 Soil and water, a source of life. To ensure sustainable agriculture and support life on Earth, two essential elements play a pivotal role. Soil and water. Together, they form the lifeblood of our planet. Healthy soil can store a great amount of water, acting as a natural water reservoir. Water journeys through the soil where it is either stored or drained through, purified by the soil as it goes. This connection between soil and water influences the quality and availability of water worldwide. Consequently, it plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and nutrition. Healthy soil also acts as a powerful carbon sink, mitigating climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon and locking it into the soil. Soil is likely home to about 59% of the species on Earth, from small microorganisms, fungi and invertebrates. Healthy soil also acts as a very efficient substrate for storing water and can hold up to 25% of its volume of water. Yet, unsustainable farming practices not only jeopardise soil and water quality and availability, but also pose threats to human and ecosystem health. Soil erosion and compaction increase the risk of floods, landslides and sand and dust storms, ultimately impacting our resilience to extreme weather events. In arid regions, suffering from extreme heat and water scarcity, soil degradation is exacerbated, sometimes reaching irreversible levels. Additionally, poor irrigation and drainage practices can lead to soil salinisation, putting agricultural productivity at risk. What can we do to improve the health and quality of our soil and water? For one, we can raise awareness on the importance of soil and water, advocating their key role in producing sufficient amounts of nutritious food for the world's population, leaving no one behind. We must also promote research and innovation on sustainable soil and water management, such as adapted cultivars, soil moisture monitoring and water use efficiency. We should support farmers to adapt sustainable soil and water management practices and improve soil fertility. We have to encourage the use of water harvesting techniques. And, most importantly of all, we need to strengthen legal frameworks and institutions for an integrated and sustainable management of soil and water. On this World Soil Day, let's reflect and act on the impact that soil and water have on our lives and ecosystems. May this celebration serve as a reminder to cherish, safeguard and harness their boundless potential for now and for future generations.