World Soil Day 2022: Let’s know the history, significance and theme

Every year on December 5, World Soil Day is commemorated to raise awareness of the value of healthy soil for supporting life on Earth. The main goal of the day is to increase public awareness of the major environmental issues that soil degradation can lead to, such as erosion, the loss of organic matter, and a drop in soil fertility. Industrialization and inadequate agricultural land management both decrease soil quality. The goal of World Soil Day is to get people to consider managing soil resources in a sustainable way.

History

World Soil Day is observed on December 5 since that is the day that Thailand’s King, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was born and officially established this occasion. The International Union of Soil Sciences proposed a global day in 2002 with the goal of increasing public awareness of soil degradation, its effects, and ways to prevent it. The cause was supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which was led by the Kingdom of Thailand. This day was unanimously endorsed by the FAO Conference in June 2013 and was asked to be formally adopted at the 68th UN General Assembly. The first official World Soil Day was declared on December 5, 2014, by the UN General Assembly.

Theme

“Soils: where food begins” is the focus of World Soil Day in 2022. By addressing the developing issues with soil management, raising soil awareness, and enticing societies to enhance soil health, the subject seeks to increase understanding of the significance of sustaining a healthy ecosystem.

Significance

The environment is threatened by soil degradation, which comes from soil salinization and sodification. It also threatens global sustainability, food security, and agricultural production. In order to promote the long-term management of soil resources, World Soil Day is crucial.