Bioregional Microbiome Health (BMH)

Collective Gut Health as a Simple Alternative to GDP

Introduction

[BMH is an amalgamation of

Bioregional Progress Indicators (BPIs)⁠

, which are indicators that assess the overall health of a bioregion.]

We already know that human health is deeply intertwined with the health of the ecosystems we inhabit. This section explores the concept of collective gut health as a fundamental indicator and bedrock of the overall well-being and abundance of a bioregion. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of Dr. Zach Bush, we delve into how his transformative approach to gut health can revolutionize our understanding of progress, moving beyond conventional measures like GDP and highlighting the interconnectedness of human and environmental health.

The Interconnectedness of Gut Health and Bioregional Well-being

What is a Microbiome?

A microbiome is the community of microorganisms that can usually be found living together in any given habitat. In this context, we are considering the human colon as a microbiome.

What is Gut Health?

When considering gut health, we are interested in the high levels of ecological biodiversity found in the human colon.

Gut health is not merely an individual concern; it extends to the entire bioregion. The health of our gut microbiome reflects the quality of the food we consume, the state of our environment, and the level of soil biodiversity and health within our region.

Dr. Zach Bush⁠

's research has illuminated the critical role of the gut microbiome in overall health, emphasizing the intricate connections between soil health, plant diversity, and human well-being. By recognizing the profound interdependence between our bodies and the ecosystems we inhabit, we can shift our focus from a narrow economic lens to a more holistic approach that encompasses the health of the entire bioregion.

We will refer to the collective measurement of gut health for all denizens in the bioregion as BMH, or Bioregional Microbiome Health.

BMH as a Measure of Bioregional Progress

Traditional metrics like GDP fail to capture the complexity and interconnectedness of a thriving bioregion. In contrast, BMH offers a transformative approach to measuring progress. It integrates various indicators related to food systems, environmental stewardship, community well-being, and social equity. These indicators were explored in

Bioregional Progress Indicators (BPIs)⁠

. By evaluating the diversity and resilience of the gut microbiome across the bioregion, we gain insights into the quality of local food production, regenerative agricultural practices, access to nutritious food, and the overall state of ecological balance. BMH becomes a simple yet comprehensive and dynamic measure that reflects the interconnected well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment.

Transforming Paradigms: From GDP to BMH

Shifting our focus from GDP to BMH challenges the dominant economic paradigm and invites a profound reevaluation of our values and priorities. Zach Bush's approach invites us to redefine progress, emphasizing the importance of regenerative practices, ecological restoration, and community well-being. By recognizing the intricate relationship between gut health, soil health, and environmental vitality, we can inspire a shift towards regenerative, localized food systems, diversified economies, and a deeper connection with the natural world. We can incentivize this shift by linking

Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs)⁠

to an individual’s gut health. In other words, the healthier the individual’s gut, the more CIC tokens they receive.

By incentivizing individuals within the bioregion in this way can also play a significant role in increasing the value of

Land Stewardship Tokens (LSTs)⁠

. This is because the individuals in the bioregion collaborate to enhance the overall ecological vitality and regenerative practices within a bioregion. As we have explored earlier, Land Stewardship Tokens represent a tangible connection between the stewardship of land and the well-being of a bioregion.

A healthy gut microbiome is closely linked to the health of the surrounding environment, including the soil, plants, and biodiversity. When the collective gut health of denizens within a bioregion improves, it signifies a shift towards healthier dietary choices, regenerative agricultural practices, and reduced exposure to harmful substances. These changes positively impact the local environment, promoting soil regeneration, biodiversity conservation, and ecological balance.

As the bioregion adopts regenerative practices and prioritizes and tracks BMH, the value of Land Stewardship Tokens can increase (and thus create healthy valueflow into the bioregion) in several ways:

Increased Demand: The growing awareness of the importance of BMH and its direct impact on overall well-being will lead to increased demand for products and services that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. This demand can drive the value of Land Stewardship Tokens as they become recognized as a symbol of commitment to ecological restoration and regenerative practices.

Enhanced Ecological Stewardship: A focus on BMH rather than GDP encourages bioregions to prioritize land stewardship, ecological restoration, and regenerative agricultural practices. As the bioregion becomes a thriving ecosystem with improved soil health, water quality, and biodiversity, the value of the land associated with Land Stewardship Tokens increases, reflecting the enhanced ecological value and long-term thrivability of the ecosystem in the bioregion.

Investor Confidence: The emphasis on BMH signals a commitment to holistic well-being and environmental thrivability. This can attract investors who are aligned with these values and seek to support initiatives that prioritize regenerative practices. The increased investor confidence can positively impact the perceived value of Land Stewardship Tokens, as investors recognize the potential for long-term growth and resilience within a bioregion that prioritizes BMH.

Market Differentiation: Bioregions that prioritize BMH and demonstrate tangible progress in regenerative practices can distinguish themselves in the market. The unique focus on holistic well-being, ecological restoration, and sustainable practices sets them apart from traditional models that solely emphasize economic growth. This differentiation can attract attention and support from conscious consumers and investors, contributing to the perceived value of Land Stewardship Tokens.

By recognizing the intrinsic link between Bioregional Microbiome Health, regenerative practices, and Land Stewardship Tokens, bioregions can create a positive feedback loop. As the value of Land Stewardship Tokens increases, it further incentivizes and supports the adoption of practices that contribute to collective gut health and overall bioregional well-being. This virtuous cycle reinforces the commitment to sustainable land management, ecological restoration, and the preservation of the bioregion's long-term value.

Conclusion

BMH emerges as a transformative measure, bridging the gap between individual well-being and the larger context of a bioregion. By embracing Zach Bush's insights, we recognize the inseparable link between our bodies, the ecosystems we inhabit, and the health of our communities. In our pursuit of Bioregional Sovereignty, BMH serves as a compass guiding us towards regenerative practices, resilient food systems, and a more holistic understanding of progress that transcends metrics like GDP. It is through nurturing our collective gut health that we pave the way for a sustainable, thriving bioregion and a more harmonious relationship with our planet.