Global Save Soil Campaign Raises Awareness of Land Degradation in Bali

• Posted by: Admin
• Kamis, 5 Juni 2025
• Has been read 56 time(s)

Denpasar - The Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University held a guest lecture entitled "Soil Degradation - Restoration and Prevention Strategies in Bali" on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Nusantara Room, Agrokompleks Building, Sudirman Campus, Denpasar. This event collaborated with a young activist from the global Save Soil movement, Sahil Jha, in order to voice the importance of soil conservation as a life support.

This guest lecture presented two main speakers: Sahil Jha, a 19-year-old environmental activist from India, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Ni Made Trigunasih, M.P., a soil conservation expert from Unud. Sahil Jha told the story of a bicycle journey of more than 20,000 km across dozens of countries to campaign for the importance of awareness of soil degradation. "In the next 25 years, it is estimated that 90% of agricultural land will be damaged. This will have a direct impact on global food availability," said Sahil in his presentation. “Land is the source of life. Without healthy soil, there is no food, water, or even clean air. This is the time to act,” Sahil emphasized.

Meanwhile, Trigunasih emphasized the urgency of an environment-based conservation strategy. She revealed that 14 million hectares of critical land in Indonesia require serious handling. “Land conversion, erosion, and excessive use of chemicals are the main causes of land degradation,” he explained. In the discussion session, students highlighted the issue of nickel mining in Raja Ampat and the controversy over oil palm plantations. Trigunasih responded that post-mining restoration and the use of cover crops in plantations are efforts that must be strengthened through strict policies and supervision.

This activity is not only an academic space, but also a moral call for the younger generation to participate in maintaining the sustainability of land and the environment. The Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, is committed to encouraging research and advocacy that supports sustainable soil conservation policies.