Dear Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you as a concerned citizen in support of the Save Soil movement, which is backed by organizations such as UNEP, UNCCD, UNFAO, WFP, and IUCN.

Save soil aims to achieve a minimum of 3-6% soil organic matter (subject to regional conditions) in agricultural soils to ensure a thriving, healthy and well nourished planet.

As you may know, we are facing a significant soil crisis globally, with a UN report indicating that 52% of agricultural soils are degraded. This issue poses serious threats not only to food security but also to water security, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of farmers across not only in our nation but globally.

The urgency of this situation is undeniable. Healthy soil is essential for sustaining our agricultural systems and ensuring a resilient future for our communities. It plays a vital role in carbon sequestration and acts as a buffer against climate shocks like floods and droughts.

With the upcoming COP conferences on biodiversity, climate change and land, I urge you to support immediate policy action aimed at improving soil health as a critical component of our environmental policies. It is essential that we align our national strategies with global efforts to combat soil degradation and promote sustainable practices.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. I sincerely hope for your support in promoting policies that prioritize soil health for the well-being of our people and our planet.

Yours sincerely,
Jacinta Pieterson
Save Soil volunteer from South Africa