Ms. Marete Selvin, moderator, discusses the allure of soil as a campaign, illuminating soil's critical role in climate advocacy through storytelling. Soil is emphasized as a living structure and how it applies to climate, food, and water systems. Dr. Chaney St. Martin, International Specialist in Water and Soil Management - IICA, explained the science of soil, focusing on how soil supports climate regulation, water management, carbon storage, and ecosystem health. He discussed why healthy soil is the foundation for successful climate adaptation, irrigation, and agricultural productivity and emphasized the need for soil to be prioritized in policy and development. Ms. Mercy Karunditu, Director of External Relations & Advocacy for Trees for the Future, presented on regenerative agriculture and the Forest Garden approach, demonstrating how integrating trees with crops restores degraded soils, improves biodiversity and water retention, increases farmer incomes, and strengthens climate resilience for smallholder farmers in East Africa. Mr. Rico Rau, Policy and Research Consultant for Save Soil, discussed the global potential of regenerative agriculture and soil restoration, highlighting their environmental, economic, and social benefits. He explained how restoring soil can improve food security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and outlined the policy, financial, and cultural changes needed to scale sustainable agriculture worldwide.
