La stratégie thématique européenne en faveur de la protection des sols
La dégradation des sols liée aux activités humaines est un grave problème en Europe. Pour répondre, la Commission européenne a proposé une stratégie en 2006.
Soil degradation linked to human activities is a serious problem in Europe. To address this, the European Commission proposed a strategy in 2006.
3 chapters
- A Serious Problem in EuropeThe Issue and Response• Caused or exacerbated by human activity, soil degradation represents a serious problem in Europe. • In response to this finding, the European Commission proposed a European thematic strategy to protect European soils in 2006.Cost of DegradationAccording to the Commission, the cost of soil degradation in the European Union is estimated at nearly 38 billion euros per year (2010).
- The Central Role of SoilsEnvironmental ChallengesYet soils play a central role in major environmental challenges: access to clean water, biodiversity protection, food security, climate change mitigation, and more.International Year of SoilsIn fact, the UN General Assembly declared 2015 the International Year of Soils to raise awareness among all stakeholders about the importance of soils as an integral part of an ecosystem essential to life.
- Overexploited and Degraded SoilsOngoing DegradationDespite this global awareness, soils remain overexploited and degraded in Europe.Ten Types of DegradationIn 2006, ten types of soil degradation were identified as part of the European thematic strategy for soil protection: organic matter depletion, erosion, compaction, sealing, salinization, acidification, biodiversity loss, desertification, landslides, and soil contamination.
Further reading
- Food and Agriculture Organization : Dégradation des solsnotre-environnement.gouv.fr
La dégradation des sols est définie comme un changement dans l'état de santé du sol qui entraîne une diminution de la capacité de l'écosystème à fournir des biens et services pour ses bénéficiaires. Les sols dégradés sont dans un état de santé tel qu'ils ne fournissent pas les biens et services habituels du sol dans son écosystème.
