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Uncovering perceptions and connections with soil
The consequences of soil degradation are deeply influenced by people鈥檚 mindsets. Unsustainable behaviours, such as excessive land exploitation and environmental pollution, are rooted in negative societal perceptions of soil. Failing to recognise the essential role of soil in daily life, fosters a growing disconnection with the natural world. This diminishes our understanding and appreciation of soil as a life-sustaining system.
To address this issue, UNESCO, in partnership with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, hosted an activity to analyse human-soil relationships and perceptions among international officers. Organised within the SOILSCAPE project, this activity followed a Soil Environments Photovoice-Inspired Approach (SEPIA). Participants, through several rounds of discussions, were encouraged to capture and share images that highlight their interactions with soil in their daily lives and within their community, showcasing their perspectives.
The Photovoice methodology provides loads of data on people鈥檚 perceptions, but even more exciting is to see direct impact on their soil awareness at the end of the activity.
The activity involved 15 participants from UNESCO, bringing together diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Discussions began with the question: 鈥淲hat is your relationship with soil?鈥 Responses ranged from professional insights to deeply personal stories. Memories of childhood experiences, cultural traditions, and gardening practices involving soil were shared, revealing the multifaceted ways soil shapes both professional and personal narratives.
As participants explored themes of community and sense of place, they reflected on their personal connections with the soil around them. Questions about the soil perception in their region sparked thoughtful discussions, such as how the unique soil and natural landscape of Venice (premises of the UNESCO Regional Bureau) shaped their views. Themes of vulnerability, erosion, artificial grasslands, and other region-specific concerns enriched the dialogue with local insights.
In the final phase, participants considered how the activity had influenced their perspectives. These collective reflections formed new soil narratives, highlighting a deeper understanding and commitment to sustainable soil engagement - an essential step toward fostering a deeper connection with this vital resource.
The SOILSCAPE project 鈥淪preading Open and Inclusive Literacy and Soil Culture through Artistic Practices and Education鈥 is co-funded by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
The SOILSCAPE SEPIA activity proved the importance of promoting soil literacy through science, culture and education.
