An annual report is prepared by the Secretary-General of the United Nations evaluating the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

[3] It provides data on changes in forest areas, desertification, biodiversity loss and other parameters that are of relevance for SDG 15.

[4] The full title of Target 15.1 is: "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 obligation under international agreements.

The forest area is defined by the land under natural or planted groups of trees of at least 5 meters in situ.

[8] The full title of Target 15.4 is: "By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development.

The full title of Target 15.5 is: "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.

[5] This indicator is used to track countries' participation in protocols related to the promotion and sharing of genetic resources for plants, food and agriculture.

The full title of Target 15.7 is: "Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.

[10] The full title of Target 15.9 is: "By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.

[12] The full title of Target 15.a is: "Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems.

[13] The full title of Target 15.c is: "Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.

[5] The illegal trade and animal trafficking have grown significantly to become one of the world's largest black markets valued at tens of billions of dollars.

They are:[16] An annual report is prepared by the Secretary-General of the United Nations evaluating the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

[10] As of 2023[update], there is approximately a $700 billion gap in financial support to help low-income countries protect biodiversity.

[17] In 2020, there was brief progress on SDGs 12 to 15 on sustainable production and consumption, climate action and biodiversity conservation, but these gains were quickly offset once restrictions were lifted.

This applies to CO₂ emissions, which declined in major economies during lockdowns, but went quickly back to their pre-pandamic levels after restrictions were lifted.