Making soils visible in spatial planning: SPADES at EGU 2026

How to mitigate soil degradation and harness soil at the core of climate-resilient planning? This question was at the centre of the SPADES contributions at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly held in Vienna from 3–8 May 2026. SPADES was represented in the session Soils, Nature-Based Solutions, and Spatial Planning for Climate-Resilient Landscapes (SSS6.10), which brought together researchers and practitioners to highlight the critical role of soils in building resilient urban and rural environments. It underscored how nature-based solutions (NbS) and soil engineering approaches can address pressing challenges such as heat stress, flooding, and drought, while supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services. 

Presentations emphasized the need to better integrate soil knowledge into spatial planning processes, where soils often remain overlooked despite their multifunctional role. Presenting work from the SPADES Grenoble Alpes Metropolis pilot, Amazigh Ouaksel introduced Soil multifunctionality assessment in Grenoble Alpes metropolis using the MUSE method for soil health integration in the planning process. By mapping functions such as water infiltration, carbon storage, biodiversity support and agricultural potential, the tool helps planners better understand the value of soils and consider soil health in land-use decisions. Cécile Le Guern (BRGM) presented Examples of spatial digital information on soil for urban planning, showcasing how digital soil information is already helping local authorities make more informed planning decisions. Maps of soil infiltration capacity, multifunctionality and pollution risks are being used to support water management, guide urban development and reduce land take.

Complementing the presentations, poster contributions further explored tools and technologies to bring soils into practice. Teodora Todorčić Vekić presented the poster Review study of current soil assessment tools and methods with a potential of integration in spatial planning in EU. The study found that while a wealth of soil data and expertise exists across Europe, planners often lack accessible and user-friendly tools to apply this knowledge in practice.

Beyond the SPADES contributions, the session showcased a broad range of research demonstrating how soils can support more climate-resilient landscapes. Speakers shared examples of innovative approaches, including hybrid green roofs for wastewater treatment, small-scale green infrastructure that strengthens community resilience, and policy tools that help embed soil sustainability into local planning and decision-making. Together, the contributions illustrated how scientific research, practical solutions and policy innovation are coming together to make soils a more visible and valued part of climate-resilient spatial planning.

Across this diverse programme, a common message emerged. Advancing climate-resilient landscapes requires making soils visible in planning and design, and that planners need soil information that is accessible, understandable and usable in everyday decision-making. By combining scientific insight, practical experience, and policy innovation, the contributions highlighted pathways for embedding soil knowledge into decision-making and unlocking the full potential of nature-based solutions across Europe.

As highlighted in the session: 

“By embedding soil knowledge and soil care into planning and design, we can support healthier soils, enhance climate resilience, and avoid unintended trade-offs across functions, generations, and landscapes".

It is inspiring to see that soil awareness is increasing across disciplines, and how this momentum continues to grow. A next key event for European soil awareness is the SOLO Conference, read more here. 

Publishing date: 1 June 2026