Land Use Planning and Sustainable Development Goals

Land Use Planning and Sustainable Development Goals

• Land use planning directly connects to 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Land use planning influences social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.

No Poverty (SDG1)

• Land use planning ensures equal access to land for agriculture, housing, and livelihoods.
• Secure land tenure protects people from forced evictions and land grabs.
• Providing affordable housing through zoning prevents the rise of slums.
• Proper planning ensures access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and transportation.
• Land use planning supports sustainable agriculture, creating jobs and opportunities in rural areas.
• Planning helps prevent poverty by reducing vulnerability to natural disasters and promoting post-disaster recovery.

Zero Hunger (SDG2)

• Land use planning supports sustainable agriculture, ensuring land allocation for food production and maintaining soil health and biodiversity.
• Preserving fertile land for agriculture prevents its loss to urban sprawl and industrial development.
• Planning supports the long-term sustainability of food production systems by balancing competing land uses.
• Agroecological zoning ensures land use is optimized based on soil quality, climate, and water availability.
• Integration of conservation practices into land use plans helps maintain soil health and biodiversity, supporting agricultural productivity.
• Urban planning promotes food security by supporting urban agriculture, community gardens, and local food markets.
• Supporting smallholder farmers through secure land tenure and access to infrastructure helps maintain food production at a local level.
• Protecting ecosystems through land use planning helps sustain long-term food production.

Good Health and Well-being (SDG3)

• Proper urban planning, green spaces, and pollution control through zoning contribute to improved public health outcomes.

Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6)

• Land use planning impacts water management by protecting water catchment areas, preventing pollution, and ensuring access to clean water.

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7)

• Land use planning allocates land for renewable energy projects, such as solar farms and wind energy, to support clean energy infrastructure.

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG9)

• Land use planning facilitates sustainable infrastructure development, including roads, transportation systems, and industrial zones.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11)

• Land use planning is central to creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces.
• It guides housing, public transportation systems, and efficient land allocation for urban expansion.

Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12)

• Land use planning optimizes resource use and waste management, encouraging sustainable consumption patterns through the management of industrial and residential waste.

Climate Action (SDG13)

• Land use planning helps mitigate and adapt to climate change through controlled deforestation, conservation areas, and flood management planning.

Life Below Water (SDG14)

• Coastal and marine area planning protects aquatic ecosystems and manages land-based activities that affect marine environments.

Life on Land (SDG15)

• Protecting forests, managing land degradation, and maintaining biodiversity are all essential aspects of land use planning for ecosystem conservation.