Summary
This assessment synthesises evidence on soils' contributions to Nature's Contributions to People and their role in underpinning all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The authors argue that whilst healthy, well-managed soils support all NCPs and SDGs, degraded or poorly managed soils may undermine both. Three priority management pathways are identified: protection of healthy soils in natural ecosystems, management of cultivated soils to maintain health and biodiversity, and restoration of degraded soils.
Regional applicability
The Global assessment is applicable to United Kingdom farming and land management policy, where soil degradation, carbon depletion, and biodiversity loss remain significant challenges. The framework supports implementation of UK environmental standards (e.g. Environmental Land Management schemes) and aligns with statutory soil health obligations under the Environment Act 2021.
Key measures
Qualitative assessment of soil contributions to NCP; mapping of NCP–SDG linkages; categorisation of soil management priorities
Outcomes reported
The study assessed how soils contribute to Nature's Contributions to People (NCP) and mapped these relationships to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It identified management priorities for healthy, managed, and degraded soils to ensure positive contributions to sustainable development.
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