SOILCAPE seeks to understand and build on the current societal perceptions and relationship between people and soil. At its core, it will establish a self-sustaining network of eight Soils and Arts Orchestras, bringing together over 440 multidisciplinary actors across Europe to raise soil literacy and engagement. Through dynamic and transparent open call initiatives, the project will harness the power of art to deepen public understanding of soils – Earth’s most vital resource. It aims to empower more than 5,000 citizens and professionals to actively care for soils, while showcasing successful initiatives to a wider audience, reaching at least 20,000 participants annually at the 10 Soil Festivals. Extending its symphony beyond Europe to 30 regions worldwide, SOILSCAPE becomes a beacon of hope, reminding the world to treasure and protect the foundation of life itself.
The project started in June 2024. The objective of this first stage (pré-contemplation) is to understand the societal landscape of human-soil relations with research on the current narratives, perception, values and needs, arts-soil review and a stakeholder and governance analysis. A shortlist of best soil literacy practices and public policies will be adopted.
This stage is the preparation of the sustainable network on soil literacy, design of a soil literacy portal and festival’s modules. It will also see the initiation of the art and soil projects selected under the SOILSCAPE open call.
The Action stage will include the first Soil Festivals in France and Portugal in 2026, along with innovative communication campaigns and activation of the SOILSCAPE network.
The last stage is the one of sustainability to recruit new Orchestra Conductors worldwide, make some policy recommendations, design an action plan and continue the symphony across Europe and beyond.
Analyzing the current societal and mental landscape of human-soil relations across Europe.
Soil InsightsDefining innovative solutions to promote soil literacy and transformative engagement.
Soil LiteracyRaising awareness on the importance of soils through innovative communication campaigns.
Soil AwarenessAssess the impacts and ensure sustainability of the actions and dissemination of the project results
Soil stories
The European Union launched “A Soil Deal for Europe,” an ambitious mission under the Horizon Europe program, having the vital purpose to restore soil health by 2030. The main goal is to create 100 Living Labs and Lighthouses across urban and rural areas which will promote sustainable soil management and ensure that 75% of soils will be healthy or improving. To achieve this, the mission focuses on key challenges such as to reduce desertification, prevent erosion, reduce the EU global footprint on soils, improve soil literacy in society and others. With over 60% of EU soils in poor condition, the mission aims to reverse this trend through research, innovation, and collaboration. Aligned with the EU’s Green Deal and global sustainability goals, it seeks to support agriculture, climate resilience, and biodiversity while contributing to a healthier planet. This mission is part of a broader effort to tackle major challenges like climate change, cancer, and carbon-neutral cities, shaping a better future for all.
Discover the partners
The SOILSCAPE consortium unites 19 partners from various sectors, each having specific area of expertise such as soil science and research, cultural and creative industries, civil society and NGOs, as well as management and public engagement. Learn more about each organization and its view on the project.
Stay tuned for the latest news, events and updates from SOILSCAPE! Here, we will showcase exciting project milestones, upcoming Soil festivals and ways for you to get involved.
