International Mother Earth Day: Invest in Our Planet
On April 22, the UN recognizes International Mother Earth Day, an annual event that aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the Earth and the need for its protection. According to the UN, “Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet and its people. Restoring our damaged ecosystems will help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction. But we will only succeed if everyone plays a part. For this International Mother Earth Day, let’s remind ourselves more than ever that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. Let’s promote harmony with nature and the Earth.”
On Monday, April 24, the UN will host a special dialogue on Harmony with Nature. Our world is facing a myriad of challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation, which threaten the very foundations of our ecosystems and the well-being of all living beings. But there is hope, and it lies in our ability to live in harmony with Mother Earth and take action to restore the Earth’s natural balance.
We can restore our relationship with Nature by investing in our planet. One way we can invest in the health of our planet is by prioritizing soil health. Soil is a living ecosystem that provides the foundation for all life on Earth. However, industrial agriculture has led to soil degradation, with soil health diminishing at a rate ten times faster than it is being replenished. It has disconnected us from nature and created an unsustainable food system. By prioritizing Natural Agriculture practices that promote soil health, we can help restore the natural balance of our ecosystems and ensure the long-term sustainability of our food systems.
Natural Agriculture practices like no-till farming, cover cropping, and avoiding the use of chemicals, fertilizers, or additives start with treating the soil as a living ecosystem to restore its natural fertility, promote the growth of healthy crops, and increase the carbon capacity of the land.
On International Mother Earth Day 2023, let’s invest in our planet by promoting Natural Agriculture, protecting biodiversity, and prioritizing soil health. Together, we can restore the balance of our ecosystems and create a sustainable future for all.
