Since 2014, the WSD celebrated on 5^th December is a major platform to raise awareness at the international, regional and national levels on the essential role of soils for human life. This event will celebrate the World Soil Day 2016 as part of FAO’s efforts to promote sustainable soil management and linking the International Year of Pulses 2016 with the past International Year of Soils 2015. On this occasion, the book “Soils and pulses: symbiosis for life” will be launched as a source of scientific facts, information and technical recommendations to decision makers and practitioners on the symbiosis between soils and pulses, its importance in the sustainable development agenda and their contribution to increasing and preserving soil biodiversity.  The book ultimately explores the way in which good practices could be implemented in contribution to the effort of ending hunger and malnutrition, adapting to and mitigating climate change, halting land degradation and biodiversity loss, and achieving overall sustainable development. Linking to the book, attention will be given to the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management, which specifically refer to the practice of sustainable soil management as a means to preserve and enhance soil biodiversity.

Purpose:

The United Nations General Assembly at its 68th session in December 2013, designated 5 December as World Soil Day (WSD) and proclaimed 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. Fittingly, World Soil Day 2016 will bring together these two observances under the theme “Soil & Pulses: a symbiosis for life”. Healthy soils and pulses can support sustainable development and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by ensuring food security and healthy diets, while combating and adapting to climate change and preserving biodiversity and natural resources.

Agenda

Responsible office:

AGL/OPC

Twitter hashtag:

#CL155; #IYP2016