International Network on Soil Biodiversity (NETSOB)

Soil biodiversity is emerging as a solution, yet only one percent of soil organisms have been identified. Soil biodiversity loss remains one of the main global threats in many regions of the world, and could be greater than estimated due to a lack of data. How can we protect and preserve something we do not fully know?

We must act by turning concern into policies and actions for the conservation, management and sustainable use of our planet’s soils. NETSOB is a timely response by the international community to expand and improve knowledge about soil biodiversity. It is a network open to scientists, researchers, international organizations, institutions, decision-makers, and any other relevant stakeholders with expertise in the assessment, mapping, monitoring, and sustainable use of soil biodiversity.

The overall goal of NETSOB is to promote the sustainable use and conservation of soil biodiversity. Specifically, it aims to:

• Provide expert support for the implementation/coordination of the Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory (GLOSOB);
• Provide evidence to support better decision-making in the field and at the policy level ;
• Strengthen knowledge and awareness about soil biodiversity;
• Contribute to the development of internationally accepted biological indicators;
• Facilitate the monitoring of soil biodiversity status and loss;
• Promote practices that enhance the availability and safety of food; and
• Identify knowledge gaps and foster investment and cooperation in soil biodiversity research.

All interested stakeholders with expertise in the assessment, mapping, monitoring, and sustainable use of soil biodiversity are invited to join NETSOB. Once your registration form has been processed, your organization will be indicated on the NETSOB’s interactive map.

All institutions/organizations will receive a certificate of registration when they register with NETSOB. Please note that there is no registration fee or any annual cost to join NETSOB