Technical Support the Health Assessment of soils affected by the war and organization of a training programme on fundamental principles of soil and groundwater pollution

The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Belgium Soil Laboratory Network (BESOLAN consortium: VITO, SCK, RMA, TERRA – GxABt) aims to address the challenges caused by armed conflict and warfare in Ukraine since February 2022. This partnership focuses on conducting a comprehensive health assessment of soil affected by warfare and build technical capacities of Ukrainian soil scientists.
Given the significant challenges posed by the armed conflict, there is a concern about potential soil
contamination with heavy metals, explosives, and other pollutants. This contamination poses risks to agricultural productivity, food security, and safety in the region. Therefore, understanding the extent and impact of soil pollution resulting from warfare is crucial for devising effective remediation strategies and ensuring the safe utilization of agricultural land.
In this partnership, FAO and VITO will leverage scientific expertise, advanced analytical methods, and local knowledge to assess the health of the soil and provide actionable recommendations for soil restoration. The collaboration reflects their commitment to promoting sustainable land use practices and protecting the livelihoods of communities affected by warfare in the region.

The RMA will produce the following deliverables:
- analysis of soil samples for explosive residue screening;
- comprehensive reports summarizing findings and interpretation with respect to the used methodology;
- Develop E-learning Training Modules aimed at enhancing the soil data interpretation