“World Soil Day 2018”
The 5th of December is an international Soil Day dedicated to protection of soil worldwide.
As it is stated in FAO Press release, StopSoilPollution is at the heart of the Global Soil Partnership’s mandate as demonstrated by the Global Symposium on Soil Pollution. We work to ensure that people have safe and nutritious food to ensure active and healthy life without endangering essential ecosystems services.
The 5th of December has been celebrated since 2013, when UN General Assembly adopted a resolution regarding the Soil Day to be celebrated around the World.
According to UN information, one-third of soil worldwide is already degraded. Though this process - Soil pollution is a hidden reality, it brings huge damage to everyone. Soil is a complex growing habitat that remains productive only if it is cared for and nurtured. Combating soil pollution is the only way to minimize the risks for food security, damage of human health and the environment. By the end of 2050, the world population will possibly reach 9 billiards, which will considerably increase soil pollution. This process will negatively reflect on water we drink, food we eat, and air we breathe, as we read on UN Soil Day internet site.
Different campaigns are organized dedicated to International Soil Day to raise awareness around the importance of soil protection, among them is an International Conference held at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences dedicated to the World Soil Day. It was organized by the Academic Department of GAAS and Scientific Department of Agronomy with the head of Academician Gogola Margvelashvili and learned Secretary Dr. R. Lolishvili.
The Conference attended the members of GAAS, the staff members, scholars, and Professors from I. Javakhishvili State University, A. Tsereteli University, Scientific Center of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, and Technical University.
The Conference was opened by Vice President Givi Japaridze who spoke about the significance of the soil protection and international celebration of World Soil Day.
Academicians G. Margvelashvili, Tengiz Kurashvili, Z. Chakseliani, Dr, G. Ghambashidze and Dr. G. Gogichaishvili, (Scientific Center of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture), Prof. R. Lortkipanidze, (A. Tsereteli University) Prof. G. Gagoshidze, (Georgian Technical University), Dr. R. Lolishvili (GAAS). The Conference participants, including graduate and doctorate students, took active part in scientific discussion.
At the end of the meeting, Vice President, Academician Givi Japaridze and Academician Secretary of Scientific Department of Agronomy, Academician G. Margvelashvili awarded with honorable Certificates of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences for the long and fruitful scientific – research work carried out in the field of soil studies the following persons: Prof. Roza Lortkipanidze, Prof. Tsiala Pipia ( I. Javakhishvili State University), Dr. Aleksandre Megrelidze ( Scientific- Research Center), and Dr. Tariel Jiadze.
