Correlation Between “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) Principle and Sustainable Development Goals and Their Targets

This article explores the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets (SDT) adopted by the United Nations and their Targets with the ″Do No Significant Harm″ (DNSH) principle, adopted by the EU. Even though both frameworks are concentrated on sustainability, there aren’t studies analyzing their direct relationship. Most of the research conducted so far, compares these concepts separately, with no consideration of their conceptual or thematic interfaces. The main objective of this article is to address this gap through a qualitative and network-based analysis of the relationship between the two concepts, and to answer the question: How do the DNSH environmental objectives contribute to the achievement of SDT? For this purpose, this article applies a qualitative content-based analysis of all 169 SDT, identifying 36 correlated SDT with at least one DNSH environmental objective. Using a network analysis and visualization tool (Gephi), the established associations were mapped to determine patterns, clusters and areas of concentration. The analysis highlights that several SDGs, particularly SDG 15, SDG 12 and SDG 14, concentrate the majority of targets. As respect the DNSH environmental objectives, Protection of restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems objective exhibits the broadest and strongest connections with SDG targets, suggesting a central role in promoting sustainable development. Through the application of the data and findings, political leaders will be able to modify their actions and priorities according to the real needs established, thereby making a direct contribution to achieving the SDT.