SoilTribes Launches Policy Pathways
Healthy soils are essential for climate adaptation, biodiversity, food security, and quality of life. However, policymakers often need clear and practical resources that translate scientific knowledge into concrete pathways for local and regional action.
To support public authorities in turning soil protection into practical action, SoilTribes is introducing Policy Pathways, a new section under the Resources area of the SoilTribes website. This dedicated space will host the thematic collection Soil Mission Pathways for Policymakers, a series of 5 digital booklets and accompanying audiobooks developed under the SoilTribes project and prepared by ICLEI Europe, a SoilTribes consortium partner.
Policy Pathways responds to this need by bringing together evidence-based guidance, practical recommendations, and real-world examples. Each booklet focuses on a key soil-related challenge and supports local governments in understanding what can be done, where action can begin, and how soil protection can become part of everyday decision-making.
The collection supports public authorities in areas such as planning, governance, funding, stakeholder engagement, soil literacy, and regenerative practices. It also contributes to the broader SoilTribes mission of strengthening the connection between society and soil through science, technology, arts, and community-driven action.
Three pathways for action
- Monitor and minimize new soil sealing
The first step is understanding where and how soil sealing is happening. Local authorities can establish monitoring frameworks to track land take, assess sealing trends, and guide planning decisions that reduce further pressure on soil.
- Support mitigation and de-sealing measures
Preventing new sealing is essential, but restoring already sealed areas is also part of the solution. The booklet highlights the importance of de-sealing projects, clear guidelines, regulations, and compensation measures that help transform hard surfaces into more permeable and living spaces.
- Engage citizens in soil revitalization
Soil protection cannot happen only through technical planning. Communities also need to understand why soil matters and how their everyday environments are connected to soil health.
Through this new resource section, SoilTribes supports policymakers and local governments with practical tools to bring soil into policy, planning, and public action.
Volume I: Preventing and Reversing Soil Sealing
The first publication in the series is related to Preventing and Reversing Soil Sealing.
Soil sealing occurs when land is covered with impermeable materials such as concrete and asphalt. This process limits the soil’s natural functions and affects the way cities and regions respond to environmental pressures.
The first Policy Pathways booklet offers practical guidance for local and regional governments on how to prevent new soil sealing, support de-sealing actions, and promote greener, healthier, and more resilient urban spaces.
