TL;DR
Sousan Samadani, aged 65, committed herself entirely to the Save Soil movement after a viral video. She traveled across multiple countries for three months, promoting soil conservation, marking a new chapter in her life of activism.
At age 65, Sousan Samadani has launched a worldwide campaign to save soil, traveling through multiple countries after a life-changing encounter with the Save Soil movement’s message about rapid soil degradation.
Samadani, a resident of Utrecht, Netherlands, was inspired to act after watching a YouTube video by the Save Soil movement, founded by spiritual leader Sadhguru. The video highlighted that 90% of the world’s soil could be degraded by 2050, prompting her to join the cause fully.
She undertook a three-month journey, traveling mainly by bus, train, and hitchhiking across Europe, the Middle East, India, Nepal, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana, participating in campaign events and engaging with local communities. Her trip included just three flights, emphasizing her commitment to sustainable travel.
Samadani, who had no prior activism experience, described her motivation rooted in empathy from childhood and her background as a Bahá’í refugee from Iran. She aims to bring awareness to soil issues, especially in Iran, her homeland, which she has not visited in over 31 years.
Why It Matters
This story highlights how individuals can initiate impactful activism later in life, emphasizing the importance of soil health for global food security and environmental stability. Samadani’s efforts contribute to a broader movement addressing urgent ecological concerns.
Her journey underscores the potential for personal transformation and the power of grassroots activism, especially among older adults who seek meaningful ways to contribute to global issues.
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Background
The Save Soil movement was launched by Sadhguru in 2022, aiming to raise awareness about the rapid decline of soil quality worldwide. The movement’s awareness campaign included a 19,000-mile motorbike ride through Europe, the Middle East, and India. Prior to Samadani’s involvement, the movement gained international attention through these efforts and reports from UNESCO warning of widespread soil degradation.
“I decided to dedicate myself fully to this cause because I believe soil is the foundation of life, and we are risking its extinction.”
— Sousan Samadani
“Our soil is the foundation of our existence; raising awareness is crucial to prevent its collapse.”
— Sadhguru
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how effective Samadani’s campaign will be in influencing policy or public awareness on a larger scale. The long-term impact of her efforts remains to be seen, and her plans for future activism are still developing.
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What’s Next
Samadani plans to continue her advocacy by engaging with more communities and potentially organizing local initiatives in Iran once she visits her homeland. The movement is expected to sustain momentum through social media and ongoing campaigns, with further events possibly scheduled later in 2026.
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Key Questions
Why did Sousan Samadani decide to focus on soil conservation?
She was deeply moved after watching a viral video about soil degradation and felt a strong empathy, motivated by her background and concern for the environment, to dedicate her life to the cause.
How did she manage her travel and campaign activities?
She traveled mainly by bus, train, and hitchhiking, staying in hostels or with volunteers, and limited her flights to three during the entire trip.
What are her future plans regarding soil activism?
She hopes to bring awareness to Iran and plans to organize local initiatives once she can return to her homeland, aiming to restore and create sustainable gardens there.
Has her activism had any measurable impact yet?
It is too early to determine the direct impact of her campaign; her efforts are primarily awareness-raising at this stage, with ongoing engagement expected to generate further influence.
