5 December 2014
Today marks the first observance ofWorld Soil Day and the launch of the International Year of Soils (2015).
Without healthy soils, life on earthwould be unsustainable. Soils are the foundation of agriculture. They providevital ecosystem services and the basis for food, feed, fuel, fibre and medicalproducts important for human well-being.
However, soil degradation is a rapidlyincreasing problem in all parts of the world. Some 33 per cent of global soilsare already degraded through urbanization. Soil erosion, nutrient depletion,salinity, aridification and contamination are additional threats.
For too long the world has taken soilsfor granted. But soil is a natural resource that is not easily renewed.Sustainable soil management should be a priority for all.
I welcome the establishment of theGlobal Soil Partnership by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UnitedNations. FAO’s World Soil Charter recommends a number of key measures toencourage investment in sustainable soil management as a sound and affordablealternative to restoration and rehabilitation.
On World Soil Day,let us pledge to do more to protect this important yet forgotten resource. A healthy life is not possible without healthy soils.