The Mountain Gorilla endures high altitudes within the cloud forests of three national parks, spanning across the Virunga volcanic mountains and extending its reach into one of Uganda's national parks. This species inhabits zones climbing up to 7,200 to 14,100 feet.

Unlike other types of gorillas, the Mountain Gorilla possesses thicker, longer fur designed to withstand colder climates inherent in its environment. 

Despite being smaller than the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, adult male gorillas demonstrate distinctive bony crests atop and at the back of their skulls, giving them a conical appearance. These crests also anchor their powerful jaw muscles.

Starting in 1967, Dian Fossey dedicated 18 years to a detailed study of mountain gorillas. She brought new findings to light, implemented accurate counts, and introduced helpful conservation methods, like anti-poaching patrols. Her work continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, protecting Virunga's mountain gorillas.

Similarities in genetic makeup to humans expose mountain gorillas to human diseases2. An immune system ill-developed against such diseases results in respiratory infections, accounting for approximately 20% of sudden deaths among these gorillas.

As per the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessments, Gorilla conservation status exposes some alarming trends. Three of four sub-species of gorillas have been declared critically endangered with declining gorilla populations.

In 2013, Western Lowland Gorillas numbered 361,919, which is currently shrinking by roughly 2.7% annually. By estimates, this downward trend could result in over an 80% population decline across just three generations.

Cross River gorillas, known to us since the early 20th century, only received notable attention in the late '80s. Now, merely 100-250 mature individuals remain in the wild.

Grauer's Gorillas, valued at just 3,800, have suffered a drastic 77% population decrease since 1994.

Mountain Gorillas are not entirely clear despite their reclassification from critically endangered to endangered species5. While recent counts estimate at least 1,004 individuals, legal and illegal human intrusion into their habitats could threaten them again.

Regardless of the varied threat levels, all gorilla subspecies face common dangers. A relentless onslaught of habitat destruction, hunting, and diseases such as the ebola virus poses significant risks. In response, conservation efforts have been deployed to counteract these threats.

Wetlands are areas that are totally or partially covered with water. They are transitional between permanently flooded deep water areas and areas with their water tables near the surface. Sometimes, shallow water covers the surface of the land. Examples of wetlands are:

brackish marsh,
fresh marshes,
salt marshes,
swamps,
wet prairies,
bogs,
forested wetlands,
and vernal pools. 
You can also refer to wetlands as areas with dominant natural water saturation levels, determining the soil development processes and the plants and animals inhabiting them. The covering of water in some wetlands could be permanent or seasonal.

Inland wetlands develop in isolated depressions surrounded by dry land. An inland wetland's soil is very poorly drained, often found in floodplains or other areas prone to flooding. The various inland wetlands are:

Inland and coastal wetlands can remove carbon and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and transfer them into the wetlands’ soil as organic soil matter. Wetland producers remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis2. Then, they convert it into cellulose and other carbon compounds before it becomes soil organic matter.

Wind energy is from the kinetic energy of moving air. We harness wind energy with large wind turbines located on land or in the ocean. Wind turbines are technology we got from improving the structure of good old windmills used to harvest wind power in the 18th/19th century. 

As the wind blows against the wind turbines, they generate electricity we can use for various activities. However, the wind power gained from harnessing wind energy varies by location. The best place to get enough wind power is by setting up turbines in sea or freshwater locations, i.e., offshore.

The sun is a major energy source. We harness this endless solar energy source with solar panels. Studies show that we get more energy from the sun in an hour than the energy used by the world in a year1. 

Solar panels are made from silicon and other materials that can transform sunlight into electricity. They can power homes, schools, and communities. Solar power is an excellent example of sustainable development because it provides safe energy consumption. 

It doesn't release carbon emissions like when we harness energy from fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources don't cause air pollution, thus saving the environment and promoting energy efficiency.

The environmental impact of industrial agriculture damages a lot of ecosystems. These damages include soil erosion, groundwater pollution, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and poor working conditions of farm workers. 

Since we depend on agriculture for food, the negative impacts of industrial agriculture make our survival difficult. So, we need to practice sustainable farming to get food without causing harm to the environment. 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, sustainable agriculture is farming methods that protect the environment, expand natural resources, and use non-renewable resources adequately. 

Eco-friendly agricultural practice focuses on systems that improve soil fertility and reduce emissions and energy consumption. It also focuses on improving animal welfare and encouraging biodiversity. 

Crop rotation is one way to promote sustainable agriculture. This method improves soil quality by reducing fertilizer usage, thus restoring the lost nutrients and improving local biodiversity. Other eco-friendly agricultural practices are hydroponics and permaculture.

While the previous example of sustainable development focuses on structure, green space is about open spaces in urban areas., such as foliage-filled public parks and recreation areas. 

Data says more than two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities2. It will be crowded with buildings and infrastructures to support the people, and nature needs more space to grow and thrive.

We can improve air quality by having more green spaces full of trees. Aside from producing oxygen, trees regulate rainwater by filtering out pollutants.

Addressing the urban island heat effect is also vital. This phenomenon refers to the trapped heat generated by human activities, specifically roads and other concrete structures. By adding green rooftops, people can save the energy used for cooling. 

Green spaces in urban regions  could be parks, community gardens, or rooftop gardens. These spaces help us control insects and improve biodiversity. They will also enhance the quality of living.

Sustainable forestry is managing forests to meet society's current needs and desires while preserving forest resources. We achieve sustainable development of forests by considering the economic, social, and ecological aspects of sustaining a forest. The three ways to manage forests are preservation, rehabilitation, and reforestation techniques. 

Preservation allows us to take necessary precautions to protect our forests from destruction, while rehabilitation and reforestation refer to replanting and replacing a lost forest ecosystem. By sustainably managing our forests, we'll have cleaner air. More trees will grow, and they'll capture carbon and clear air pollution from the atmosphere. 

Also, there will be a reduction in the loss of biodiversity because the environment supports their ecosystem. Sustainable forest management will reduce flooding because trees are a barrier to water streams. Thus slowing them down. 

Another example of sustainable forest management techniques is selective logging to prevent excessive deforestation. There's also controlled burn and treatment of tree diseases, providing better water quality for humans and wildlife.

What are SDGs?  

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure people enjoy good health, justice, and prosperity. In a nutshell, SDGs aim to change the world without leaving anyone behind. 

In 2015, all member countries of the United Nations decided to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. All the examples of sustainable development above are aligned with this plan.

17 interconnected goals balance economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Here are the 17 SDGs that need global attention and action:

No Poverty
Zero hunger
Good health and wellbeing
Quality education
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Industry, innovation, and infrastructure 
Reduced inequalities
Sustainable cities and communities
Responsible consumption and production
Climate action 
Life below water
Life on land
Peace, justice, and strong institutions
Partnerships for the goals
Conclusion: All About Sustainable Development Examples, Goals, And More

The extraction and usage of raw materials like fossil fuels and poor waste disposal methods are the major contributors to the environmental decline. However, examples of sustainable development have shown that we can get essential services in environmentally friendly ways. 

For instance, renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing sustainable energy. Green spaces bring nature closer to people living in cities. It also protects biodiversity. Crop rotation protects soil health and improves agricultural produce, while sustainable manufacturing uses more recycled materials. 

Other examples of sustainable development include sustainable concrete and mobility, efficient lighting, and green tourism. 

Glossary Terms:
By Jennifer Okafor, BSc.
Jen’s a passionate environmentalist and sustainability expert. With a science degree from Babcock University Jen loves applying her research skills to craft editorial that connects with our global changemaker and readership audiences centered around topics including zero waste, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.

Elsewhere Jen’s interests include the role that future technology and data have in helping us solve some of the planet’s biggest challenges.