Vienna soil declaration and international Decade of Soils

The IUSS proclaimed at the Celebration of the International Year of Soils 2015 the Vienna Soil Declaration and the international decade of soils.

Speakers from regional soil science societies (Africa, East and Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America), the IUSS Council, the chairs and vice-chairs of the IUSS Divisions, Commissions and Working Groups as well as several high level representatives from FAO, IAEA and partners were invited to discuss the achievements of the IYS and the future challenges in soil science as well as opportunities for international cooperation. In the course of this highly successful event, which attracted more than 120 participants from all over the world, a draft version of the Vienna Soil Declaration “Soil matters for humans and ecosystems” was adopted and the International Decade of Soils (2015-2024) proclaimed by Rainer Horn, IUSS President. The end of the International Decade of Soils coincides with the centennial anniversary of the International Union of Soil Sciences.