World Soil Day discussed with interest by children in the Republic of Moldova

The lesson organized at the “Prometeu-Protalent” lyceum, aimed to mark World Soil Day celebrated annually on 5 December by the United Nations to raise awareness about the link between human and soil health and sustainable soil management. This year's global campaign slogan is "Soil and Water - a Source of Life!".

At the opening of the event, Angela Dogotari - Head of the Land Improvements and Land Fund Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry mentioned that "Educating young people about the importance of soil is essential to ensuring sustainable land management practices for future generations. Events like this help raise awareness of how our actions today can protect this vital natural resource."

During the lesson, pupils drew pictures, discussed soil and microorganisms, and shared planting experiences in their grandparents' gardens. They also received the FAO educational brochure explaining the importance of healthy soil through the character of Roly Poly.

School director Aurelian Silvestru said: "We're glad the pupils had such an interesting lesson. Teachers discuss soil across subjects, but experts make complex topics easily understood."

The outreach activity is part of a $1.6 million FAO/GEF project launched in 2020 promoting sustainable land management practices in 32 rural communities in the country. Within this project, FAO has organized several public lessons on soil in schools in Chisinau as well as 32 schools in Orhei and Rezina districts between 2020-2023 reaching over 700 students. 

Project Coordinator Mihail Ojog explained that through these lessons and by working directly with land users, FAO promotes soil-friendly agricultural practices and reforestation, and establishes a continuous learning and knowledge exchange platform through farmer field schools.

“We hope to nurture lifelong stewards of the land and lay the groundwork for more sustainable land use practices nationwide” concluded Mihail Ojog.

Recognizing the crucial role of soil for food security and considering the enormous challenges for sustainable soil management and protection, marking the World Soil Day was unanimously approved at the 2013 FAO Conference in June, and on December 20, 2013, on the occasion of the 68th session of the UN General Assembly, it was decided to celebrate this day on December 5th.