About the event:

Soil, like air and water, is fundamental for life on earth. Although there is an intrinsic association of food production with soils, they also provide us with clean water, fuel, building materials, fiber, habitat, medicines and nutrients. Taking note of the importance of soils for food security and nutrition, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and sustainable development, the theme for the World Soil Day celebration 2017 is “Caring for the planet starts from the ground”. Soils constitute the hidden foundation of the landscapes and our societies. Caring for the planet and its environment means caring for its foundation, so World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. An international day to celebrate Soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68^th UN General Assembly. In December 2013 the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.

Purpose:
World Soil Day 2017 activities aim to communicate messages on the importance of soil quality for food security, healthy ecosystems and human well-being. These include:

• key publications and flagship initiatives
• global events on 5 December 2017
• policy dialogue for global commitment to address sustainable soil management, healthy ecosystems, and human well-being challenges during key global events
• campaign materials for free download, use and dissemination

During the event, the first-ever Global Soil Organic Carbon Map will be launched as a product generated by member countries. A new report on the “Assessment at global level of the impact of plant protection products on soil functions and soil ecosystems”, produced by the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils will be launched. The Glinka World Soil Prize will be awarded to recognize the efforts for promoting sustainable soil management as per the Revised World Soil Charter Principles.

Concept Note and Agenda:

Caring for the planet starts from the ground

Responsible office:

CBL, Land and Water divison, Soil unit

Languages:

English, French, Russian, Spanish

Related links:

World Soil Day official website http://www.fao.org/world-soil-day/en/      
العربية    |   中文   | english   |  français  |  Русский  |  Español

GSP website  http://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/en/

FAO soil portal http://www.fao.org/soils-portal/en/

Global map of World Soil Day events http://www.fao.org/world-soil-day/worldwide-events/en/

Twitter hashtag:

#CL158; #WorldSoilDay