
How we do it
Through our forest school based in the rural area of Skala Lakonia, we want to offer the chance to children from all social backgrounds to develop their skills. With further giving opportunities of European exchange programs we want to support young people in their development while putting emphasis on the ones that are most vulnerable or socially disadvantaged.
Target 4.7
By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights,gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and nonviolence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
How we do it
Our guiding principles are earth care, people care and fair share. These are the basic ethics of Permaculture and they lead to sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, nonviolence and appreciation of diversity. Nevertheless through practicing non-violent communication and practices we further plant seeds for a nonviolent future.
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Target 5.1
End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
How we do it
We target this aim through empowering women and men likewise, on helping women discover their strenghts and uncover false believes. In our courses women learn to do the same tasks and acquire the same skills as men, free of cultural believes on what is expected from them regarding their gender. In our cosmos, their is no discrimination between women and men, because the power and responsibility lies in all of us, our eco-system doesn´t breed discrimination of any kind.
Affordable and Clean Energy
Target 7.2
By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
How we do it
With our workshops on renewable energy low tech solutions and devices we share knowledge and skills on producing energy using renewable energy ressources like the sun. Right now our main focus is not on this topic, but with the growth of our infrastructure we will give more emphasis on this topic, by tackling our own energy needs with renewables.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Target 11.4
Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
How we do it
Around the world, culture is acknowledged as the cornerstone of identity, providing a sense of belonging and the social and economic cohesion of communities. It is also the foundation of sustainable development and cultural important areas often overlay with areas of natural heritage . The Southern Lights collaborates closely with the local enterprise “The Silver Leaf”, an organic food processing facility and exporting enterprise. Investing in ecotourism, educational workshops, scientific research, implementation and communication on regenerative farming, together we use the chances farming and agrotourism give us to tackle our ecological challenges, promote culture and create a better tomorrow for our local community and beyond.
Target 11.6
By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
How we do it
With our mission to bring food forests to city we want to reduce also the food miles that especially people living in cities are high in. Food forests in cities further can help tackle waste management, since they provide food, which can be directly picked up by consumers, without the need of packaging and transport. Further food wastes and other organic waste can be directly recycled in a food forest, while improving the soil health and contributing to the productivity of the food forest itself.
Further we promote a zero waste lifestyle and share simple tips on how to reduce ones waste footprint.
Target 11.7
By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
How we do it
Again food forests are one of the best ways to bring green spaces, full of biodiversity to the center of the cities, providing spaces for people to come together, intergenerational and exchange knowledge and rebuild community. Old people can come together with children, parents can be supported by old people, which in turn can be supported by families. Food forests in cities can be a place for social regeneration, with the side effect of personal health regeneration and in general a more ecologic and sustainable city.
Target 11.A
Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
How we do it
Through collaboration between various stakeholder and public as well as private initiatives, people and organisations with a focus on sustainable development, we hope to create healthy thriving links with a positive outcome on both rural but also urban areas, while through the links and the network strengthening solidarity and increasing resilience, which reduces stress and improves health at the same time as a sideeffect.
Target 11.B
By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels
How we do it
We are working closely with the public and private sector at a local and European level as well as the civil society in order to ensure sustainable and inclusive local urban cities and economies. To tackle some of the results of climate change (decrease of crop yields, climate migration,etc.) and develop cultural and environmental sustainability and resilience, we are organising events and workshops in all Greece that are actively promoting the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity through alternative land management practices, clean energy solutions,green and quality public spaces, intergenerational interactions, outdoor education, active citizenship and sustainable consumption and production patterns which all lead to a healthier lifestyle in harmony with nature.
Responsible Consumption and Production
Target 12.1
Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
How we do it
To implement the 10YFP Programmes, we are forming our initiatives based on the proposed key mechanisms that deliver capacity building and implementation at the regional and national levels. Consumer Information, to facilitate easy, practical and sustainable choices by consumers; Sustainable Tourism - including ecotourism, to enhance the local economy, create sustainable job vacancies and increase nature bonding; Sustainable Lifestyles and Education, to support the development of efficient infrastructures and individual actions and choices that minimize the use of natural resources, emissions, waste and pollution while supporting equitable socio-economic development and better quality of life for all; Sustainable Building and Construction, to spread the importance and explore the know how of sustainable bioclimatic eco building techniques and green energy efficiency; Sustainable Food System, to improve resource use efficiency and reduce the pollution intensity of food systems, from production to consumption, while addressing issues of food and nutrition security.
Target 12.2
By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
How we do it
One of our big missions is to initiate, guide, design and plant food forests in community spaces, projects and organisations. On our own land, we run an agroforestry demonstration site, modeling dozens of practical, personal and community-scale solutions to common challenges around the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources such as the regeneration of soil, water, food production, and more effective ways to self-govern and manage the economy, using permaculture as our guiding design approach.
Target 12.4
By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
How we do it
Regenerative farming doesn't use any chemicals but organic matter coming from the heavy pruning of specific plants that in turn speeds up the process of soil creation and fertility of the system so there is no need for a sound management of such wastes. Unfortunately one can see the big difference when comparing our rich soil to neighboring farms that use pesticides and heavy chemicals at their crops. The circle of life includes microorganisms and other biodiversity that find shelter at the organic surface and in turn provides the food forest with more nutrients. Our organic waste goes directly to our compost that turns into fertile soil for our permaculture garden while the waste from our compost toilet gathers in the compost pile to continue the composting process. Following regenerative farming principles we are healthy on a healthy planet.
Target 12.5
By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
How we do it
We follow the 7 R’s zero waste principles that focus on waste prevention and encourage the redesign of resource life cycles moving from the back end of waste disposal to the front end of resource management. If a product can’t be reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned, or removed from production. Through our food forest workshops, educational school gardens and community events in collaboration with local exemplary enterprises, we try to achieve a cultural change that promotes resource management techniques for the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.
Target 12.8
By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
How we do it
Living in harmony with nature is one of the biggest challenges the human kind has to face nowadays. Entering the symbiocene - the new era of living together without the human dominance of the anthropocene - demands many structural changes, from the economy to people’s mindsets in order to commit to a future that unlocks human creative potential and returns humanity to the great Earth project of a shared life. To achieve this awareness we are investing a lot in global citizenship education which empowers learners of all ages to assume active roles, both locally and globally, in building more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive and secure societies. Through our workshops, seminars and presentations we work in increasing awareness and to inspire, empower and educate young people for environmental sustainability, climate change actions, sustainable and responsible consumption and production and show the way human and environmental health are interconnected and indivisible just like the SDG goals. Last but not least we invest in outdoor education for children and youth so as to increase their bond with nature and their close relationship to the land, an indispensable trait for environmental protection and happiness according to recent studies.
Target 12.B
Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
How we do it
Lakonia is a beautiful agricultural area rich in historic and natural heritage that combines all microclimates and can satisfy all tastes, from tall mountains to crystal blue seas. One of our visions is to advance sustainable tourism in the surrounding area in order to boost the local economy, highlight the local history and culture, make local products available to more people and bring different cultures together. We are currently establishing a network of ecouristic and agrotouristic activities working closely with rural enterprises and the public sector with the aim to develop tools that can help us monitor the new sustainable jobs that will be created and the decentralization that will take place from the reverse of rural brain drain, aka the return of young people back to small communities.
Climate Action
Target 13.3
Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
How we do it
Food forests and regenerative agriculture have a significant role in reducing the risk of natural disasters while mitigating and even reversing climate change through carbon sequestration stored in the soil. Through our agroforestry demonstration site where we model community-scale solutions to common challenges around the regeneration of soil, water and food production, through our European Youth Mobility projects regarding permaculture, regenerative agriculture and sustainable architecture of social infrastructures, our European Solidarity Corps project of capacity building on agroforestry, natural building and renewable energies, our co-initiative of the REGEN network: a collaboration platform to coalesce eco-projects around Greece and abroad that spreads food forests in cities, rural areas and beyond, our events for healthy and sustainable diets and the creation of our local food forest school, we are trying to raise awareness and educate people on the connecting dots between our collective choices and challenges of the climate crisis. The world is in desperate need of change makers that will ultimately guide their own communities to an ecologically regenerative, economically viable & socially just future.
Life on Land
Target 15.1
By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
How we do it
Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. They also provide shelter, jobs and security for forest-dependent communities and play a very important role in climatic balance. Research also shows that farms located near forests have a 15% increase in crop production. Knowing these facts we are committed to collaborate and create partnerships among forest, agriculture, finance, energy, water and other public and private sectors, according to the Durban Declaration 2015, in order to develop tools and active planning that will help enhance the forest’s protection and ecosystem services always with the engagement of the local community. Managing locally unsustainable practices in the forest and agriculture sectors, spread urban Food Forests in rural and dense cities, restore deforested burned areas, spread regenerative agricultural practices among local farmers, invest in ecotourism and make mainstream the transition to sustainable diets are few of our future goals for conserving forests and terrestrial ecosystems for the next generations.
Target 15.2
By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
How we do it
For us every tree matters. According to the United Nations the agricultural sector is by far the single user of land on the planet and the major driver of deforestation worldwide. We use 77% of the world's agricultural land for livestock while crops account for 23%. It’s interesting though that livestock produces only 18% of the world’s calories and just 37% of total protein. Each summer wildfires ravage the mountains of South Peloponnese while uncontrollable overgrazing does not let them come back. It’s time to shift. Shift the way we cultivate, shift mindsets, shift habits and diets. Our organisation wants to launch a new mega - project that will educate the farmers and ranchers on sustainable forest management and regenerative agricultural practices, activate the local population on creating a grassroots network for fire prevention in collaboration with the local forest department and start turning recently burned or afforested areas into food forests with the help of the local communities.
Target 15.3
By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world
How we do it
Again Food forests and regenerative agriculture is the solution for healthy soil. The well-established vegetation slows water movement across the soil surface, which both reduces erosion and allows for more of the water to soak in. The trees and ground cover vegetation in forest ecosystems slow water movement and help stabilize soil, which leads to less pollutants getting into our waterways. Prevention or reduction of soil erosion helps reduce sedimentation type pollution in streams, rivers and lakes. Lastly, plant roots help hold or lock the ground in place. A healthy and big food production that can feed the world and simultaneously preserve a healthy ecosystem, is the future.
Target 15.5
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
How we do it
Regenerative agriculture is a set of farm practices that increase biodiversity and soil organic matter having a positive impact on the land compared to conventional agricultural practices. Avoiding till farming and leaving organic matter to the soil increases the soil organisms which in turn increase the nutrients available for plants, avoiding chemicals that eventually pollute the ground and water. We focus on agroforestry and food forests that mimic natural forests but consist primary of plants that provide food. Mimicking the forest has the benefit of having an autonomous system that doesn't depend on inputs from outside, it creates soil and provides habitat and thus contributes to biodiversity in plants, insects and small animals besides a lot of other services.
Target 15.9
By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts
How we do it
We are working with the local public sector and local people in order to integrate food forests in public spaces, school gardens and private farms making healthy free or low cost food available to more people, a movement that eventually will lead to food sovereignty, economic viability and a healthy and rich ecosystem for all.
Target 15.A
Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems
How we do it
A great amount of our current resources from national and international private and institutional funds go to education and awareness on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health and stability. Training young people on permaculture and agroforestry principles lead to more aware people that will take and implement their knowledge and experience to their communities creating a bigger network of eco-alliances that eventually will change the world for the better.
Partnerships for the Goals
Target 17.16
Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries
How we do it
Through our approved Erasmus+ projects, our Regen network and the national private and public sector (municipalities, local ngos, etc.), we are continuously broadening our national and international partnerships in order to increase our expertise and shared knowledge towards the desired sustainability of habitats, inhabitants and habits according to SDG sustainable development goals.
Target 17.17
Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships
How we do it
With the North Tour in Spring 2020 we want to bring food forests to projects and community places in the north of Greece, raising awareness and spreading knowledge about the potential of regenerating ecosystems while producing healthy food. One big aim of the tour was to unify with people and projects from all over Greece and abroad. Strengthening the network of people and projects that actively contribute to building a better today and tomorrow, that are not afraid to seek new ways and have a bold vision for the future and that put their words to action!
