World Soil Day 2023 Brings Awareness to Better Soil and Water Management

7 December, New York – In a united effort to address the crucial connection between soil and water in sustainable agrifood systems, the celebration of World Soil Day (WSD) 2023 took center stage at the UN Headquarters in New York. This year's event, held on 7 December, aimed to raise awareness and engage citizens worldwide in the preservation and enhancement of soil health. 

Ambassador Suriya Chindawongse, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations, highlighted the indispensable link between soil, water and the agri-food systems in his opening statement: “Sustainable soil and water management are of critical importance to ensure food security, as well as to preserve our ecosystem and biodiversity.” Following him was Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, who emphasized that governments need to prioritize the conservation of soil and water. 

“Soil and Water: a source of life” and “a matter of justice” 

The theme of WSD 2023, "Soil and Water: a source of life," underscored the essential role of soil and water conservation in maintaining healthy environments and healthy lives. Despite their vital role, soils worldwide are facing degradation due to environmental challenges and human activities, putting immense pressure on water resources.  

The matter of soil represents issues bigger than itself. Ambassador Paula Narváez Ojeda, President of the Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations summarized it effectively, “Guaranteeing access to clean water and fertile soil is a matter of justice.”  

Ambassador James Martin Larsen, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations stressed the importance of adopting sustainable soil management policies and of building on indigenous and traditional knowledge. “We have much to learn from First Nations perspectives, experiences and practices. Their cultural and traditional knowledge supports and leads science, data, and analytics which are critical for land management and climate change policy,” said Larsen.  

A holistic approach to soil 

Soil is the foundation for food, water, air, health, livelihoods, and sustainable development. Elaborating on the different approaches to the health and conservation of soil, experts echoed that soil health should be a priority for sustainable development. 

Ambassador Neville Melvin Gertze, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations, highlighted the link between soil, peace and security. Without healthy soils and economic opportunities, people are often left with no option but to move. “If we still do not see that as climate affects the way we live, eventually, there is going to be a problem in terms of security; people may be forced to take up other ways of fighting to stay alive.” 

Moderator, Dr. Nandhini Krishna, Deputy of Office from the UNCCD/CBD Liaison Office in New York reiterated Ambassador Gertze’s point: “If we don’t take action today on soil and water, we will have to tackle the other face of that crisis, which is migration and conflict.”  

Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn, Dean and Professor of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan spoke on the scientific knowledge that needs to be utilized in promoting sustainable soil management practices, including minimum tillage and crop rotation, and in understanding different types of soils: “To properly manage our soils in an increasingly variable climate, we need to know our soils - not just what we see at the surface, but what is beneath, including any unique properties and challenges.”  

From an indigenous youth perspective, Ms. Charitie Ropati, an Indigenous Scientist and Researcher at Harvard Forest and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, spoke from her native Yupik culture: “Yupik people's knowledge of soil and water is not just a repository of information but a living testament to the power of harmonizing with nature,” Ropati added. We need to treat nature and other living beings with respect and learn from indigenous peoples – they have the blueprint to forming harmonious relationships between humans and our environment. 

Invest in Soil and Water Management for a Sustainable Future 

Professor Ravi Naidu, Laureate Professor at the University of Newcastle and the winner of the 2023 Glinka Award, presented on the issue of pollutants in soil. Soil contamination and degradation have dire effects on environmental health, causing problems for both animal and human health. We need to pay more attention to pollution in the environment, as “[e]xposure to contaminants is one of the world’s leading causes of death.” 

Dr. Meagan Schipanski, Associate Professor at the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University called for the need for more investment. Stressing that “It is now, as water becomes more limiting, that investments in soil conservation are that much more critical.”  

The WSD 2023 celebration marked a significant step towards fostering global awareness and collaboration for the sustainable management of soil and water resources. As the winner of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award, Mr. Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs, President of the Soil and Fertilizer Society of Thailand 2023 remarked, “Every day is World Soil Day.