Degradation pressures, mainly due to human activities related to overconsumption and industrial processes, affect soil health through physical damage or the introduction of pollutants. In turn, these processes disrupt the capacity of soils to provide a range of ecosystem services, with major economic, environmental, and societal consequences. Action is therefore urgently needed.

The ambitious EU mission "A Soil Deal for Europe" aims to create 100 regional "Living Labs" and "Lighthouses", knowledge, and innovation centres, jointly creating and testing soil management practices and solutions to improve soil health.

The mission's ambition to achieve visible effects through its eight specific objectives requires a regular and efficient implementation of the Living Labs, as well as a good functioning and effective capitalization of the results. For this purpose, the Living Labs must be well anchored, based on strong and committed communities, aware of the specific needs of soils in the framework of the mission, and access to knowledge and exchange networks.

In the framework of the engagement event in Malta, the NATI00NS project will assist and mediate the mission, addressing key awareness-raising messages to national stakeholders.