The event, hosted at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, brought together 120 participants from 13 organizations across the public, private, academic and non-governmental organization (NGO) sectors. Senior officials from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA), including Deputy Minister Lasha Dolidze and Gela Samkharauli, Chair of the Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture, opened the ceremony with strong messages on sustainable soil management. Deputy Minister Dolidze emphasized that:

“Protecting soil and maintaining its fertility are essential for Georgia’s agricultural sector. Fertile, healthy soil underpins productivity, quality, and export growth. This day should raise awareness among soil users about sustaining soil fertility and quality.”

Echoing this call, Gela Samkharauli warned that “soils demand urgent attention as global warming, climate change, industrialization, and pollution increasingly threaten their quality.” He stressed that soil protection and fertility maintenance are not only critical for agriculture but also for human well-being and the health of the planet’s ecosystems, urging all authorities to make this a top priority.

Ekaterine Sanadze, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/Global Soil Partnership (GSP) focal point and Head of MEPA’s Sustainable Soil Management Unit, delivered the keynote, emphasizing integrated approaches to urban soil management. She highlighted that sustainable soil practices are vital for balancing agricultural and natural ecosystems, ensuring food security, and safeguarding human health.

Inspiring youth

A highlight of the day was the award ceremony honouring young professionals from 13 organizations with certificates named after Academician Tengiz (Gizo) Urushadze, a pioneer in soil science. This tradition both inspires emerging leaders and pays tribute to the distinguished professionals of past generations within Georgia’s soil science community.

Photo contest: Soils in Urban Cities

Adding creativity to soil science, the LEPL Environmental Information and Education Center organized a national photo contest to capture the essence of soils in urban landscapes. Nearly 100 entries showcased the challenges and beauty of urban soils, from green spaces to the resilience of natural ecosystems amid urbanization.

The top three winners received FAO-sponsored prizes and honorary certificates. Their photos will be featured on national media and social platforms, served as powerful tools for awareness campaigns and educational programmes:

• First place: “Soil as a Source of Life” — portraying soil’s fundamental role for future generations.
• Second place: Innovative urban landscaping on the High Line, demonstrating sustainable soil use.
• Third place: The impact of urbanization on natural ecosystems and their resilience.

Media spotlight and public engagement

The celebration gained significant traction in Georgian media, with coverage across major television channels and online platforms. Winning photographs and key messages were widely disseminated, reinforcing the link between soil health and sustainable urban development.

Georgia’s World Soil Day 2025 was more than a ceremony: it was a call to action. By combining policy dialogue, youth engagement and creative outreach, driven by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture in collaboration with the LEPL Environmental Information and Education Center and FAO Georgia, the country reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable soil management as a pillar of urban resilience and food security.

Related links:

Photo gallery: Flickr

Media articles:

• Imedi News
• Business Partner (bp.ge)
• AgroPartner
• Commersant
• Info9
• NewsHub
• Kvira
• GHN
• Ajara TV
• iPress
• Imtavroba
• Imedi TV (Video)
• Rustavi 2