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Sousan Samadani, aged 65, committed herself fully to soil conservation after discovering the Save Soil movement. She traveled extensively to raise awareness, marking a major life change post-60. Her story highlights the impact of activism at any age.
Sousan Samadani, 65, has dedicated herself entirely to soil conservation, traveling across multiple countries to raise awareness about soil degradation, marking a significant life shift after age 60.
Samadani, living in Utrecht, Netherlands, was inspired by a YouTube video from the Save Soil movement, which highlighted the rapid degradation of the world’s soil—projected to affect 90% of global soil by 2050, according to UNESCO. She decided to join the cause fully, embarking on a three-month journey that included traveling through Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America.
Her travels included bus, train, hitchhiking, and minimal flights, with stays in hostels, with volunteers, or in inexpensive hotels. She participated in campaign events, sometimes going days without proper meals, driven by a deep empathy rooted in her childhood experiences and her family’s history as Bahá’ís persecuted in Iran. Her journey was undertaken independently, with the aim of raising awareness and advocating for soil health, especially in Iran, her homeland she has not visited in over three decades.
Why It Matters
Samadani’s story exemplifies how individuals can make impactful contributions to environmental causes regardless of age. Her active participation underscores the importance of soil conservation for global food security and ecological health, especially as soil degradation accelerates. Her commitment also highlights the potential for personal transformation through activism later in life, inspiring others to engage in environmental issues at any age.
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Background
The Save Soil movement was launched by Sadhguru in 2022, aiming to raise awareness about soil degradation. Sadhguru undertook a 19,000-mile motorcycle journey across multiple continents to promote the cause. The movement emphasizes the urgency of addressing soil health, with UN reports warning of widespread degradation affecting food security and ecosystems. Samadani’s involvement represents a grassroots extension of this global initiative, with her journey occurring amidst growing concerns about environmental sustainability.
“I decided to be fully committed to this cause because I believe saving soil is saving life itself.”
— Sousan Samadani
“Our soil is the foundation of life, and raising awareness is crucial to prevent its extinction.”
— Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how much impact Samadani’s individual efforts will have on a broader scale, and whether similar activism will increase among older populations. The long-term effects of her campaign and the concrete policy changes that may follow are still to be seen.
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What’s Next
Samadani plans to continue her advocacy locally and online, sharing her story to inspire others. The movement aims to sustain momentum through further campaigns, and her efforts may lead to more grassroots initiatives in soil conservation. Monitoring the impact of her journey and the ongoing global efforts will be key in the coming months.
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Key Questions
Why did Sousan Samadani decide to focus on soil conservation?
She was inspired after watching a YouTube video about soil degradation and felt a deep empathy for the environment, motivated by her childhood experiences and her family’s history of farming and environmental connection.
What specific actions did she take during her journey?
She traveled across multiple countries by bus, train, hitchhiking, and minimal flights, participated in campaign events, and engaged with local communities to raise awareness about soil health.
Has she returned to Iran since her departure 31 years ago?
No, she has not been back to Iran in over three decades. She hopes to return once the political situation improves, and her dream is to create a garden similar to her family’s farm.
What motivates her to continue activism after age 60?
Her lifelong empathy for others, combined with her recent awakening to environmental issues, drives her. She believes age should not be a barrier to making meaningful change.
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