The report was presented at the International Soil and Water Forum 2024 in Bangkok

Bangkok – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released its first major global assessment of salt-affected soils in 50 years. The report shows that nearly 1.4 billion hectares of land (just over 10 percent of the total global land area) are already impacted by salinity, with an additional one billion hectares at risk due to the climate crisis and human mismanagement.

“Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage” is the theme of unique celebrations hosted in Thailand and Saudi Arabia

Rome - At global celebrations marking Word Soil Day 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today highlighted the crucial need for accurate soil data and information to understand soil characteristics and support informed decision-making on sustainable soil management to ensure food security.

WATCH THE VIDEO

The prestigious Glinka World Soil Prize 2024, awarded annually to honour excellence in sustainable soil management (SSM), has been presented to the Land Development Department (LDD) of Thailand. This marks the ninth time the prize has been awarded, commemorating the legacy of Konstantin Glinka, a distinguished Russian soil scientist, and recognizes impactful contributions to the protection and sustainable use of soil resources. 

WATCH THE VIDEO

The 2024 King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award has been presented to the Water and Soil Department of the Ministry of AgricultureJahad of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This recognition highlights the Islamic Republic of Iran's outstanding efforts in organizing and implementing impactful World Soil Day (WSD) celebrations in 2023.The 2024 King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award has been presented to the Water and Soil Department of the Ministry of AgricultureJahad of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This recognition highlights the Islamic Republic of Iran's outstanding efforts in organizing and implementing impactful World Soil Day (WSD) celebrations in 2023.

As part of its support to the transformation of agrifood systems, FAO and its Global Soil Partnership (GSP) has released the brochure “Economic Benefits of Sustainable Soil Management”. This document reviews existing literature and data, and highlights the essential role of sustainable soil management (SSM) in strengthening economic resilience, agricultural sustainability, and enhancing food security across Eurasia.