To raise public awareness of soil protection and respond to the United Nations’ call, the Environmental Management Administration (EMA), Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held an online event on Dec. 5, World Soil Day, reminding the public of the vital role soil plays in sustainable urban development.

The theme of this year’s World Soil Day is “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” highlighting the close relationship between urban environments and soil health. Cities with good soil permeability and appropriate vegetation can regulate rainfall and ambient temperatures, improve air quality, and enhance carbon storage functions.

The EMA stated that, to promote the importance of soil protection in daily life, it will host a five-day prize-based quiz event from Dec. 1 to 5, 2025, on the Soil and Groundwater Facebook page. One soil-related question will be posted daily at noon. Members of the public who complete the required tasks, such as answering the question, liking, and sharing the post, will be eligible for a prize draw with a chance to receive environmental “green points.” Additional prizes are being offered today (Dec. 5). For detailed event information, please visit the Soil and Groundwater Facebook page. Public participation is welcome.

Over the years, the MOENV has continuously promoted nationwide soil environment surveys and monitoring to understand Taiwan’s soil characteristics. Based on monitoring results, management strategies are regularly reviewed and adjusted to safeguard soil and groundwater quality. The public may visit the “Taiwan Soil Information System” (https://sqbs.moenv.gov.tw/public/) to access soil-related information. The website provides soil science education, survey methods, and historical soil survey results, and also features an educational and interactive “Soil Learning Hub” suitable for learners of all ages.
The ministry emphasized that on the important occasion of World Soil Day, the public is invited to rediscover the soil within cities and place soil at the core of sustainable urban development. By protecting urban soils, we can jointly build greener, more resilient, and healthier urban environments. Let us work together to safeguard this precious resource and contribute to the sustainable development of soils.