Global summit targets stronger soil protection

By Jessica Dempster

International experts will gather at the University of Sydney this week to advance proposals for stronger global protections for the world’s soils.

The Third Aroura Global Soil Security Summit will run from October 20 to 23, and bring together specialists in soil science, agriculture, law, economics and public policy.

Discussions are set to focus on a proposed global convention on soil protection, stronger national policies and a draft declaration recognising the rights of soils.

Organisers say a global declaration could make soil protection an explicit consideration in decisions about farming, development, investment and government policy, while improving access to knowledge and support for those responsible for managing soils.

University of Sydney Professor Damien Field says soils face growing threats from erosion, contamination, compaction, land sealing and changing climatic conditions.

Professor Field says the summit aims to translate scientific knowledge into practical decisions, clearer responsibilities and sustained action to protect and restore soils.

Soil security is considered critical to maintaining food production, clean water, biodiversity and human wellbeing, with the summit seeking greater international cooperation to protect the resource.