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The Isha Foundation, an Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Member, launched theÌý'Journey to Save Soil'Ìýin London on 21 March, setting its founder Sadhguru off on a 100-day motorcycle journey throughÌý26 countries to raise awareness aboutÌýsoil degradation and advocate for bringing organic matter back to agricultural processes.

Soil degradation isÌýthe physical, chemical and biological decline ofÌýsoil quality. Caused by unabated deforestation and urbanisation, industrial pollution, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices,ÌýhalfÌýof the world’s soil is already degraded. This loss threatensÌýfood quality and supply, water security and biodiversity, increasesÌýcarbon emissions and climate related risks, and can lead to loss of livelihoods, conflict and migration. A change in farming practices has never been more urgent.

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ has in recent years developed a new engagement in agriculture and land healthÌýwith the goal forÌýgovernments, businesses and land managers (including farming communities) to implementÌýa common vision to protect and restore biodiversity on farms and in agricultural landscapes, including the ecosystems on which agriculture depends. The flagship report 'Common ground' showedÌýhow soil and landscape biodiversity can benefit society and help overcome major challenges. In joining forces with key partners, such as the IKEA Foundation and others, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥Ìýis supporting the transition to sustainable agriculture to secure and improve the livelihoods of people who depend on the land, while conserving nature and protecting the planet.

“Food doesn’t come from Uber Eats, it comes from soil. The healthier the soil, the healthier your food, the healthier your body", said Sadhguru during the event. When asked what can be done by a youth member in the audience, he replied "start local, involve your neighbourhood, start a vegetable garden, get your hands in the soil - not in the dirt as is commonly said,Ìýas soil is not dirty - it is rich, it is our foundation of a healthy life and a safe environment."

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ is proud to support its Member, the Isha Foundation, in the advancement of the Save Soil movement to:

• TurnÌýthe world's attention to degraded soil;
• InspireÌý3.5 billion people (60% of the world’s electorate) to support policy redirections to safeguard, nurture and sustain soils; and
• DriveÌýnational policy changes in 193 nations towards raising and maintaining the organic content of soils to a minimum of 3-6%.

Stewart Maginnis, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Deputy Director Programmes, moderated the withÌýNadia Isler, Director of the UNÌýSDGLab; Dr Naoko Yamamoto,ÌýWHOÌýAssistant Director-General; and Sadhguru, yogi, mystic, visionary, and Save Soil movement initiator. The UN event reached full capacityÌýin the 754 seatsÌýHuman Rights and Alliance of Civilisations Room, as well as on social media with the hashtagÌý#SaveSoilAtUN trending in India.

"We have never seen such uptake of our social media and Twitter posts, it is clear Sadhguru isÌýhugely influential and it is wonderful to see this being used to benefit such an important environmental cause, protecting the earth' soils. The coming together of spiritualism and environmentalism is a powerful combination in terms of influencing and mobilising change, one I hope to see more of in the coming decade", said Claire Warmenbol, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Communications and Partnership Manager.Ìý

The UN event was hosted by theÌýPermanent Missions of India to the United Nations and the Consulate General of India,Ìýas part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years of India’s independence.

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