World Soil Day, 5 December

Actions from the field

A set of actions from governments, private sector, farmers and general public to restore eroded soils in the field and make them healthier for the sake of  everyone.


1. Aynoq'as y Taqanas - Bolivia

Anthropogenic Soil Project IIDEPROQ – UMSA, in collaboration with Sociedad Boliviana de la Ciencia del Suelo - SBCS

Farmers in the Andean Highlands explain how Aynoq'as (long rotation practices) and Taqanas (terraces) reduce the effects of soil erosion in the region. Watch here

2. The signs of soil erosion - Burundi

Aad Kessler; PAPAB – Burundi, in collaboration with Wageningen UR - IFDC - RBU2000+

Bélyse, a farmer from Burundi, points out the signs and effects of soil erosion in her field. Watch here 

3. Mother Earth - Nepal

Prodèép Nëpalënsis; Sub-Tropical Horticulture Development Centre, Government of Nepal

A young boy watches his mother prepare a piece of land for cultivation and observes the soil’s fragility as it is blown away by the wind and washed away by water.
Watch here 

4. Promoting environmentally sustainable agriculture in Rwanda - Rwanda

Jean Claude Habimama; RECARWANDA24 - Rwanda Environment Communicators Association

A farmer and an agricultural extension officer explain how sustainable soil management practices like agroforestry and terracing are making a difference in Rwanda. Watch here

5. The impact of olive cultivation on soil erosion in the Mediterranean - Spain

Alejandro Gallego Barrera; SLU Tekieroverde

The intensive cultivation of olive trees in the Mediterranean basin increases the risk of soil erosion. Sustainable soil management practices can protect soils in the area. Watch here

6. The story of a reinvigoration in Karapınar, Central Anatolia - Turkey

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies; Konya Soil, Water and Combating Desertification Research Institute

The Karapınar Region in Turkey experienced severe wind erosion due to deforestation but the area is coming back to life thanks to the work of the Konya Soil, Water and Combating Desertification Research Institute. Watch here