The Mission Soil is off to an inspiring start with the celebration of its first 25 Mission Soil Living Labs which will be leading the way in tackling soil degradation, pollution, and biodiversity loss while championing sustainable practices that benefit land managers, researchers, and communities alike.
During the European Soil Week 2024 in Brussels (12–14 November), these pioneer Living Labs were officially recognised for having initiated their transformative journey towards soil health. In a heartwarming ceremony, representatives received custom-designed plaques and pins, symbolising their commitment to restoring Europe’s soils. This unique moment, supported by the SOILL-Startup project, highlighted the shared vision and determination behind this transformative initiative.
Meet the Trailblazers
The first set of 25 Mission Soil Living Labs in a series of (expected) 100 have been unveiled as the funded projects establishing them kicked off their work across Europe. Funded by the Soil Mission Work Programme 2023, the following transnational multi-actor projects are making strides in setting up living labs in different geographical contexts.
GOV4ALL: Empowering communities across France, Greece, and Spain through five Mission Soil Living Labs, this project connects farmers, scientists, NGOs, and policymakers to reimagine soil health and economic sustainability.
Living SoiLL: Relying on five Mission Soil Living Labs, this project works closely with local stakeholders to enhance biodiversity, reduce erosion, and address challenges faced by vineyards, olive groves, and orchards.
ICOSHELLs: With six Living Labs across Europe, iCOSHELLs bridges science and real-world applications to create replicable, sustainable soil management practices.
SOILCRATES: Focusing on mineral soils, SOILCRATES combines cutting-edge monitoring with community engagement to boost soil health and spread soil literacy.
LILAS4SOILs: A game-changer in carbon farming, LILAS4SOILs explores advanced technologies across six countries and five Living Labs to drive soil organic carbon enhancement and nutrient management.
A Shared Mission
The European Soil Week brought together soil enthusiasts, from policymakers to researchers, to celebrate this milestone and spark collaboration. These 25 Mission Soil Living Labs represent more than projects—they’re real communities working together to heal Europe’s soils. As we look toward 2030, these pioneering Living Labs are paving the way for innovation, connection, and sustainability, setting the foundation for a healthier, greener future.
Discover them all! Download the catalogue of the first 25 Mission Soil Living Labs created by SOILL-Startup and connect with the inspiring work of communities and organisations driving sustainable soil solutions.