The Veolia Institute was delighted to welcome Marc-André Selosse, an internationally renowned expert and leading figure in microbiology and ecology. Professor at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and at the universities of Gdansk (Poland) and Kunming (China), this multidisciplinary specialist spoke at our 5th Scientific Talk, dedicated to the crucial issues of soil health.
During his presentation, Marc-André Selosse highlighted the fundamental role of soil as the foundation of our ecosystems. Hidden space of biodiversity, soil performs essential functions in agricultural production and carbon sequestration. However, he emphasized the growing fragility of this natural heritage, which has been degraded by a century of intensive plowing and increased use of pesticides. The consequences of soil depletion are numerous and critical: declining agricultural yields, reduced soil retention capacity, risk of drought, increased erosion, risk of flooding, etc.
To meet these challenges, Marc-André Selosse rejects the idea of a single solution. He advocates a diversification of efforts, combining complementary technical, political, and agronomic approaches to restore the vitality of the land. He also emphasizes the importance of communication: soil protection must become a major topic of public debate.