UNESCO’s Historic Endorsement of the Mission Soil Manifesto
On 18 June 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has signed the Mission Soil Manifesto, becoming the first international governmental organization to endorse it. The event represents a pivotal moment holding significant importance within the framework of international effort to protect our planet’s soils. With the participation of Lidia Arthur Brito- UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, and Christophe Hansen- the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, the event took place in Bruxelles.
A Joint Commitment for the Planet’s Future
The Manifesto highlights the crucial role of soil in sustaining life by providing food, clean water, supporting biodiversity and regulating climate. Advocating for the protection and restoration of all soil types, the Manifesto recognizes their vulnerability and emphasizes their essential role as a resource for generations to come. Moreover, the manifesto emphasized the importance of integrating soil health into all land- related activities and supports the EU’s Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”.
As Lidia Arthur Brito stated, “The partnership between the EU Mission Soil and UNESCO’s Soil Initiative opens the door to transformative cooperation in science and sustainable management of some of the world’s iconic landscapes”. This synergy is crucial for the competitiveness and resilience of our agricultural and food systems.
Why Action is Urgent
According to UNESCO, up to 90% of the planet’s land surface could be degraded by 2050 without concrete action. Moreover, in the EU alone, around 60% of soils are already degradation, going from erosion to pollution to desertification. These threats significantly weaken the competitiveness and resilience of our agricultural and food systems and as the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food (adopted in February 2025) emphasized, healthy soils are the bedrock of sustainable farming.
Recognising this challenge, UNESCO is actively contributing through its Soil Initiative, which include Soil Sentinel Sites programme for land restoration and monitoring. This opportunity aims to establish 100 living labs by 2030 to fight soil’s degradation. Living labs offer a creative approach to research and innovation by conducting real-life experiments with end-users and stakeholders. This direct engagement ensures research effectively addresses practical land management challenges.
A Call to Action: United for Healthy Soils
Christophe Hansen- EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, further emphasized the relevance of this step, stating that “Given UNESCO’s leadership in fostering educational and scientific advancements, UNESCO’s signing of the Mission Soil Manifesto represents a landmark moment in the global effort to preserve and enhance soil health”.
The Mission Soil Manifesto is open for signatures and invites all municipalities, regions, public and private organizations, NGOs, educational and research institutions, and individuals to support this fundamental objective. By signing the Manifesto, you not only express support for soil health but also become part of a community of soil advocates, gaining access to knowledge, events, and collaboration opportunities.
Click here to sign the Mission Soil Manifesto.
To learn more about the Soil Manifesto and other missions:
https://first.art-er.it/news/unesco-firma-il-manifesto-ue-la-salute-del-suolo
