Safeguarding Our Soil: A Call to Action on World Soil Day

In the bustling and populous regions of the world, a quiet crisis is unfolding beneath our feet—the very soil that sustains life on Earth is under threat. Often referred to as the "skin of the earth," soil serves as a silent steward, supporting the production of 95% of the food we consume and playing a vital role in regulating climate. However, decades of soil degradation and water scarcity, fueled by overuse and misuse, jeopardise its ability to provide essential ecosystem services.

The intricate relationship between soil and water is crucial for feeding a growing world population. In the Asia-Pacific region, where 90% of freshwater is used in agricultural activities, water-related insecurity affects more than three-quarters of the population. Unsustainable practices and mismanagement of water and soil resources have contributed to biodiversity loss and placed agrifood systems at risk, especially in the face of extreme weather events.

The urgency of soil preservation is heightened because soils are not renewable. It can take up to 1,000 years to form just one centimetre of soil, yet that exact centimetre can be destroyed in minutes through careless degradation. A critical need is to understand the interconnected relationship between soil and water to ensure broader sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, there is hope. While pressure on the soil-water-food nexus increases, reversing degradation is still possible. Collective responsibility and action are required at all levels. Individuals can contribute by changing daily habits to preserve fresh water, while policymakers and stakeholders must collaborate to implement sustainable soil and water management practices.

Sustainable soil management practices are possible and crucial for transforming agrifood systems to be more resilient to extreme climate events. Richer carbon content and improved water retention can result from these practices, benefiting the overall health of the environment and enhancing its capacity to mitigate the effects of climate change. Research indicates that Asian soils have the potential to sequester 180 megatonnes of carbon annually through sustainable high-carbon input soil management practices.

World Soil Day is celebrated each year on December 5th, recognising the importance of addressing soil degradation. Initiatives like the Glinka World Soil Award and the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award highlight the dedication to sustainable soil management and its role in food security and poverty reduction. These efforts serve as exemplary models, fostering awareness and responsible management.

Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Global Soil Partnership is crucial in enhancing soil-related governance and promoting sustainable soil management for food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and sustainable development.

In a world hungry for solutions, the FAO is sowing the seeds of sustainability, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the complex nexus between soil health, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and essential ecosystem services. As we navigate challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts, celebrating World Soil Day should extend beyond a single day, calling for collective action and a daily commitment to safeguard the Earth's lifeline—our soil. After all, it is literally our bread and butter.