In a remarkable journey that spans countries, cultures, and countless miles, Konstantin Zülske –known on Instagram as @cyclingforsoil—has dedicated himself to raising awareness about the urgent need to protect and restore our planet’s soil. After studying Geography and Soil Science, Konstantin became inspired by the global Save Soil movement and embarked on a 9-month, 15,000-km bicycle journey through 15 countries from Germany to India. His mission? To spread the message of soil health and its critical importance for a sustainable future.
Konstantin’s journey is a powerful reminder of what the Save Soil movement truly represents. This is not a campaign owned by any single group or organization but a mission driven by individuals united by a common cause. It belongs to humanity, transcending borders and bringing together people who believe in the power of collective action to create real change.
Melati Wijsen addressing at the 2021 – World Economic Forum.
“When I was cycling through Europe or Turkey, I would usually mail 10 universities and get a reply from only one,” he shared. “Then it would’ve needed two weeks of preparation, and by that time I would’ve already been gone.” Despite these challenges, he continued to engage with people on the streets, holding countless face-to-face conversations to spread the message.
Founding Member of SSF at YOUTHTOPIA HQ – Bali
This grassroots approach to raising awareness underscores the true nature of Save Soil—a volunteer-driven movement powered by individuals. Konstantin’s persistence and dedication to speaking about soil health, no matter how exhausting it became, illustrates the passion and commitment behind the movement.
Founding Member of SSF at YOUTHTOPIA HQ – Bali
Uniting towards the Global Goal to #SaveSoil
Konstantin’s journey is fueled by a profound sense of urgency. Soil degradation is reaching critical levels, and the statistics are stark:
- It takes an average of 10,000 years to form just 1 meter of living soil.
- Over 27,000 species go extinct each year due to soil depletion.
- We are losing an area of soil equivalent to 1.5 football fields per second.
With healthy soil holding the key to tackling climate change, water scarcity, and malnutrition, the need to act is clear.
Reaching India: A Warm Welcome from Fellow Volunteers
After crossing into Pakistan and India, Konstantin found himself surrounded by the support of Save Soil volunteers, who helped amplify his message. “It just got so much easier by the wonderful support of the many Save Soil volunteers here in Bharat,” he wrote. Unlike his journey through Europe, where he struggled to coordinate awareness events, the volunteers in India made it possible to reach a much larger audience.
This overwhelming support reflects the inclusive nature of the Save Soil movement. It’s a cause that anyone can join, a mission that is truly global and driven by the shared commitment to protect the planet. The support Konstantin received from volunteers highlights that Save Soil is a movement owned by the people, for the planet.
A Message to the Next Generation
Seeing young people recognize soil health as a fundamental responsibility has been a great reward for Konstantin. But he knows that more awareness is needed. “We still need so many more people to create a buzz in the world, to come together as a conscious global civilization and make a change towards a healthy, happy, and well-nourished world.”
Konstantin’s journey is a reminder that saving soil is our collective responsibility. It’s a call for everyone to join the movement, to raise awareness, and to protect one of the planet’s most precious resources. As he puts it, “I’m not cycling just for fun. I really want to inspire people to create a conscious planet.”
Join The Movement
The Save Soil movement is a mission that belongs to humanity, driven by individuals and communities who believe in the power of collective action. Save Soil Foundation (SSF) is an independent initiative led by volunteers of the Save Soil campaign. SSF works tirelessly to expand the efforts of the Save Soil movement, amplifying its message and engaging people worldwide in the crucial fight for soil health.
As an organization, SSF embodies the values of inclusivity and collaboration, partnering with individuals and groups from all walks of life to make a tangible difference. Together, we are part of a global network committed to preserving the health of our planet’s soil and, by extension, the wellbeing of future generations.
We invite everyone to join us on this journey. Visit SaveSoil.org to learn more about the movement, understand the vital role of soil in our ecosystem, and discover how you can contribute. Let’s work together to make a conscious choice to protect our soil, preserve our planet, and secure a better tomorrow.
Source – SSF Volunteers
