Building a Better World Together: Cooperative Contributions to the SDGs is a policy brief series developed in support of the 2025 UN International Year of Cooperatives to showcase how cooperatives drive progress across the Sustainable Development Goals. The policy brief on SDG 14 and 15, “Life Below Water” and “Life on Land”, explores how cooperatives contribute to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Drawing from real-world examples—from small-scale fishers managing marine ecosystems to agricultural and forestry cooperatives restoring degraded land and protecting natural resources—the brief demonstrates how cooperatives act as stewards of the environment while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Produced by the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), this brief affirms the critical role of cooperatives in advancing SDGs 14 and 15 during the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives and beyond.
The policy brief is available for download in English, French, and Spanish.