Kuala lumpur:<Text>

A transformative initiative known as DAUN (Decarbonised Agriculture for United Nutrient Stewardship) is set to launch its digital and operational hub, DAUN.institute, on January 28. This global effort aims to reframe climate action through the use of microalgae-driven soil regeneration and united nutrient stewardship.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative presents a vision for the future where agriculture transitions from being a contributor to planetary decline to becoming a primary engine of restoration. This effort is timely as the international community edges closer to the critical 2030 climate goals.

Microalgae, identified as the core of the DAUN.institute's framework, are described as the 'green engine' of the next agricultural revolution. This initiative is powered by ONT Global Ventures Sdn Bhd, under the leadership of CEO Dr. Jeff Wong. Microalgae are recognised for their superior carbon capture capabilities, significa ntly surpassing terrestrial plants in sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Dr. Jeff Wong stated, "We are moving beyond mining the land for calories to stewarding the land for resilience." He emphasized that by leveraging microalgae-driven solutions, the initiative not only captures carbon but also creates the necessary biological building blocks to heal the Earth's living skin.

The statement highlighted that DAUN.institute has identified soil regeneration through nutrient-infused fertiliser as a critical initial step in restoring the planet's health. It noted that modern agricultural practices have unintentionally depleted the soil's capacity, converting it into a carbon source rather than a sink.

By employing microalgae-based biofertilisers, the initiative seeks to restore microbial life in the soil, enhancing its ability to absorb excess water during floods and retain moisture in droughts. This effort ensures that every unit of nutrition is utilised by crops and not lost to the environment as pollutants.

The launch will also feature a landmark pre-emptive carbon action initiative aimed at preventing further carbon emissions. This initiative will focus on identifying potential emission points within the agricultural value chain and neutralising them before they contribute to atmospheric warming, thereby shifting the focus from carbon mitigation to total carbon avoidance.

The statement further revealed that the initiative seeks global collaboration across sectors, including educational institutions, to develop programmes on soil health and nutrient stewardship. It also calls on the private sector to provide strategic capital to scale regenerative solutions, ensuring their economic viability for modern farmers.

Public advocacy is deemed crucial to drive a significant shift in public consciousness, inviting innovators, citizens, and consumers to join what is described as a living collective to ensure food systems honour the land.

A core pillar of the DAUN.institute mission is the concept of United Nutrient Stewardship, led by PL Cheang, Head of Business Development at BOC Storenet Sdn Bhd. This proposes a new social contract for the agricultural value chain, where every stakeholder shares responsibility for managing life-sustaining elements like nitrogen and phosphorus.

The operationalisation of the initiative was made possible by Gordan Vong, who initiated DAUN.institute and serves as Chair for the District Action Group for ESG, Climate Change and Food Security (DECAFS) under Rotary International District 3300. He is also a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG).

The support of DECAFS is instrumental in providing the ethical grounding and community reach needed to translate global principles into local action, ensuring the initiative remains community-driven and focused on long-term planetary well-being.

DA UN.institute serves as a hub for innovation and stewardship under the DAUN collective, advancing climate-safe food systems through soil regeneration, responsible nutrient management, and cross-sector collaboration.