Use World Soil Day 2024 to embrace responsible resource management
World Soil Day is celebrated annually on 5th December 2024 to raise awareness of the critical role of healthy soils in sustaining life on Earth. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, it promotes understanding of soil’s vital contributions to agriculture, biodiversity, water filtration, and climate regulation. Businesses can support the cause by not only mitigating negative impacts but delivering nature positive interventions that regenerate ecosystem and help secure a more sustainable future.
World Soil Day is celebrating its 10th anniversary raising awareness about a resource that forms the bedrock of biodiversity. Soil is an incredible natural asset. single handful contains more microorganisms than there are people on Earth. It is key to sustaining life on Earth through its contribution to agricultural development, essential ecosystem functions, and food security. We depend on healthy soil to help feed our growing population and protect precious ecosystems. Around 95% of our food comes from soils. They also store significant amounts of carbon, filter water and host a quarter of the planet’s biodiversity.
However, human activity and the impact of climate change is threatening soil health and is now one of our greatest sustainability challenges. The UN estimates that more than a third of the world’s soil is degraded due to deforestation, urbanisation, and unsustainable farming. Did you know:
- Agricultural production will have to increase by 60% to meet the global food demand in 2050. Yet 33% of soils are degraded.
- It can take up to 1 000 years to produce just 2-3 cm of soil.
- Over the last 70 years, the level of vitamins and nutrients in food has drastically decreased.
- 2 billion people worldwide suffer from lack of micronutrients, known as hidden hunger.
Sustainable development is under threat due to the degradation of soil as a result of land mismanagement, drought and desertification. Up to 58% more food could be produced through sustainable soil management and the clock is ticking to find better ways of managing this vital natural resource.
World Soil Day was first celebrated in 2014. In the ensuing years it has helped focus attention on the importance of healthy soils. This year’s theme is “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” highlighting the role of accurate soil data and information in understanding soils characteristics and supporting informed decision-making.
Businesses can mark the day to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development.
Our top tips include:
- Get planting – Whether it be a tree at the back of your premises, a wildflower meadow or some crops to supply your canteen, all efforts will improve soil quality.
- Compost – Put food waste to use and train staff in using a compost bin to improve the quality of your soil. If you are not growing your own produce, pass it on to local allotments or allow employees to take it come for their garden.
- Volunteer – Encourage staff to volunteer for local planting and sustainable farming projects that enrich biodiversity.
- Community engagement – Partner with schools or communities to distribute seed packets and educational materials about nurturing healthy soils.
- Measure impacts – Start to assess your value chain and identity activities that are having a negative environmental impact, particularly around land management and chemical usage.
- Sustainability strategy – Develop and implement a robust sustainability strategy that balances the needs of people, profit and planet.
- Manage emissions – Establish your baseline emissions to begin the process of measuring, monitoring and reducing your carbon footprint.
- Align initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Be guided by the SDGs that relate to responsible soil management. These include Goal 2 to end hunger, Goal 13 to combat climate change and Goal 15 to support Life on Land.
- Raise awareness – Display free resources to promote World Soil Day initiatives and events. Share informative posts, articles, or infographics on social media highlighting facts about soil degradation and ways to improve soil health.
Talk to Wylde Connections today about how we can support your efforts as a trusted sustainability partner. Our eBook The Business of Biodiversity, provides a guide to putting nature at the heart of your decision making. We have developed a range of solutions to help you on your journey as a purpose-led business. Our five step consultancy programme is designed to help you develop and implement an effective sustainability strategy, whilst our training programmes equip staff with the knowledge and skills they need to lead the charge. Book a Discovery Call today.