The imperative of safeguarding soil health has become a global priority, driven by the alarming rate of degradation impacting vital ecological functions and agricultural productivity. Soils are fundamental for food production, maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate, purifying water, and facilitating nutrient cycling. However, they face immense pressure, with warnings that up to 90% of the planet's land surface could be degraded by 2050 if no decisive action is taken. Within the European Union alone, approximately 60% of soils are already suffering from degradation through erosion, desertification, and pollution, directly undermining the competitiveness and resilience of agricultural and food systems.

In response to these critical challenges, the European Union has launched the ambitious 'A Soil Deal for Europe' (Mission Soil) under its Horizon Europe research and innovation framework programme. Managed by DG AGRI, the Mission Soil aims to establish 100 living labs and lighthouses by 2030 to spearhead the transition towards healthy soils. This comprehensive initiative is supported by eight specific objectives, including a dedicated focus on increasing soil literacy across society. Since 2021, the Mission has committed over 435 million euro to approximately 60 research and innovation projects, actively working to achieve these goals through a transdisciplinary research program, development of a harmonized soil monitoring framework, and extensive citizen engagement.

A significant milestone for global soil health efforts occurred on June 18, 2025, when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) endorsed the Mission Soil Manifesto, becoming the first international governmental organization to do so. This landmark signing, witnessed by Lidia Arthur Brito, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, and Christophe Hansen, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, underscores a strengthened commitment and cooperation between the EU and UNESCO. It builds upon UNESCO’s extensive history of advancing scientific knowledge, education, and global collaboration in sustainable soil management, reinforcing the international dimension of the Mission Soil. As Ms. Brito noted, this partnership opens the door to transformative cooperation in science and sustainable management of the world’s iconic landscapes.

UNESCO's endorsement aligns seamlessly with its own broader soil-related initiatives, particularly the UNESCO Soil Initiative: Soil Sentinel Sites for land degradation, climate, and biodiversity action, launched in July 2024. This initiative supports soil monitoring and restoration within UNESCO-designated sites globally through key actions such as developing a global soil health index with the Food and Agriculture Organization, piloting sustainable land management in Biosphere Reserves, supporting innovative conservation projects, providing training for officials and communities, and raising awareness through educational outreach. Commissioner Hansen emphasized that UNESCO's leadership in educational and scientific advancements makes their signing of the Manifesto a crucial moment in the global endeavor to preserve and enhance soil health.

Innovation and public engagement are also at the forefront of these efforts. A new EU Soil Health Data Cube, developed by OpenGeoHub Foundation, promises to revolutionize sustainable soil management. This innovative 30TB layered map will enable farmers, land managers, and policymakers to peer into the future of soil health, model solutions for climate change impacts, and make informed decisions. It is being presented as an invaluable tool for anyone dedicated to soil restoration. Furthermore, the SOILSCAPE (Spreading Open and Inclusive Literacy and Soil Culture through Artistic Practices and Education) project, in which UNESCO is a key partner, utilizes artistic and creative approaches to foster soil literacy and cultural appreciation across Europe and beyond. SOILSCAPE aims to establish a vast network of over 120 organizations and 320 individuals across eight countries, offering support for national soil festivals, awards, and certifications, with plans to expand its impact to 30 regions by 2028.

The momentum for healthier soils is growing, and the Mission Soil Manifesto invites all stakeholders to join this vital movement. Representatives from municipalities, regions, private and public organizations, NGOs, philanthropic bodies, schools, educational institutions, and research organizations are encouraged to become signatories. Individuals are also welcome to endorse the Manifesto, demonstrating their support for safeguarding one of our planet’s most precious resources. This collective effort, bolstered by international cooperation, advanced data tools, and creative educational initiatives, is essential for reversing soil degradation and ensuring a sustainable future.