TL;DR
At age 65, Sousan Samadani committed herself entirely to the Save Soil movement after a life-changing encounter with a YouTube video. She traveled extensively to promote soil preservation, marking a new chapter of activism in her life. Her efforts highlight the importance of soil health for global food security.
At age 65, Sousan Samadani has committed herself entirely to the Save Soil movement, traveling across continents to raise awareness about soil degradation and its threat to global food security.
Samadani, originally from Iran and now living in Utrecht, Netherlands, was inspired to join the movement after watching a YouTube video about the rapid degradation of the world’s soil, a crisis highlighted by UNESCO estimates that 90% of soil could be degraded by 2050. She decided to make her own journey, traveling for three months through Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and South America, with minimal flying and mostly using buses, trains, and hitchhiking. Her travels included participating in campaign events and engaging with local communities to promote soil conservation. Samadani, who had never been involved in activism before, was motivated by her lifelong empathy and her personal history of displacement and resilience, including her family’s persecution in Iran and her own refugee experience in the Netherlands.
Why It Matters
This story underscores the importance of soil health for global food security and environmental sustainability. Samadani’s dedication illustrates how individuals, regardless of age or background, can contribute to pressing ecological issues. Her journey also highlights the growing global concern about soil degradation, which could threaten food supplies if not addressed.
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Background
The Save Soil movement was launched by spiritual leader Sadhguru in 2022, aiming to raise awareness about soil degradation. The movement gained momentum through a 19,000-mile motorcycle trip across multiple countries. UNESCO warns that 90% of the world’s soil could be degraded by 2050, emphasizing the urgency of the campaign. Samadani’s involvement marks a personal extension of this international effort, with her journey occurring during the movement’s ongoing activities.
“I decided to be fully committed to this cause, because I believe saving soil is saving our future.”
— Sousan Samadani
“The health of soil is directly linked to the health of our planet and future generations.”
— Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how sustained her activism will be or if she plans further campaigns. The long-term impact of her efforts and the response from local communities remain to be seen. Additionally, her personal plans to return to Iran and her future involvement in soil activism are still uncertain.
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What’s Next
Samadani plans to continue advocating for soil health locally in Utrecht and hopes to expand awareness in Iran upon her return. The movement is expected to hold further campaigns and initiatives to promote soil regeneration, with her involvement possibly continuing in different forms.
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Key Questions
Why did Sousan Samadani decide to dedicate herself to soil conservation?
She was deeply moved after watching a YouTube video about soil degradation and felt a personal responsibility to act, especially given her lifelong empathy for others and her background of resilience and activism.
What kind of activities did she undertake during her journey?
She participated in campaign events, traveled across multiple countries by bus, train, hitchhiking, and stayed in hostels or with volunteers, engaging with communities to promote awareness about soil health.
Has she been involved in activism before this campaign?
No, Samadani had not previously been involved in activism. Her journey into environmental campaigning is a new chapter in her life, motivated by her personal experiences and empathy.
Will she return to Iran, and what are her future plans?
She has not been back to Iran in 31 years and hopes to return once the political situation improves. She dreams of creating a garden like her family’s and continues to advocate for soil and environmental health.
