Beyond formal institutions and economic actors, civil society plays an important role in shaping how soils are understood and valued.
Non-governmental organisations often advocate for stronger soil protection policies or promote sustainable land-use models. Educational institutions integrate soil literacy into academic curricula and outreach programmes, helping to build awareness among future professionals and citizens.
Community groups, artists, communicators, and cultural initiatives can also influence public perceptions of soil. By connecting soil to themes such as food systems, climate change, or cultural heritage, they help bring an often invisible environmental resource into public debate.
Although these actors may not exercise formal regulatory authority, they contribute to shaping public discourse and political priorities. Governance therefore involves not only legal regulation but also the cultural framing of environmental issues (UNEP, 2019).