A Statement from LI-BIRD Nepal and the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative team

Soil is an invaluable natural resource that provides life-sustaining ecosystem services. The importance of soil has been recognized in ancient Vedas as a basis of survival: “Upon handful of soil our survival depends, care for it. Abuse it, the soil will collapse and die, taking humanity with it.”

This article highlights the urgent need to stop treating soils as mere dirt and agroecology as a niche practice, especially in light of the UN's World Soil Day 2024. It emphasizes the critical role healthy soils play in sustaining agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystems. However, soil degradation is rapidly increasing, threatening global food security and climate resilience. The article calls for a shift towards agroecological practices to restore soil health and ensure long-term sustainability, with initiatives like Nepal’s National Agroecology Roadmap being key examples of this transformative approach.