Soil awareness at forefront

New Zealand is reliant on soil. Photo / File

After two years of intensive work, 2015 has been declared the International Year of Soils (IYS) by the 68th United Nations General Assembly.

The IYS aims to be a platform for raising awareness of the importance of soils for food security and essential eco-system functions.

The objectives of the IYS are:

*To create full awareness of civil society and decision makers about the fundamental roles of soils for human's life

*To achieve full recognition of the prominent contributions of soils to food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, essential ecosystem services, poverty alleviation and sustainable development

*To promote effective policies and actions for the sustainable management and protection of soil resources

*To sensitise decision makers about the need for robust investment in sustainable soil management activities, aiming at healthy soils for different land users and population groups

*To catalyse initiatives in connection with the post-2015 agenda

*To advocate rapid enhancement of capacities and systems for soil information collection and monitoring at all levels -- global, regional and national.

New Zealand is reliant on soil. A current project being led by Landcare is determining where New Zealand is now in terms of soil management, where we need to be to optimise the sustainable use of our land resources, and how well the knowledge and capability that supports this transition is able to respond.

Most of the evidence required for New Zealand to make best decisions on its land and soils management policies and practice sits within the science, primary and resource sectors.

The project will look back, out and forward, with the key purpose being to make information on soils engaging and easily consumable.

It is important that we manage our soil effectively in the future to ensure we can continue to produce high quality food products.

As with the 2014 International Year of the Family Farm, Federated Farmers will link into the International Year of Soils via the World Farmers' Organisation.

Mark Ross is the General manager for policy & advocacy.