ECHO Horizon Europe Project

🍎 🌾 Food is life, but our concern about soil doesn't end with agriculture. We're also interested in the condition of soil in towns and cities, big and small. Our newest ECHO Ambassador, Paola Cassiano, is ready and eager to turn regular citizens into citizen scientists! 🔬 🧪 "My name is Paola, and I am an expert in sustainable agriculture and science communication. I am currently a research fellow in the Agroecology Group at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, where I promote participatory research projects in the field of agroforestry systems. I decided to join ECHO because I am deeply concerned about soil health and citizen science, so this seems like the perfect project for me! Furthermore, I want to take this opportunity to challenge myself and raise awareness among my fellow citizens about this issue, discovering together what the soils of our city are like." If you share Paola's concerns, consider becoming an ECHO Ambassador: https://lnkd.in/djGtQ7bK #echosoil #soilhealth #echoambassador #missionsoil #EUmission #horizonEU

Soil health and human health are linked in many different ways 🌱 Healthy soil not only provides us with nutritious food, and forms beautiful landscapes we love to look at. It's also a source of natural healing! ⚕️ From traditional remedies to modern science, soil has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Natural minerals of soil origin, such as clay, have been used for therapeutic purposes since prehistoric times. One of the first written records we have of this procedure came from Aristotle himself! A particular blend of clay, rich in kaolin and bentonite, was used against pathogens back in ancient Rome. All around the world, clay was not only applied to the skin (to reduce swelling or bleeding), but also consumed - for example, to treat indigestion. The same minerals are still applied in modern medicine for the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases. Soil continues to heal us through antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, which are mostly derived from soil microorganisms. Its full potential, however, has not been discovered. Soil is a gift that keeps on giving - it’s up to us to continue learning about it! 🔬 #soilhealth #echosoil #missionsoil #EUmission #horizonEU #soilfertility #naturalhealing

🍏 🌱 Let's give a warm welcome to our newest ECHO Ambassador - Camila Arza! Although all of our Ambassadors have a soft spot for soil, they are a diverse group of talented individuals. Camila is an expert in management - not just of soil, but of time in general - as she manages to take care of a farm, engage in various projects and pursue a law degree - all at once! 🌾 "My name is Camila Arza, and I was born in Brazil, where I earned a degree in Law. I have been living in Italy for 13 years, and for the past 6 years, I have been working for the Capellino Foundation, coordinating the Regenerating Villa Fortuna project. I joined ECHO because I am pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental and Territorial Law, and for my thesis, I chose to focus on soil, specifically on safeguarding biodiversity through agricultural soils. Additionally, I would like to make a tangible contribution to the development of activities related to the EU's Soil Mission. My role at the farm is to coordinate agronomic decisions and daily management, practicing biodiverse and regenerative agriculture. The farm spans 22 hectares, with 3.5 dedicated to agroforestry experimentation, where we grow fruit trees, medicinal herbs, and crops; 3.5 hectares are dedicated to vineyards, and the remaining land consists of pastures and forests.  My work involves applying a new ecology of mind in agriculture, engaging our collaborators and project partners, and sometimes involving the community and other farmers. As an experimental farm, we carry out specific projects on soil and sustainable management of cash crops, working in collaboration with universities and other research institutions like CREA." If you'd like to follow Camila's example, answer our call here: https://lnkd.in/djGtQ7bK #echosoil #soilhealth #missionsoil #EUmission #horizonEU #echoambassador #soilfertility

Hallo Germany 🇩🇪 ! Let's talk about #soil 🌱

As an ECHO Ambassador, you get used to other people relying on your knowledge and expertise. The newest addition to our ranks - Cristina Ganimede from Lombardy, Italy 🇮🇹 - is very familiar with that process. Cristina is an agronomist - an expert in managing soil and assuring the best possible results, from field to forest 🌲 🌾 We're very glad to have such an experienced advisor on team ECHO! 🌱 "I decided to join ECHO because I've been working on a development project for about 12 years and have done some activities related to soil. I'm interested in studying the citizen science approach and using the soil kit to collect samples. What do I do on a daily basis? I am a freelance agronomist working with an NGO on rural development strategies and projects. I’m also a mother of a 4-year-old girl, and I live in a small village in the inner region of the Apennines of Lombardy, located at the intersection of four regions. My job is divided into two parts: I work 4 hours a day as an employee at the Fondazione per lo Sviluppo dell'Oltrepò Pavese (in Varzi), where I handle technical and administrative tasks, and I also collaborate as a freelance agronomist with other organizations. Currently, I’m working with the Consorzio Forestale Reganzo ONLUS on forest management in Oltrepò Pavese and with the Associazione Apicoltori Oltrepò Montano di Zavattarello on bee preservation in high hill and mountain areas. Both organizations are open to collaborating with me on the ECHO project, and their members are interested in activities related to soil health and soil sampling." Are you passionate about soil? Find out how to become an ECHO Ambassador here: https://lnkd.in/djGtQ7bK #soil #soilhealth #missionsoil #echosoil #horizonEU #EUmission #sustainability #echoambassador

🌱 Soil is life! 🌱 Today, let one of our Ambassadors transport you to Żuławy Wiślane (the Vistula Fens), Poland 🇵🇱 . This fascinating region located in the northern part of the country is made unique by the fact that a large part of it is situated below sea level. In fact, the Vistula Fens are home to Poland’s lowest geographical point - 1.8m below sea surface. It is a very high point, however, when it comes to soil stewardship and good farming practices 🌾 Mateusz Ciasnocha is first and foremost a farmer. Aside from being an ECHO Ambassador, he is also President of the Board of the European Carbon Farmers and Co-founder of the Farm of Francesco - on a mission to build a bridge between agricultural and climate policy with farmers at the center. He advises the European Commission as a Member of the EU Soil Mission Board, and as a Member of the Supervisory Board of the Cool Farm Alliance. If you would like to follow his example, answer our Open Call for Ambassadors: https://lnkd.in/djGtQ7bK See you in the field! 🌾 🌿 #echosoil #soilhealth #missionsoil #EUmission #horizonEU #echoambassador #soilislife

🌿 Exciting News! 🌿 Join us at the Healthy Soil Day 2024 event presented by IG Gesunder Boden e.V.! 🌱 On November 20th-21st, dive into the world of "Living Soils - Stable Systems in Climate Change" with expert speakers and engaging discussions. Learn from specialists like Prof. Miriam Athmann and Dr. Viviane Theby 🌱 On the first day, the 20th of November, attendees will get a chance to network and get to know each other before the event officially kicks off. Together, we will discuss soil health and everything that stands in its way - not just in the charming Schwarzachtalhalle in Neunburg v. Forest, but "in the field"! 🌱 Mark your calendar for a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and explore the wonders of soil health. This is a hybrid event - you can also participate online! Free registration available here: https://lnkd.in/di39H6ib #healthysoilday #soilday #soilhealth #echosoil #missionsoil #EUmission #horizonEU

You heard our 🌱OPEN CALL🌱, now it’s time to introduce the people who answered it! Meet Ezio Casali, ECHO Ambassador from Italy! 🇮🇹 “My interest in the ECHO project starts from the awareness and belief that, in the current environmental and climatic situation, soil represents one of the key elements for improving the conditions of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, which in my view represents the true goal to pursue to leave future generations a planet in good condition. This global vision of the issue cannot overlook local actions, especially in certain agronomic contexts, where there is an alarming decline in organic matter content in many soils subjected to decades of intensive farming and monoculture. Efforts should focus on raising awareness among agricultural professionals and the public, aiming to optimize the use of technical means and to make non-experts aware of the importance of this crucial and fundamental resource, which ensures biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and many other environmental benefits. In my role as a teacher of Plant Production and Environmental and Land Management at an agricultural technical institute, I try to teach to my students these fundamental concepts: a well-managed soil is a "healthy" soil, and often adopting techniques aimed at its preservation offers benefits not only for the environment but also for the profitability of the agricultural enterprise. Moreover, I work as a freelance professional, primarily in the field of organic and integrated agriculture, both as a technical consultant and a certifier, seeking to raise awareness among farmers about the thoughtful and environmentally conscious use of fertilizers, plant protection products, and more. I believe that agricultural activity, when properly managed, represents a fundamental factor in protecting the environment, the landscape, and ultimately the entire community.” We couldn't agree more! 💚 Find out how to become an ECHO Ambassador here: https://lnkd.in/djGtQ7bK #echosoil #echoambassador #soilhealth #missionEU #horizon #missionsoil

This week, we had the pleasure of promoting Project ECHO in Łódź, Poland. The conference, aptly named “Kobiety tworzą innowacje” (“Women create innovations”) brought together scientists, researchers, farmers, and everyone in between. From creating new strains of plants, finding new uses for food waste, to expanding their businesses and projects beyond anyone’s expectations - these women aren’t afraid of anything! 🌶 🌹 We are grateful to the organisers of this event for gathering so many passionate and capable people in one place - it made our job of recruiting ECHO Ambassadors very easy! We hope to see you again next year and wish all the attendees of the conference continuous success! 🍓 #innovation #innovationisawoman #girlpower #echosoil #soilhealth #EUmission #horizonEU

🌱 Are you passionate about soil education and innovation? Join our sister project, CURIOSOIL Project at the Community of Practice (CoP) and be part of advancing soil literacy across Europe 🌍 Engage with experts, educators, and enthusiasts, and contribute to the development of soil education initiatives! Together, we can make a difference for soil health and sustainability 🌱 Learn more and express your interest here: https://lnkd.in/ee8uY_jN #soilhealth #echosoil #EUmission #horizonEU #curiosoil #communityofpractice #soileducation