This book introduces the reader to the current soil protection and conservation debate in Europe. It is written for the informed person with a background in for example environmental science, agriculture, forestry, geography or law. The focus of this book is not on the scientific analysis of the problem but rather on the actions that can be taken to improve and protect European soils. Although this book is about Europe, the issues discussed have a global dimension. There are many examples of successful soil conservation policies and strategies adopted in other countries, for example the USA, Brazil and South Africa, as well as examples from Eastern Europe (e.g. Hungary).The book is based on the scientific platforms that were set up as part of the SCAPE project ( Soil Conservation and Protection for Europe).