Video: UAE residents pledge their support for Sadhgurus Save Soil’ movement

Dubai: The mood was electric, and the message was inspirational as thousands of UAE residents listened attentively and pledged support to Sadhguru, an Indian spiritual guru and environmental advocate.

Sadhguru, who spoke over an hour at the conference organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Conscious Planet Movement to Save Soil was both foreboding and encouraging. According to experts, there is only 40-50 years of agricultural soil left. This could lead to a decline in food production by 2045. Food production will then decrease by 45 to 15% while it is expected to feed 9.3 million people.

Sadhguru concluded by stating that there is hope for the future if people take action now. He stated that governments and individuals must work together to ensure that the topsoil within the first 10 to 15 inch of the soil has enough organic content. Sadhguru encouraged the audience, which included people from different nationalities, to call on leaders and experts to take strong actions for soil conservation. He stressed that we must leave rich soil for our future generations and our children.

Sadhguru was joined at the event by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan from the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence; Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri from Minister of Climate Change Change and Environment; Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir and Indian Consul General Dr Aman Puri and many other dignitaries.

Sadhguru used the metaphor of time to explain that everyone chases down time. And this pursuit must be deep, pleasant, impactful.

Sadhguru stressed, “Don’t wait until tomorrow, make it” (soil conservation) happen today. He added that time is a finite resource and we must make it valuable, pleasant, and impactful.

Sadhguru pointed out that one positive indicator is what the UAE government has done. He explained that sand becomes soil when it is added organically to it. But sand becomes sand when it is stripped of organic content. UAE is adding organic material to the desert in order to make it arable.

He challenged the estimated 10,000 audience members to take action to save our planet and soil.

Sadhguru is not only focused on Save Soil. It is your mission, too. Save soil, let’s make it happen. This is more than a one-day commitment. We have covered 60 of the 100-day campaign. The UAE is the 74th signatory.

Sadhguru also praised MOCCAE, UAE and their leadership in environmental preservation in the region.

The Dubai event began with Sheikh Al Nahyan’s opening address. He stated: Our observation of the alarming erosion of soil around the world and our desire for understanding what we see reminds us of the UAEs most prominent environmentalist, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was a passionate lover of nature. After Sheikh Zayed’s death, our country’s concern for the environment grew so much that the UAE, headed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has established many environmental organizations and initiatives.

We must all continue to look for ways to improve our use, planning, protection, management, and management of natural resources in the spirit of love for nature. I also believe that there is a strong relationship between our spiritual values, and how we care for the planet. Sheikh Al Nahyan stated that spiritual values are a moral imperative that ensures that all people in all nations can live in an improved standard of life without causing harm to the environment for future generations.

Almheiri, Almheiri and Sadhguru were the first to take to the stage. The MoCCAE minister said: We have several strategies and policies in the UAE that aim to not only increase food security, but also to implement sustainable land management systems. These include the National Food Security Strategy and the National Strategy to Combat Desertification. We also support the COP26 results that consider soil a crucial component of sustainable agriculture systems.

Almheiri stressed: Let’s all work together for the preservation of our soil for future generations. Because what we do today will affect tomorrow.

Guinness World Record holder Nathaniel Alapide (Filipino sand artist) was among those in the rapt audience that listened intently as Sadhguru. He told Gulf News that he was inspired by Sadhguru’s advocacy for the preservation of the soil. Sadhguru’s determination to use his influence and inspire people to care about the environment moved me. His challenge was clear: It is time to act now. I, for my part, am determined to reflect his teachings in the arts. 

Poonam Bajaj, a Dubai resident, attended the event along with her entire family. She said that they too will heed the teachings of Sadhguru. After hearing Sadhguru speak personally, we are now committed to this environment action.