betterSoil at COP28 UAE
In addressing the negative impacts of rapid climate change, we must not forget the critical role that soils play in carbon storage and ecosystem health. We were at COP28 UAE to join other stakeholders in emphasising the importance of restoring and protecting this natural gift for a sustainable future.
A few weeks ago, our co-founder and CFO, Dr. Tobias Orthen received an invitation to attend the United Arab Emirates' COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Despite all the criticism of this conference, climate change made it into the mainstream discussions. Soil was represented and discussed, and it felt like "everyone" was present, meaning that many stakeholders were able to engage with each other in person, which can lead to better action than just staying in the digital sphere. Like healthy soil, people need interaction to thrive!
Nature, land use and oceans; topics at COP28
On his way to visit a solar complex, he saw first-hand how important healthy soils are. As deserts expand, it is possible to reclaim soils and prevent the degradation of other soils. Four betterSoil principles show the way: a) soil management, b) compost, c) biochar and d) agroforestry. Our book "We dig it!" explains this with colourful illustrations and easy-to-understand short text elements.
Good vibes with UNIDO Director General
On the way to introducing betterSoil at a side event, Tobias met UNIDO Director-General Dr. Gerd Müller. He comes from a family of farmers and the topic of soil is close to his heart. The interest in soils is there and we are looking forward to working with UNIDO in the field of soils.
Soil improvement to fight against desertification
COP28 has given us some insights. To combat desertification, thousands of companies and start-ups that promote soil health as the core of their business model need to come and work closely with farmers around the world and especially in the MENA region.
Connecting these efforts with companies in the EU would be an interesting approach to scaling solutions. The betterSoil principles of a) soil management, b) compost, c) biochar and d) agroforestry benefit farmers by increasing their income. Companies that import dates, coffee, almonds or pistachios (to name just a few) also benefit from working with us to reduce risk in their supply chain. This helps them in their business. We help them to comply with sustainability reporting and due diligence standards in their supply chain.
The betterSoil principles are the key to increasing farmers' incomes, improving biodiversity, producing healthy food, storing carbon dioxide in the soil, helping farmers adapt to climate change and many other benefits. 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals can be promoted in this way. We Looking forward to working with likeminded companies for a better future and to connecting to people that want to learn more about the power of soils!