Buenos Aires, December 5 (NA) – World Soil Day is celebrated annually every December 5th since 2014, a date designated by the United Nations (UN) following a proposal by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), which coincides with the birthday of King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in 2016 and was one of the great promoters of this idea. This year, according to information from the Argentine News Agency, the proposed theme is 'Healthy soils for healthy cities' and focuses on the role of soils in cities and the challenges posed by soil sealing and urbanization. Urban soils provide essential ecosystem services: they support food production, filter water, store carbon, regulate temperature, and support biodiversity. In this way, World Soil Day 2025 is a call to action, inviting policymakers, scientists, urban leaders, civil society, and citizens around the world to reimagine urban spaces through their soils, ensuring that people and nature can thrive together in green and healthy cities. The importance of soil 95% of our food comes from the soil. 33% of soils are degraded. It can take up to 1,000 years to form just 2-3 cm of soil. Soils provide 15 of the 18 essential chemical elements for plants. There are more living organisms in a teaspoon of soil than there are people on Earth. 2 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, known as hidden hunger. Up to 58% more food could be produced through sustainable soil management. Soil is home to almost 59% of the Earth's species.
