> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/chapters/soil-secrets/value-compass.md).

# Value compass

Three values from the 4Revs framework are key to supporting sustainable soil and land innovations:  

<div><figure><img src="https://1488734731-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRP52EARwdi8Xc1AOrn0%2Fuploads%2FnT0tISXycNhDeKEgL6sJ%2FHandbook_3Regenerate%2B(web).jpg?alt=media&amp;token=d02a51f5-577c-47f9-ad6d-46742331e851" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://1488734731-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRP52EARwdi8Xc1AOrn0%2Fuploads%2F4cO1FLDH6bGiv5CKME7a%2FHandbook_4Longterm%2B.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=6a33245a-d0fc-4907-ad14-b18267a2a0e0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://1488734731-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRP52EARwdi8Xc1AOrn0%2Fuploads%2Fh8agjGGBCu0prTpgVUWk%2FHandbook_8Systemsthink%2B.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=7d48f735-18f2-4b61-99cd-907e3ff5b5d5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Long term vision. We single out long term thinking because in order to replenish soil after centuries of intensive exploitation, we need realistic time commitments. True land restoration and stewardship means we are caring beyond quarterly earnings with a broader vision to steward life for generations to come.

Regenerative practices. The type of innovations needed are those that remake soil entirely, not just patch it or make it more fertile for another crop year. We need innovations that enable soil to maximize its capacity to restore entire natural ecosystems.&#x20;

Systems thinking. What builds sustainable soil are innovations that make positive change within the complex soil-land use and connected systems. If we want to, as the saying goes, “build the plane and fly it at the same time,” we need a sensitive awareness of the relationships between soil, the water cycle, mycelium, microbes and other life in the soil, land use etc. Systems thinking is the broader awareness of all these relationships.&#x20;

In August 2023, the 4Revs database counted 53 cases which present soil and land innovations from around the world. These innovations relate to human activities such as food production and agriculture, or carbon sequestration, or biodiversity restoration. What sets apart the most compelling innovations is the emphasis on authentic sustainability: long term, regenerative, with systems thinking design or operations. &#x20;

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="243"></th><th width="71.33333333333331"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Themes</td><td>#</td><td>Sub-themes associated with innovations that illustrate long termism, regeneration, and/or system thinking </td></tr><tr><td>Soil and farming (all) </td><td>53</td><td>Desertification, pollution (water and atmospheric)<br><br>Small diverse organic farming; polyculture; grass-fed meat; management intensive grazing; zero waste; local economy;<br><br>Regenerative farming; Water efficiency<br><br>Holistic farming practices, advocacy;<br><br>Agroforestry, hunger, food security, food sovereignty, nutrition, regenerative agriculture, climate change, fruit forests, breadfruit</td></tr><tr><td>Soil biodiversity</td><td>18 </td><td>Forests conservation and challenges of urbanization; Reforestation; urban heat islands; biodiversity; urban resilience; stormwater management; environmental justice; climate change; carbon sinks<br><br>Mycelium-based materials, circular economy, ground pollution, burial, coffins, eco funerals</td></tr><tr><td>Soil carbon sequestration </td><td>10 </td><td>Carbon credits; drawdown; reforestation; payment for ecosystem services; nature based solutions; tree planting; forestry; data-driven solutions; monitoring<br><br>Conservation agriculture; prairie grassland conservation<br><br>Ecosystem services credits; sustainable food production; food security; ecological stewardship; climate finance; conservation; eco fintech; blockchain<br><br>Offsets; marketplace; fintech; greenhouse gasses; agritech; carbon trading<br><br>Mycelium, Green design, Carbon sequestration, low-cost carbon capture<br><br>Carbon calculator; Soil recarbonization</td></tr><tr><td>Agri technology  </td><td>14 </td><td>Biochar; Waste Product; Agricultural Sustainability; Carbon Removal Technology</td></tr></tbody></table>

Table: The most sustainable innovations from the 4Revs database, supporting soil and land<br>

So what exactly do sustainable land innovations have in common? How do they succeed at making change? The following sections will offer a perspective on what constitutes authentic sustainable innovations in this field of business and practice, as well as an outstanding example of leadership from the Jungle Project in Costa Rica.

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