• International Days
• World Soil Day

World Soil Day is celebrated every year on December 5. It’s surprising how little attention we give to something so essential. Despite being vastly overlooked, soil plays a critical role in ensuring global food security. Fortunately, this day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sustainable soil management and preserving its vitality.

HISTORY OF WORLD SOIL DAY

Soil is the foundation of life, providing food, medicine, and clean water, yet it’s often overlooked. It takes over 1,000 years to form just 0.4 inches of soil, highlighting its precious nature. In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences proposed creating a global day to raise awareness about soil, inspired by Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a champion of soil conservation.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) backed the initiative, and in 2013, the FAO Conference endorsed the idea. The United Nations officially recognized December 5 as World Soil Day in 2014, coinciding with King Bhumibol’s birthday to honor his dedication to the cause. World Soil Day has since become a global platform to promote sustainable soil management and raise awareness about soil's vital role in supporting food security, ecosystems, and life itself. Each year, a new theme spotlights the importance of this invaluable resource.

World Soil Day is important because:

1. Working with soil is always therapeutic, a wonderful chance to immerse ourselves in gardening, day in and day out.
2. World Soil Day connects people who are passionate about conservation.
3. It helps us stay connected to the earth. This grounding experience encourages us to slow down and focus on what truly matters.

Why should we protect Soil?

Soil is the foundation of life on Earth, playing a critical role in sustaining ecosystems and human well-being. Preserving healthy soil ensures a reliable food supply, as it provides the nutrients necessary for crop growth. It also acts as a natural water filter, maintaining clean and safe water sources. Moreover, soil fosters biodiversity by supporting countless microorganisms, plants, and animals. Importantly, soil plays a vital role in combating climate change by capturing and storing carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting this invaluable resource is essential for a sustainable future for all life on the planet.

https://nationaltoday.com/world-soil-day/