Rapid Fire
World Soil Day
- 05 Dec 2025
- 2 min read
World Soil Day (on 5th December) established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, highlights the importance of soil as a life-sustaining resource, with the 2025 theme Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.
- Importance of Healthy Urban Soils: Vital for tackling heat islands, pollution, flooding, and food insecurity, as they act as natural filters, carbon sinks, and water sponges that enhance climate resilience and support biodiversity.
- Extent of Degradation: Despite their importance, urban soils are heavily degraded due to contamination, compaction, and sealing by concrete. The FAO notes that nearly a third of the world’s soils are degraded.
- World Soil Day: The idea of an international day for soil was first proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences in 2002. FAO promoted its formal recognition, leading to the FAO Conference endorsing World Soil Day in 2013.
- The UN General Assembly then officially designated 5th December 2014 as the first World Soil Day.
- The 2025 World Soil Day calls for restoring soil through composting, green infrastructure, responsible soil management, and promoting urban agriculture to build healthier, more resilient cities.
- India’s Soil Conservation Initiatives: Soil Health Card Scheme for nutrient-based soil management.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and Watershed Programs to reduce erosion and improve moisture retention.
- MGNREGA land works supporting soil restoration and water conservation.
- Smart Cities Mission promoting green infrastructure, open spaces, sustainable landscaping, and soil-friendly urban design.
| Read more: Global Soil Conference 2024 and Soil in India |
