SoilTribes 7th Meet-Up Explores Urban Soil Regeneration and the Reuse of Sealed Soils

On 25 June 2026, the SoilTribes Community of Practice gathered online for its 7th Meet-Up, creating a dedicated space to reflect on soil sealing, urban soil regeneration, and the reuse of sealed soils. The online session took place from 16:00 to 17:30 CET and continued the project’s regular meet-up series, designed to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing.

As part of SoilTribes’ wider mission to foster a deep-rooted connection between society and soil, the meet-up focused on one of the most visible challenges in urban environments: how to rethink sealed soils and open pathways for regeneration, climate resilience, biodiversity, circularity, and ecosystem services.

The session opened with welcome and introductions, setting the stage for an exchange focused on the importance of reducing soil sealing and promoting the reuse of urban soils. This structure reflects the broader SoilTribes approach: bringing together knowledge, dialogue, and action in ways that make soil more visible, understandable, and connected to everyday life.

The first contribution was delivered by Carlos Alberto Torres-Guerrero from BETA Technological Centre, under the title “Transforming Soil Sealing into Soil Regeneration for Climate, Biodiversity and Circularity.”

This session placed the spotlight on the transition from soil sealing towards regeneration. By connecting the theme to climate, biodiversity, and circularity, the presentation invited participants to consider urban soils not only as a challenge, but also as part of wider environmental and societal transformation.

The second contribution was delivered by Sara di Lonardo, SoilTribes Community of Practice Member, under the title “Restore Urban Sealed Soil for Alternative Ecosystem Services.”

This presentation continued the focus on urban sealed soils, highlighting the potential of restoration and reuse. By framing sealed soils in relation to ecosystem services, the session connected soil to the benefits it can bring to communities and environments when its role is recognized and supported.

Following the two presentations, the meet-up moved into a joint reflection on reducing soil sealing and promoting the reuse of urban soils. This part of the session created space for participants to connect the ideas shared by the speakers with broader questions of practice, collaboration, and action.

The reflection supported one of the main purposes of the SoilTribes meet-up series: to facilitate knowledge exchange and identify new opportunities within the Community of Practice. Rather than treating soil sealing as a technical issue alone, the session encouraged a wider conversation on how different stakeholders can contribute to changing the way urban soils are understood and valued.

From discussion to action

The final discussion opened the floor to participants for questions and invited a recap of key points and best practices addressed during the session. This interactive format supported the Community of Practice as a living space for exchange, where soil knowledge can be shared, questioned, and translated into future action.

The meet-up concluded with information on upcoming events, next meet-ups, and opportunities to stay involved. This closing moment reinforced the continuity of the SoilTribes journey. Each meet-up contributes to the wider effort of building a connected, informed, and action-oriented community around soil.