We need healthy soils for a healthy life!

THE TEMA Foundation welcomes the Struggling Against Erosion Week, between November 11-17 this year, with the slogan "Healthy Soil, Healthy Life". Deniz Ataç, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, emphasized the importance of soil by stating, "Soil is the life source of our planet. There is soil in every breath we take, in the food we consume and in every sip of water we drink. However, our soils are under great threat due to erosion, climate crisis and unsustainable agricultural practices. 642 million tons of soil are lost to erosion every year. Protecting the health of our soils is not a choice, it is the responsibility of all."

Throughout the week, TEMA Foundation will organize various events such as online seminars, the traditional Soil Walk, and educational presentations.

12 million hectares of agricultural soil are degraded every year

Stating that 95% of the food we consume comes from soil, Deniz Ataç said, "Unfortunately, factors such as erosion, deforestation, improper land use, and pollution threaten soil health, reducing its productivity and the nutritional value of agricultural products grown. Every year, approximately 12 million hectares of agricultural land are degraded, losing its health and productivity, which has an adverse impact both on our food security and people's quality of life. According to the 2023 State of the Food Security in the World by the UN, 2.33 billion people worldwide are malnourished, while one in every 11 people suffers from hunger. Malnutrition negatively affects not only physical health but also mental health."

Soil degradation also threatens the health of our planet

Soil degradation also threatens the health of the planet by negatively affecting functions such as protecting the soil's biodiversity, nitrogen and carbon cycle, water cycle and climate regulation. Emphasizing that erosion is one of the biggest threats to soil health, Deniz Ataç said, "Erosion destroys the topsoil, which is the most productive part of the soil and the richest in terms of plant nutrients. Every year, erosion causes a loss of 23-42 million tons of nitrogen and 14.6-26.4 million tons of phosphorus, which are of great importance for the productivity of agricultural lands and causes the release of 2.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂). As the soil becomes less productive, the use of chemical fertilizers increases. This leads to the deepening of the climate crisis, pollution of water and the decrease in biodiversity."

Soil health must be protected to combat erosion

Ms. Deniz Ataç, Chair of the Board of Directors of the TEMA Foundation, underlined that the need for healthy and productive soil is increasing day by day and said, "Our soils face threats such as erosion, climate crisis and unsustainable agricultural practices. At the same time, they are the guarantee of our future. While 642 million tons of soil are eroded every year, protecting the health of our soils is not a choice, it is the responsibility of all."

Ataç also drew attention to the necessity of afforestation, terracing, widespread use of sustainable agricultural practices, restoration works in degraded lands and awareness campaigns in order to combat erosion and protect the soil. She emphasized the importance of acting in unity for a healthy future with the words, "We must make combating erosion a priority nationwide. Let's not forget that healthy soil is the basis of a healthy life."

Awareness activities will be carried out nationwide

Working to combat erosion, afforestation, spread sustainable agricultural practices and prevent ecosystem and land destruction all over Türkiye since its establishment, the TEMA Foundation aims to increase awareness of environment with educational presentations and online seminars, especially for children and young people, within the scope of Struggling Against Erosion Week this year.

We are raising hope!                                                                  The TEMA Foundation