The second edition of the World Living Soils Forum (WLSF) takes place on October 8th and 9th at LUMA Arles, France, bringing together international leaders, innovators, and advocates dedicated to the preservation and regeneration of the planet’s vital soil. Organized by Moet Hennessy in collaboration with ChangeNOW, this two-day event aims to accelerate collective action and foster impactful solutions to combat soil degradation, a pressing global concern.
Since its inception in 2022, the WLSF has grown into a key platform for dialogue and innovation, focusing on the urgent need for soil health, which directly affects agriculture, biodiversity and climate resilience. This year’s forum has expanded its scope by featuring 21 start-ups showcasing solutions to soil preservation, alongside a program of approximately 60 sessions that include conferences, round tables, and workshops.
A Collaborative Approach to Soil Health
The forum’s agenda was co-developed with an external Advisory Board comprising 15 experts from diverse fields, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of systemic challenges. Discussions will address crucial themes such as financing transitions to sustainable practices, public policies that support soil health, and educational initiatives that raise awareness among the general public. These experts will lead discussions on critical themes such as:
- Systemic Challenges: Addressing financing transitions, public policies, and education strategies.
- Soil Health and Measurement: Evaluating methods for assessing and enhancing soil vitality.
- Nature-Based Solutions and Regenerative Agriculture Practices: Exploring innovative approaches that integrate natural processes into agricultural practices.
- Society, Art, and Culture: Investigating the cultural significance of soil and its role in community and artistic expressions.
Notably, this edition of the WLSF emphasizes international collaboration, with satellite events also occurring in California and the Ningxia region of China, reinforcing the global imperative for soil conservation.
Addressing Soil Degradation
As per the study, about 33% of soils worldwide are currently degraded, with 40% of these in Africa, particularly in impoverished regions facing food insecurity. Soil degradation threatens food security and ecosystem health, necessitating urgent, localized actions to reverse this trend of climate change.
Each year, 12 million hectares of agricultural land are lost, and soils with less than 0.8% organic matter are often abandoned. The forum serves as a rallying point for stakeholders to share knowledge, develop methodologies for monitoring soil health and collectively strategize for impactful solutions.
Engaging the Public: The Living Soils Workshop
A highlight of the forum is the Living Soils Workshop, designed by the Sparknews agency in collaboration with Ludi Soli. This interactive workshop aims to educate participants on the complex relationships within soil ecosystems and the impact of agricultural practices. Through a series of engaging activities over two hours, participants will explore essential concepts such as nutrient cycles, photosynthesis, and nitrogen fixation.
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The workshop unfolds in three phases:
- Discovery Phase: Participants identify key actors and mechanisms within the soil system, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Impact Assessment Phase: A historical overview allows participants to analyze past agricultural practices, understanding both their benefits and long-term consequences on soil health.
- Reflection Phase: Engaging in role-playing, participants embody different societal roles—farmers, politicians, citizens—to brainstorm actionable solutions for soil preservation.
Art Meets Science
In addition to the workshops and discussions, attendees will also have the opportunity to explore two artistic and scientific exhibits that celebrate the living world, highlighting the beauty and complexity of soil ecosystems. These exhibits aim to inspire a broader audience about the significance of soil health and the urgent need for sustainable practices.
Mycelium Oracle
In Mycelium Oracle, artist Come Di Meglio presents a sensory installation featuring the living material of mycelium‘ at ChangeNOW. Visitors engage with the space, hearing and touching the subterranean truths revealed by mycelium’s unique properties. This intricate network underscores the foundation of living soil, connecting the roots of trees, plants, and humans, and emphasizing the ecosystem’s vital role in our environment.
Maison Ruinart believes in the vital role that artists play in advocating for nature preservation. Recognizing their unique ability to connect with diverse audiences, Ruinart supports this installation as a demonstration of their commitment to environmental causes.
Blooming Ground
Blooming Ground addresses the impact of human activities on our landscapes, often leaving behind damaged territories. This exhibit focuses on rehabilitating these areas through plant-based soil decontamination techniques, known as phytoremediation. To advance these techniques, the exhibit emphasizes finding practical uses for the plants involved.
The research showcased here highlights the potential of these plants in the field of fire art, utilizing enamels on stoneware, porcelain, and glass. The colors produced depend on the elements extracted from the soil, resulting in a diverse palette that reflects the historical and climatic context of the territory. This approach promotes innovative production methods that carry significant ecological value.
As the World Living Soils Forum continues through October 9, the collective efforts of participants—from scientists to entrepreneurs—will pave the way for innovative solutions to one of the planet’s most critical challenges. The forum stands as a testament to the global commitment to protecting and regenerating living soils, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
