Global Save Soil Campaign Raises Awareness on Soil Degradation in Bali

• Posted by: Admin
• Selasa, 10 Juni 2025
• Has been read 36 time(s)

The Faculty of Agriculture at Udayana University (UNUD) held a guest lecture titled “Soil Degradation – Restoration and Prevention Strategies in Bali” on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The event featured young activist Sahil Jha from the global Save Soil movement to highlight the urgent need for soil conservation as the foundation of life.

Held in the Nusantara Room, Agrocomplex Building, Sudirman Campus, Denpasar, the lecture presented two keynote speakers: Sahil Jha, a 19-year-old environmental activist from India, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Ni Made Trigunasih, M.P., a soil conservation expert from UNUD.

Sahil Jha shared his journey of cycling over 20,000 kilometers across dozens of countries to raise awareness about soil degradation. “In the next 25 years, it is estimated that 90% of agricultural soils will be degraded. This will have a direct impact on global food availability,” said Sahil in his presentation.

Meanwhile, Prof. Trigunasih stressed the urgency of environmentally-based conservation strategies. She revealed that 14 million hectares of critical land in Indonesia require serious intervention. “Land conversion, erosion, and excessive use of chemicals are the main causes of soil degradation,” she explained.

During the discussion session, students raised concerns about nickel mining in Raja Ampat and the controversy surrounding palm oil plantations. Prof. Trigunasih responded that post-mining restoration and the use of cover crops in plantations are efforts that must be strengthened through strict policies and supervision.

“Soil is the source of life. Without healthy soil, there is no food, water, or even clean air. Now is the time to act,” Sahil emphasized.

This event served not only as an academic forum but also as a moral call for the younger generation to take part in safeguarding the sustainability of soil and the environment. The Faculty of Agriculture at UNUD is committed to promoting research and advocacy in support of sustainable soil conservation policies.