Soil & Land News: Publication of ‘Soil Atlas 2015’

The international community has set itself three important goals: to stop the loss of biodiversity, keep global warming to 2° Celsius, and ensure everyone has the right to adequate food. Without fertile soil, none of these objectives will be achieved. In fact, the soil can do its job only if the life it contains is intact, the humus layer is healthy, and land rights are protected.

2015 is the International Year of Soils, a special opportunity for us all to further the goal of soil protection. This Soil Atlas, published today, shows why soils should concern us all and what can be successfully achieved by determined people and organisations.

The Atlas is published by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in co-operation with the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Friends of the Earth Germany and Le Monde diplomatique. It is  available in English and German (including graphic download).  It will also be made available at the European Commission’s soil webpage, promoting the sustainability of this limited and life sustaining natural resource.

Within the context of the International Year of Soils we kindly remind you of the opportunity to share information on any educational and outreach activities you plan to carry out in the course of the year by writing to env-iys-2015@ec.europa.eu – to be published at our IYS webpage.