SOIL

SOIL: Subterranean Organisms Investigation & Learning

Location of activities and scope

Perugia – Umbria – Italy, Local

Strand 1 – Innovative communication campaigns

Executive Summary

The project enhances soil literacy by engaging children, schools, families, and citizens in creative and science-based activities that reveal the hidden biodiversity of soil. From March 2025, it will design a strong visual identity, an interactive website, educational kits, illustrated guides, six macro-videos and urban installations with QR/NFC access. A participatory communication campaign (#SoilHeroes) will invite citizens to share regenerative practices, tracked on a digital map. Between June and December 2025, the project will deliver workshops in schools, training sessions for citizens, and participatory video production, supported by scientists and videomakers. A replicable toolkit and the “Living Soil Festival” will ensure wide dissemination. By 2027, the project will have reached 250+ direct participants and thousands online, producing lasting resources, behavioural change, and an adaptable model to replicate across Europe.

Motivation Statement

The partners are united by the deep conviction that soil is the very basis of life—a hidden, vital world sustaining all plants, animals, and people. It acts as both a memory of the past and a critical resource for the future, serving as the ultimate guardian of the planet’s biodiversity and fertility. Thinking about soil requires thinking about balance, care, and responsibility. Every daily action, from composting to planting, directly contributes to its health and protection. Moreover, the soil is a source of wonder and discovery, offering a natural laboratory where adults and children can observe its invisible organisms and learn the fundamental lesson that all life depends on respecting this precious resource.

Sub-project objectives

-Raise awareness of the importance of soil and its biodiversity among children, families, schools, and citizens;

-Promote daily soil protection and regeneration practices, both domestic and community-based, through workshops and participatory activities;

-Provide replicable educational and communication tools to enable the dissemination of best practices across diverse cultural and geographical contexts;

-Engage the online community through social media campaigns and digital content, encouraging active participation and sharing.

Challenges and how they will be addressed

One key challenge is the common perception of soil as inert “dirt” rather than a living ecosystem. The project addresses this by using visual storytelling, macro-videos and hands-on observation activities that make soil biodiversity visible and engaging for children and citizens.

Another challenge is maintaining long-term participation, particularly in online activities. This will be addressed by linking the #SoilHeroes social media campaign with offline experiences such as workshops, urban installations and public events.

Finally, to ensure scientific accuracy, all educational and communication materials will be reviewed by scientific partners and based on reliable scientific sources.

Expected outcomes

Tangible results:
• 6 informative mini-videos on soil life;
• Illustrated teacher manual and replicable toolkit;
• Practical kits for workshops and educational activities;
• Ready-to-use audiovisual materials and teaching materials.

Intangible results:
• Increased awareness and sense of environmental responsibility;
• Active community involvement in soil protection;
• Creation of networks between schools, citizens, and local associations;
• Stimulates creativity and participation through storytelling and narration.

Meet the Project Team

Studio Naturalistico Hyla

The applicant organisation has extensive experience in environmental education, including the design and delivery of workshops, laboratory activities, and community-based projects. It acts as the scientific and educational lead partner of the project.

Contact – Emi Petruzzi

Facebook. Instagram.

Studio Naturalistico Hyla

AboutUmbria

The AboutUmbria editorial team is a multidisciplinary group that combines authentic local knowledge with innovative digital marketing expertise. It is responsible for coordinating the project’s communication activities and leading the communication campaign.

Contact – Sonia Bagnetti

Facebook. Instagram. YouTube.

AboutUmbria