Soils

Soils

Project
 
The aim of this project is to prepare a report that will serve as the basis for the evaluation report on the Federal Action Plan on Nature-based Solution for Climate and Biodiversity (ANK) to be submitted by the Federal Government in 2025. In March 2023, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) published the Federal Action Plan on Nature-based Solution for Climate and Biodiversity (ANK) with the aim of significantly improving ecosystems in Germany. It specifically counteracts the dual crisis of global heating and biodiversity loss.

Report to Support the Evaluation of Natural Climate Protection Action Programme (ANK) in 2025

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Project
 
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2023-2027 presents new opportunities to support the transition to sustainable agricultural production in Europe. In this project, Ecologic Institute together with a consortium led by Ecorys, supported the European Commission Directorate General for the Environment in their assessment of the new CAP Strategic Plans prepared by Member States.

Assessment of Draft CAP Strategic Plans with Respect to Environmental Requirements

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Project
 
For the period 2023-2029, Ecologic Institute joined the Core Team of 20 senior experts supporting the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). As part of the EU CAP Network, the Evaluation Helpdesk's mission is to ensure the effectiveness of CAP evaluations by specifically assisting managing authorities, national CAP networks, paying agencies, evaluators and the European Commission.

European Evaluation Helpdesk for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

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Project
 
MIP Project Soil Deal for Europe Mission Soil
The EU Mission "A Soil Deal for Europe", or Mission Soil, is an initiative launched by the European Commission to protect and restore soils in Europe. The Mission aims to put soils at the centre of attention, promote sustainable land management practices and improve soil health across all types of land uses and territories in Europe.

Mission Implementation Platform for the EU Mission 'Soil Deal for Europe'

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Project:Horizon 2020
 
Land and soils are essential for life on Earth. Yet one third of the global land is considered as degraded and this process is continuing due to higher food production, urbanization and industrial activity. In a new Horizon 2020 project, Ecologic Institute develops a roadmap for research and innovation on soil systems and land management – jointly with stakeholders. The Soil Mission Support project will thus improve coordination in this field and support the EU Mission on Soil Health and Food, the European Green Deal, and contribute to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Soil Mission Support: Towards a European research and innovation roadmap on soils and land management

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Project
 
This project supports the EU Commission's DG CLIMA to develop and evaluate different options for certifying carbon removal solutions. Carbon removals, also known as negative emissions, include nature-based technologies such as afforestation and soil carbon, and technology-based approaches, including carbon capture and storage from direct air or bioenergy. To reach the EU's 2050 goal of climate neutrality, alongside mitigation of GHG emissions, the EU must remove substantial amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. This project assesses existing knowledge and identifies policy options to increase carbon removals across Europe.

Support on Devising a Carbon Removal Certification Mechanism

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Project
 
Soils2Sea logo
Both the Baltic Sea Action Plan and the EU Water Framework Directive require substantial further reductions of nutrient loads (N and P) to the Baltic Sea during the coming years. Achievements of these goals will only be possible by the implementation of fundamental changes in agricultural practices and land use. To this end, a team of researchers from eight institutions across the EU and Russia, will investigate the introduction of additional new and innovative measures to reduce nutrient loads.

Reducing Nutrient Loadings from Agricultural Soils to the Baltic Sea via Groundwater and Streams (Soils2Sea)

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Project
 
This project identified the most promising and cost-effective measures at the regional and farm levels to increase the resource efficiency and use of nutrients (N, P, K) and helped to close mineral cycles with a focus on saturated areas. Findings were translated into relevant practical measures for the farming community in highly nutrient-saturated regions in Europe. A consortium composed of BIO by Deloitte and Ecologic Institute, with the contribution of several European research institutes, conducted this project on behalf of DG Environment.

Resource Efficiency in Practice – Closing Mineral Cycles

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Project
 
Soil is the basis of all economic and cultural activities; however, this "fundamental" economic value of soil is barely recognised. As part of a project for the European Commission, Ecologic and the French Geological Survey (BRGM) will therefore estimate the economic consequences that the continued degradation of European soils implies.

Economic Assessment of Soil Deterioration

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Project
 
The aim of the project participants is to provide the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) with scientific support in communicating the results of the IPCC Special Reports on "Climate Change and Land" (SRCCL) and "The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate" (SROCC). This is achieved by preparing the contents of the special reports by means of core messages, explanatory texts and presentations in webinars.

Communication on the IPCC Special Reports "Climate Change and Land" and "The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate"

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Project
 
Veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) and their metabolites are increasingly becoming the focus of scientific and public debate as environmental contaminants. The project developed an overview of research results, mitigation measures and concepts to reduce the inputs of veterinary pharmaceuticals into the environment. The results are summarised in the handbook "Concepts for Mitigating Veterinary Pharmaceutical Inputs from Agriculture into the Environment."

Concepts for Mitigating Veterinary Pharmaceutical Inputs from Agriculture into the Environment

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Project
 
About a quarter of German groundwater exceeds the nitrate limit of the European Union for drinking water. A substantial reduction of inputs can only be achieved through measures in agriculture. The study examines existing drinking water cooperations between farmers and drinking water suppliers in water conservation areas in North Rhine-Westphalia. In doing so, positive approaches should be harnessed for a purposeful policy.

Cooperative Water Protection and their Impact on Groundwater Quality

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Project
 
There is still no specific soil protection law at EU level. In 2014 the European Commission withdrew its 2006 proposal for a soil protection directive, after two unofficial compromise proposals of 2010 and 2011 failed to secure an agreement. The project analyses and compares the three proposals, because they represent the course and state of play of the political debate and could play a role in the event of new political initiatives. A legal analysis shows commonalities and differences between the soil protection requirements of the proposals and German soil protection law. The study also examines the potential cost for the Federal and State level to gather the necessary data if there was an obligation to identify and determine risk areas according to certain criteria. The project also analyses to what extent EU laws and instruments regulate or have an impact on soil protection, and provides an assessment if and how soil protection standards could be incorporated or added.

Cost and Benefits for Germany of a European Soil Framework Directive

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Publication:Article
 
The European Commission’s proposed Omnibus Simplification Package aims to streamline the authorisation of pesticides and reduce regulatory burdens within the European Union. However, a new Policy Forum article published in Science argues that the proposal could significantly weaken environmental risk assessment procedures and increase risks to biodiversity and human health. According to the authors, the current EU pesticide framework already contains important gaps, including insufficient consideration of impacts on many non-target organisms, cumulative effects of multiple pesticides, and sublethal ecological impacts. Rather than addressing these shortcomings, the Omnibus proposal may exacerbate them.

EU Omnibus Proposal Increases Pesticide Risks

More efficient environmental risk assessment and stronger protection are achievable

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the publication titled "The impact of subsoil management on the delivery of ecosystem services: An economic valuation for Germany" by Ittner, S., Gerdes, H., and Kiresiewa, Z. The report is part of the BonaRes Series, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The cover features the BonaRes logo and a geometric design in blue, green, and white tones.
How does subsoil management affect the provision of ecosystem services – and what is its economic value to society? These questions are at the heart of a study by Sophie Ittner, Holger Gerdes and Zoritza Kiresiewa from Ecologic Institute. Using a Benefit Transfer approach, the authors assess the societal costs and benefits of two subsoil management practices in German agriculture. The results demonstrate that sustainable subsoil management can generate not only ecological, but also substantial economic value – offering important insights for targeted support through agri-environmental policy.

The Impact of Subsoil Management on the Delivery of Ecosystem Services

An economic valuation for Germany

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Publication:Infographic
 
Illustration of multifunctional measures for urban infrastructure that combine water retention and greening. It shows green roofs, green facades, photovoltaic systems, permeable pavements, deep beds with retention space, multifunctional retention areas and a cistern for rainwater utilization. Benefits include improved air quality, noise reduction, heat reduction and resource conservation. Source: Ecologic Institute and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment.
Ecologic Institute conceived and designed several infographics for the update of the Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg. These visualise some of the thematised climate impacts on the various fields of action and support the understanding of the content. The infographics are designed in accordance to the project's style guidelines.

Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg – Infographic Series

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Ecologic Institute and Ecorys are working hand in hand to support the Mission Soil by identifying key stakeholders who take ownership, building their commitment, and creating a network of Mission Soil Ambassadors. Our efforts are reflected in the latest fact sheet, which shows more individuals and organisations joining in to endorse the Mission Soil Manifesto and promote healthier soil. The manifesto is a call to action for regional and local policymakers, citizens, and various stakeholders like farmers, educators, and companies to come together voluntarily and focus on improving soil health. Those who sign up commit to raising awareness, encouraging innovation, and taking practical steps to protect and restore soil, all without any legal obligations.

Mission Soil Manifesto

A growing community of soil friends and signatories

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Kompaktinformation für Kommunen: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung
Due to changing climatic conditions, the state government of Baden-Württemberg committed to update its adaptation strategy in 2023. This compact information highlights the measures from the state strategy in which municipalities have an important role to play. It is intended to help them define and implement, or work towards implementing, the measures necessary for their local conditions and risks. It provides a compact overview for municipalities on their way to adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Kompaktinformation für Kommunen: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the short version "Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg. Fortschreibung"
The adaptation strategy provides the framework for the adaptation activities of the state of Baden-Württemberg and serves as a basis for implementation, especially for administration, municipalities and the economy. Due to changing climatic conditions, the state government of Baden-Württemberg committed to update its adaptation strategy in 2023. This short version summarizes the contents of the adaptation strategy.

Kurzfassung: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung

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Event:Conference
 
This international conference provides an opportunity to learn and exchange knowledge on the topic of microplastics in soils, and is aimed at scientists and decision-makers alike. The first day of the event focuses on the state of the science, the second day on identifying policy solutions and recommendations for action at the European and international level. This hybrid event took place on 19 and 20 October 2022 in Berlin (Germany). Ecologic Institute organised the conference as a hybrid event, which was attended by 60 people on site and up to 150 people online.

Microplastics in Soils

A threat for human health and the environment?

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online, Berlin, Germany

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Event:Workshop
 
In order to determine the acceptance of measures to enhance the subsoil in agriculture, Ecologic Institute organised two stakeholder workshops in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) in March 2020. The first workshop took place on 2 March in Bad Sassendorf (near Soest) and the second on 3 March in Kleve. Both were part of the BonaRes project "Soil³ – Sustainable Subsoil Management", funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Better Use of Deep Soil Layers in Agriculture as Preparation for Dry Periods

An acceptance analysis of measures to enhance the subsoil


Bad Sassendorf, Kleve, Germany

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Event:Conference
 
What is the best way forward for soil protection in the EU? How can we improve EU policies to secure the delivery of soil ecosystem services? These questions were the focus of the final policy conference of the RECARE project which took place on 27 September 2018 in Brussels. More than 100 participants from 21 countries participated in the conference.

Preventing and Remediating Degradation of Soils in Europe – RECARE Final Policy Conference


Brussels, Belgium

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Event:Workshop
 
Since the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015 countries worldwide have started processes towards the implementation of the goals and targets. Some of the targets are often already part of national strategies and instruments. Others are new and still need to be further specified to national circumstances – target 15.3 and the concept of "Land Degradation Neutrality" is one of these.

Implementing SDG Target 15.3 in the EU and in the Member States: Exchange of Approaches to Implement "Land Degradation Neutrality" (LDN)


Brussels, Belgium

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Event:Conference
 
On 5 December 2016, World Soil Day, an EU Soil stakeholders' Conference took place in Brussels. The conference aimed at raising awareness about the importance of soils and the ecosystem services that they deliver, and to contribute to the implementation of the EU Soil Thematic Strategy. The proceedings are available for download.

Soil Stakeholders' Conference


Brussels, Belgium

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Event:Discussion
 
A presentation by Sophie Ittner on key messages of the latest Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the current state of land systems and future risks of climate change. Important recommendations for action for society and politics are summarized and discussed. Participation is free of charge.

Climate Change, Soil and Agriculture: Where do we stand and what we can do


Berlin, Germany

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Event:Workshop
 
In June 2019, the stakeholder workshop "Optimal soil management to ensure yield capacity & acceptance analysis of measures to upgrade the subsoil" of the BMBF-funded BonaRes project "Soil³ – Sustainable Subsoil Management" took place in Moltzow (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). This workshop is part of a series of workshops with the aim to discuss and gather the prevailing opinions on subsoil management measures with the help of an acceptance analysis. Ecologic Institute researchers discussed with farmers and other ecological actors under which conditions they would implement or support these measures.

Optimal Soil Management to Ensure Yield Capacity


Moltzow, Germany

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Event:Workshop
 
In January 2019, the stakeholder workshop "Using the Subsoil to Better Prepare for Droughts – An Acceptance Analysis of Measures to Enhance the Subsoil" of the BMBF-funded BonaRes project "Soil³ – Sustainable Subsoil Management" took place in Bonn. The aim of the workshop was to discuss the prevailing opinions on subsoil management measures. Ecologic Institute researchers discussed with farmers and other ecological actors under which conditions they would implement or support these measures. The protocol is available for download.

Using the Subsoil to Be Better Prepared for Droughts – An Acceptance Analysis of Measures to Upgrade the Subsoil


Bonn, Germany

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Event:Workshop
 
The European CIRCASA stakeholder workshop took place in Brussels on 5 December 2018. This workshop was part of a series of workshops that took place in eight regions across the world. The workshop gathered 30 participants from across Europe, including representatives from the agricultural and food industry, farmers, regional and national policy-makers, non-governmental organisations and the European Commission. The aim of the workshop was to discuss the most promising management options for maintaining and enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) in Europe; barriers to and solutions for their implementation; as well as to identify the key knowledge and research needs for farmers and other stakeholders for bringing forward SOC management in Europe. On 16 January 2019, these results were reflected on with the CIRCASA Stakeholder Advisory Board. The outcomes of the stakeholder consultation will feed directly into the development of an international strategic research agenda on soil organic carbon.

Soil Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture – CIRCASA Stakeholder Workshop


Brussels, Belgium

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Event:Workshop
 
<p>Despite extensive discussions, no agreement has been found regarding a common soil indicator for measuring Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in Germany. Major obstacles include low data availability and the effort needed to measure physical soil conditions regularly. During an expert workshop on 27 March 2017 in Berlin, a new and simpler approach, developed by Ecologic Institute in cooperation with the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA), was discussed to determine its suitability for LDN. The core idea of the approach is to measure land use and land use change, directly referring to soil quality in the sense of LDN. The workshop minutes are available for download.</p>&#13;

Using Land Use (Change) for the Valuation of Soil Protection


Berlin, Germany

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Event:Workshop
 
The second BONUS Soils2Sea workshop in the Swedish case study region brought together project partners from BONUS Soils2Sea, as well as an engaged group of Polish and Swedish farmers, representatives from the community Mykanow, a representative from a fishing association, the Länsstyrelsen Skåne (The County Administrative Board Skåne), and Havs- och vattenmyndigheten (Swedish Marine and Water Authority). Highlights of the workshop were a film screening of a Soils2Sea documentary recently shot in Poland, presentations on the Tullstorp river restoration project, and a world cafe stakeholder discussion on different governance scenarios to regulate nutrients. The workshop was followed by a field trip to the Tullstorp river, where the different restoration measures and the recently created wetlands could be experienced hands-on.

Soils2Sea: Future Governance Approaches for Reducing Excess Nutrients at Local Farm Scale

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Jordberga, Sweden

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Event:Discussion
 
On 14 October 2016, the documentary film "Soils2Sea: Reducing nutrient loadings into the Baltic Sea" premiered in Poland. Developed and produced by Dr. Grit Martinez (Ecologic Institute) and Anne Berrini (berrini films) with support from Dr. Przemyslaw Wachniew (AGH University of Science and Technology Krakow), the movie illustrates the societal story of implementing the EU's nitrate directive at regional realities in the EU member states, particularly in the Kocinka catchment area in south central Poland. The 35-minute film will be available soon on Ecologic Institute's website.

Soils2Sea: Reducing Nutrient Loadings Into the Baltic Sea – Film Premiere


Mykanow, Poland

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Presentation:Speech
 
The BONARES conference "Soil as a Sustainable Resource" took place in Berlin from 26 to 28 February 2018. Ecologic Institute staff attended the conference and presented the interim results of the Soil³ project – Sustainable Subsoil Management. Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen, Senior Fellow at Ecologic Institute, gave a presentation on "Social acceptance of measures to improve the subsoil in German agriculture".

The Invisible Subsoil: Social acceptance of measures to improve the subsoil in agriculture


Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen

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Presentation:Speech
 
During the 11th European IFSA Symposium Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen, Senior Fellow at Ecologic Institute, outlined the existing mechanisms for soil protection in general and soil organic matter (soil carbon) specifically. She explained the requirements for better policies to protect soil organic matters. Sandra Naumann chaired the session. The presentation slides are available for download.

Soil Carbon Management for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Framing and Integrating the Issue in the Evolving Policy Environment


Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen

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Presentation:Lecture
 
On 24 and 25 October 2011, Stephan Sina, Senior Fellow at Ecologic Legal, and Gesa Homann, Researcher at Ecologic Institute, held a seminar on current issues in German and European environmental law at the Berlin Academy of Public Administration (Verwaltungsakademie Berlin).

Seminar of Current Developments in German and EU Environmental Law


Gesa Homann LLM

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