On 18 June 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) signed the Mission Soil Manifesto becoming the first international governmental organisation to endorse it. The ceremony took place in Brussels, in the presence of Lidia Arthur Brito, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, and Christophe Hansen, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food.
This landmark step reinforces EU’s and UNESCO’s commitment and cooperation to halting soil degradation and restoring soil health, while strengthening the international dimension of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’. It also builds on UNESCO’s long-standing efforts to advance scientific knowledge, education and global cooperation in support of sustainable soil management.
“The partnership between the EU Mission Soil and UNESCO’s Soil Initiative opens the door to transformative cooperation in science and sustainable management of some of the world’s iconic landscapes” Ms Lidia Arthur Brito stated.
Soil health: a global priority
Soils are essential for food production, biodiversity, climate regulation, water purification and nutrient cycling. Yet they are under mounting pressure. In 2024, UNESCO warned that up to 90% of the planet’s land surface could be degraded by 2050 if no action is taken. Within the EU, around 60% of soils are already affected by degradation such as erosion, desertification and pollution.
These threats undermine the competitiveness and resilience of agriculture and food systems. As highlighted in the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, adopted in February 2025, healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable farming. The Vision underscores the role of international partnerships and innovation in delivering solutions to global environmental and food security challenges.
UNESCO’s Soil Initiative: education and community engagement
UNESCO’s endorsement of the Mission Soil Manifesto aligns with its broader soil-related activities, notably the UNESCO Soil Initiative: Soil Sentinel Sites for land degradation, climate and biodiversity action, launched in July 2024. The initiative supports soil monitoring and restoration in UNESCO-designated sites across the world.
Key actions include:
developing a global world soil health index with the Food and Agriculture Organization and other international partners
piloting sustainable land management in 10 natural sites under its Biosphere Reserves programme
supporting innovative conservation projects led by local site managers
offering training for government officials, conservationists and indigenous communities
raising awareness through educational outreach and youth engagement.
These efforts contribute directly to the objectives of the EU Mission Soil.
“Given UNESCO's leadership in fostering educational and scientific advancements, UNESCO’s signing of the Mission Soil Manifesto represents a landmark moment in the global effort to preserve and enhance soil health” Mr Christophe Hansen stated
The EU Mission Soil
The Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe' (Mission Soil), managed by DG AGRI under Commissioner’s Hansen leadership, is part of the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation Horizon Europe.
The main goal of the Mission Soil is to establish 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030. This goal is substantiated with eight specific objectives, among these one is specifically on increasing soil literacy across society.
To achieve these objectives, beyond the creation of the network of Living Labs and lighthouses, the Mission is funding a transdisciplinary research and innovation programme; developing a harmonised soil monitoring framework and increasing soil literacy and communication to engage with citizens.
Since 2021, the Mission has invested over 435 million euro in around 60 research and innovation projects, among which SOILSCAPE is specifically contributing to the soil literacy objective.
SOILSCAPE: creativity for soil literacy
UNESCO is a key partner in the funded project SOILSCAPE (Spreading Open and Inclusive Literacy and Soil Culture through Artistic Practices and Education).
SOILSCAPE uses artistic and creative approaches to promote soil literacy and cultural appreciation of soils across Europe and beyond. The project aims to establish a network of over 120 organisations and 320 individuals in eight countries, and offers financial and technical support to civil society organisations, schools, artists and institutions. It also delivers national soil festivals, awards and certifications, and aims to expand its impact to 30 regions by 2028.
Join the movement for healthier soils
The Mission Soil Manifesto is open to all who share the ambition of protecting and restoring soil health. Representatives of municipalities, regions, private and public organisations, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic bodies, schools, educational institutions and research organisations are invited to become signatories.
Individuals are also welcome to endorse the Manifesto and show their support for this vital cause.
Sign the Mission Soil Manifesto today and help safeguard one of our planet’s most precious resources – soil.