Fiji celebrated World Soil Day with a vibrant, youth-focused event at Syria Park in Nausori, emphasizing the critical role of young individuals in safeguarding the country’s soil and enhancing urban resilience. This year’s theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” encouraged participants to turn their awareness into actionable efforts, featuring a variety of hands-on activities around Nausori and Suva.
During the event, attendees engaged in planting fruit trees and vetiver grass at key locations, including Syria Park, Nakasi Market, and the riverbank. These initiatives are designed to green urban areas and mitigate soil erosion, showcasing practical steps that community members can take to contribute to a healthier environment.
Students participated in interactive demonstrations, gaining insights into soil health through activities such as soil coring, identifying soil layers, and conducting on-site pH tests. This educational approach helped deepen their understanding of soil’s critical role in crop nutrition and overall agricultural sustainability.
The Agriculture Division also presented displays on sustainable soil management practices and innovations in land care, reinforcing the importance of these techniques in fostering healthy urban ecosystems.
As part of the initiative, community groups were provided with planting materials to encourage ongoing environmental stewardship beyond the day’s events. Organizers highlighted that protecting soil is not only a scientific concern but also a civic duty intrinsically linked to food security, climate resilience, and the well-being of thriving urban populations. This collective effort aims to empower the next generation to take an active role in nurturing Fiji’s natural resources for a sustainable future.
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