Protecting the soil environment: A matter of concern.

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - According to the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification, up to 40% of the planet's land area is degraded, directly affecting half the world's population. The frequency and duration of droughts have increased by 29% since 2000, and without urgent action, droughts could affect more than three-quarters of the world's population by 2050. Therefore, land restoration and soil environment protection are among the main goals of the United Nations' "ecosystem restoration" decade from 2021-2030.

Officers and soldiers of Tam Chung Border Guard Station (Muong Lat) participate in reforestation efforts, contributing to greening barren land and hills, and preventing soil erosion and runoff.

Authorities have assessed and analyzed numerous causes of soil pollution. Industrial activities, such as factories releasing chemicals and heavy metals into the soil, cause serious contamination. In agriculture , the overuse of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and plant protection products can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in the soil. Furthermore, the dumping of plastic waste, metals, and other non-biodegradable materials into the environment also contributes to soil pollution. Improper waste treatment also leads to the spread of pollutants into the soil. Soil pollution directly impacts human health; degrades soil quality, reducing its ability to support crops; destroys ecosystems, harms plant and animal species, and diminishes biodiversity over time.

In response to practical demands, relevant ministries and agencies have recommended that all levels of government nationwide raise awareness and consider land restoration and anti-degradation as an integral part of socio -economic development plans and a crucial task in the sustainable development process. In Thanh Hoa province, to mitigate degradation and protect the soil environment, relevant agencies and local authorities have implemented numerous solutions such as: strengthening state management of land resources; monitoring areas at risk of pollution; addressing pesticide residue sites; focusing on buffer zone development; developing crop and livestock structures suitable for each locality and region; ensuring sustainable land use, and protecting and developing forests.

Among the solutions mentioned above, the handling of pesticide residue sites has received special attention from the province and relevant agencies. According to statistics, there are 45 pesticide residue sites in the province. Since the implementation of Decision No. 1946/QD-TTg dated October 21, 2010, of the Prime Minister, the province has thoroughly treated 13 sites in several localities such as Vinh Long commune (Vinh Loc district), Hai An ward (Nghi Son town), Minh Son commune (Trieu Son district)... After treatment, the pesticide concentration at these sites was found to be below the permissible standard. Regarding the remaining 32 pesticide residue sites, after surveying and sampling by relevant agencies, 27 sites had pollution concentrations lower than QCVN 54:2013/BTNMT and have been removed from the list of seriously polluted environmental sites. These include the pesticide residue area of ​​the Trung Hung Chemical Plant, An Hung ward ( Thanh Hoa City); The pesticide storage facilities at Co Diep Plant Protection Station, Vinh Phuc commune (Vinh Loc); and Dinh Thon 1 pesticide storage facility, Vinh An commune (Vinh Loc)... have been and are being handled by the relevant authorities as required.

In addition to the above tasks, to protect the soil environment, the agriculture and environment sector recommends that people choose appropriate agricultural farming methods; use water, fertilizers, and animal feed appropriately, and avoid the overuse of inorganic fertilizers which cause soil compaction, poor water retention, and reduced soil fertility. Government agencies and relevant sectors should strengthen the management of waste treatment in livestock farming and agricultural by-products according to proper procedures; promote the management, protection, and restoration of forests, especially natural forests, contributing to preventing soil erosion and runoff. Regarding waste management, relevant agencies also recommend the application of advanced solid waste treatment technologies, limiting landfilling; expanding the network for collecting and transporting various types of waste, especially in rural areas; and promoting waste sorting at source. Furthermore, each citizen needs to change their habits of using single-use plastic products and plastic bags in daily life and actively use environmentally friendly products...

Land is a special means of production and a crucial component of the living environment; therefore, protecting the soil environment is one of the urgent tasks in the process of sustainable development. Implementing effective measures to protect the soil environment not only helps reduce pollution but also makes a significant contribution to improving the quality of life. This task is not the responsibility of any one individual; it is the responsibility of the entire political system, every citizen, and the entire community.

Text and photos: Phong Sac

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/bao-ve-moi-truong-dat-nbsp-van-de-can-quan-tam-252278.htm