General

The SOILTRIBES project aims to transform the way society values and interacts with soil by fostering soil literacy, connectivity, and sustainable practices. This innovative initiative focuses on empowering multi-actor communities—referred to as "tribes"—to co-create and implement solutions that address the critical challenges facing soil health today.

SOILTRIBES is rooted in the European Union (EU) mission "A Soil Deal for Europe" and aligns with its goals to restore soil health, engage communities, and increase soil literacy. By leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration at the nexus of science, technology, arts, and society, the project seeks to inspire "back to Earth" narratives that redefine how individuals and communities understand and care for soils. The project’s activities are structured around multiple interconnected layers of engagement: a transnational Community of Practice (CoP) to design innovative soil-related resources; national Soil Lab Activators (SLAs) to promote tailored educational and engagement initiatives; and regional Stewardship Assemblies (SAs) to implement citizen-led, place-based solutions to local soil challenges. Additionally, the project employs a robust financial support scheme to fund third-party initiatives that innovate in soil literacy and engagement across Europe. Through its glocal approach—combining global vision with local action— SOILTRIBES will deliver impactful outputs, including new educational tools, artistic exhibitions, public campaigns, and participatory events. The project is committed to fostering a culture of soil stewardship by engaging diverse audiences, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and co-developing sustainable practices that will have lasting benefits for both people and the planet.