LOESS Holds Fourth Consortium Meeting to Advance the Second Phase of the Project
From October 7 to 9, the LOESS project held its fourth Consortium Meeting, marking a crucial step as the project moves forward in its second phase. The primary goal of the meeting was to outline key actions that will ensure the successful achievement of the project’s objectives and guarantee its long-term impact on soil health education.
Members of LOESS during the 4th Consortium Meeting (online). Own authorship.During the first year of LOESS, which constitutes the initial phase of the project (running until June 2024), efforts were focused on assessing whether soil health is being effectively taught in schools, universities, and society at large. During the Consortium Meeting, “Deliverable 2.2” which summarizes the findings of this first phase, was presented. This report is now available on the project’s website, where all updates are regularly shared.
As the project advances into its second phase, attention has shifted to developing educational materials aimed at addressing the gaps in soil health education identified across 15 countries. Key educational tools from LOESS were discussed during the meeting, such as the Augmented Reality (AR) app, a MOOC, and educational teaching modules for both students and teachers. These resources will be integrated into the “Soil Atlas” during the project’s third year. Participants also emphasized the importance of continuing to promote the ongoing survey, which will help determine the specific educational resources needed to bridge knowledge gaps in soil health—an issue critical to both human and planetary well-being.
The meeting also featured the presentation of exemplary educational case studies, which are now available on the project’s website. In addition, a glossary of soil health-related terms was introduced. This glossary will be incorporated into another key educational tool of the project, the “crowdmapping tool,” which was also unveiled during the meeting. The translation of these tools into 14 languages was another key topic discussed at the 4th Consortium Meeting.
To reach its target audiences—schools, universities, the general public, and policymakers—the consortium discussed upcoming communication campaigns and specific initiatives, such as the creation of an international summer camp. This virtual event will bring together students from four different countries for three days, with measures in place to ensure its successful implementation.
Digital board. Members of the Consortium interacting during a deep dive session. Own authorship.
Throughout the three-day online meeting, leaders of the various work packages led sessions to facilitate partner engagement, utilizing interactive tools such as surveys, digital boards, and doodles. These efforts contributed to a productive and dynamic collaboration. Additionally, members of the Advisory Board participated in discussions, providing input on ethical considerations related to the project.
The LOESS project remains committed to raising awareness about the importance of soil health, a crucial factor in sustaining life on Earth. One key conclusion from the 4th meeting is that the 5th Consortium Meeting will be held in person in Greece during the first week of April. Also, LOESS will continue exploring synergies with other projects to achieve common goals collectively.
Contact information:
For more information about the LOESS project and its ongoing efforts to improve soil literacy in Europe, contact:
Norbert Steinhaus – WILA Bonn (project coordinator)
