Goal 15: 3. Main Indicators

Key trends in “Life on Land” in Europe show the following evidence (Eurostat Report, pp. 291 and ss):

• Nitrate and phosphate pollution in European rivers has decreased since 2000;
• Europe’s share of forest area has continued to improve gradually;
• The area of sealed soil has increased in the EU, but the rate of change is slowing;
• Settlement area per capita has increased since 2009, spurred by the exploitation of natural areas for more housing and recreational sites;
• Estimates for soil erosion by water indicate a potential decline in the area at risk of soil erosion in the EU;
• The organic carbon content of topsoil has been declining in croplands in most EU Member States, but the picture is rather mixed for grassland;
• Despite being protected, many terrestrial habitats and species have not reached ‘favourable conservation status’ under the Habitats Directive;
• Common bird species and grassland butterfly species continue to decline in Europe.

Goal 15’s attainment is monitored through the following main indicators: Source: EU SDG Indicator set 2019, p. 28: