On December 5, 2023, the REC Caucasus participated in the World Soil Day (WSD) Event, which was organized in Georgia by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Environmental Information and Education Center.
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources.
An international day to celebrate Soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS). In December 2013 the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day. FAO, within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), has received the official mandate to facilitate the implementation of the World Soil Day.
In 2023, the WSD theme is “Soil and Water, a Source of Life”.
Planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95 percent of food originates from these two fundamental resources. Soil water, 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, 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.
For detailed information on WSD, please visit the WSD website:
https://www.fao.org/world-soil-day
For further information on WSD 2023 Event in Georgia, visit the following websites:
https://mepa.gov.ge/En/News/Details/21513
https://eiec.gov.ge/En/News/Details/5178
Featured Image: World Soil Day, 5 December 2023 | OFFICIAL WORLD SOIL DAY CARDS
