A Generic Approach to Creating a National Soil Security Strategy

Soil is a living and non-renewable resource that underpins our very existence. It produces our food, filters our water, stores vast amounts of carbon, cycles essential nutrients, and sustains the rich tapestry of biodiversity on which our planet depends. Yet, in policy and governance, the security of the soil itself remains largely invisible with fragmented legislation. To address this critical sustainability issue, we suggest a blueprint that any government could adopt, adapt, and legislate to secure its soil for sustainable use and management. This includes a potential strategy for making national measures, rooted in the principles of the soil security concept and scientific research. Based on iterative discussion among a diverse group of authors with expertise in soil science, law, socio-economics, policy, and public consultancy, we suggest five key components that are essential for coherent policy. These include monitoring, soil-centric planning, economic valuation, threat prevention, and stakeholder stewardship alongside implementation implications. By having a national soil security strategy, nations can take the decisive steps needed to protect soil and our planet for generations to come.