Guyana Stands in Solidarity to Save Soil

Guyana’s President, Vice President, and Cabinet joined the impassioned commitment of their Caribbean counterparts in support of the Save Soil movement, becoming the fifth nation to sign a memorandum of understanding with Conscious Planet founder and global leader Sadhguru.

Following a historic MOU signing event with the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis, Sadhguru and the Save Soil team reached the shores of Guyana. Joining this momentous gathering was Trinbagonian “King of Soca” Machel Montano, who is playing a key role in spurring Caribbean leadership towards the movement.

In a heartwarming morning session, Sadhguru was welcomed by Honorable President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharat Jagdeo, and all the Ministers of Government. President Ali extended his wholehearted support to institute soil-friendly practices in Guyana. He commended the global initiative: “the beauty about this movement is that the science and philosophy that backs the movement is humongous; we invite Sadhguru and the Minister of Agriculture to sign an MOU with the Save Soil movement.”

In response to Guyana’s signing, Sadhguru emphasized the generational responsibility we have to enact a collaborative, sustained global response to soil degradation. “This is a commitment that we must have, not just thinking of 5-10 years. The next 100 years, we must be able to produce the food that our people need. But this is a great vision from the leadership that they are taking this step.”

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) predicts that soil extinction could become a reality if soil degradation continues at present rates. Moreover, the FAO estimates that all the world’s topsoil may be extinct in 60 years. By 2045, food production may drop by 40% as the population crosses 9.3 billion.

The Save Soil movement is an effort to draw the attention and support of 3.5 billion people worldwide to inspire policy-driven changes to combat soil extinction. The movement aims to institute soil revitalization strategies, namely securing soil quality by raising the minimum requirement of organic content in soil to 3-6%.

Following the morning session, Sadhguru and team, accompanied by Honorable Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, visited Kaieteur Falls, the world's largest single drop waterfall. Later in the afternoon, President Ali hosted Sadhguru at the “Soil and Unity” event at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown. Sadhguru explained that the Save Soil movement is part of Conscious Planet, a larger effort to raise human consciousness and bring a sense of inclusiveness. At the event’s conclusion, Sadhguru presented the Soil Revitalization - Global Policy Draft & Solutions Handbook to President Irfaan Ali and Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. Tailored specifically for the Caribbean region, the handbook was created in consultation with top scientists and soil experts, considering each region’s climate, economic conditions, and traditional agricultural practices. Sadhguru urged the entire audience to become part of this urgent and unifying initiative to restore the world’s soil.