This side event will spotlight the vital role of soil health in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the realms of land management, food security, and climate resilience. Africa’s soil degradation crisis presents significant obstacles to sustainable agriculture, economic stability, and environmental conservation. Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving global environmental goals and securing the livelihoods of millions across the continent.

This event will showcase successful initiatives that are transforming soil management practices in Africa. These initiatives focus on integrated approaches, innovative financing, last mile delivery, policy reforms, and regional collaboration to enhance soil fertility, support smallholder farmers, and promote sustainable land management. It will also build on the outcomes of the African Union’s Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit 2024, which established a 10-year action plan to improve fertilizer use, soil health, and crop yields across the continent.

Objectives:

• Discuss the critical importance of investing in soil health to achieve SDGs related to land, climate resilience, food and nutrition security.
• Discuss how responsible land investment fosters sustainable food systems, empowers vulnerable communities, including women, safeguarding the environment,  and drives collaborative action and innovation in Africa.
• Identify actionable steps and collaborative opportunities to scale up soil health initiatives across Africa through the 10-year action plan domestication at regional and national levels.
• Discuss the roles of advanced soil health monitoring tools and innovations, such as soil spectroscopy, remote sensing, and data analytics, in supporting evidence-based decision-making and informing policy reforms across Africa.

This event aligns with COP16’s thematic focus on “Land at the Heart of SDGs” by demonstrating the integral role of soil health in sustainable land management and climate resilience. It will serve as a platform for sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and driving policy action that aligns with global environmental goals. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of soil health, food and nutrition security, and sustainable development, the event will highlight the need for holistic and coordinated efforts to address land degradation and support resilient food systems in Africa.