Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable food production, climate resilience, clean water, and biodiversity. Yet, soils are often overlooked and are in poor condition. To address this challenge, the Mission Soil Ambassadors programme was created, bringing together passionate soil advocates from across Europe. Using their expertise and communication skills, they aim to enhance soil literacy, inspire action, and drive progress towards the Mission's goals.
Bridging the gap for a sustainable future
Mission Soil Ambassadors play an essential role in bringing civil society, stakeholders, and policymakers together. Through their knowledge and influence, they inspire meaningful actions to protect and restore soil. By fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable practices, they raise awareness about the critical role of soil health in environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.
Yanniek Schoonhoven, Mission Soil Ambassador
For example, Yanniek Schoonhoven, a leader in regenerative agriculture at La Junquera Farm and the Regeneration Academy in Spain, helps children understand the importance of soil during farm visits.
“We show school children the role of soil on a real farm,” she explains. “Activities like planting trees or building sediment dams help them see how soil supports ecosystems and why it must be protected.”
By involving children in practical, hands-on tasks, Yanniek helps them make a direct connection between healthy soils, farming and the environment, fostering a sense of responsibility for its care.
Alfred Grand, Mission Soil Ambassador
Another Ambassador, Alfred Grand, an organic and regenerative farmer from Austria, shines a light on the hidden heroes of biodiversity: earthworms. On his farm, he explains how these creatures are vital to healthy soil.
“I tell visitors, ‘Humans can’t make soil, but earthworms can!’” he says.
Alfred shares how earthworms improve airflow and water movement, recycle organic material into nutrients, and enrich soil with microbe-rich castings that support plant health.
“They even balance soil pH and reduce harmful fungal spores,” he adds.
By connecting these processes to broader issues like climate change and sustainable farming, Alfred demonstrates how every small action to improve soil health contributes to addressing some of the planet's biggest challenges.
Leading the way with concrete action
Mission Soil Ambassadors lead by example. They demonstrate their commitment by sharing good practices that serve as inspiration. By organising and participating in events, they foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Ambassadors encourage individuals and organisations to implement sustainable soil management practices, and local communities and policymakers to prioritise soil health in their agendas. They inform the public about the Mission's progress, disseminate research findings, and promote the signing of the Mission Soil Manifesto to expand the community. Ambassadors also engage in public debates and communicate through social media to promote the Mission's goals.
Diverse backgrounds, unified purpose
Mission Soil Ambassadors come from diverse fields, including agriculture, science, education, business, community support, and the arts. They are actively involved in their communities, often engaging in communication activities related to soil, the environment, climate action, and sustainable land management. Ambassadors are chosen for their expertise in soil-related issues and their commitment to stimulating action. As a broad and diverse group, they aim to inspire, inform, and engage the wider community.
A shared vision for a sustainable planet
Through their efforts – whether inspiring children to connect with soil, as Yanniek does, or shining a light on biodiversity’s unsung heroes, like Alfred – the Mission Soil Ambassadors are laying the groundwork for a future where soil health is recognised as the foundation of our planet and society.
Visit the Mission Soil Platform to find out more, see the Ambassadors’ profiles, and follow their activities.