Highlight of the “Soil Week in Normandy”

The AFES received this distinction for its creative and inclusive “Soil Week in Normandy”, held from 29 November to 5 December 2024: a seven-day programme featuring more than 20 major events across the region, involving over 100 speakers and mobilizing close to 30 volunteers.

The event gathered 800 participants in person and about 150 online, including farmers, citizens, teachers, students, researchers, and local government officials.

Throughout the week, participants explored how soil data and information can support decision-making, planning and environmental action. Attendees engaged in practical workshops and conferences that connected soil data with planning and land management, while also hearing from practitioners who were already integrating soil information into their work. Interprofessional meetings brought together scientists, elected officials, farmers, and technicians, fostering dialogue and collaboration across different fields. Activities were designed for all ages, including school workshops, interactive games and youthfocused conferences.

A highlight of the week was the full “soil pit tour” across Normandy, featuring ten pedological pits that provided field experiences and hands-on learning. With AFES celebrating WSD in France for a twelfth year, it was also an opportunity to launch the “school” version (for 8- to 12-year olds) of “The Soil Collage”, a game developed in France by AFES and the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME). The week also featured public lectures and film screenings that attracted diverse audiences and stimulated lively discussions. Finally, four episodes of the WebTV programme, C dans l’sol were produced and broadcast specifically for the event, further extending the week’s reach and impact.

Engaging communities through collaboration

The 2024 edition of Soil Week in Normandy was co-organized by four major French soil networks: AFES, the Scientific Interest Group on Soils (GIS Sol), the Joint Technological Network for Soils and Territories (RMT Sols & Territoires) and the National Network of Scientific and Technical Expertise on Soils (RNEST). This twelfth edition would not have been possible without the support of ADEME and the French Agency for Ecological Transition (OFB), as well as local partners in Normandy.

To ensure broad visibility for the event, AFES developed an extensive communication kit that included bookmarks, stickers, cotton tote bags, pens, brochures, banners and kakemonos, a press kit, media visuals, and social media assets.

Video materials were also produced to enrich the event and extend its reach. This included a campaign teaser, recordings of conferences, podcasts, a three-episode series of Ma thèse à l’horizon (featuring PhD students), a retrospective video summarizing the entire week, and a video highlighting the use of soil data for territorial planning. All of these videos are accessible through the AFES YouTube playlist, providing lasting resources for anyone interested in soil science and its applications.

Strong media presence and online engagement

The campaign received significant national and regional media coverage, including a feature on the radio programme, La Terre au Carré, an opinion article in Libération, regional coverage in Ouest France, local press features, and institutional reports from universities and partner organizations. Social media outreach was strong, with over 30 AFES posts across LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram, amplified by highprofile partners like IUSS and Le Dôme.

The French Soil Science Society (AFES) renews its commitment to soil awareness in 2025

Building on last year’s success, AFES continues its commitment to soil awareness for 2025, with this year's edition scheduled to take place in the Pays de la Loire region in France. The association is once again organizing a dedicated WSD programme which marks its twelfth consecutive year celebrating WSD. In addition to the events in December, AFES will organize the first European Soil Festival in May in the same region as part of the European SOILSCAPE project. This will be a great opportunity to extend the WSD celebrations!

The leadership shown by AFES demonstrates the effort to expand soil knowledge, encourage community engagement and strengthen national soil literacy.

The Laureate was announced during the WSD celebrations held on 5 December in Thailand. The prize was presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and received by Sophie Raous, Executive Director of AFES, and Thomas Fungenzi, member of the AFES Political Board. The ceremony was inaugurated by the Kingdom of Thailand, which has generously sponsored the award since its establishment in 2018. Following the award presentation, AFES took the stage to deliver a keynote address, showcasing the ambitious scope of the 2024 campaign, its level of public engagement and its vision for advancing soil advocacy in France and beyond.