International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, celebrated under the theme “Acting locally for global impact”, highlights how local actions and community-led efforts can drive meaningful global progress in protecting biodiversity. To mark the occasion, Elsevier has curated a special collection of journal articles and book chapters exploring biodiversity, ecosystems, sustainability, and environmental resilience, including research on topics such as the diversity of soil microorganisms and their impact on soil functions.
#BiodiversityDay, #LocalAction, #ForNature, #UNBiodiversity.
Microalgae improve crop productivity, plant vigor, and nutrient absorption, contributing to more sustainable and efficient food production systems. Their use can help strengthen food security and support resilient agriculture supporting SDG Nº 2 Zero Hunger
This chapter directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by addressing soil salinization, which threatens 22-33% of cultivated farmland globally and could affect 50% of arable land by 2050. The research on salt-tolerant microorganisms and their role in maintaining soil health provides crucial knowledge for developing sustainable agricultural practices that can enhance crop production in saline-affected regions, ultimately contributing to global food security. The chapter also connects to SDG 15 (Life on Land) as it examines how salinity disrupts ecosystem structure, processes, and functions, affecting microbial diversity, soil nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. Understanding soil microbiome dynamics under salt stress is essential for developing strategies to restore degraded soils and maintain terrestrial ecosystem stability.
This chapter primarily ties to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through its focus on algal peptides for sustainable crop improvement and agricultural applications. The research demonstrates how algal extracts and peptides can serve as eco-friendly biostimulants, biofertilizers, and biopesticides that enhance plant growth, stress tolerance, and resistance to diseases while reducing dependence on synthetic chemicals. The chapter also connects to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil health, enhance soil microbiome diversity, and support environmental protection through natural alternatives to toxic chemicals.
This chapter most strongly aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) as it emphasizes integrated biotechnological solutions for climate resilience and environmental sustainability, while also supporting clean energy, biodiversity conservation, and water security.
This chapter most strongly aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) because it promotes sustainable agriculture, healthier diets, and environmentally responsible food systems.
This chapter directly supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by demonstrating how soil microorganisms are fundamental to terrestrial ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation. The research emphasizes that preserving soil microbial diversity is essential for sustainable land management and ecosystem resilience, which aligns with SDG 15's focus on protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems. The chapter also connects to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through its emphasis on how soil microorganisms enhance nutrient availability and promote plant growth, particularly in the rhizosphere. The microbial processes in nutrient cycling, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, are essential for sustainable agriculture and crop productivity. The findings underscore that maintaining soil health through microbial diversity is vital for food security.
This chapter focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems and bioresources. It emphasizes responsible harvesting, monitoring, and sustainable management of marine biodiversity, which directly aligns with SDG 14’s goal of protecting oceans and marine life.
China's government has launched a series of frestation initiatives to increase forest coverage for both carbon neutrality and ecological resilience goals. This study explores whether China's forestation intiatives play a positive role overall, analyzing its implications on the land-energy-water-emission-biodiversity nexus.
This study examines how forest structural complexity influences body condition and tick infestation probability in great tits, finding that structurally complex forests increase infestation risk and that birds in better physiological condition are more likely to carry ticks.