World Soil Day: Reimaging Urban Spaces with Healthy Soil

World Soil Day is held annually on 5th December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

Our planet survival depends on the precious link with soil. Over 95 per cent of our food comes from soil. Food is at the centre of human lives, and so are the soils that support food system. Considering our State’s strong agricultural roots and cultural ties to the land, preserving our soil isn’t just about agriculture – it’s about safeguarding the very foundation of our cultural identity. Healthy soil acts as a carbon sinks, enhance water retention, and boost biodiversity, directly impacting the productivity of our farms and the richness of our festivals. The loss of fertile land could diminish the abundance we celebrate, eroding the practices and stories passed down through generation.

Land and soil degradation poses a major threat to global food security and to the achievement of the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), compromising the well-being of at least 3.2 billion people around the world. Loss of soil biodiversity, soil erosion, pollution and salinisation are all critical issues that need to be addressed to ensure food security, livelihood, and healthy for all.

The theme of this year’s World Soil Day, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”, is a timely reminder of urgent need to conserve our soil resources. It focuses on the role of soils in cities and the challenges posed by soil sealing and urbanisation. It shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked urban soils beneath our feet.

Healthy soil is the backbone of thriving cities, playing a crucial role in environmental sustainability, public health, and community well-being. When these soils are permeable and vegetated, they play a vital role in reducing flood risks and improving water quality, mitigating the urban heat, contributing to climate change mitigation and supporting healthier urban environment. Healthy soils can recharge groundwater, improving water security. However, when soils are sealed with cement and asphalt, they lose these essential functions, making cities more vulnerable to increased run-off and overwhelmed drainage systems, exacerbated urban heat and decreased air and water quality.

However, we can adopt some strategies to reverse or revive the damage for healthy urban soil like Green space planning such as incorporate parks, gardens and green roofs to enhance soil health, Soil restoration like composting to revitalise degraded soils, Sustainable Land Management like promoting Urban Forestry and Community park and Community engagement in educating and involve of citizens in soil conservation efforts.

World Soil Day 2025 is a call to action for everyone – policymakers, urban planners, civil societies, city leaders and community- to rethink urban spaces and prioritize soil health. By prioritizing healthy urban soils, we can protect and restore soil health to support ecosystem services, mitigate climate change and promote human well-being.

Let’s work together to build greener, more resilient, and healthier cities that benefit both people and the planet.

Research & Training Centre,

(Soil & Water Conservation Department) Sechü-Zubza, Kohima.