UNESCO strengthens soil monitoring through its global network of sites

In August 2025, UNESCO convened representatives from designated sites across five regions, alongside key technical partners of the UNESCO Soil Initiative in Schelde Delta UNESCO Global Geopark (Belgium and the Netherlands). Hosted by the Schelde Delta UNESCO Global Geopark, the meeting "Rooted in resilience II: Soil sentinel sites for land degradation, climate and biodiversity action" explored what it means to act as a soil sentinel, how soil health can be measured effectively and how global data can support local monitoring. Participants examined major pressures and outlined priority actions for governance, restoration, land-use management and community engagement.