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Life on Earth depends on healthy soils. Soil is the foundation of our food systems; it provides clean water and habitats for biodiversity, and contributes to climate resilience. It supports our cultural and natural heritage and is the basis of our economy and prosperity. 

Unfortunately, however, soil degradation is becoming a major concern. It is estimated that between 60 and 70% of EU soils are unhealthy. Soil is a fragile resource that needs to be carefully managed and safeguarded for future generations. One centimetre of soil can take hundreds of years to form, yet it can be lost in just a single rainstorm or industrial incident.

While soil scientists and land professionals have been sounding the alarm, a lack of awareness and education about the importance of soils for humans and ecosystems still remains. This unawareness hinders the vitally important transition towards sustainable soil governance and highlights the need for an enhanced soil literacy.

SOILSCAPE is a 4-year project funded by the EU to support the implementation of the Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” which aims to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030. In line with this, the SOILSCAPE project will leverage the expertise of soil scientists, cultural and creative industries, artists, and civil society organisations to promote soil preservation across Europe and beyond. 

SOILSCAPE aims to facilitate transformation through a collaborative journey towards increased soil literacy, deep understanding and awareness of human-soil relationships, and care for soil as a natural resource. By fostering closer collaboration between soil scientists, land specialists, researchers, public authorities, artists, and communities, a collective commitment to soil preservation will be encouraged. This will be achieved by conducting a dynamic and territorial network of so-called “Soil Orchestras”, which will celebrate soils through creative approaches. 

The project is coordinated by the French Soil Science Society (AFES) and involves a partnership of 19 organisations from 11 countries, including UNESCO. Through its Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, UNESCO will coordinate the initial mapping and analysis of the current landscape of soil-art narratives, stakeholders, and human-soil activities. 

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) - Secretariat of Coalition Action for Soil Health from Kenya will collaborate with UNESCO to disseminate and implement the project’s findings at the international level. UNESCO will also promote the engagement in the project activities of its global networks including Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, World Heritage sites, Creative Cities, elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO Centres and Chairs, National Commissions, and Associated Schools.

From 5 to 7 June 2024, representatives from the consortium gathered in Orléans, France, to kickstart the project and its activities. During the event, they participated in workshops, lab and soil archive visits and world café discussions about the project's 6 main objectives for the next 4 years: 

• Understanding and building upon the current societal perceptions and landscapes of human-soil relations;
• Designing and conducting a self-sustaining network of Artistic and Cultural Soil Orchestras (ACSOs), engaging multidisciplinary actors to enhance soil literacy within society;
• Leveraging the power of art and creativity to improve soil literacy, including through specific funding opportunities;
• Empowering citizens and professionals to positively engage with and care for soils;
• Highlighting successful initiatives and reaching participants through an annual Soil Literacy Festival;
• Extending the Symphony beyond Europe and implementing capacity-building measures globally.

The SOILSCAPE project (2024-2027), Spreading Open and Inclusive Literacy and Soil Culture through Artistic Practices and Education, is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and innovation programme, under Grant Agreement No. 101156511.