18 June 2014: The Youth and UN Global Alliance (YUNGA) has released the ‘Soils Challenge Badge.’ The booklet includes activities designed to help youth learn more about soils, including soil biodiversity and the role of youth in protecting soils for future generations.

The booklet includes four main sections: all about soil, including its formation, different layers and biodiversity; soil uses, including ecosystem services and human uses; soil at risk; and take action, which includes actions for governments and international organizations and for youth. It has sample badge curricula for three age levels, ranging from 5 to over 16.

The publication describes degradation challenges stemming from unsustainable agriculture practices. It also identifies other threats to soil, including erosion, overgrazing, deforestation, contamination and salinization. It includes a section on soils and poverty, underscoring how climate change and land degradation threaten food security.

The booklet, which is part of YUNGA’s Challenge Badge series, aims to serve as a guide for teachers and youth leaders. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Global Soil Partnership (GSP), UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and YUNGA collaborated on the booklet, with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation (Sida).

YUNGA aims to empower children and young people to have a greater role in society as agents of change, support UN activities and raise awareness. [GSP Press Release] [Publication: Soils Challenge Badge] [YUNGA Website]