FAO Launches Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory to Protect Life below Ground

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched the Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory (GLOSOB) to monitor and protect life below ground, a critical yet often overlooked component of the planet’s ecosystems. The initiative aims to collect and analyze global data on soil organisms — from microbes to earthworms — to better understand their role in maintaining soil health, fertility, and climate resilience. By promoting sustainable soil management practices, FAO seeks to combat land degradation, enhance food security, and preserve biodiversity. Experts emphasize that protecting soil life is vital to sustaining the Earth’s natural productivity and ecosystem balance.