A Soil Deal for Europe
Learn about the Mission called “A Soil Deal for Europe” and its Manifesto which we invite you to sign.
The European Commission (DG AGRI) and the ERRIN Bioeconmy WG have launched on 18 April 2023 the Mission Soil Manifesto. It is part of a Horizon Europe Mission called “A Soil Deal for Europe”.
The Mission
“A Soil Deal for Europe” aims to establish Living Labs (places where to experiment on the ground) and Lighthouses (single sites, like a farm or a park, where to showcase good practices). The Mission will hasten the development and adaptation of solutions by land managers, demonstrate quantifiable improvements in soil health and enhance social capital and public awareness. This will lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030, reinforcing long-term commitments at both European and global levels within the context of the Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals.
The Mission Objectives
There are eight objectives to the Mission, each comes with a series of measurables goals to be achieved:
- Reduction land degradation
- Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
- No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
- Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
- Prevent erosion
- Improve soil structure
- Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
- Increase soil literacy in Member States
The creation of the Living Labs will be coordinated by the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), it will support, organise, expand and advocate for the network of the 100 Soil Mission Living Labs and Lighthouses throughout the entire implementation of the Mission Soil. The support action provided by Soil will encompass dedicated capacity building, knowledge exchange, promotion and routine monitoring for applications funded by Living Labs.
In the same meeting, on 18th April, the Mission Soil Manifesto was launched. Its goal is to mobilize the stakeholders (regions, municipalities, private or public companies, organisations, associations, school, educational institutions, universities, research institutions NGO’s), and citizens that want to become part of a community of practice that cares for soil health.
By signing the Manifesto, you will have access to the latest research results and opportunities to participate in knowledge-sharing activities and events to exchange best practices for soil health.
Read and sign the Mission Soil Manifesto.