This presentation was presented during the Asian Soil Partnership workshop that took place in Bangkok 14-16 December 2017. The presentation was made by Dr. Milkha Singh Aulakh http://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/en/

1. Prof. Dr. Milkha Singh Aulakh

2. Importance of Pillar 2 in Asia
• Pillar 2 is composed of six very important Interlinked and
Interdependent Components -- Investment, Technical Cooperation,
Policy, Education, Awareness and Extension in Soil.
• Asia is the Largest and most Populous Continent on the Earth.
• Threats to Soil Sustainability are High in Asia.
• Soil Science is mostly not included in the School Curricula at all
Educational levels.
•Literacy Rate is low, especially among Farmers, Soil Mangers & other
Stakeholders, and hence Public Awareness is nominal.
•
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3. Priorities of Asia in relation to the
Importance of Pillar 2
 Halting/Reversing high Threats to Soil Sustainability.
 Thus, Informing & Educating Politicians, Policy Makers &
Governments is very very Important.
 Review of existing Laws, and Development of new Laws on
Soil Protection and Rehabilitation -- Leading To SSM.
 Inclusion of Soil Science at all Educational Levels.
 Enhancing Public Awareness.
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4. Main Activities for Pillar 2 in Asia
2.1 Creating Awareness among Key Political Stakeholders on Soil Functions
and Soil-related Ecosystem Services.
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For instance, burning of rice residues, a common practice in north-
west states of India, results in loss of nutrients and atmospheric
environmental pollution

5. Main Activities for Pillar 2 in Asia
2.2 Supporting Policy Development -- Review, Develop and Endorse New
Laws on Soil Protection and Rehabilitation at the National and Regional
Levels.
2.3 Promoting Education on Soil – Inclusion of Soil Science in the School
Curricula at all Educational Levels and providing Support to Young
Professionals in building International Experience.
2.4 Sensitizing Society on the Role of Soils for Life on Earth – To develop
Public Awareness Raising Campaigns and Initiatives.
For Example, celebrating World Soil Day among stakeholders at local ,
state & national levels
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6. 6
Celebrating “World Soil Day 2016”
at countryside among farmers & public

7. Main Activities for Pillar 2 in Asia – contd.
Establishment of national and regional awards for the practice of
SSM and advances in research:
Examples:
Glinka World Soil Prize, established by GSP
(2016 Winner: The Instituto Geografico Agustin Codazzi, Colombia)
Randhawa Natural Resource Management Award by NAAS, India
(2016 Winner: Milkha S Aulakh)
2.5 Supporting, Developing and Revitalizing Extension Services – To
ensure that sufficient sound Extension Services are available in the
Region.
For Example, Conducting Soil Doctors Program in the region
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8. Main Activities for Pillar 2 in Asia – contd.
2.6 Promoting and Strengthening Scientific and Technical
Cooperation – e.g. through Conferences, Workshops and the
Creation of a Dedicated Platform for Information Sharing and Project
Proposal Writing.
For Example, using ASP Website as an Interactive Platform &
updating the activities regularly.
2.7 Encouraging Investments on Soil – e.g. Attracting Investors by
proving/show-casing high Returns from the Healthy Soils.
Examples:
Investment by public and private sectors in SSM
By seeking for political support
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9. Main Challenges for the achievement
of Activities for Pillar 2
 Financial Support – e.g. from FAO, Regional Organizations,
National Governments.
 Political & Economical Stability of Countries in the Region –
Political Will & Commitments.
 Availability of Technical Personnel/Support.
 Coordination & Cooperation within and among Countries.
 Conjoint Actions by five Pillars -- Interlinked and Interdependent
Activities.
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10. Main Topics of Discussion w.r.t.
Activities for Pillar 2
 Financial Support.
 How to Assess Political Will & Commitments across the region.
 Active Participation by Regional and National Partners .
 How to engage Technical Personnel/Support.
 Coordination & Cooperation within and among Countries.
 Conjoint actions by five pillars.
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11. Possible ways to Address
Points of Discussion
 Within a Pillar, we could take seven Activities of Pillar 2 one by one.
 Collective Discussion among all the five Pillars.
For Example, to look into the overlapping activities among the Pillars.
We may debate & decide:
(a) which activity should go to which Pillar, and
(b) which activity (activities) could be undertaken jointly
 Strengths & Weaknesses of each State Member – Pillar Members
could provide Assessment/Information about their Respective
Countries.
 How to achieve these ↓
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12. HOW TO ACHIEVE THIS?
Sustainability: A Three-legged Stool
Economically
Viable
Socially
Responsive
Ecologically
Sound
BALANCE

13. BUILDING
BRIDGES
Between:
- Scientific Societies
- Sustainable
Agriculture Groups
-Urban and Rural
Sectors of Society
-Waking to our
responsibilities

15. Burning of rice residues, a common practice in
north-west states of India, results in loss of
nutrients and atmospheric environmental
pollution.