Date: Monday, 5th December 2022; 9th Anniversary.
Sponsor: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Objectives:
The main purpose of World Soil Day is “to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to the human commonwealth through its contribution to food, water and energy security and as a mitigator of biodiversity loss and climate change”.
In other words, World Soil Day aims to “raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil biodiversity loss, increasing soil awareness and encouraging governments, organizations, communities and individuals around the world to commit to proactively improving soil health”.
Background:
Soil is one of the most significant parts of the ecosystem. Around 95% of our food comes from soils. Soil is home to more than 1/4 of earth’s biodiversity, yet we know only 1% of this universe. Soil organisms help soils store carbon, nurture plants, degrade contaminants, and reduce GHG emissions. Nowadays, soil biodiversity is under pressure worldwide since unsustainable soil management has affected life belowground. Actions should be taken to protect soil biodiversity!
Inception:
The World Soil Day was first officially held on 5 December 2014
In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) made a resolution proposing that 5 December be marked as World Soil Day to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to human well-being.
In June 2013, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day. In December 2013, the 68th UN General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/232), officially declaring 5 December as the World Soil Day. The date of 5 December was chosen because it corresponds with the birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand, who was one of the main proponents of this initiative.
Annual theme of the World Soil Day:
2022 theme: “Soils: Where Food Begins”.
2021 theme: “Halt Soil Salinization, Boost Soil Productivity”
2020 theme: “Keep Soil Alive, Protect Soil Biodiversity”
2019 theme: “Stop Soil Erosion, Save Our Future”
2018 theme: “Be the Solution to Soil Pollution”
2017 theme: “Caring for the Planet Starts from the Ground”
2016 theme: “Soils & Pulses: Symbiosis for Life”
2015 theme: “Healthy Soils for A Healthy Life”
Official websites:
www.un.org/en/observances/world-soil-day
www.fao.org/world-soil-day/en/
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