24 November 2023

Save Soil movement at COP 28 in Dubai

The founder of Save Soil, Sadhguru, will participate in a series of roundtable discussions and public engagements

“Soil being alive is the most important thing

because the strength of the soil determines the strength of every life.”

Sadhguru, founder of Save Soil

On the occasion of COP 28 in Dubai, Save the Soil aims to convey the message that healthy and vibrant soils are a solution to climate change, placing the protection and revitalization of agricultural topsoil on the international agenda.

Members of the public can see Save Soil founder Sadhguru at a number of engagements during COP, including ‘The Wake Up Experience’, an event hosted by Impact Nest on World Soil Day (5th Dec) in partnership with UNHCR, that will shed light on solutions to the issue of climate induced migration. December 5th, 2023 | 7:15 pm local time | Al Wasl Dome Plaza, Dubai Expo.

Sadhguru Foto: Copyright © Ufficio Stampa Conscious Planet Salva il Suolo

Panel schedule at the Save Soil Pavilion

1 december (11.00 - 12.00)

Soil - Climate Change Solution, not victim

Could the largest living ecosystem on the planet also be the solution to the climate collapse?

The restoration of agricultural soil health is increasingly labeled as one of the key means to sequester carbon and preserve biodiversity. This panel will provide insights from leading experts on the vital importance of sustainable soil management in the future of humanity and how what was once considered an inert substance could be the answer we've been looking for.

2 december (11.00 - 12.00)

Carbon farming collectives: overcoming vulnerability

Small and marginal farmers are among the most vulnerable to climate shocks. The good news?

Sustainable soil management practices can make these farmers climate-resilient while simultaneously turning their lands into an effective carbon sink. The challenges associated with the protocols they must navigate when engaging with the market as individuals can be overcome through collective action. This event will showcase efforts from various parts of the world to collective small and medium-scale farmers practicing sustainable soil management and the exciting opportunities that can be unlocked to expand agriculture-based climate solutions.

3 december (11:00 - 12:00)

Soil, our very body

How much does soil health impact human health?

Studies have shown that plant nutrition is heavily dependent on soil health. As 80% of the food consumed by humans comes from the soil, what we feed the life beneath our feet can play a significant role in our well-being. Join leading experts in various aspects of food production to explore this intersection and the importance of organic matter in ensuring healthy and vibrant soil.

4 december (10:30 - 11:30)

Crafting policies: easing farmers’ access to carbon finance

From Rio to Kyoto to Paris, the COP has sought to create both voluntary and mandatory carbon markets. However, policies are still evolving, and challenges persist in facilitating farmers' access to carbon financing. In this unique event, we will explore the measures taken to date at the policy level and how carbon financing can become a primary source of income for farmers practicing carbon-negative agriculture.

4 december (12:00 - 13:00)

Investing in sustainable soil management

Experts discuss the financial tools available to farmers to access carbon financing.

Is the transition to sustainable soil management practices essential for our survival? Yes.

Unfortunately, farmers are not sufficiently incentivized to make this transition. With input from leading private sector experts, this session will explore what it will take for various forms of financing to become available to farmers and what investors need to be excited about getting involved.

5 december (09:00 - 10:30)

World Soil Day event by 4per1000

6 december (11:00 - 12:00)

Mitigating investment risk: sustainable food systems

Investing privately in any food system carries risks, but can public and private investment models overcome challenges related to investments in sustainable soil management practices? This event will explore how to mitigate the risks of such investments. But who will mitigate them?

8 december (11:00 - 12:00)

Easing carbon market access for farmers

It’s not a secret that accessing carbon markets is challenging for many farmers. The existing paradigm requires highly skilled individuals to support developing, registering, validating and auditing a project. What is the true cost for farmers in engaging in these services, how sustainable are they, and what could alternatives be? Join us for this insightful session to discover the answers.

9 december (09:00 - 10:00)

Climate proofing our future - the role of soil

From carbon sequestration, food security, preserving biodiversity, purifying air, waterways and terrestrial systems - rejuvenating soil health is key to our survival. Join us for a unique session that explores the various benefits humanity can derive from sustainable soil management practices, and how soil health contributes to our entire society. A key question - who should pay farmers for the additional services these methods provide?

9 december (11:00 - 12:00)

Conscious livestock rearing and soil health

Of all the land that is farmed in the world, only 30% of it is used to produce plant based food for human beings. The remaining 70% is used to produce animal based food. Whilst animals play a vital role in helping build soil health, a conscious approach is the need of the hour. This event will discuss animal rearing’s impact on soil health, and its place as a part of the climate solution.

10 december (11:00 - 12:00)

Enabling technologies: measuring soil carbon.

Measuring and validating farmland health is not an easy process for many farmers. When investors and carbon credit buyers expect professional verifications, this process can be costly and time consuming. Improvements in remote sensing technology may be able to empower farmers' agency - but how long before the technology is trustable by investors? This session will dive into this conversation, and explore the roles governments and investors have to play.

Edited by editorial staff, Avion Tourism Magazine

Conscious Planet Save the Soil is the movement, and each one of us can become an active part by staying informed, promoting the movement, participating in events, and raising awareness among politicians. Learn more about the movement and how to become an Earth Buddy.