Indicator 15.50 Area at risk of severe soil erosion by water

The indicator estimates the area potentially affected by severe soil erosion by water such as rain splash, sheet-wash and rills (soil loss > 10 tonnes/hectare/year). This area is expressed in km2 and as a percentage of the total non-artificial, erodible area in the country. Where there is no land that is at risk of soil erosion by water of more than 10 tonnes per hectare, a country will have a zero value. Soil erosion may still be occurring in areas of those countries, but at a rate of less than 10 tonnes per hectare. These numbers are estimated using a modified version of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model (RUSLE 2015), which delivers estimates on a 100 m resolution based on peer-reviewed input layers of rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, topography, land use and management. The following classes of the CORINE Land Cover (CLC) nomenclature are included: Agricultural areas (2), forest and semi natural areas (3) excluding beaches, dunes, sand plains (3.3.1), bare rock (3.3.2), glaciers and perpetual snow (3.3.5). Generally, artificial, sandy, rocky and icy surfaces as well as wetlands and water bodies are not included.

Indicator is used to monitor progress towards SDG 15 on protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of land and towards SDG 2 on ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture which are embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature’.

SDG 15 seeks to protect, restore and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial, inland-water and mountain ecosystems. This includes efforts to sustainably manage forests and halt deforestation, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, halt biodiversity loss and protect threatened species. SDG 2 seeks to end hunger and malnutrition and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. Realising this goal will largely depend on promoting sustainable production systems and increasing investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural research and development. The Soil Strategy for 2030 recognises erosion as a threat to soil in the EU. Europe’s Common Agricultural Policy sets requirements to protect utilised agricultural areas against erosion and establishes a framework of standards that aim, among others, to contribute to preventing soil erosion.