This interactive session, chaired by pre-eminent scientist Prof Jack Hannam will explore effective soil use and management to promote resilience and adaptation in the context of expanding land degradation, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events and large biodiversity loss.

Addressing the challenges of soil degradation requires a varied toolbox that includes solutions from robust policy frameworks, private and public investment and effective governance mechanisms. Policy instruments are needed to support and prioritise soil conservation, restoration, and sustainable management and resilience.

This discussion session brings together policy advocates, researchers and practitioners, to delve into the multifaceted dimensions of soil policy, governance and the need for collaboration. Underpinned by science, we will discover innovative strategies, best practices, and emerging trends that highlight how various policy instruments can be used to safeguard soil health and promote sustainable land management practices.

Key themes to be addressed include the role of policy interventions in mitigating soil degradation, how to balance multiple societal demands from soils in policy, integrating traditional knowledge into modern governance frameworks, and the socioeconomic implications of soil management decisions. Moreover, the session will explore where there are opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration, citizen engagement, and international cooperation in advancing soil policy agendas. By fostering interdisciplinary exchange around the complexities of soil governance, this session seeks to catalyse action towards building resilient and regenerative soil systems that can support future generations and sustain planetary health.