Background Recognising the extent of soil degradation and the associated environmental and social risks, the European Commission has proposed a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection. Human activities, such as inappropriate agricultural and forestry practices, tourism, urban and industrial sprawl and construction are identified as the main threats in the strategy. Moreover, soil is vulnerable to natural processes and challenged by climate change impacts such as drought and floods. Local authorities lack the necessary know-how and expertise to understand the magnitude of the problem and fulfil the requirements of forthcoming EU legislation in this area. The fact that soil degradation is a slow process and affects large areas makes it even more difficult for Member States to identify areas at risk. However, a system based on historical data and using cutting-edge technology such as GIS and remote sensing could help local authorities to better understand the extent of the problem. Co-operation between local authorities and research institutes in a transnational context could also promote the development of spatial methodologies for monitoring and management of soil degradation. Objectives The SOILPRO project has the overall objective of halting soil degradation in EU Member States in line with the Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection. It will do this by encouraging co-operation between local authorities and research institutes within a transnational environment, as this can promote the development of spatial methodologies for monitoring and managing soil degradation. Other objectives of the project are targeted towards: Developing a web-based application tool (Soil Monitoring Software) that can support local and regional authorities and Member States, in their efforts to effectively monitor, identify and assess areas at risk; The application of the Soil Monitoring Software in two EU Regions: Sicily and Peloponnese; Demonstrating a soil monitoring system to potential users in local and regional authorities and other stakeholders; Building the capacity of stakeholders in soil monitoring and protection; Showing examples of soil protection actions in risk areas identified by the use of a soil monitoring system; Improving the effectiveness of soil protection measures; and Raising public awareness on soil degradation.