SoilTribes Community of Practice

A collaborative movement for soil health and sustainability

What is it?

The SoilTribes Community of Practice (CoP) is a collaborative platform designed to bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors to advance soil sustainability, share knowledge, and co-develop innovative solutions.

What is the aim?

To foster collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise in soil sustainability and literacy. We believe that sharing insights and experiences within and across sectors will help us create innovative solutions to address the challenges of soil degradation and sustainability.

Why join?

  • Access to knowledge and expertise in soil sustainability and literacy
  • Networking opportunities with stakeholders
  • Influence on policy development at various levels (local, national and international)
  • Participation in high impact activities, including workshops, bootcamps or meetups and other events
  • Access to funding opportunities
  • Visibility and recognition

Who can join?

We are seeking a diverse group of individuals and organizations with an interest in soil sustainability and soil literacy.

Academia

Higher education institutions and research centers
Schools
Soil Scientists and technologists
Advisors
Educators, trainers, students and trainees

Business

Business associations, companies, and start-ups
Farmers, foresters, urban and spatial planners

Institution

Local, regional and national public authorities
European organizations
Policymakers
Civil servants

Society

CCIS
Artists, communicators, creatives,
Citizens

Environment

Environmental organizations

What is the structure?

The SoilTribes CoP is organized into Working Groups (WGs), each focused on specific challenges related to the four thematic pillars. These groups allow members to engage deeply with issues, codevelop solutions, and align their work with the CoP’s overall objectives. These groups allow members to identify key challenges related to soil literacy and sustainable land management, co-create innovative solutions and provide input for policy recommendations.

The WGs operate on a voluntary, expertise-driven basis, allowing members to contribute based on their interests, skills, and professional goals, fostering a flexible and dynamic environment for collaborative problem-solving.

Activities and opportunities

Design Thinking Bootcamps

Collaborative, hands-on sessions aimed at creating innovative solutions for soil management challenges.

Cross-Fertilization Workshops

Workshops that bring together stakeholders from different sectors to exchange knowledge and best practices.

Policy Discussions

Engage in discussions to develop and influence soil-related policies and legislation at local, national, and international levels.

Micro-Grant Calls

Submit and develop projects to receive funding for innovative soil management solutions.

Which are the responsibilities of CoP Members?

  • Active participation
  • Collaboration and knowledge sharing
  • Feedback and evaluation
  • Adherence to CoP guidelines and ethics
  • Commitment to the CoP’s objectives

Do you want to be a part of this?

It’s easy! Fill out our Expression of Interest (EoI) form to share your expertise, interests, and preferred level of engagement.

The CoP activities within the SoilTribes include a range of events scheduled to engage members in various collaborative initiatives throughout the project’s duration. These events will be organized periodically to ensure active participation and ongoing collaboration among CoP members.

The SoilTribes CoP is designed to be a sustainable and long-term platform. You will play a key role in advancing the development of the community and its resources.

The main tool used for communication is the SoilTribes Commons, a central digital space, enabling knowledge sharing, event organization, and collaborative engagement among members.

Community of Practice

Network

Stewardship Assemblies (SAs)

Goal

A dynamic community that strengthens expertise and fosters innovation through collaboration and shared experiences on soil sustainability challenges.

An online network that aims to expand reach, build connections, and increase visibility for initiatives and ideas.

Local assemblies where stakeholders collaborate on soil sustainability action plans and policy development in their regions.

Structure

Organized around a structured framework with thematic groups, regular activities, and engagement strategies.

More flexible, allowing members to connect informally and engage based on interest.

Organized within a structured framework with a primary focus on local, region-specific solutions for soil sustainability.

Activities

Design thinking bootcamps Regular meetups

Cross fertilization workshops

Joint policy meeting

Micro-grant calls

Final policy paper

Surveys & feedback loops

Newsletter & reports

Information Sharing and updates:

Newsletters

Updates on events and opportunities without direct

involvement in the CoP.

Peer-learning

Community building

Action planning;

Training