IUCN Adopts First-Ever Global Model Law on Soil Security
Date & Context
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) adopted Motion 007 on Soil Security Law.
Significance: Marks the world’s first Model Law for Soil Protection a milestone in global environmental governance.
Key Stakeholders
Entity | Role |
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) | Global conservation body adopting the law |
Save Soil (Isha Outreach) | Co-sponsor of the motion |
Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University (USA) | Co-drafter |
Aurora (Australia’s Soil Security Think Tank) | Provided expert inputs |
Sadhguru (Founder, Save Soil Movement) | Advocated and mobilized global awareness |
Highlights of Motion 007
First global recognition of soil security as a foundation for:
Food
Water
Biodiversity
Climate resilience
Represents the first formal legal initiative for comprehensive soil protection at a global scale.
Passed with overwhelming support at the World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi (2025):
87.1% of government members voted in favor
95.45% of NGOs and Indigenous groups supported it
Objectives of the Model Soil Security Law
Guide national action by embedding soil protection into:
Agricultural frameworks
Climate policy
Restoration and conservation programs
Strengthen accountability in soil governance.
Promote regenerative farming and sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
Protect the ecological basis of life for future generations.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the IUCN’s Motion 007 on Soil Security Law (2025):
It is the first global model law framework for soil protection.
The motion was co-sponsored by Save Soil and Aurora, a soil security think tank.
It was adopted at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: Motion 007 was adopted by IUCN at its World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, not by UNEA.
Q. The term “Soil Security” as recognized under the IUCN’s Model Law refers to:
(a) Protection of soil through criminal law frameworks
(b) A concept integrating soil conservation with food, water, biodiversity, and climate resilience
(c) Financial measures for agricultural productivity
(d) Soil carbon trading mechanisms
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Soil security links soil health with ecosystem stability and sustainable development pillars.