{"id":20552,"date":"2024-12-12T15:05:53","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T14:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etifor.com\/en\/?p=20552"},"modified":"2026-10-05T15:29:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T13:29:43","slug":"cop16-desertification-why-are-we-forgetting-about-soil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etifor.com\/en\/updates\/cop16-desertification-why-are-we-forgetting-about-soil\/","title":{"rendered":"COP16 Desertification: are we overlooking the importance of land?<\/span>"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Every year, intensive livestock farming, agriculture, urbanization, and cementing degrade soil globally, causing losses equivalent to an area the size of Brazil. Italy is no exception: according to the latest ISPRA report, in 2023, 72.5 km\u00b2 were covered by cement, compared to just 8 km\u00b2 of natural areas restored. It\u2019s as if we cemented an area equivalent to ten thousand football fields.<\/p>\n

In light of these alarming statistics and research center warnings, it seems paradoxical that the UN Conference of the Parties on Desertification (COP16), taking place in Riyadh until December 13, receives so little attention. Following the summits on biodiversity and climate, COP16 on soil completes the trilogy of key 2024 meetings. However, it lacks the media and political coverage of the previous two, reflecting a concerning lack of interest in this crucial ecosystem.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Why should we care more about our land?<\/h2>\n

Soil is a vital, limited, and irreplaceable resource that acts as the interface between land, air, and water while hosting much of the biosphere. Healthy soil is fundamental to the economy, society, and environment. It enhances resilience to climate change and extreme events, mitigating landslides and floods. Additionally, it provides essential ecosystem services, such as the production of food and raw materials, fostering their diversification (this diversification is precisely why we boast one of the most varied cuisines in the world!).<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Neglecting soil harms the environment and our economy. For example, in Italy alone, the loss of ecosystem services due to soil degradation results in an annual economic loss estimated at 7 to 9 billion euros and a natural capital loss of 19 to 25 billion euros for the period 2006\u20132023.<\/p>\n

In collaboration with FAI (Italian Environmental Fund), our CEO Alessandro Leonardi has explained the environmental benefits provided by soil and why, in addition to preventing soil consumption, it is equally essential to care for and manage it properly.<\/p>\n<\/div>