Sustainable Development of Forest Ecosystems Based on SDG 15 - A Case Study of Mkushi District, Zambia.

This study evaluates the sustainable development of forest ecosystems in Mkushi district, Zambia, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, "Life on Land." Sustainable development aims to use natural resources responsibly to meet future needs without compromising environmental, social, and economic balance. The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, encompassing 17 goals, including SDG 15, underscores the critical role forests play in global sustainability. Our results from remote sensing and literature reviews revealed fluctuating vegetation health in Mkushi, with the NDVI indicating periods of stress and recovery. Efforts by the government and stakeholders include beekeeping and conservation agriculture training, forest patrols, and policy implementations, covering over 121,464 hectares. However, survey results indicated persistent challenges undermining these efforts, highlighting charcoal production has been highest (46%), followed by unsustainable land use (28%), inadequate law enforcement (17%), lack of awareness (6%), and other issues (3%). This study can serve as a reference for policy-makers and regulators to make effective policies on the management of forests in a more sustainable way in Mkushi district and other regions of Zambia with similar challenges and the world at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]