2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

HEALTHY SOIL FOR HEALTHY LIFE

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

The 68th UN General Assembly declared 2015 the International Year of Soils (IYS) (A/RES/68/232

).

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

The IYS 2015 aims to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of soil for food

security and essential ecosystem functions.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

Message on World Soil Day at the Launch of the

International Year of SoilsNew York, 5 December 2014

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

Today marks the first observance of World Soil Day and the launch of the International Year of Soils

(2015).Without healthy soils, life on earth would be

unsustainable. Soils are the foundation of agriculture. They provide vital ecosystem services

and the basis for food, feed, fuel, fiber and medical products important for

human well-being.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

Soil is also the largest pool of organic carbon, which is essential

for mitigating and adapting to climate change. In an era of water scarcity, soils are fundamental for

its appropriate storage and distribution.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

However, soil degradation is a rapidly increasing problem in all parts of the

world. Some 33 per cent of global soils are already degraded through

urbanization. Soil erosion, nutrient depletion, salinity, acidification and

contamination are additional threats.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

For too long the world has taken soils for granted. But soil is a natural resource that is not

easily renewed. Sustainable soil management should be a

priority for all.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

I welcome the establishment of the Global Soil Partnership by the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations. FAO’s World Soil Charter recommends a number

of key measures to encourage investment in sustainable soil management as a sound and affordable alternative to restoration

and rehabilitation.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

On World Soil Day, let us pledge to do more to protect this important yet forgotten

resource. A healthy life is not possible without healthy soils.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

The specific objectives of the

International Year of Soil 2015 are to:

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

1. Raise full awareness among civil society and decision makers about the profound importance

of soil for human life;

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

2. Educate the public about the crucial role soil plays in food

security, climate change adaptation and mitigation,

essential ecosystem services, poverty alleviation and

sustainable development;

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

3. Support effective policies and actions for the sustainable

management and protection of soil resources;

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

4. Promote investment in sustainable soil management

activities to develop and maintain healthy soils for different land users and

population groups.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

5.Strengthen initiatives in connection with the SDG process

(Sustainable Development Goals)

& Post-2015 agenda;

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

6. Advocate for rapid capacity enhancement for soil

information collection and monitoring at all levels

(global, regional and national).

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

Soil Science Society of America. SSSA developed 12 monthly themes

that reflect the diverse value of soils

to our natural environment and society

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

Each month has information on the theme, a lesson plan, and

other outreach activities.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

January - Soils Sustain Life. Overview of soils, soil formation, soil ecosystem services and

the value of soils.February - Soils Support Urban.

Shows the importance of soil to the urban environment, urban gardening, remediation of

urban soils. March - Soils Support Agriculture.

The role of soil in food production, our global food supply and water resources for crops.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

April - Soils Clean and Capture. Soil’s role in capturing/filtering water, blue/green/gray water

and soil, impacts of drought.May - Soils Support Buildings/Infrastructure.

. Soil and its connection to engineering and our infrastructure, erosion concerns, homes made of soil.

June - Soils Support Recreation. Soil in our state and national parks and forests, lake and

stream clean water, and the role of healthy soils in sports fields

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

July - Soils are Living. Showcases vertebrates and invertebrates that live in the soil,

microbes in the soil, and their role in healthy soils.August - Soils Support Health.

Food quality and health, anti-microbials, medical science, and health/beauty products that come from the soil.

September - Soils Protect the . Natural Environment.

Soil conservation, erosion/dust/historic disasters, and wetlands/watershed/nutrient legacies and their impact.

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

October - Soils and the Products We Use.Farm to table, products that build our homes, products

that we use, and products we consumeNovember - Soils and Climate.

Soil’s role in carbon sequestration, mitigation and release of greenhouse gases, and desertification/drought issues.

December - Soils, Culture, and People..Soil and art, religious and spiritual connections, forensics, and how soil has influenced civilization throughout history

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOIL

PRESEBNTED BYBENEDICTA PHILIP

12BSW4033DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

ST.JOSEPH’S COLLEGEBANGALORE

INDIA