In this special edition of Soil Matters, recorded at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the British Society of Soil Science takes listeners inside one of the world's most important international gatherings focused on land degradation, desertification, drought and soil health. Hosted by Paul Lincoln, with insights from Andrew Morris, Executive Director of the British Society of Soil Science and UNCCD Civil Society Organisation Panel Representative, and Sopiko Babalashvili, sustainable development advocate and regional representative on the UNCCD CSO Panel, this episode explores why restoring land is central to food security, climate resilience, biodiversity and global stability.

Hear exclusive interviews and reflections from an exceptional line-up of global leaders and experts, including Former President of Finland and UNCCD Land Ambassador Tarja Halonen, Indigenous Peoples' leader Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, UNCCD Youth Caucus Global Focal Point Rico Rau, EU soil scientist Dr Karen Daly, Spanish UNCCD National Focal Point María Medina, Juliane Wiesenhüter of GIZ and advisor to the German UNCCD Focal Point, Professor Paul Hallett, President of the British Society of Soil Science, Linda Sparrow of Bangalow Koalas, Harrison Achibe Nonoco, Mariana Kapović-Solomun, and members of the UNCCD Civil Society Organisation Panel. Together they discuss the future of land restoration, the growing role of science in policymaking, Indigenous and local knowledge, youth leadership, food security, and the challenges and opportunities emerging from COP17.

From high-level diplomacy to grassroots action, this is a powerful and timely conversation about the future of our soils, our landscapes and our shared responsibility to restore hope through restoring land.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction with Andrew Morris and Sopiko Babalashvili
• 23:54 Discussion with Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
• 31:27 Discussion with Rico Rau
• 40:02 Discussion with Tarja Halonen
• 55:26 Discussion with Karen Daly
• 1:04:06 Discussion with Linda Sparrow
• 1:09:43 Discussion with Harrison Achibe Nonoco
• 1:15:34 Discussion with Mariana Kapović-Solomun
• 1:23:20 Discussion with Juliane Wiesenhüter
• 1:35:07 Discussion with María Medina
• 1:47:21 Discussion with Paul Hallett
• 1:54:32 Discussion with the UNCCD Civil Society Organisation Panel
• 2:06:26 Final Remarks

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters

In this episode, host, Paul Lincoln is joined by Professor Simon Jeffery and environmental writer George Monbiot to unpack the groundbreaking Earth Rover Program—a pioneering initiative using high‑frequency seismology and AI to “see” into the soil without disturbing it. By replacing traditional, destructive sampling methods with non‑invasive techniques, the programme aims to make high‑quality soil data accessible to farmers, scientists, and citizens alike. With ambitions to scale from field‑level analysis to global mapping—and even smartphone‑based tools—this work could revolutionise how we monitor soil health, carbon storage, water movement, and biodiversity.

The conversation explores the scientific challenges of studying soil, the limitations of current methods, and how interdisciplinary innovation—from geophysics to ecology—could unlock a deeper understanding of the living systems beneath our feet. It also highlights the growing role of citizen science, open data, and collaboration in shaping the future of soil science.

In the second half, the focus shifts from innovation to international policy, with Andrew Morris and Sopiko Babalashvili discussing the significance of COP17 under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). With land degradation and desertification accelerating globally—including in Europe—the episode outlines why soil health is now central to tackling climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss.

Listeners will gain insight into how science informs policymaking at COP, the role of civil society and youth voices, and why soil scientists are critical to shaping sustainable land management solutions worldwide. This episode sets the stage for COP17, highlighting both the urgency of the challenges ahead and the innovative solutions emerging from science and society.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters

Professor Jack Hannam, former President of the British Society of Soil Science (2023–2024) and now Head of the Agriculture, Health and Environment Department at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, joins the conversation with deep expertise in soil systems and global environmental policy. Having represented the sector at international forums including COP29 and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and having advised both UK Parliament and the Canadian Senate, Jack brings a global scientific perspective on soil health, food production, and ecosystem resilience.

She is joined by Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, a former senior British Army officer and Chief of Defence People, who led the UK Ministry of Defence’s landmark review on climate change and sustainability. Now an internationally recognised advisor on the intersection of climate and security, Richard provides a defence and strategic lens on how environmental degradation is reshaping global stability.

Together, they unpack the implications of the UK Government’s Nature Security Assessment, which warns that biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse could trigger food shortages, supply chain disruption, migration pressures and geopolitical instability. The discussion explores why climate and nature risks are still underrepresented in national security planning, and how concepts such as food, water and energy security are becoming central to resilience.

Drawing on history—from the WWII “Dig for Victory” campaign to today’s reliance on synthetic fertilisers—the episode examines how society has become disconnected from the land, and what that means for future food systems. Jack highlights the science behind soil degradation, nutrient loss and sustainable alternatives, while Richard emphasises the need to redefine security beyond military capability to include the resilience of the nation itself.

The conversation ultimately issues a clear call to action: soil is not just an environmental concern, but a strategic asset. For scientists, policymakers and citizens alike, understanding and restoring soil health is essential to safeguarding food systems, ecosystems and the stability of nations in an increasingly uncertain world.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters