Director-General QU Dongyu

174th Session of the Council Side Event: World Soil Day “Soil and water: a source of life”

by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

05/12/2023

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

 

This year’s theme "Soil and water: a source of life" is very important, because soil and water are indeed the foundation of life. Soil is the motherland of agriculture.

95 percent of our food is produced on land, in the soil, and fed by water.  

The delicate balance between soil and water sustains many ecosystems that are vital for human wellbeing and food production.

The health of our soils and freshwater ecosystems, including our rivers, lakes, and wetlands, directly influence the quantity and quality of our food.

However, our soils and freshwater bodies are facing threats from the impacts of the climate crisis and human activities.

Soil erosion sweeps away 20-37 billion tons of topsoil each year. Topsoil consists mostly of organic matter, it takes millions of years to create rich topsoil, and it contains 90 percent of the biodiversity of soil. For this reason, black soil is the richest soil.

Soil erosion diminishes the soil’s capacity to produce food, and store carbon and water.

We have to produce more with less. As we strive to feed a growing population with better food, we must adopt sustainable agricultural practices that preserve and enhance soil health.

Healthy soils store water better, and they act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change.

FAO estimates that up to 34 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture could be offset through sustainable soil management, and better fertilizer management.

Sustainable water management is essential for adapting to changing climate patterns and extremes.

We need to address water scarcity in agriculture, as rain-fed agriculture accounts for 60 percent of global food production. And the integrated management of natural resources is critical for ecosystem health and their services, and to address their interlinked challenges.

I returned two days ago from the COP28 where there was an urgent call for action to bolster water-resilient agrifood systems, and this World Soil Day provides a further global opportunity to raise awareness of the critical role of soil and water.

FAO supports Members in advancing the sustainable management of natural resources for more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Our Hand-in-Hand geospatial platform, the WaPOR water productivity portal, the Global Soil Information System, and the International Code of Conduct for the Sustainable Use and Management of Fertilizers - all help Members better manage soil and water.

And today we will also launch the Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils report.

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

As is tradition, today we will announce the recipients of the Glinka World Soil Prize and the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award. Congratulations to the winners for their remarkable achievements in soil research and management!

Our sincere appreciation goes to the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Thailand for their generosity and, more importantly, long-term commitment to support this important work.

Let us continue to work together for healthy soils and healthy water.

 

Thank you.