OUR COMMITMENT
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global objectives, serving as a collective blueprint for a brighter and sustainable future. Critically, the SDGs also aim to prioritise the well-being and sustainability of natural environments such as our oceans and landscapes and, by extension, the animals that call them home.
A COMPASSIONATE WORLD FOR ANIMALS GOES HAND-IN-HAND WITH A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR HUMANS.
Verify Humanity is protecting animals and their habitats by supporting the SDGs. Despite their human-centric nature, many of the key issues tackled contribute towards a better future for animals, too. However, ending animal exploitation isn't actually one of the official goals, and the goals only benefit animals secondarily.
This does little-to-none for inspiring long-lasting compassion for animals. Additionally, the absence of this goal undermines the rest - it's undeniable that not exploiting animals is instrumental in creating a sustainable future for humans.
To remedy the fact that animals are not explicitly protected anywhere in the SDGs, Verify Humanity support Beyond Cruelty's campaign to have 'zero animal exploitation' added as an 18th sustainable development goal.
Claire Smith, president of the Beyond Cruelty foundation, states that "the addition of SDG 18 – Zero Animal Exploitation, will accelerate the transition to a compassionate, kinder, cleaner and healthier world for all", and we couldn't agree more!
PROTECTING ANIMALS AND THEIR HABITATS BY SUPPORTING THE SDGs
We raise awareness of the connections between human action and wildlife issues to inspire compassionate collaboration to stop animal exploitation.
GOAL 4: QUALITY EDUCATION
'Quality Education' seeks to provide inclusive and equitable life-long learning opportunities with a focus on imparting the skills required to create a sustainable future. Supporting goal 4 helps to build a foundation of informed and compassionate individuals who are competent and motivated to advocate for animals.
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The SDG in action: Verify Humanity offer specialised training in areas such as marketing, management and research. This training, coupled with the experience gained, develops hard and soft skills such as design, writing, teamwork and problem solving. Volunteers are provided with a manager who will regularly assist in the furthering of these skills, offering advice and feedback. Many of our volunteers have progressed in their careers as a result of skills gained at Verify Humanity.
Our volunteers gain valuable knowledge about animal welfare issues, conservation efforts, and strategies for effecting change. This is essential learning for imparting the skills required to forge a sustainable future.
GOAL 14: LIFE BELOW WATER
Oceans and other bodies of water are home to an incredibly diverse range of species. Preserving these habitats directly supports the welfare of countless marine animals, from fish and whales to corals and molluscs.
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The SDG in action: Verify Humanity advocate for the freedom of marine animals. We have published articles arguing against Octopus Factory Farming - inclusive of detailed analysis of how this will negatively impact biodiversity and it's unsustainable nature. We also raise awareness about issues such as the fallacy of sustainable fish, the damaging effects of micro-plastics on sea animals, how shipping routes are killing whales, and much more.
GOAL 15: LIFE ON LAND
Goal 15 plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being and survival of animals and their habitats, contributing to the overall health of the planet. This goal aims to preserve terrestrial ecosystems and habitats, and combat the illegal wildlife trade in a bid to protect biodiversity.
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The SDG in action: Our on-going 'Free Boo the Bear' campaign involved an undercover investigation into the illegal wildlife trade and subsequent rescue of 3 bears. We now continue to raise awareness of the illegal wildlife trade and devote much of our time to trying to rescue the remaining bears. We also research and create educational content around issues such as wildlife shooting, light pollution, conservation culling and deforestation.