Turkey has tackled soil erosion successfully: Environment minister

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey has attained significant success in its struggle against soil erosion, the environment minister said on Sunday, marking World Soil Day.

In a statement, Murat Kurum said Turkey's efforts led to decrease in amount of soil lost to erosion from 500 million tons per year in the 1970s to 140 million tons annually now.

We aim to decrease this further down to 130 million tons per year by 2023, he added.

Kurum said the country recently ratified the Paris Agreement in line with the goal of net zero emission by 2053, and to lead in green development.

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris on Dec. 12, 2015. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

He said soil is the source of life for all living beings, and Turkey’s effort to tackle the negative effects of climate change and erosion will further intensify and diversify. “Our essence is soil, which we promise to protect."

Turkey recently renamed its Environment and Urbanization Ministry as the Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry, reaffirming the government’s will to resolve the climate crisis and put the green development revolution at the core of its efforts.

World Soil Day is observed on Dec. 5 every year to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.