The Commission Launches the EU Soil Observatory to Monitor Soil Health Trends in Europe

As part of the proposed EU mission for the “Horizon” program in the field of soil health and nutrition – titled “Caring for soil is caring for life” – the ambitious goal considers “ensuring that 75% of soils will be healthy by 2030 and able to provide essential ecosystem services”. It also aligns with the European Green Deal’s ambition for zero pollution in air, water, and soil. To ensure clean air, water, and soil, healthy ecosystems, and a healthy living environment for Europeans, the EU must better prevent, restore, monitor, and report on pollution.
The EU Soil Observatory, launched today, will provide the necessary data to monitor progress towards achieving European goals and objectives for soil health, with the ultimate aim of improving soil management and halting its degradation.
The Observatory will be operated by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), which has a long-standing record of providing policy-relevant soil data and information, both on a European and global scale.