Unlocking Soil Health: The Crucial Role of Non-State Action for Sustainable Food Systems at COP30

As COP30 approaches, the importance of soil health is coming into sharper focus. Dr. Leigh Ann Winowiecki from the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH) emphasizes that we can’t ignore non-state actors like communities and NGOs when discussing soil health. They play a crucial role in making our food systems more resilient and sustainable.

Soil is often taken for granted, but it’s essential for life. It not only provides the food we eat but also cleans our water and air. Healthy soil supports a rich ecosystem, contributing to about 95% of the food consumed by humanity. However, soil health is diminishing rapidly. Every five seconds, an area the size of a football pitch erodes, threatening both our environment and food security. Without addressing soil health, we risk worsening problems like hunger and climate change.

As COP30 takes place in Brazil, a nation with a blend of agribusiness and traditional land practices, it provides the perfect backdrop for discussions about soil health. Local communities have managed soil for generations, and their wisdom needs to be included in decision-making. But often, these voices are overlooked, leaving a gap in effective climate solutions.

Reducing soil degradation is urgent. Currently, over one-third of the Earth’s surface suffers from degradation, and this threatens the livelihoods of billions. Policymakers have a chance to showcase soil as the link between climate change, food access, and biodiversity. However, the complexity of soil issues often gets lost in broader climate discussions.

At COP30, there’s a real opportunity to transform soil health from a neglected topic into a key element of climate action. Non-state actors like NGOs, indigenous groups, and farmers are crucial for pushing this agenda. Success stories from these groups showcase practical solutions, like regenerative agricultural practices that boost soil health while addressing climate challenges.

Recent studies indicate that sustainable soil management can increase crop yields by up to 20%. This highlights the critical role that healthy soil plays in our food systems. Innovative practices, such as agroecology, can enable farmers to improve their land while also combating climate change. The lessons from these practices must be harnessed during global negotiations.

Historically, past summits have sidelined soil health. This time, we have seen more attention to soil-related issues, with initiatives like the Soil Health Resolution gaining traction. Ahead of COP30, it’s essential that we leverage non-state actions to ensure that soil health is recognized as a vital climate solution.

When communities come together to advocate for soil health, they can pave the way for a sustainable future. As Dr. Winowiecki says, nurturing our soil leads to not just food, but creates resilience against climate change and promotes equity.

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