Policy Proposal: Soil Biodiversity & Human Well-Being
I. Rationale & Strategic Imperative Soil biodiversity underpins both ecological stability and human health. Scientific findings reveal that microbial life in soil directly influences serotonin production, gut-brain communication, and immune resilience. Yet, policy recognition remains scant. This proposal advocates integrating soil biodiversity into biodiversity frameworks, legislation, and SDG-linked health initiatives as a matter of urgency and global equity. II. Objectives The key objectives are to ensure soil biodiversity is formally recognized in biodiversity targets, treat microbial diversity as a component of public health planning, promote citizen-led and AI-supported monitoring networks, and establish legally protected zones for soil organisms. III. Institutional Alignment Key institutions already shaping soil biodiversity efforts include the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative (GSBI), which bridges policy and scien...