💥Today, the I. I. Mechnikov Odesa National University hosted an event that truly unites science, experience, responsibility and love for the most valuable resource of our country, soil - the International Scientific and Practical Conference "TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR SOIL HEALTH".

The conference has become a space of synergy, where new approaches to preserving Ukrainian black soil, responsible solutions for future generations, and joint projects for sustainable development are born.

✍️В Viacheslav Truba, Rector of the I. I. Mechnikov ONU, addressed the participants with a speech in which he emphasised the symbolism of the fact that it was the Odesa National University Mechnikov that initiated the conference of such a high level.

In his speech, he said:

🔹 that caring for the soil is not a narrowly professional matter for agrarians, scientists or environmentalists, but a civilisational choice of the nation;
🔹 that Ukraine can and should be a world leader in the development of modern soil protection technologies;

Vyacheslav Truba emphasised:

💬"Soil research is the study of the very basis of life.
We must not just study the land - we must protect it, understand its language, give it the right to be protected and respected. And if we are talking about the future of Ukraine, it starts here, in the responsibility for every metre of our land."

🔥Raisa Vozhegova, Director of the Institute for Climate agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences, stressed that Ukrainian soil is not just a natural resource. It is our bread, our freedom, our historical heritage and the strategic foundation of the future.

She emphasised:
🔸 Under the influence of climate challenges and military consequences, the responsibility for soil conservation is becoming a national task;
🔸 science can provide answers to the most complex questions - from restoring soil structure to finding biological solutions that do not destroy but revive;
🔸 The future of Ukraine's food security is impossible without a careful attitude to our earthly resources.

💬"Soil is not just a physical category. It reflects the culture of the people, their attitude to the world, nature, and history.
When we touch the land, we touch the origins of our statehood. And today, when Ukraine is going through extremely difficult challenges, a responsible attitude to soil is becoming a moral obligation for everyone.
We must not only preserve the black soil, but also restore its strength and heal the wounds left by the war and negligent management," said Raisa.

Andrii Buianovskyi, Head of the Department of Geography of Ukraine, Soil Science and Land Cadastre at the I. I. Mechnikov ONU, noted that modern soil research is a direct way to formulate state policy in the field of food security, land management and ecology.
"Soil research is our contribution to the future of the state. This is the answer to the question of whether Ukraine will feed the world tomorrow," he stressed.

🤝 GUESTS FROM NIKOLAEV

The conference was attended by colleagues from the Mykolaiv Agricultural University, who congratulated the participants on World Soil Day.
In a touching and symbolic way, they presented memorable souvenirs - a sign of Mykolaiv's indestructibility.
These gifts are the strength of the city, which holds on, fights and does not lose its scientific dignity even in the most difficult times.

Speech by Alla Stoyanova "Ukrainian soils: role on the world stage" has become a real attention magnet: bright, analytical, full of historical parallels and facts.

In her presentation, she revealed the key points:

🟢 Ukraine has some of the most fertile soils on the planet
Our country's black soil is considered to be one of the most valuable in the global dimension. They make us an important player in the global agricultural market.

🟢 Soil is a strategic resource at the level of energy and defence capability
In times of war, our fields, our humus horizons, our ability to grow is not only an economic issue, but also a matter of national resilience.

🟢 Export weight of Ukraine
A healthy, technological and responsible land use model is key to our status as a guarantor of global food security.

🟢 Synergy of science, government and business
No agricultural policy can be successful without the involvement of universities, research institutes, farmers and communities.

💬"Our chernozems - like our will - pass through the ages, preserving their fertility, strength and ability to recover. They know how to survive, revive and give life. And this is exactly what Ukraine is. Ukrainian land is a strategic asset of global importance. Our scientists are strong, wise and infinitely loyal to the state. Our task is to protect the soil, clean it, restore it and pass it on to the younger generation.
Because. soil - is the point where life begins.
It is a place of power.
This is the code of Ukrainian invincibility.
And science is our way to ensure that this power never fades away.

Happy Soil Day, Ukraine! 💚🌍🇺🇦".