World Soil Day Celebration | Soil and water, a source of life
5 December 2023 (12:30 - 14:00 CET) | AGENDA | RECORDINGS | PHOTO GALLERY | PRESENTATIONS |
Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95 percent of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. Water in soils, vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life. Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
The World Soil Day 2023 (WSD) and its campaign aim to raise awareness on the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. WSD is a unique global platform that not only celebrates soils but also empowers and engages citizens around the world to improve soil health.
Don't miss the official ceremony!
Together, let’s pave the way for a future where soil and water are sustainably managed to continue to be the steadfast guardians of our environment and climate.
Interpretation will be available in the FAO six official languages of FAO.
AGENDA | Sheikh Zayed Center - Virtual format (Zoom)
12:30 - 12:35 | Welcome and introduction by moderator: Ms Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General FAO |
12:35 - 12:40 | Opening by Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO |
12:40 - 12:55 | Opening by:
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12:55 – 13:00 | Artistic performance “Soil and Water, a source of life”
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13:00 - 13:05 | Presentation of the Glinka World Soil Prize 2023 by H.E. Igor L. Golubovskiy, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to FAO Delivery of the Glinka World Soil Prize 2023 by Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO and by H.E. Igor L. Golubovskiy, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to FAO |
13:05 - 13:15 | Keynote presentation by the Laureate of the Glinka World Soil Prize 2023 |
13:15 - 13:25 | Delivery of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2023, by Ms. Kundhinee Aksornwong, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Kingdom of Thailand |
13:25 - 13:30 | Announcement of the winners of the book contest for Children on soils and water, Ms Laura Bertha Reyes Sanchez, Past-President and liaison officer to FAO, International Union of Soil Sciences |
13:30 - 13:35 | Announcement of the winners of the soil and water photo contest and poster contest, Ms Isabelle Verbeke, Land and Water Officer, FAO |
13:35 - 13:40 | Conclusions and closure of the event, Mr Lifeng Li, Director, Land and Water Division, FAO |