Original Chinese Article by: Shen Yihang
see link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/MdRvnPb1xQJOSPhqHTaQ0A
Recently, relevant departments have drafted the Action Plan for Soil Pollution Source Prevention and Control (Draft for Comments). This document is of great significance and is dedicated to solving soil pollution problems and safeguarding soil health. However, the document has not mentioned the key content of “biodiversity conservation”. As pollution control cannot be separated from biodiversity conservation, I have written this article to discuss why biodiversity conservation should be an important part of the Action Plan and the importance of biodiversity to soil health and ecosystem stability.
Biodiversity is critical to soil health. Soil is not only the basis for plant growth, but it is also the habitat of countless microorganisms, insects, and other organisms. These organisms play integral roles in soil ecosystems, such as breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, improving soil structure and promoting plant health. For example, it has been found that a species of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) improves soil aeration and water infiltration through its digging activities, while microorganisms provide essential nutrients to plants through the decomposition of organic matter. Thus, the conservation and promotion of soil biodiversity contributes to the productivity and health of the soil.
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Moreover, it is well known that soil pollution has both direct and indirect negative impacts on biodiversity. Just like heavy metals, pesticides and other pollutants, they not only cause direct toxicity to microorganisms and invertebrates in the soil, but also, through the food chain, affect organisms at higher levels – humans. Long-term soil contamination can lead to the extinction of certain species, thereby weakening the functioning and service capacity of the entire ecosystem. For example, certain microorganisms cannot survive under heavy metal pollution, leading to a blockage in the decomposition process of soil organic matter, which in turn affects the nutrient supply and growth of plants.
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Biodiversity is closely linked to ecosystem services. Biodiversity-rich soil ecosystems are able to provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, pest and disease control, and climate regulation. These services are critical for agricultural production and human health. For example, a diverse soil biome can effectively inhibit the spread of soil pathogens and reduce the need for pesticide use. In addition, healthy soil ecosystems are better able to cope with the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, the conservation of soil biodiversity is important for promoting soil health and food security, and maintaining the stability and sustainability of ecosystems.
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Therefore, at the policy level, incorporating biodiversity into soil pollution prevention and control action plan can help achieve the comprehensive goal of environmental protection. It’s suggested that biodiversity conservation be included in the Draft.
As we all know, at present, China has made great efforts in promoting the construction of ecological civilisation and achieving sustainable development. Incorporating biodiversity conservation into soil pollution prevention and control is not only in line with the country’s ecological civilisation construction goals, but also helps to enhance the influence of international environmental governance. For example, through nature-based solutions (NbS), the implementation of ecological compensation mechanisms and biological restoration, biodiversity can be protected and restored while treating soil pollution, achieving a win-win situation for environmental protection and economic development.
With regard to specific measures, it is suggested that biodiversity conservation can be incorporated into the action plan for soil pollution prevention and control through various means: Strengthening biomonitoring, establishing a comprehensive soil biodiversity monitoring system (e.g., background data on soil biodiversity), and regularly assessing soil health and biodiversity levels; promoting eco-agriculture and supporting farmers in adopting organic & eco-agricultural practices to reduce the use of pesticides & chemical fertilisers to protect soil biodiversity.
In fact, we have had many examples, such as the Shandong Siyuan Eco-Civilisation Site & Hongyi Eco-Civilisation Site, which have been practising eco-agriculture for a long time and have effectively promoted soil health. In addition, nature-based solutions (NbS), the use of biological means such as plants, microorganisms and invertebrates can also be adopted to restore polluted soil and ecological functions. And the introduction of an ecological compensation mechanism to compensate for the costs incurred for biodiversity conservation can also incentivize more areas to participate in soil health and biodiversity conservation.
Mountains, water, forests, fields, lakes, grasses, sand and ice are a shared life community, which requires a “systematic governance” mindset. Biodiversity protection is an important part of soil pollution prevention and control, and is therefore an indispensable element of “soil pollution prevention and control at source”. By incorporating biodiversity conservation into the “Action Plan for Soil Pollution Source Prevention & Control“, China will not only be able to solve the soil pollution problem more effectively, but also enhance the stability and sustainability of the ecosystem, and make a greater contribution to the realization of the goal of building an ecological civilization. After all, the protection of soil biodiversity is not only a need for environmental protection, but also a key step towards sustainable development.
(Pls note: This article only represents the author’s own views, rather than that of the platform. Feel free to leave your comments, reviews, criticisms and discussions.)
Author | Shen Yihang
Editor | Samantha
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776
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