DesertNet International is co-organizing two sessions during the

upcoming EUROSOIL 2020 (Geneva, Switzerland, 24-28 August 2020)

SDG6&15 - CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION & LIFE ON LAND

4.14 Targeting land degradation neutrality! Economic, political and social
implications of SLM and land restoration in the context of desertification.
This session will address natural and technical options to sustainably manage and restore soil
functions in drylands. According to the 2030 Agenda, the three dimensions of sustainable
development are indivisible; hence, this session will include environmental, social and economic
aspects of sustainable land management practices under the umbrella of Land Degradation
Neutrality (LDN) and combat of Desertification. This novel approach of LDN was defined by the
Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification as the way to preserve the amount and
quality of land resources, to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food
security. For this session we particularly welcome contributions that report on exemplary
studies that demonstrate how sharing knowledge (scientific and local knowledge), financial
resources, land tenure and long-term involvement of communities supporting SLM practices are
crucial to underpin sustainability. New success stories could be identified and analyzed through
indicators related to LDN indicators: land cover, land productivity, and carbon stocks. Therefore
the session should be of interest to scientists, and policy and decision makers.

SDG13 – CLIMATE ACTION

6.01 Agricultural fields. Opportunities and limits of carbon and water storage
This session on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in agricultural land is framed in SDGs to
promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, combat desertification, and halt and reverse
land degradation. SOC sequestration is a tool for an effective transition to sustainability and
climate change adaptation and mitigation. This is challenging in regions with water scarcity, as
the process and benefits may be not that evident. The session pretends to answer the following
questions:
- How long does it take to recognize the benefits of increased SOC?
- How SOC sequestration in soils improves the ability to withstand droughts?
- What are the limits of SOC sequestration in a given edaphoclimatic context?
The answers will help to design financial aid to accompany land users in their transition to land
sustainability. This session should be of interest to scientists, and policy and decision-makers. It
is supported by two multi-stakeholder networks:
Desertnet International (https://www.desertnet-international.org/)
The 4p1000 Initiative (https://www.4p1000.org/). They will promote the participation of their
members and associates and will look for testimonies of policy-makers and land users.

• Click here to find out the Submission Guidelines

• Click here to Submit your Contributions (deadline 20th February 2020)
• Click here to find out the General Programme