Soil biodiversity under threat: 40% of assessed species at risk due to land-use and climate change
Original framing: “Soil species face extinction risk as one in five assessed are threatened” — Phys.org
Indigenous communities have long practiced soil regeneration through agroecological methods, such as the milpa system in Mesoamerica or the use of biochar in Amazonian dark earths. These practices are often dismissed in favor of industrial solutions, despite their proven efficacy and sustainability.
The crisis facing soil biodiversity is a systemic issue rooted in industrial land-use practices, colonial legacies, and the marginalization of indigenous and local knowledge.
To address this, we must integrate traditional agroecological practices with scientific research, support policy reforms that prioritize regenerative agriculture, and ensure that smallholder farmers and indigenous communities are central to conservation efforts. Historical precedents like the Dust Bowl and successful models in Africa and Asia demonstrate that sustainable soil management is possible when cultural, scientific, and policy dimensions are harmonized. By fostering a holistic understanding of soil as a living system, we can build a more resilient and equitable future.