PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly by the resolution A/RES/68/232 established 5 December as World Soil Day (WSD) to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. The objective of the day is to communicate exciting scientific and technological developments, to identify current gaps in knowledge and to discuss ways in which soils can be better managed to meet the challenge of protecting food security through the dual approach of climate change adaptation and mitigation. Let’s understand salt-affected soils and their implication to food security, climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
FORUM: "Caring for Soils:Measure. Monitor. Manage." World Soil Day 2024. It’s a day to reflect on the importance of soil in the natural system and celebrate the actions being taken worldwide to safeguard it. This World Soil Day, the spotlight is on soil as a critical resource for life on Earth. Healthy soils play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, reducing erosion and pollution, improving water filtration, and building resilient and sustainable food systems. They also contribute significantly to climate action through carbon sequestration, Let's underscore the importance of accurate soil data and information in understanding soil characteristics and supporting informed decision making on sustainable soil. WSD is a unique global platform that not only celebrates soils but also an occasion to empower and engage citizens around the world to improve soil health. Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95% of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. Soil and water are vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life. Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Follow the conversations with the hashags: #worldSoilDay, #5December, #soilandwater, #soil.
EVENTS: On December 5th, a high-level panel discussion organized by the UN and FAO will be held a the FAO HQ, The event raises global awareness about the need to protect and sustainably manage our soils. This year the World Soil Day calls attention to soil’s vital role in ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods, and promoting human well-being. This year marks the 10 years of WSD celebration and will be hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, the first commemoration celebrated outside FAO headquarters. Coinciding with the Sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2 to 13 December 2024, it will be broadcast live for increased visibility and global participation. Register to participate!
PRIZE: The Land Development Department of Thailand (LDD) wins the Glinka World Soil Prize 2024. The Glinka World Soil Prize, presented on World Soil Day 2024, honors efforts in soil management and combating degradation.
STATEMENTS: Statement from the FAO Director General on World Soil Day 2024; December 5th.
PODCASTS: ‘Sustainable soil management as a key to preserve soil biodiversity and stop its degradation’. We discuss potential steps for the latter, in combination with a human lifestyle that is re-connecting to a microbial rich and diverse nature and show how essential this is to maintain and retrieve human health. Listen to the audio-podcats!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Sustainable agricultural management is of crucial importance for terrestrial ecosystem functioning in the face of changing climate. Small or big, we encourage you Mark your agenda, alert your audience, contact your local, regional and global advocates and make use of the free campaign toolkit. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
Since 2014, on December 5th, the FAO, within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership has the official mandate from the United Nations to implement the World Soil Day. The event aims to educate and raise awareness of essential threats to our soils, as the date of December 5th coincides with the official birthday of the late King of Thailand, H.E. Bhumibol Adulyadej, a renowned and prominent soil advocate who officially supported the event at the United Nations. The WSD aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization, increasing soil awareness and encouraging societies to improve soil health.
There are many ways to get involved in WSD, and it's up to you to figure out what you want to do!
Promote all branches of soil science.
Support all soil scientists across the world in the pursuit of their activities.
Organize a treasure hunt in nature!
Give a lecture at school with a quiz!
Organize a kids' experiment!
Collect soil samples!
Dig a soil profile!
Go on an excursion/field work!
Take part in a soil Wiki Edit-a-thon...
You can host a local or global workshop, meet with your local community to discuss the topic, plant a tree, watch some videos with your kids, or even bake a soil cake!
The World Soil Day is Co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Global Soils Partnership, the International Union Of Soils Science (IUSS), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
With the collaboration of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), the Soil Conservation Service, the Soil Association; The Land Institute, the Rodale Institute, the Soil Association Certification, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC), the Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods, the Soil and Water Conservation Society and the Russian Society for Soil Mechanics, Geotechnics and Foundation Engineering.
With the participations of Civil Society Organizations, International and Non-Governmental Organizations, National soil science societies, Researchers and academics.
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