On 5 December 2025, events dedicated to World Soil Day took place in Bishkek, highlighting the vital importance of soils for food security, ecosystem health and sustainable agricultural development.
The key event was a scientific and practical conference hosted by the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University named after K.I. Skryabin, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in cooperation with the Kyrgyz Soil Science Society named after A.M. Mamytov. The conference aimed to draw attention to the protection of soil resources and the need to improve soil health amid growing environmental pressures.
In his opening remarks, Oleg Guchgeldyev, FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the fundamental role of soils: “Without healthy soils, there can be no food security, proper nutrition, biodiversity or clean water. Soils provide more than 95 percent of our food, yet they are increasingly threatened by degradation, erosion and unsustainable land use.”
The 2025 World Soil Day campaign is held under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”, focusing on the role of soils in urban environments and the challenges posed by urbanization and soil sealing.
Ermek Baibagyshov, Director of the Kyrgyz Soil Science Society, noted that urban soils provide essential ecosystem services, yet soil sealing, pollution and rapid city expansion undermine these benefits and intensify urban heat island effects.
Participants of the conference highlighted a range of solutions, including: – unsealing paved or concrete surfaces; – creating green roofs and urban gardens; – composting and organic waste recycling; – sustainable urban planning practices.
These measures strengthen climate resilience, improve living conditions and enhance the role of soils in building sustainable cities.
The conference also featured discussions by scientists, government representatives, educators and students on soil fertility conservation, the impacts of climate change, and innovative approaches to restoring and monitoring degraded soils. Special attention was given to the role of young researchers and the integration of new technologies into agriculture.
Alongside the conference, an exhibition showcased modern technologies in soil science. FAO presented the “Soil Doctors” initiative, which is now being introduced in Kyrgyzstan. This global program aims to train farmers in sustainable land management practices to increase productivity while conserving natural resources.
The conference and exhibition provided an effective platform for sharing experiences, presenting scientific and practical solutions and promoting initiatives aimed at combating soil degradation and supporting sustainable land use.
