SDG series – Cooperative contributions to SDG 14 & 15 – Life Below Water and Life on Land

Cooperatives are central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In this new edition of the Building a Better World Together: Cooperative Contributions to the SDGs policy brief series — focused on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) — the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), COPAC, and ICA’s regional offices highlight how cooperatives protect ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen livelihoods across the globe.

Biodiversity and Sustainability: Foundations for Our Future

Oceans, forests, and ecosystems are critical for human wellbeing. But they face rising threats from climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable practices. The impacts are especially harsh for Indigenous Peoples, small-scale producers, and rural communities whose lives are deeply tied to the land and sea. Cooperatives are stepping up, combining conservation with community resilience.

The Cooperative Difference: Conservation Rooted in Communities

From forest restoration in Tanzania to women-led aquaculture in Nepal, cooperatives deliver solutions grounded in democratic ownership and local knowledge. Their contributions include:

• Protecting marine ecosystems through sustainable fishing, seaweed farming, and community patrols

• Restoring forests and promoting agroecological farming

• Supporting women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples in leading environmental efforts

• Bridging local action with national and global policy

European Action in Focus: Metsä Group – Regenerative Forestry in Finland

In Finland, the Metsä Group cooperative — part of the Pellervo Coop Center — is leading a nature-based shift in forest management. Their model shows how large-scale cooperatives can combine business performance with biodiversity restoration.

Key actions include:

• Regenerative forestry practices that boost ecosystem services like carbon capture and clean water

• A 10-year funding programme supporting wetland restoration, bird habitats, and pollinator ecosystems

• Pilot projects at 25 mill sites to test biodiversity-friendly models for land use, protecting endangered species and cultural heritage

• A 2025 climate transition plan embedding regenerative principles into the cooperative’s operations

Metsä’s long-term investment shows how a cooperative enterprise can embed environmental goals into its business DNA, helping to meet climate targets while creating economic value for members and communities.

Closing Gaps, Shaping Policy

Despite their impact, cooperatives are often overlooked in environmental strategies. The brief calls for:

• Stronger legal recognition and secure land/marine tenure for cooperatives

• Their integration into biodiversity and restoration strategies

• Better access to green finance for community-based initiatives

• Support for inclusive leadership, especially for women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples

• Investment in training, innovation, and cooperative-led knowledge exchange

• Strengthening of cross-sector partnerships

A Call to Action

IYC 2025 is a pivotal moment to put cooperatives at the heart of environmental and economic transformation. Their role in protecting biodiversity, building community resilience, and supporting sustainable livelihoods is clear. Cooperatives Europe is committed to working with members, partners, and policymakers to ensure these models are recognised and scaled.

📄 Download the full policy brief here
🔗 COPAC website

This article has been co-funded by the European Union. The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of  Cooperatives Europe and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.