To this end, FAO, its Global Soil Partnership and the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils, together with UNEP and other stakeholders, were mandated to prepare a report based on available scientific information and data on the extent and future trends of soil pollution, taking into account both point sources of pollution and diffuse pollution, and on the risks and impacts of soil pollution on health, the environment and food security.

This report, also known as the Global Assessment  of Soil Pollution, materialized following the Global Symposium on Soil Pollution, which was held in May 2018. As a result, the Global Soil Partnership established an Editorial Board composed of several key representatives and experts in soil pollution. In early 2019, a questionnaire was issued to Member States and stakeholders that kicked off preparations for the report. The survey collected information on several relevant topics, such as the main sources of soil pollution, the health impacts and the socio-economic cost of soil pollution. Management and remediation practices were also explored, and future planned actions were specified.

Despite the risk posed by soil pollution to the health and well-being of people and nature, there is a lack of consistent data on soil pollution. Understanding of the actual impacts of soil contaminants is still limited, especially with regard to their interactions with each other and possible additional effects.

The report and its summary for policy makers will be officially launched on June 4 during the celebration of World Environment Day.

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