By Rattan Lal
With deep sadness, I have learned that humanity has lost Dr. Klaus Töpfer, a global leader who supported research and awareness about the importance of soil for human well-being and nature conservation. Both professionally and personally, it 
was truly a great honor to know him and to work with his team to launch the Global Soil Week initiative. In addition to being a visionary leader in advising the global community about soil and its protection, Dr. Töpfer was dedicated and committed to the cause of sustainable management of soil at all levels: farm, community, province, nation, continental, and global.
He devoted time and efforts in procuring funding support to implement the Global Soil Week and inviting farmers, community leaders, academicians, and policy makers from around the world to participate in the Global Soil Week. Above all, Dr. Klaus Töpfer was polite, courteous and a great supporter of protecting the world’s soil resources and the environment. For me, it was a great honor to work with him. 
Two of numerous activities which will be cherished by me forever are
- Presenting him with the International Union of Soil Scientists (IUSS) Medal of Honor in 2017, and
- His presenting laudation for me to receive an Honorary Degree from the Technical University Dresden (TUD), Germany, in 2015.
Dr. Klaus Töpfer and his work will be remembered for generations to come, especially by those interested in sustainable management of soil, as well as the protection and restoration of the environment. •