Brown Biotechnology – A Science for Sustainable Landmass Utilization and Conservation

Terrestrial ecosystems are essential for sustaining life on Earth, making our planet unique in the cosmos. However, these brown bodies have been significantly undervalued and represent one of the most neglected biomes. This neglect underscores the urgent need for their protection and sustainable management. Biotechnology offers promising tools to address this challenge, with brown biotechnology emerging as a specialized domain dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of arid environments. Despite its potential, current definitions of brown biotechnology remain narrow, limiting its scope to arid ecosystems. Thus, this article aims to redefine the current understanding of brown biotechnology, expanding its scope beyond its traditional applications to encompass the protection and sustainable use of all terrestrial ecosystems. This redefinition will align the field with global sustainability objectives, allowing for the integration of innovative biotechnological solutions to combat desertification, rehabilitate degraded soils, and optimize the use of land-based resources. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse applications of brown biotechnology, including soil conservation, water management, and improving soil health.