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“4 per 1000” Newsletter 31 – August 2026

4 per 1000 Initiative Newsletter
Editorial

Last May, Dr. Paul Luu retired after having led the international "4 per 1000" Initiative as its Executive Secretary through most of its first decade, with constant engagement, energy, knowledge, vision and unique capacity to build bridges. We are honoured to continue counting on Dr. Paul Luu in his new role as Honorary President.

After above 25 years in international organisations, national institutions and NGOs, connecting science, policy and practice for sustainability, I had the pleasure to join the great "4 per 1000" team and Initiative last January as the new Executive Secretary.

"4 per 1000" also counts new members in its Scientific and Technical Committee. We thank them and their predecessors for their unvaluable engagement; and congratulate Dr. Cornelia Rumpel, former STC Chair, for the highest awards she received from the international soil science community.

Over the last ten years, the recognition and understanding of agricultural and forest soils has considerably advanced. The "4 per 1000" first decade report brings to light key advancements in the Initiative Strategic Plan. Solutions have been found to preserve and restore healthy, carbon-rich, living soils; bringing together research, local knowledge, practitioners, innovators, value-chain actors and policy designers; with farmers and foresters the central actors and decision makers.

But in a rapidly changing environment, much remains to be done to bring those solutions to scale. Contrary to input-intensive standardized models, sustainable soil management through agroecology and regenerative practices is not a matter of replicating identical solutions; it is a constant effort to adjust, adapt, learn and evolve collectively.

Over the first few months, I had the privilege to meet with a vibrant community engaged to find and implement transformative solutions in the fight against climate change, land degradation, biodiversity depletion, hunger and unbalanced nutrition through enhancing soil carbon and soil health in agricultural and forest lands.

To contribute to this dynamic, the international "4 per 1000" Initiative will continue to bring together stakeholders with different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints, to advance collective knowledge and foster novel cooperations. The Regional Conference on Soil Health in Southern Africa in June, co-organised with F’SAGRI and CCARDESA, illustrated the impact that bringing actors together can have; with new collaborations and projects ideas already emerging a month later.

Private sector mobilization is a driving force. Building change at scale requires new coalitions of private (and public) actors, innovative contractual agreements, de-risking approaches and financing schemes, shared monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems to trace impact, co-learn and adjust. Over the next year, the "4 per 1000" Initiative will document innovative partnerships and key factors of success through a new series of case studies. We count on you, members, partners and friends of the Initiative, to share your experience and reflections with us to support the process.

Global and local news remind us vividly that when fertilizer supply breaks down, carbon-rich soils can make the difference (see our latest Soil Carbon Science Webinar); carbon-rich and healthy soils are more resilient to drought and can buffer floods. The dramatic fires and repetitive heatwaves call on us to mobilize faster and more broadly to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Healthy, carbon-rich, living soils are a key part of the solution.

Research proves that soils are critical in human, animal and planetary health. Join us in preparing a multistakeholder position paper advocating for a better recognition of soils in the One Health Approach.

To reach our joint objectives, the international “4 per 1000” Initiative needs funding. We call on our members, partners and friends to support the Initiative operations and develop joint projects. With a community of almost 900 members and partners, we have the capacity to foster novel partnerships, benchmark experiences across continents, capitalize and disseminate results to many potential users and multipliers, ensuring large impact for change.

For more information on the Initiative, contribution to current activities and project ideas, please contact: secretariat@4p1000.org

While I have already been impressed by the strong mobilization and collective dynamic of "4 per 1000" members, partners and friends over the last months, I have not yet met all of you. I am hopeful that the next few months and years will bring the opportunity to meet most of you and to continue joining forces.

Dr. Elen Lemaître-Curri, Executive Secretary of the international "4 per 1000" Initiative

Quarterly Spotlight
Successful Regional Conference on Soil Health held in South Africa

The French-South African Agricultural Institute (F’SAGRI) and the “4 per 1000” Initiative co-organised the Southern Africa Regional Conference on Soil Health, in collaboration with the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for the SADC Region (CCARDESA), in Pretoria, South Africa, from 24 to 26 June 2026. The conference brought together experts and practitioners sharing experience from Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, on soil health, food security, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The conference welcomed 165 participants on site and 75 online over three days of field trip, keynote speeches, scientific and practical presentations, panel discussions and lively exchanges. At the heart of the programme were over 50 expert presentations across ten thematic sessions, covering topics such as sustainable rangeland management, agroecology benefits on One Health, business models for soil health... A full day was dedicated to discussing soil health monitoring methods adapted to different scales, purposes and users; and ways to connect them. Highlights included a field trip organized by the Agricultural Research Center showcasing on-going experiments and monitoring programmes for soils health; and “Farmers Voices”: a session giving farmers the opportunity to share first-hand experiences, and discuss practical challenges and innovative solutions to managing soils under changing environmental conditions. Discussions focused on co-designing and sharing effective soil health practices, monitoring their impacts, and developing supportive input, equipment, and financial systems to enable large-scale adoption.

A poster session, coordinated by the University of Limpopo, featuring 15 contributions showcased the diversity of regional research.

The conference concluded with the presentation of a regional roadmap outlining concrete actions to promote healthy soils and enhance soil organic carbon sequestration through agroecological approaches across Southern Africa. Key priorities include raising awareness and strengthening education on soil health, connecting farmers, researchers and practitioners through field research, accelerating soil regeneration, expanding regional collaboration and networks, and mobilising financial support for the agroecological transition.

The "4 per 1000" Initiative sincerely thanks all the partners, speakers and participants for their commitment, valuable contributions, warm hospitality and continued support in making this conference a success.

Please visit the conference website for more information and to access the presentations given during the conference.

Dr. Cornelia Rumpel Receives IUSS von Liebig Award

The international "4 per 1000" Initiative extends its warm congratulations to Dr. Cornelia Rumpel, who was awarded the prestigious IUSS von Liebig Award at the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science, held in Nanjing, China. This distinguished award recognizes Dr. Rumpel's outstanding contributions to soil science over more than two decades. Her pioneering research on soil organic matter, biogeochemical cycles and carbon dynamics has significantly advanced our understanding of the vital role soils play in climate regulation, ecosystem functioning and sustainable land management.

As Research Director at CNRS and a leading figure in the Paris Soil Organic Matter Research Group, Dr. Rumpel has made lasting contributions to international scientific collaboration and innovation in soil science. Dr. Rumpel has also been a valued member of the "4 per 1000" Initiative. From 2016 to 2023, she served on the Scientific and Technical Committee, including four years as Chair, helping to strengthen the Initiative's scientific foundations and guide its strategic development.

We warmly congratulate Dr. Rumpel on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for her longstanding commitment to advancing soil science and supporting the mission of the "4 per 1000" Initiative.

8th Call for the Formative Assessment of Soil Projects (FASP) Now Open

The 8th Call for the Formative Assessment of Soil Projects (FASP) is open! Until September 20; project developers and organizations are invited to submit initiatives focused on soil health and soil organic carbon sequestration for independent scientific assessment.

FASP offers expert feedback from the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC) of the "4 per 1000" Initiative, helping projects strengthen their scientific foundation, improve design and implementation, and enhance their long-term impact. Whether your project is at the conception, proposal, or implementation stage, the assessment provides tailored recommendations to support its development. Projects receiving a positive assessment benefit from a letter of support, increased visibility through the "4 per 1000" Initiative, and opportunities to connect with partners and potential funders.

Find out more and apply here.

Changes in the Scientific and Technical Committee

At the end of 2025, Jean-François Soussana, Claire Chenu, and Alejandro Fuentes Espinoza completed their mandates on the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC). As long-term members, and, in the case of Jean-Francois Soussana and Claire Chenu, former co-chairs of the Committee, they played a pivotal role in shaping its work from the very beginning. Through their scientific expertise, dedication and long-standing commitment, they helped establishing the Initiative's strong scientific foundation and ensured that its activities are grounded in sound science. The "4 per 1000" Initiative extends its sincere gratitude for their invaluable contributions over the past years.

The Initiative also extends its sincere appreciation to Deborah Bossio for her dedicated service to the STC, as she completed her mandate in July 2026. As Co-Chair of the STC as well as of the interim Scientific Committee of the Soil Carbon International Research Consortium (IRC), she provided important scientific leadership and strengthened collaboration across the Initiative's scientific community.

Building on this strong foundation, the Initiative is pleased to welcome three new members to the STC:

Dr. Tiphaine Chevallier is Research Director at the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), where her research focuses on soil organic and inorganic carbon dynamics, carbon stabilization and the resilience of soil carbon under changing land use and climate conditions. Her work spans Europe, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, combining fundamental soil carbon research with interdisciplinary collaboration to support sustainable agriculture. She co-coordinates the CaSA (Soil Carbon for Sustainable Agriculture in Africa) network and is committed to making soil carbon science accessible through innovative engagement with researchers, farmers, policymakers and the wider public.

Dr. Ahmad Al Bitar is Head of Development of AgriCarbon-EO at CESBIO (France) and a specialist in Earth observation, soil carbon monitoring and drought resilience. He leads the development of high-resolution Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems for soil organic carbon and contributes to the harmonisation of carbon farming methodologies supporting the EU Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Regulation. His work spans Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, bridging science, policy and practice through collaborations with international organisations, public authorities and the private sector. He also advises CNES, NASA and ESA on Earth observation missions for sustainability.

Dr. Ngonidzashe Chirinda is Associate Professor at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco), where his research focuses on soil carbon, climate change mitigation, and Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems. His work spans North and Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Europe, with a strong focus on translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions that support climate policy and sustainable land management. He contributes to global climate governance through his engagement as a Lead Author in the 2019 refinement to the IPCC greenhouse gas inventory guidelines, he co-leads the Global Research Alliance's NDC and Inventories Network, and serves on the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), bringing extensive experience at the science–policy interface to the STC.

The "4 per 1000" Initiative warmly welcomes the new STC members and looks forward to a fruitful collaboration in support of its mission to promote healthy soils for climate, food security and resilience.

The next call for Scientific and Technical Committee members is planned for the end of the year, further reinforcing the Initiative's commitment to maintaining a diverse and internationally recognised scientific governance.

Policy and Global Action
Building momentum for soils and agrifoodsystems in environmental diplomacy in a triple COP year

The world is preparing to set out to negotiate solutions for the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation during the upcoming conferences of the parties (COPs) of the three Rio Conventions. A great opportunity to strengthen synergies between the conventions and to anchor healthy and carbon rich soils as a central entry point for climate action, biodiversity protection and land restoration. Here is what to watch out for:

Negotiations: Parties will follow up on the implementation of the land-mark decision on agriculture adopted at COP16, amongst other through recommendations by the committee on sciences and technology (CST) to the COP. Parties are further expected to consider a decision on rangelands.

Action Agenda: The Mongolian presidency announced a dedicated thematic day on food systems and soil health, offering a great forum to place soils in the centre of discussion. Mongolia will further launch the "Steppe Action agenda", as a long-term action platform to advance Rio synergies through integrated approaches. With the COP being a central moment during the international year of rangelands and pastoralists, rangelands will also feature prominently throughout the action agenda events. Also watch out for the declaration being developed during the global pastoralist gathering, just before COP.

Negotiations: The review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) will take centre stage during the negotiations, as half-time for the implementation of its 2030 targets has been reached. Regarding synergies between the conventions, the adoption of supplement voluntary guidelines for nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation will be of interest. The document is open for review until September 2, 2026.

Negotiations: With the 4-year Sharm El Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture coming to an end, parties will need to decide what to report back to COP and how to continue negotiations on climate action in agriculture and food systems under the convention. An important opportunity for all actors, to bring in their views in the months running up to COP. Focusing on solutions, which bridge the need for climate change adaptation, mitigation and food security, like agroecology, may help to provide a way forward in negotiations, which have at times reached an impasse.

It will further be interesting to follow negotiations under the just transition work programme (JTWP), where conclusions on the JTWP workshop on food systems, agriculture and oceans are still pending, as well as following the further operationalization of the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanisms.

Take a look at the latest technical note by FAO on agricultural negotiations under UNFCCC for more background!

Action Agenda: While the thematic days will be announced in the next days, the Turkish presidency already highlighted food security and Rio synergies as action agenda priority topics. The climate high-level champions, further invite partners to update their plans to accelerate solutions (PAS) or to submit a new PASs until October 16th, 2026.

Over the last years, a strong community has formed, pushing for a stronger recognition of the transformation of agrifoodsystems as a central lever to the goals of all three conventions. The "4 per 1000" Initiative is proud to be a major voice for healthy and carbon rich soils in the community and to join forces with partners during the COPs to shape the agenda. Follow us to COP through our social media channels!

Soil Health Insights
Soil Organic Matter as a Buffer Against Fertilizer Shocks

In the 10th edition of the Soil Carbon Webinar Series, the "4 per 1000" Initiative highlighted that soil organic matter is not only a climate asset but also a vital nitrogen reserve, financial buffer, and means of resilience. Research showed that soils with higher organic carbon levels are more capable to buffer fertilizer disruptions and avoid yield losses and long-term damage. Strengthening soil health is therefore essential for building more resilient, sustainable, and climate-friendly food systems. You can re-watch the webinar here and download the corresponding Soil Carbon Note here.

Impact4Soil

Impact4Soil is a new open-access platform that consolidates global knowledge, data, and tools on soil organic carbon to support sustainable land management and climate action. Developed with direct input from users, it offers interactive maps, scientific evidence, best practices, and networking to help researchers, policymakers, and practitioners make informed decisions. Take a look behind the scenes at Impact4Soil in this scientific article.

SoilCarbon4Climate

The official report from the SoilCarbon4Climate Conference is available. Published by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), it summarises the key discussions and recommendations from the conference held in Berlin in September 2025.

The conference was hosted by BMLEH, and co-organised by the international "4 per 1000" Initiative and the German Federal Humus Program. Bringing together more than 180 participants from 24 countries, the event explored how improving soil health and soil organic carbon can strengthen climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and land management. Through expert presentations, interactive discussions, and field visits, participants shared knowledge and practical approaches to advancing soil health. The report highlights the importance of continued international collaboration to turn knowledge into action.

Both the report and the recordings can be accessed online.

Carbon Solutions Spotlight
Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs)

The latest Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs) Impact Report 2025, released on 1st July 2026, demonstrates how collaborative, landscape-scale approaches can deliver measurable climate and environmental benefits. Across 320 farms covering more than 229,000 hectares in the UK, Italy, Poland and Hungary, regenerative practices contributed to 96,000 tonnes of CO₂e in emissions reductions and removals—nearly double the previous year's impact. Participating farms also increased soil organic carbon by an average of 1.4 tonnes per hectare, reduced synthetic nitrogen use by 6%, and enhanced biodiversity while maintaining crop yields. By bringing together farmers, businesses, water utilities and public authorities, LENs highlights the potential of collective action to strengthen soil health, climate resilience and sustainable food production. Learn more here.

EU CRCF Buyers' Club

The European Commission has launched the EU CRCF Buyers' Club, a voluntary platform designed to connect buyers and suppliers of certified carbon removal and carbon farming units under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation. By aggregating demand and fostering public-private collaboration, the initiative aims to accelerate investment in high-integrity carbon farming projects and support the transition from pilot initiatives to large-scale deployment. With the first purchases of certified units expected by the end of 2026, the Buyers' Club represents an important step towards creating a transparent and reliable European market for carbon removals while promoting sustainable land management and soil carbon sequestration. Read more here.

Engaging with the Global Community

The "4 per 1000" initiative participated in the Salon International de l’Agriculture 2026 in Paris, a major international gathering bringing together agricultural stakeholders, innovators, and policymakers. The event provided an opportunity to engage in discussions on sustainable agriculture, soil health, and the transition towards more resilient food systems while strengthening connections with partners and stakeholders across the agricultural sector.

The "4 per 1000" Initiative participated in the 2nd International Symposium on Soil Carbon in the Ecological Transition (SoilCET), organized by IFPEN and INRAE, which brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the critical role of soils in achieving carbon neutrality and addressing climate change. Representing the Initiative, Dr. Elen Lemaître-Curri contributed to the roundtable discussion of the "Policies, Regulation and Standardization on Soil Carbon" session. The session highlighted the importance of coherent policy frameworks, international cooperation, and science-based approaches to advance soil carbon sequestration and sustainable land management.

The "4 per 1000" Initiative participated in the ChangeNOW Summit in Paris, a global gathering dedicated to accelerating sustainable solutions by connecting innovators, businesses, policymakers, and civil society. The event provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of soil health and regenerative approaches, through interventions of its Vice-President, Stephane Le Foll, and Honorary President, Dr. Paul Luu, exchanges with diverse stakeholders; and strengthen partnerships supporting climate resilience and sustainable food systems.

The 3rd edition of the Carbon Farming Summit in Padua, focussed around the operationalization of the CRCF framework, addressing questions of market design as well as further improvement of monitoring systems. The "4 per 1000" Initiative contributed to a panel discussion on opportunities to integrate the CRCF framework and related data with international processes, including the PACM under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, reflecting on experiences from long-running carbon crediting schemes. The presentations given during the summit as well as the sessions recordings are available online.

With a view to the 10th anniversary of the "4 per 1000" Initiative, a joint round table organized with IRD during SOM 2026 highlighted concrete examples of soil carbon research and the implementation of agroecological practices across different regions. Discussions focused on the socio-economic challenges faced by farmers, the need for context-specific approaches, improved understanding of soil organic carbon dynamics, and stronger support for long-term research. The event also presented the Soil Carbon Futures International Research Consortium and emphasized the importance of data quality, accessibility, and stakeholder collaboration in advancing soil health solutions. Find our key conclusions here and the book of abstracts here.

The "4 per 1000" Initiative contributed to the World Living Soils Forum in Arles on 3–4 June 2026, bringing together stakeholders from science, policy, business, and civil society to advance discussions on soil health and regeneration. The forum featured a keynote by Stéphane Le Foll on "Soil Protection – The Legacy of the Paris Agreement" and discussions on European soil policy, international soil health ambitions, and the scaling up of regenerative solutions. Elen Lemaitre-Curri contributed to the session "A first European Law on Soils, where do we go from there?", while Paul Luu represented the "4 per 1000" initiative in sessions addressing soil health on the international agenda and the SOCRATE project with GAIAGO. As a member of the WLSF advisory board since its first edition, the "4 per 1000" initiative continues to contribute to the strategic development of the forum, with the next edition announced for 2028. Read more.

Already before the start of the meeting, stakeholders from the agriculture community, were invited to discuss the future of agricultural negotiations under UNFCCC in an informal workshop organized by FAO, CGIAR and WWF. During the negotiations under Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work Programme on the implementation of climate action in agriculture and food systems (SSJWA), parties tried to agree on conclusions of the first in-session workshop on holistic approaches. Also, the second in-session workshop on means of implementation took place during the session. Parties ended with extended procedural conclusions, leaving a a big package to be negotiated during COP31. The "4 per 1000" Initiative followed these developments closely and engaged in informal discussions to explore opportunities for further stakeholder involvement and effective pathways to advance sustainable agriculture within the climate agenda. See SSJWA outcomes here.

The "4 per 1000" Initiative followed the 14th Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) in Rome on 17–19 June 2026, where key decisions were taken on strengthening global soil governance. Discussions included the establishment of an International Policy Panel on Soils to provide policy advice and facilitate dialogue, complementing the existing Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils. The Assembly also highlighted support for a proposed UN Decade on Soil Health and the importance of the One Health approach in addressing interconnected challenges related to soils, ecosystems, and human well-being. The "4 per 1000" initiative contributed to the discussion with a plenary presentation highlighting priority topics in the field and leads for future collaborations. Read the meeting report here.

London Climate Action Week

During the London Climate Action Week, the "4 per 1000" Initiative was represented by Dr. Elen Lemaître-Curri at the British Society of Soil Science webinar, "Climate Action Starts from the Ground Up: The Role of Soil". Joining an international panel of experts from academia, international organizations, and the private sector, she contributed to discussions on how healthy soils can support climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and resilient food systems. The webinar underscored the need to place soils at the heart of climate policy, finance, and implementation.

Engagements in Southern Africa, Pretoria and Johannesburg Area, around the F’SAGRI-“4 per 1000” regional conference in South Africa

After the Regional Southern Africa Conference on Soil Health, the “4 per 1000” Initiative participated in several follow-up meetings and activities to strengthen collaboration on agroecology and soil health. On 22 June, the Initiative contributed to the 1st EU–AU Scaling of Agroecology Workshop in Pretoria. Further exchanges included a field visit supported by SACANI on 27 June, showcasing biochar production, composting equipment, biochar application in fields, and holistic grazing management practices. Additional meetings with F’SAGRI, DSTI, French Embassy representatives, F’SATI, and NATAE project scientists at the University of Pretoria focused on building partnerships and advancing the outcomes of the Southern Africa Regional Conference on Soil Health.

Upcoming Events – where we meet
Three COPs, One Shared Goal

The second half of 2026 see three major United Nations Conferences of the Parties (COPs), each addressing a different but closely interconnected global challenge: land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

UNCCD COP17 (17–28 August, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) will focus on combating desertification, restoring degraded land, and strengthening resilience to drought. The "4 per 1000" Initiative will be engaged in a series of events, to showcase ongoing projects and provide input to global debates:

  • 21 August 2026, 18:00-19:30, MET-03, Soil Data and Evidence for Land Restoration
  • 22/23 August 2026, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Landscapes of Life: A Nature-Positive Global Agenda to Protect, Manage and Restore Grasslands, Savannahs and Rangelands
  • 24 August 2026, 9:00-10:30, CGIAR Pavillion, Aligning Climate, Biodiversity and Land Action through Agrifood Systems Transformation
  • 24 August 2026, 16:00-17:30, French Stakeholder Pavillon, L’agroécologie pour restaurer durablement les terres agricoles : créer les conditions favorables aux transitions agroécologiques dans les territoires
  • 25 August 2026, 16:30-18:00, French Stakeholder Pavilion, Soil health as a foundation for one health: A key to resilient food systems
  • 26 August 2026, 15:00-16:30, MET-02, Regenerative Agriculture for Land Restoration and Healthy Diets: Closing the Finance Gap
  • 26 August 2026, 18:00-19:30h, Blue Zone, From degradation to resilience, a global dialogue on Rangelands and Pastoralists
  • 27 August 2026, 10:30-12:00, MET-01, One Land, Three Agendas": Using Agroecology to Deliver Rio Convention Synergies in Practice
  • 27 August 2026, 13:00-14:30, MET-02, Soil Health & Pastoralism: Rethinking Food Systems and Land Management
  • 27 August 2026, 15:00-16:30, MET-03, From Policy to the Ground: Scaling Action for Healthy Soil
  • 28. August 2026, 10:30-12:00, Priority Policies, Partnerships and Investments for Scaling Rangeland Restoration in Africa

UNCBD COP17 (19–30 October, Yerevan, Armenia) will review progress towards the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and explore ways to accelerate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

UNFCCC COP31 (9–20 November, Antalya, Türkiye) will advance international climate negotiations, with discussions on mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, and the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The “4 per 1000” Initiative will organize several side-events, to be announced at a later stage.

Together, these conferences highlight the essential role of healthy soils in achieving global sustainability goals. Healthy soils store carbon, support biodiversity, regulate water, increase resilience to climate change, and sustain agricultural productivity. As a cross-cutting solution, sustainable soil management contributes simultaneously to the objectives of all three Rio Conventions, reinforcing the importance of integrated approaches to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and land restoration.

FAO Global Conference for Actions on One Health in Agrifood Systems, 21-23 September 2026, FAO Headquarter, Rome Italy

The conference will position One Health as a unifying, systems-based approach to strengthen resilience of agrifood systems. Expected outcomes are a shared global vision and priority actions for implementing the One Health in agrifood systems framework, the Identification of investment opportunities to support country-level implementation and the launch of the One Health knowledge and intelligence hub.

NATAE Second International Policy Conference on Agroecology 29-30 September 2026 | Montpellier, France

Organised as part of the Horizon Europe NATAE (North African Tranistion to AgroEcology) project, this international conference will convene researchers, policymakers, international organisations, and practitioners to strengthen the science–policy dialogue on agroecology. The event will explore evidence-based strategies for sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and agroecological transitions, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean region and North Africa, while fostering collaboration across research, policy, and innovation networks. Read more here.

"4 per 1000" Day 21–22 October 2026 (to be confirmed) | Online

The annual "4 per 1000" Day will once again bring together members, partners and interested stakeholders from across the Initiative's global network. The event will provide an opportunity to reflect on recent achievements, exchange knowledge and perspectives, and discuss priorities for the year ahead. It will comprise a high-level segment, as well as meetings of the forum of partners and the consortium of members, the decision-making body of the initiative. Further information on the programme and registration will be shared in the coming weeks.

New Members and Partners
Research and educational bodies

Ecologic Institute is an independent think tank advancing environmental research and policy since 1995. Its Agricultural & Soils team focuses on climate-friendly soil management, including emission reductions, carbon removal, and adaptation strategies. With extensive experience in European and international policy discussions, Ecologic Institute brings expertise in sustainable soil practices and climate mitigation to our Initiative.

Nourished empowers consumers to make informed food choices by educating them on regenerative and organic food standards, including Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC). Through digital advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community initiatives, the organization promotes regenerative agriculture, supports global awareness, and encourages sustainable food systems that restore ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience.

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a leading South African science institution dedicated to agricultural research, innovation, and human capacity development. Through its Soil, Climate and Water business unit, ARC applies a multidisciplinary approach to develop science-based solutions for sustainable land use, natural resource conservation, and environmental resilience. The organization contributes to advancing sustainable agriculture through research, technology development, and collaboration with national and international partners.

Commercial & for-profit organisations

Ejad Farms is an organization based in Lahore, Pakistan, dedicated to building a Center of Excellence for regenerative agriculture, organic farming, sustainable food production, and healthy living. Through regenerative farming practices and collaboration with international partners, the organization promotes soil health, climate resilience, biodiversity, and food security while supporting the goals of the "4 per 1000" Initiative.

Sagri Co., Ltd. is a Japanese agri-tech startup using satellite imagery, AI, and process-based models to analyze soils, map field boundaries, and monitor water levels. By providing data-driven land management solutions, Sagri supports sustainable agriculture and soil carbon sequestration. Through the "4 per 1000" Initiative, the company aims to help farmers and organizations improve soil health and quantify carbon removal with advanced technological tools.

TECHNOKRESHY MONTANUS Private is an organization dedicated to empowering mountain communities through its Krishi Updates digital platform, which promotes nature-based solutions, peer-to-peer learning, and blended capacity-building. By advancing agroecology, ecotourism, and sustainable mountain management, the organization strengthens climate resilience, conserves biodiversity, and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 1, 4, and 13.

STARFISH Bioscience SAS is a French biotechnology company developing innovative solutions to restore soil health through advanced research on soil microbiota. By combining high-resolution sequencing, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and microbial isolation technologies, the company develops precision biosolutions that enhance soil functions, improve crop resilience, and support regenerative agriculture for a more sustainable future.

Humintech GmbH is a German company specializing in the development and production of humic-based products and soil amendments for sustainable agriculture. Through innovative solutions, research, and collaboration with farmers and partners, the company promotes soil health, enhances soil organic carbon, improves nutrient efficiency, and supports climate-resilient farming systems.

Viva Organica is a Botswana-based organization dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture through the production of premium compost, distribution of biopesticides, promotion of heirloom seeds, and farmer capacity building. Through training, advocacy, and policy engagement in agroecology, the organization supports soil health improvement, regenerative farming practices, and sustainable food systems thus contributing to the goals of the "4 per 1000" Initiative.

Mandela is a Panama-based social enterprise supporting agroecological transitions through integrated farm services, including technical assistance, digital market access, bio-inputs, appropriate technologies, and agrotourism opportunities. By promoting regenerative farming practices and a shared-income model, the organization strengthens rural livelihoods, ecosystem services, and climate resilience while contributing to soil organic carbon improvement and sustainable food systems.

Civil society & non-profit organisations

Fonio Alliance for Resilient Food Systems is a Ghanaian non-profit organization that promotes community-led agroecology, soil restoration, and climate-resilient food systems through the cultivation of indigenous crops, particularly fonio. By working closely with smallholder farmers, the organization strengthens soil health, enhances food security, and builds resilience to climate change while advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Earth Healing Alliance is a Tanzanian non-profit organization dedicated to restoring ecosystems and strengthening community resilience through regenerative agroforestry, reforestation, and sustainable food systems. By combining ecological restoration with climate education, trauma-informed community support, and sustainable livelihood initiatives, the organization empowers local communities while promoting soil health, biodiversity, and long-term environmental and social well-being.

Regenagri is a global regenerative agriculture certification program that supports farmers and organizations in adopting holistic farming practices to improve soil health, restore biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen rural livelihoods. Through its science-based standards, certification schemes, and data-driven monitoring, Regenagri promotes sustainable land management across millions of hectares while advancing climate resilience, food security, and regenerative value chains worldwide.

Scope Malawi is an organization that promotes permaculture and agroecology through education, integrating sustainable farming practices into primary, secondary, and teacher training institutions. By transforming schools into agroecology hubs, the organization fosters soil health, environmental stewardship, and practical knowledge that strengthens resilient farming communities and supports sustainable food systems.

The Allure of Soil is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the essential role of soil in climate resilience, food security, biodiversity, and sustainable development. By promoting soil stewardship and highlighting the importance of healthy soils, the initiative supports the transition toward more resilient food and climate systems.

Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) is a Zambian organic farm, training center, and expertise hub dedicated to promoting sustainable organic agriculture. Through training, research, extension services, advocacy, and organic production, KATC supports holistic rural development by strengthening food security, improving livelihoods, enhancing market access, and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices. With expertise in soil science, agroforestry, agronomy, organic certification, and agricultural development, KATC empowers communities to build resilient and sustainable food systems.

The Climate Change and Food Security Association is an organization working to promote sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security in the Mediterranean/Adana region. Through research, education, community empowerment, innovative climate-smart farming projects, policy advocacy, and international collaboration, the organization advances soil health, carbon sequestration, and regenerative agriculture. Its work supports agroecology, conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable farming practices that combat land degradation, strengthen climate resilience, and create opportunities for farmers and communities.

WWF is a global conservation organization dedicated to protecting biodiversity and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. Through collaboration with governments, businesses, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and scientists in more than 100 countries, WWF develops and supports science-based solutions to conserve ecosystems, reduce environmental pressures, and advance sustainable development. Its work contributes to building resilient landscapes and protecting the natural foundations essential for a sustainable future.

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