SOILSCAPE – the story of soil, science and art
Once upon a time, in a world where soil degradation became a priority concern, where hundreds of soil scientists and professionals rang the alarm bell, but where major gaps in societal awareness and education on the importance of soils for humans and the ecosystems persisted and slowed down the change towards sustainable soil governance, a rich and expansive story started to unfold. It is a tale of transformation, and a collaborative journey towards increased soil literacy.
The remarkable endeavor called SOILSCAPE emerges to unite the worlds of soil, art, and society in a shared mission to preserve Earth’s most vital resource—its soil. Guided by AFES and powered by artists, scientists, educators, and civil society, this initiative set out to weave creativity and knowledge into a tapestry of soil literacy across Europe and beyond. With a vision to inspire, SOILSCAPE will build a network of over 120 actors across eight countries, support countless initiatives with more than 2 million euro in funding and support, and celebrate extraordinary efforts through soil festivals and certifications. Through four transformative stages—contemplation, preparation, action, and sustainability —it blends arts and sciences to foster deep connections between people and the soil beneath their feet. As its reach expands to 30 regions, SOILSCAPE will become a beacon of hope, reminding the world to treasure and protect the foundation of life itself.
SOILSCAPE Narrative
Soil & Cultural Assessment
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, and arts-soil review and a stakeholder and governance analysis. A shortlist of best soil literacy practices and public policies will be adopted.
People centric development
This stage is the preparation of the sustainable network on soil literacy, design of a soil literacy portal co-development of a soil metaphorical landscape and festival’s modules. It will also see the initiation of the open calls programme.
Support, Monitoring, communication
The stage of action will be the place of the first festival of innovative communication campaigns and the animation of the SOILSCAPE network and supportive actions. Impact assessment will also start to be prominent.
Validation and replication
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 projects symphony to ensure a sustainable project.
SOILSCAPE Chapters
Soil Insights
Analyzing the current societal and mental landscape of human-soil relations across Europe.
Soil InsightsSoil Literacy
Defining innovative solutions to promote soil literacy and transformative engagement.
Soil LiteracySoil Awareness
Raising awareness on the importance of soils through innovative communication strategies.
Soil AwarenessSoil stories
Assess the impacts and ensure sustainability of the actions and dissemination of the project results
Soil stories
EU Mission: A Soil Deal for Europe
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.
SOILSCAPE Glossary
The Project Glossary serves as a compass, filled with definitions and insights to guide travellers through the many terms and concepts encountered along the way. This document helps all who seek to understand the language of soil, ensuring that everyone, from experts to newcomers, can navigate the project with ease and clarity. With each turn of the page, it unlocks the knowledge needed to deepen connections and strengthen the mission of soil literacy.
