SUtainable and REsilient solutions for SOIL erosion control and sediment management

Soil erosion is a growing concern, with vast areas of soil lost every few seconds, posing serious risks to food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience. It not only undermines soil fertility but also causes environmental and economic damage, affecting over 60% of European soils. The erosion of soil also leads to significant sedimentation in rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, clogging waterways, damaging aquatic habitats, and disrupting essential infrastructure such as reservoirs and irrigation systems. These sediment loads further exacerbate water pollution, triggering ecological problems like eutrophication. This issue is compounded by increasingly extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and wildfires, impacting not only Europe but also countries like Thailand, Japan and China. In response, the EU has introduced initiatives like the European Green Deal and the Soil Strategy for 2030 to safeguard soil and sediment resources while promoting sustainable development. However, the complexities of soil erosion and sedimentation—further intensified by climate extremes—make monitoring and management challenging. The SURE-SOIL project addresses these challenges through a collaborative effort, bringing together academic institutions and SMEs from across Europe and beyond, including Thailand, China, and Japan. By combining expertise in geosciences, civil engineering, environmental science, and data analytics, SURE-SOIL aims to develop innovative, practical solutions for managing soil erosion and sedimentation. This collaborative approach will not only advance scientific research but also support the implementation of sustainable, adaptable strategies in various global contexts. Through shared knowledge, international partnerships, and cutting-edge technologies, the project aims to reduce erosion’s impact, protect aquatic ecosystems, and help ensure the long-term viability of vital ecosystem services..