The organizers were the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Society of Soil Scientists of Kyrgyzstan named after A.M. Mamytov, focusing on the need to protect and improve soil conditions.
Discussion on soil degradation and land restoration pathways in Kyrgyzstan.
In his welcoming speech, Oleg Guchgeldiev, FAO representative in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized: "Without healthy soils, it is impossible to ensure food security, proper nutrition, biodiversity, and clean water." He noted that soil is the primary source of over 95% of our food but faces threats of degradation, erosion, and irrational use.
The motto for World Soil Day in 2025 is "Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities," highlighting the importance of soils in urban settings and issues related to their sealing and urbanization.
Ermek Baibagyshov, director of the Society of Soil Scientists of Kyrgyzstan, added: "Urban soils play a critically important role in ecosystems; however, their sealing and pollution create serious risks, including the 'heat island' effect.
Conference participants noted that there are solutions, such as 'unsealing' asphalt-covered areas, creating 'green' roofs, greening projects, and sustainable urban agriculture, composting, and smart urban planning. These measures can help improve quality of life, reduce disaster risks, and contribute to the formation of environmentally sustainable cities.
During the event, scientists, experts, government officials, educators, and students discussed the key challenges facing the preservation of Kyrgyzstan's soil resources. Modern methods for maintaining fertility, assessing the condition of agricultural lands, the impact of climate change on soils, and advanced approaches to restoring degraded lands were considered. Significant attention was given to the role of young researchers and the implementation of innovations in the agricultural sector.
Discussion on soil degradation and land restoration pathways in Kyrgyzstan.
As part of the event, an exhibition of modern technologies and projects in the field of soil science was organized, where the FAO presented the "Soil Doctors" initiative. This global program aims to train farmers in sustainable land management practices to increase yields and protect natural resources.
The conference and exhibition became an important platform for demonstrating current initiatives for monitoring soil health and promoting scientific research and policies aimed at preventing soil degradation and supporting sustainable land use.
