Global Challenges for Government Transparency in Achieving SDG 15 (Life on Land): A Review of Trends (2016–2025)

Sustainable development requires balancing economic growth with the protection of ecological systems that sustain human well-being. Within the 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) focuses on conserving terrestrial ecosystems, halting biodiversity loss, restoring degraded land, and promoting sustainable forest management. Despite global
commitments, progress remains uneven, with continued deforestation, accelerating species extinction, and widespread land degradation. This study provides a critical analytical review of global trends related to SDG 15 during the period 2016–2025, with particular emphasis on the role of government transparency and governance effectiveness. The analysis is based on secondary data drawn primarily from United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) Sustainable Development Goals Reports (2016–2025), supplemented by key global assessments from organizations such as IPBES, FAO, and WWF. Using a qualitative review approach, the paper examines patterns in forest loss, biodiversity status, key biodiversity area (KBA) protection, land degradation, and illegal wildlife trade. Findings indicate that while certain regions show progress in conservation and policy interventions, global trends remain insufficient to meet SDG 15 targets by 2030. Weak transparency mechanisms, data gaps, and fragmented governance structures continue to hinder effective implementation. The study highlights that improved accountability, open data systems, and coordinated multi-stakeholder governance are essential for accelerating progress. Strengthening institutional transparency is therefore not only a governance priority but a critical enabler for achieving sustainableterrestrial ecosystem management under SDG 15.