This report delves into the intricate interplay between drivers, pressures and impacts on soil in the 32 Member States of the European Environment Agency (EEA), along with six cooperating countries from the West Balkans, Ukraine and UK, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges facing soil conservation efforts. Our analysis shows the complex interactions among various factors, both anthropogenic and natural, shaping soil degradation processes and their subsequent consequences. We highlight key findings, including the significant impacts of soil degradation on agriculture, ecosystem resilience, water quality, biodiversity, and human health, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive soil management strategies. Moreover, our examination of citizen science initiatives underlines the importance of engaging the public in soil monitoring and conservation efforts. This work emphasises the policy relevance of promoting sustainable soil governance frameworks, supported by research, innovation, and robust soil monitoring schemes, to safeguard soil health and ensure the long-term resilience of ecosystems.

JRC Publications Repository

The state of soils in Europe

This report delves into the intricate interplay between drivers, pressures and impacts on soil in the 32 Member States of the European Environment ...

#soils #SoilScience #SoilDegradation #EuropeanEnvironmentAgency #Soil #Agroecology

Today is #WorldSoilDay ! What a good moment to think about this amazing ecosystem under our feet, the support for the roots of our food and thus our existence, the home of multibillions of organisms that work day and night to recycle nutrients, break down pollutants and make our planet a thriving habitat. Don't ask what the soil can do for you, ask what you can do for the soil! 😊

Players: - Islamist/Turkyie-faction: HTS (a rebranded al-Qaeda group, jihadist, but at least not Assad): After the yearlong siege and final fall of Aleppo, this group was confined the small region of Idlib in the north, now in a surprise attack HTS managed to re-conquer most parts of Aleppo from Assad's Syrian Army. Erdogan is using islamist groups in Syria as proxies to put pressure on the Kurds. - Assad/Putin/Iran/Hezbollah: Assad depends on the military support by these three allies. All of them have lately problems of their own. Dictator Assad deserves his nickname "the butcher" totally (if there is any doubt). - Kurds/Ezidi: The kurds, which are an opressed minority in Turkey, Syria, Irak and Iran, managed to build a very interesting model of democratic confederationalism in Rojava. Women are 50% of the decision makers, in the villages, there are three majors (kurdish, Syrian/arabic and another one depending on the local circumstances) in order to avoid conflicts. While the administration and society in Rojava has many impressively progressive aspects, there are some conflicts with Arab Syrians. Because of the invasion by Turkish military and islamist mercenaries, the Kurds were forced to make some agreements with Assad. Important to notice is that people in Aleppo are apparently happier under HTS rule than under Assad's. But the situation is complicated and volatile. If you are looking for information to understand the complex events in Syria, I can recommend these: @b9AcE @Elia Ayoub (he/him) @Scott Lucas @npub1phqc...3s3j #Syria #Aleppo #SDF #HTS #Erdogan #Rojava