The workshop participants agreed that the strategy for the implementation of the International Initiative on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity should adhere to the following principles (bearing in mind that many of these principles have already been emphasized through other processes or forums):
focus, as an overriding priority, on food security and improvement of farmers’ livelihoods through support actions that will have tangible, positive and measurable effects on agro-ecosystems and on the well-being of the communities that depend upon soil health and productivity;
build on previous experience and knowledge through combining the skills and wisdom of farmers with modern scientific knowledge;
focus on integrated holistic solutions and technical adaptation to local contexts within a clear framework that builds on the principles for application of the ecosystem approach (Annex 6);
use participatory technology development and adaptive approaches to develop agricultural systems and land resource management practices for specific situations and farmer typologies that are technically and environmentally appropriate, economically viable, and socially and culturally acceptable;
develop partnerships and alliances that enhance synergy and multistakeholder participation (from farmer and civil society to research and the private and policy sectors) and build on specific knowledge and experiences (by region, ecosystem and thematic area);
promote cross-sectoral approaches to address different perspectives (social, economic, political and environmental) and to achieve a range of benefits at different scales (local, national and global);
prioritize actions on the basis of country goals and the needs of direct beneficiaries and validate such actions locally through the full participation of all actors;
promote innovative and flexible solutions that are adapted to local conditions and relevant to the continuously evolving contextual situation of the beneficiaries.
Taking into account the above principles, and building on the opportunities and approaches discussed during the workshop, two main objectives were formulated for the SBI: (i) promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of the key roles of functional groups and of the impacts of diverse management practices in different farming systems and agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts; and, more important, (ii) promote ownership and adaptation by farmers of integrated soil biological management practices as an integral part of their agricultural and sustainable livelihood strategies. It was suggested that progress could be made by focusing on the following strategic areas of action:
increasing recognition of the essential services provided by soil biodiversity across all production systems and its relation to land management through: information sharing and networking; raising public awareness; education and capacity building;
capacity building to promote the adoption of integrated approaches and coordinated activities and processes for the sustainable use of soil biodiversity and enhancement of agro-ecosystem functions, especially in the areas of: assessment and monitoring; adaptive management; and R&D;
developing partnerships and cooperative actions through mainstreaming and cooperation.
It is intended that the suggested principles, development process, strategy and priority actions presented in this report provide a basis for stimulating exchange of information and experience among countries and relevant institutions. This should lead to a coordinated process for the establishment and conduct of the SBI as a cross-cutting initiative within the CBD programme of work on agricultural biodiversity, and through FAO’s interdisciplinary programmes, with a focus on:
mobilizing work at country level and within institutions concerned with agricultural development;
providing expert advice, through country programmes and at international level, through the SBSTTA/COP process for the assessment of ongoing activities and existing instruments;
strengthening partnerships and cooperative action with FAO and other relevant organizations through the identification and development of complementary and synergistic activities.
As soil biota can have both positive and negative effects on agricultural production, participants agreed that it is necessary to be able to measure or assess the impacts of individual soil management practices on soil biodiversity functions. In particular, if sustainable agricultural production systems are to be realized, there should be clarification of the impact of land management change, including agricultural intensification and other trends, on both the short- and long-term functioning of soil ecosystems. This requires the development of appropriate indicators to improve understanding of land use and soil-biodiversity interactions and to assist in monitoring and assessing the trends and impacts, both in terms of degradation and restoration of an agricultural ecosystem, and the progress in promoting conservation and sustainable use. Such indicators should facilitate monitoring at various spatial scales. They should also provide a tool for adequate management of biodiversity both locally and at national level, as well as for regional and global overviews of biodiversity status and trends.
To date, there has been little progress in developing indicators of biodiversity. This is because of the low level of scientific knowledge and understanding regarding biodiversity, in particular of ecosystem processes and functions. Nonetheless, the recent increased attention to holistic, systemic approaches has widened knowledge and understanding of effects of changing land use and management practices on biological diversity from a focus on intra- and inter- species diversity to consideration of diversity at the ecosystem and landscape levels. In particular, there have been advances in understanding the importance of sustaining ecosystem functions and life-support systems, such as the nutrient, hydrological and C cycles, climate regulation, and pest and disease management processes at local and watershed or landscape scales. This knowledge needs to be made available for use by various actors (policy-makers, technical support personnel and farmers and other land managers) through targeted materials and case studies and through capacity-building processes.
There is a need for strengthening capacities and coordinating activities in order to promote integrated agro-ecosystem approaches and the conservation, sustainable use and enhancement of soil biological functions. In particular, improved information flows and better cooperation are needed among actors, institutions and development organizations (farmers, extensionists, researchers, policy-makers and soil, crop, livestock, environment specialists and sectors). This should provide the basis for promoting improved soil biological management and thereby achieving more productive and sustainable agricultural systems. Such cooperation and multidisciplinary approaches are essential for furthering work in the areas of: (i) assessment and monitoring; (ii) promoting the participatory development and adaptation of technologies and practices, building on farmers’ knowledge and innovation as well as scientific advances; (iii) extension of successful approaches and technologies through the development of tools and training materials for capacity building and awareness raising; and (iv) the provision of enabling policy and legal frameworks. In this regard, priority was given to:
facilitating greater sharing and exchange of information among farmers’ groups and organizations, technicians, extensionists and policy-makers using appropriate communication strategies or entry points;
stimulating collaborative actions among the range of stakeholders and beneficiaries (e.g. farmers, policy-makers, research projects and commercial organizations) on enhancing soil health and adapting improved soil biological management of soil ecosystems;
developing targeted tools, approaches and activities for different audiences and for a broad range of applications through promoting on-farm experimentation and effective dissemination of lessons learned;
promoting multidisciplinary activities that allow participants to work innovatively and cooperatively on tool and technology development by linking complementary development efforts, sharing resources and leveraging resources and investments;
strengthening efforts to remove any significant barriers (policy, regulatory and institutional) to the pursuit of these innovative, cooperative opportunities.
Partnership development is envisaged in order to establish close cooperation between FAO and partners for the development and implementation of the SBI and, in particular, for the development and promotion of improved practices for soil biological and ecosystem management for sustainable and productive agriculture. This requires cooperation at two levels. First, a process is required that ensures the participation of and feedback among a broad range of stakeholders, including policy-makers and local leaders, throughout the different stages of the development process. Second, it requires the development among relevant institutions and organizations (governmental, civil society and private sector) of complementary programmes and actions and effective collaborative mechanisms. In this regard, participants agreed that the development of partnerships, strategic alliances and collaborative actions could focus on:
building on available case studies and information on the range of activities that address soil biodiversity and soil biological management in specific agricultural systems and support programmes worldwide;
the identification and selection of specific agricultural systems and support programmes where farmers could test and adapt improved practices for soil biological management, through participatory technology development, experiential learning processes and cooperation among stakeholders (farmers, extension, research, NGOs and the private sector);
promoting the widespread adoption of proven practices for the biological management of soil ecosystems, which contribute to productive and sustainable agriculture and the restoration of degraded lands.
Annex 5 presents suggestions for cooperative activities proposed by workshop participants in the form of a matrix table. These suggestions should be further developed together with other potential partners as a basis for implementing the priority activities identified at local and national levels.
The findings and recommendations in regard to the three main thematic areas considered at the Londrina workshop are presented in the form of a framework for action that outlines proposed objectives and activities. It is envisaged that this will provide the basis for the further development of the strategy and action plan for implementation of the International Initiative on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity, further referred to as the SBI, as an integral part of the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity. It will be a partnership effort among FAO, the CBD Secretariat and parties, and other interested partner organizations and bodies.
The workshop discussed the following operational issues and made suggestions regarding the development process for implementation of the SBI, focusing on the biological management of soil ecosystems for sustainable agriculture:
Key partner institutions and types of resource users should be identified in each beneficiary country and region and among stakeholders (government, civil society and private sector) with a view to the development of clear common objectives and strategies. This will facilitate the targeting of required support to farmers and other users of land resources to help them in sustaining agricultural biodiversity and ecosystem functions while meeting livelihood goals.
Efforts are needed to improve understanding of the relevance of soil biodiversity issues in regard to other national and international initiatives, and to promote partnerships and coordinated approaches. In particular, the SBI should be developed and implemented in synergy with and as an integral part of: (i) the ongoing CBD-FAO collaboration towards the agricultural biodiversity programme of work, taking into account other programmes of work (drylands and forest biodiversity) and cross-cutting issues (indigenous knowledge, benefit sharing, etc.); and (ii) national agriculture sector strategies and environmental action plans, in particular, with regard to national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs), implementation of the CCD and activities towards the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC).
A support system is needed to enable FAO and other partners (to be identified) to coordinate the process of developing and monitoring the SBI. This could include support for secretariat functions and the identification of regional and national focal points and support from members of FAO and parties to the CBD. The support mechanism should have, inter alia, the following functions: (i) promotion of multidisciplinary activities and integrated approaches as well as synergy and complementarity among relevant programmes and processes; (ii) coordination of the programme among all actors and assistance in leveraging and channelling of existing resources, with a focus on soil biodiversity conservation and sustainable use for sustainable and productive agriculture and food security, in accordance with FAO’s mandate and the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity; and (iii) sharing experiences, lessons learned and resulting proposals for action among partners and preparing progress reports on a regular basis for consideration by FAO governing bodies and by SBSTTA for consideration in the further development and implementation of the SBI and its integration with the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity.
There is a need to combine and make better use of existing information and knowledge from relevant disciplines (biology, ecology, soil science, agronomy, etc.) in order to guide practical action for conserving and sustaining the functions and value of soil biodiversity in agricultural systems (including forestry). Compiling existing information and targeting it to specific clients (e.g. different types of farmers and other land users, technicians and policy-makers) is a top priority. In particular, and in response to the invitation by the COP, case studies on soil biodiversity and ecosystem management and sustainable agriculture are required as a means to promote local and national initiatives for integrating improved soil biological management in mainstream agricultural R&D programmes.
Activity 1.1 - Compilation and dissemination of case studies for use in awareness raising and capacity building
a. Case studies that are being compiled and made available through the CBD and FAO Web sites should also be made available on CD-ROM, for downloading and dissemination by partners for use at local and national level. The case studies will be analysed according to the extent that they reflect the ecosystem approach and with a view to identifying: gaps in knowledge; opportunities for synergies amongst activities; and options for promoting improved soil management.
b. Further contributions of relevant activities, achievements and lessons learned are to be invited through national processes. Case studies could emanate from pilot activities, farmer innovation, agricultural projects, and research programmes. They should include monitoring and assessment and adaptive management activities in specific agro-ecosystems and farming systems. A wide range of experiences from all concerned actors in the agriculture and environment sectors will facilitate the review and prioritization process for further work.
c. A standard format will be prepared for the presentation of case studies, with reference to the indicative outline for case studies on agricultural biodiversity (Annex 6), including, inter alia: the type of problem addressed; proposed solutions; specific techniques and management practices; tools and approaches for improved management and assessment; analysis of the principles and lessons learned from such experiences; and possibilities of replication and adaptation.
d. A matrix will be developed to record and classify case-study information on soil biological management according to: type of farming system, climate conditions, socio-economic context, spatial and temporal scales, and application of the ecosystem approach. This can be built up from the case studies provided for or presented at the Londrina workshop, summarized in Chapter 2 and in matrix form in Annex 4.
e. The resulting matrix of cases and lessons learned will be analysed with a view to providing a framework and strategy to guide wider adaptation of soil biological and ecosystems management in different regions and farming systems as well as tools for the assessment and monitoring of soil health and sustainable productivity and for participatory on-farm research and the adaptation of techniques.
Activity 1.2 - Creation and strengthening of networking arrangements for sharing of information, experiences and expertise with a focus on supporting local initiatives on the ground rather than institution building
a. Networking activities will be initiated or strengthened in order to mobilize interested stakeholders and to facilitate regional and thematic coordination and cooperation among partners, especially in the areas of assessment and monitoring and adaptive management. They will build on ongoing networking activities, for example through the TSBF BGBD project, the IRD-TSBF macrofauna network, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - GEF Alternatives to Slash and Burn (ASB) network, and networks on integrated production and pest management (IPPM). The activities will also catalyse new networks on areas requiring more attention such as soil biodiversity and soil biological management in dryland areas facing degradation and drought as well as on mountain areas in view of the species gradient with altitude and management implications. They will encourage South-South sharing of information and know-how, for example among regional networks on BNF and among conservation agriculture and organic agriculture networks.
b. Interdisciplinary processes will be promoted and ongoing actions extended to targeted production systems and geographical areas, such as agricultural systems in drylands and in mountain regions.
c. FAO’s RooTalk newsletter and other relevant newsletters should be used for information coordination and dissemination and knowledge generation among interested groups of actors. This could catalyse a knowledge-sharing process on specific themes in response to demand from the field and invited contributions on relevant experiences and expertise. This should focus on sharing of practical experiences and good practices across sectors, partners and existing networks, demonstrating an integrated soil biodiversity and ecosystem management approach where possible.
Activity 1.3 - Enhancing public awareness, education and knowledge on integrated soil management and agro-ecological approaches
a. Develop materials and methods for integrating soil biodiversity and soil biological management into agricultural and rural development programmes and training processes for farmers and technicians. This could include, inter alia: (i) policy briefs for decision-makers on the importance of soil life for a range of ecosystems services: agricultural productivity, C sequestration, water quality, etc.; and (ii) the production of manuals and methods for farmers’ training and training of technicians and development workers on soil ecology and participatory approaches that allow the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge and technologies.
b. Strengthen interdisciplinary teaching processes within universities and colleges in order to train researchers, technicians and extension staff on how to address soil management from a more comprehensive and systemic perspective. This should include the development of technical college and university curricula and training materials for extensionists on agro-ecological principles and practices for sustainable and productive agriculture.
Activity 1.4 - Development of information systems and databases
a. Integration of soil biodiversity and soil biological management in existing information systems and databases including wider ecological tools such as ECOPORT (http://www.ecoport.org). This will require coordination among the various concerned partners and institutions. For example, the TSBF BGBD project intends to construct an international information system on patterns of land use change, below-ground biodiversity and its management. This will take into account ongoing work on database development and use, for example, the IRD-TSBF macrofauna database and the UNDP-GEF ASB database.
Activity 2.1 - Evaluating capacity building needs of farmers and other land managers, researchers and development programmes for integrated soil biological and ecosystems management
a. Evaluation of relevant on-farm skills and educational and professional training needs for the adaptation and development of improved soil biological management in different farming systems and by farmers with different socio-economic contexts (small and large; commercial and subsistence). This should include the determination of capacity building needs with respect to farmers and other land users, researchers and development programmes for: (i) the monitoring and assessment of different farming systems, technologies and management practices in regard to their effects on soil biodiversity and its functions; (ii) integrating soil biodiversity issues into agricultural and land management processes, including training materials and relevant programmes and policies (guidelines, compendia of best practices, etc.); and (iii) facilitating participatory research and technology development on soil biodiversity and biological management, with a view to promoting sustainable and productive agriculture and improved land management.
Activity 2.2 - Development of soil bioindicators and tools for assessment and monitoring of soil health and ecosystem functioning
a. Bioindicators of soil health and assessment tools are needed in order to identify, guide and realize the benefits of improved biological management of soil ecosystems in terms of enhanced productivity and sustainability. The challenge in identifying land use management practices that are sustainable is the lack of data on the impact of agricultural practices on soil biodiversity, and on the effect of reported declines in soil biodiversity on agricultural systems. Holistic approaches for assessing soil health and simple reliable bioindicators at different scales are needed for use by farmers, technicians, scientists and policy-makers. Activities should include: (i) development of a clear conceptual framework that provides the criteria and tools to help guide land users, technicians and policy-makers to develop a soil health indicator plan; (ii) creation and strengthening of existing country-based groups working on soil bioindicators, and coordinating their contributions towards the establishment of global monitoring plans and networks building from existing data in selected well-documented areas; and (iii) establishment of an ad-hoc expert group to assist in the development of a set of soil biological indicators for integration with existing indicators and processes, in the assessment and monitoring of soil and agro-ecosystem health at local and national scales, as well as in understanding the causes and consequences of changes in soil health, agricultural productivity and sustainability. The monitoring process should contribute to the identification of remedial action to restore soil biological functioning. The ad-hoc group should build upon ongoing projects, regional groups and processes and will contribute to development of a framework facilitating adaptation and interpretation of existing methodology.
The above activities should be further developed in consultation with relevant projects and activities such as TSBF BGBD and BIOASSESS (above) to avoid duplication and to ensure complementarity and, in particular, to facilitate the application and use of various products.
Activity 2.3 - Promote adaptive management approaches for the development and uptake of improved soil biological management practices, technologies and policies that enhance soil health and ecosystem function and contribute to sustained agricultural productivity and livelihoods
a. Promote integrated soil management approaches for farmers and agricultural or rural development workers through participatory technology development and adaptive management processes. These should build on the participatory diagnosis of constraints and opportunities and on problem-based learning approaches that address interactions among soil, water, plants, livestock and human management. They should focus on good practices and innovative solutions for soil biological management and build, in particular, on progress and achievements in promoting conservation agriculture, organic agriculture and IPPM approaches.
b. Strengthen local capacity through farmer field training, short courses and mainstreaming of soil health and soil biological management in agricultural programmes and activities. This should facilitate improved decision-making and selection by farmers, with the support of extension and research, of best options and technologies. The FFS approach is already in use in parts of Asia and its methods and tools are being piloted in East Africa in FFS-SPI (www.fao.org/ag/agl/agll/farm-spi).
c. Develop tools and strategies for sustainable management of soil biodiversity and ecosystems using farmers’ experience and lessons learned from case studies. Emphasis should be placed on: agro-ecological principles that enhance soil-ecosystem functioning and the multiple services of well functioning systems; and participatory processes and capacity building for successful expansion of agricultural R&D programmes that integrate soil biodiversity and ecosystems management.
d. Identify opportunities for direct and indirect management of soil ecosystems with a focus on: organic matter management (type, timing, associated technologies, etc.); cropping system design (crop selection, spatial and temporal arrangements, etc.); and tillage methods. These practices have a major influence on soil biodiversity and its functions and provide the most important and flexible options for widespread adoption by farmers. The most attractive entry points, highlighted during the workshop, for increasing farm productivity while sustaining rural development and protecting the environment are: conservation agriculture, organic agriculture and IPM. BNF, through the symbiotic relationship between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi or Rhizobium bacteria, is also considered an attractive option, in view of the positive international and national experiences and the renewed interest by the CGIAR, FAO and other partners.
e. Develop a set of principles and good practices for improved soil biological management as an integral part of land resources management and sustainable agricultural ecosystems, with reference to specific systems.
Activity 2.4 - Mobilize targeted participatory R&D in order to enhance understanding of soil biodiversity functions and ecosystem resilience in relation to land use and sustainable agriculture
There is a need to target further applied research on soil biodiversity and soil biological management in order to provide clarifications and enhance understanding on the functions of soil biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in relation to land use and sustainable agriculture. It is well known that soil biota provide key ecosystem services that are responsible for naturally renewable soil fertility. However, there are important gaps in understanding and opportunities for further R&D. Activities should include efforts to:
a. Mobilize targeted on-farm participatory research in order to further clarify the most effective methods of organic matter management and their impact on soil life and plant-pest control for specific production systems (human and biophysical considerations).
b. Study and compile comprehensive data on specific dryland systems and mountain ecosystems, with a view to identifying opportunities and promoting concerted efforts in such areas for the biological restoration of soil health and fertility. This recognizes that these areas are fragile and require careful management, but have been relatively less studied and documented than other agricultural ecosystems in regard to soil biodiversity and soil biological management.
c. Encourage the conduct of case studies on the range of goods and services provided by soil biodiversity and well-functioning soil ecosystems, including nutrient cycling, C sequestration, soil and water conservation, pest and disease control and bioremediation, and, where possible, highlight costs and benefits. The case studies could focus initially on enhanced soil functioning under conservation agriculture, organic agriculture and IPM approaches compared to conventional practices.
d. Conduct economic benefit-cost analyses of changes in soil biodiversity, community composition and their relationship to soil ecosystem function and soil health and productivity, highlighting the externalities at farm and country scales. Priority is given to the identification of case studies or pilot activities that provide data on and demonstrate: (i) the impact of biological management of soil ecosystems, with emphasis on the economic and environmental benefits of soil biodiversity and its management; and (ii) the economic importance of soil biota and biological activity through the review and assessment of the direct and indirect values of soil biodiversity and its functions.
e. Analyse the application of the ecosystem approach across a range of case studies, and provide further technical guidance for implementing the ecosystem approach in agriculture and land management.
These activities will complement the research-based work of the TSBF BGBD project.
Collaboration and mainstreaming activities should focus on promoting widespread adoption of practices for enhancing soil biodiversity functions with a view to improving the productivity and sustainability of agriculture, and thereby generating socio-economic and environmental benefits. Such benefits should be achieved at farm, ecosystem and national scales. Efforts should build on existing programmes, networks, and relevant work of research institutes and national and international bodies. In this regard, several areas for collaboration have been identified and could be further developed through partnerships as outlined in Annex 5. These activities are more development-oriented compared with the complementary, more research-oriented work of the TSBF BGBD project and the IRD, which will strengthen the knowledge base.
Activity 3.1 - Mainstreaming soil biodiversity and ecosystem management in agricultural and land management programmes and policies
a. Promote the wider application in agricultural and land management programmes of soil bioindicators and practical methods for monitoring and assessing soil biodiversity and its functions, and of adaptive management processes for the participatory development of improved soil biological management and land use practices for maintaining soil quality and health under different agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions;
b. Harmonize and strengthen national policy and planning mechanisms through integrating soil biology management in land use planning, agricultural development, environmental impact assessment, programmes and projects addressing soil fertility, soil and water conservation practices, rehabilitation and reforestation.
This work should build on the work of the TSBF BGBD project and be developed in consultation with it. That project will develop recommendations of alternative land use practices with a focus on tropical forests, and will establish an advisory support system for policy-makers at different levels.
Activity 3.2 - Develop partnerships and collaborative activities for the development and implementation of the SBI as an FAO-CBD partnership
a. Develop cross-sectoral partnerships with participation at local, country and international levels to advance the implementation of the initiative. The extent of FAO’s participation and its role in the SBI will depend on strategic partnerships with organizations and experts in the field and on its in-house capacity and the support of member governments through the Regular and Field Programmes, in accordance with its mandate, as set by the Strategic Framework (2001-2015) and Medium Term Plan (2002-07).
b. Select and initiate collaborative activities, through FAO collaboration with the EMBRAPA, workshop participants and other partners and projects, with emphasis on those with direct benefits on the ground, and on those providing a logical starting point for the further development of activities and setting of priorities for new work with farmers and R&D partners.
c. Organize and conduct a second technical workshop at the end of 2003, at an interesting soil biological management project site, to discuss progress and lessons learned and to develop a more concrete programme for the SBI for consideration by the SBSTTA.
d. Invite and compile further information from all actors on potential partnerships and ongoing and planned activities that contribute to the SBI. This should enable FAO and partners to facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of ongoing activities, expected outputs and the priority setting process. Further work should build on local knowledge systems and experiences including aspects that were not considered in the Londrina discussions, such as the use of soil organisms as an important part of the diet of certain indigenous people, e.g. Amerindians (case study by Paoletti and collaborators).
