In the heart of Valdivia, Chile, César Marín, a researcher at the Centro de Investigación e Innovación para el Cambio Climático (CiiCC) of Universidad Santo Tomás, has sounded a global call to action. His recent open letter, published in the journal ‘Plants, People, Planet’ (which translates to ‘Plants, People, Planet’ in English), urges the world to strengthen national soil biodiversity action through coordination and harmonization. This isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a rallying cry that could reshape how industries, including energy, interact with the earth beneath our feet.
Soil biodiversity, the vast web of life hidden beneath our feet, remains one of the least systematically studied components of global biodiversity. It’s a silent partner in the health of our planet, influencing everything from food security to climate change mitigation. Yet, it’s largely invisible in policy agendas. Marín and his colleagues argue that a coordinated soil biodiversity monitoring approach is urgently needed to enable national-level action.
The letter emphasizes the need for standard operating procedures and harmonization of monitoring efforts. “We need a common language, a shared methodology,” Marín explains. “Only then can we truly understand the state of our soils and take meaningful action.” This harmonization could revolutionize how industries, particularly the energy sector, approach land use and environmental impact assessments.
Imagine a future where energy companies can predict soil health impacts with unprecedented accuracy, optimizing their operations to minimize environmental damage. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about smart business. Healthy soils can enhance carbon sequestration, improve water filtration, and boost agricultural productivity—all of which can benefit energy projects that rely on these ecosystems.
The letter also highlights the role of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) of the Convention on Biological Diversity. By providing scientific advice and promoting harmonization, SBSTTA can play a pivotal role in this global effort. “We need to bring soil biodiversity into the spotlight,” Marín asserts. “It’s time for it to take its rightful place in our environmental policies and practices.”
The call to action is clear: industries, governments, and researchers must come together to create a unified approach to soil biodiversity monitoring. The potential benefits are immense, from improved environmental stewardship to enhanced commercial opportunities. As Marín and his colleagues argue in their letter, the time for action is now. The future of our soils—and the industries that depend on them—hangs in the balance.
In the pages of ‘Plants, People, Planet’, Marín’s letter serves as a wake-up call, a reminder that the ground beneath our feet is teeming with life, and it’s time we started paying attention. The energy sector, in particular, has a significant role to play in this global effort. By embracing harmonization and coordination, companies can not only meet regulatory requirements but also unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth. The question is, will they rise to the challenge?