World Soil Day is observed annually on December 5th to highlight the importance of healthy soils and advocate for sustainable management of soil resources. This day is organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and was officially established in 2014. It aligns with the objectives of the Global Soil Partnership.
Theme
Each year, World Soil Day focuses on a specific theme related to soil health, aiming to raise awareness about soil-related challenges and their impact on ecosystems and human well-being.
Why Soil Matters
Foundation of Life: Soil is critical for agriculture, providing nutrients for plants that are the foundation of food systems.
Environmental Health: Healthy soils store carbon, help regulate water cycles, and support biodiversity.
Combating Climate Change: Proper soil management can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by storing carbon.
Food Security: Degraded soils affect food production and exacerbate hunger and malnutrition.
Activities
Workshops, campaigns, and educational programs about soil conservation.
Community-driven soil health initiatives like tree planting and erosion control.
Recognition of innovative soil management practices.
