World Soil Day 2017 celebrations in Rome
Webcast | 12.30 - 13.45. 5 Dec 2017 (Rome time, GMT+1)
The United Nations General Assembly at its 68th session in December 2013, designated 5 December as World Soil Day (WSD). Soil, like air and water, is fundamental for life on earth. Although there is an intrinsic association of food production with soils, they also provide us with clean water, fuel, building materials, fiber, habitat, medicines and nutrients. Taking note of the importance of soils for food security and nutrition, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and sustainable development, the theme for the World Soil Day celebration 2017 is “Caring for the planet starts from the ground”.
Soils constitute the hidden foundation of the landscapes and our societies. Caring for the planet and its environment means caring for its foundation, soils. During the event, the Global Soil Organic Carbon Map was launched. It is the first global soil organic carbon map ever produced by member countries through a participatory approach. The Glinka World Soil Prize was awarded to recognize the efforts for promoting sustainable soil management as per the Revised World Soil Charter Principles.
Soil is a very resilient resource, however if not managed sustainably it can be degraded and lose its potential for providing products and the ecosystem services to people.
Agenda | Webcast | Photogallery
Presentations:
- The Global Soil Organic Carbon map V1.0 | Luca Montanarella
- The Global Symposium on Soil Pollution, 2 - 4 May 2018 at FAO HQ | Eduardo Mansur
When: Tuesday, 5 December 2017 (12:30 - 13:45)
Where Sheick Zayed Center, FAO HQ, Rome
12:30 - 12:40 Opening
Ms. Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General Coordinator Natural Resources, FAO
12:40 - 12:50 Keynote address
H.E. Sergei Levin, Vice-minister for Agriculture of the Russian Federation
12:50 - 12:55 Opening address
H.E. María Cristina Boldorini, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Argentina to FAO
12:55 - 13:00 Opening remarks
Mr. Giovanni De Santi, Director Sustainable Resources, European Commission Joint Research Centre
13:00 - 13:05 Award of the Glinka World Soil Prize
to “Asociación Argentina de Productores en Siembra Directa (AAPRESID)”” by Ms. Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General Coordinator Natural Resources, FAO
13:05 - 13:15 Keynote address
Mr. Pedro Vigneau, President of AAPRESID (the Laureate of the Glinka World Soil Prize)
13:15 - 13:30 Launch of the first-ever Global Soil Organic Carbon Map
Mr. Luca Montanarella, Chair of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils
13:30 - 13:40 Launch of the ITPS report “Global assessment of the impact of plant protection products on soil functions and soil ecosystems”
Ms. Lucrezia Caon, GSP Secretariat
13:40 - 13:45 Closure of the event
Refreshments will be served in the Flag hall after the event
Moderator Ms. Kimberly Sullivan, Office of Corporate Communication, FAO
The Global Soil Organic Carbon map V1.0
The Global Soil Organic Carbon map V1.0 is an important stepping stone to better know the current Soil Organic Carbon stock stored beneath our feet and soils’ potential for further sequestration. |
Watch the Glinka World Soil Prize 2017
The 2nd Glinka World Soil Prize award contributes in a timely manner to raise awareness amongst proactive policy makers and the general public about possible solutions to tackle acute national and local problems of soil degradation. It is meant to encourage all stakeholders and soil. |