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, food safety, sustainable development and human health, the theme for the World Soil Day celebration 2018 is “Be the solution to soil pollution”. Soil pollution affect the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, our health and the health of all the organisms in the planet. Human activities are the major source of soil pollution. We continue to use more and we are exposed to thousands chemicals in our everyday lives, and tons of urban, industrial and agricultural waste end up in our soils. Further damage to this precious resource would hamper efforts to provide enough and healthy food. All stakeholders need to take action in order to become a solution to soil pollution. During this celebration, a report on the “Economic assessment of soil erosion and soil nutrient loss in Malawi” will be released showing how soil degradation negatively influence the economy of a country. 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.

Purpose:

World Soil Day 2018 activities aim to communicate and raise awareness on the importance of fighting soil pollution for food security, healthy ecosystems and human well-being. These include:

• key publications and flagship initiatives
• global events on 5 December 2018
• 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

Agenda:

 World Soil Day 2018 Celebration

Responsible office:

CBL, Land and Water Division, Global Soil Partnership

Languages:

English, French, Russian, Spanish

Twitter hashtag:

#CL160;#WorldSoilDay