We argue that soil needs a dedicated international agreement to secure its future. Soil supports food production, water supplies, biodiversity and climate regulation, yet its protection remains fragmented. Existing environmental agreements address parts of the problem, but do not provide a comprehensive framework for safeguarding soil itself.
Our approach draws on five dimensions of soil security. Capacity concerns what a soil can do; condition describes its present state; capital recognises its value; connectivity concerns people’s knowledge of, and relationships with, soil; and codification covers laws and policies. Together, these dimensions connect scientific assessment with economic decisions, public participation and the responsibilities of governments and land managers.
We propose a Global Convention to Secure Soil that would protect soil diversity, prevent degradation, restore damaged soils and strengthen society’s relationship with this essential resource. We outline eight stages: communication, building agreement among stakeholders, negotiating and drafting, adoption and signature, ratification, entry into force, implementation and monitoring, and continuing international cooperation.
We recognise that reaching agreement will be difficult. Countries have different priorities, resources and legal systems, and decisions about land are politically sensitive. The proposed pathway therefore allows flexibility. Financial support, technical assistance, shared knowledge and meaningful involvement of communities would help countries translate commitments into action.
We envisage national plans, measurable commitments and regular reporting, supported by incentives for verified improvements. Periodic review would allow the agreement to respond to new evidence and changing circumstances. Our message is that securing soil requires lasting international cooperation, backed by practical action and accountability.
