The document proposes a new educational platform called EduSoils that would provide online soil-related courses through FAO's existing e-learning center. EduSoils aims to address the lack of soil-focused courses and help build capacity on soil issues. Partner universities and organizations would develop course materials that the GSP Secretariat would format for the e-learning platform. Courses would be self-paced and available in multiple languages, with certificates awarded for passing final tests. Initial topics would cover soil laboratory practices, fertility management, mapping, and pollution assessment.

1. Educational Platform
on Soils: EduSoils
Yuxin Tong
Natalia Rodriguez Eugenio

2. Background
 Education is strategically important to
understand the impacts of unsustainable use of soils
on food security, climate change, human health and
well-being.
 Education and awareness-raising are key pillars
of the Global Soil Partnership (Pillar 2).
 A soil education programme is needed for
capacity building of key stakeholders and for
decision making (Pillar 2).

3. • The GSP has been making great efforts to develop
the capacities of different stakeholders in a face-to-
face way on:
• Digital Soil Mapping
• SOC mapping
• Soil Salinity
• E-learning platforms help information reach a wider
range of stakeholders
• It is included in the Pillar 2 Implementation Plan
Background

4. Background
 FAO e-learning centre lacks
courses on soils…
 But has a strong impact, has
many subscribers and is
accessible to a wide
audience
Let's use this platform
and fill the gap

5. Objective
 By leveraging the benefits of the FAO e-learning
platform, the Global Soil Partnership proposes a
series of courses on soil-related issues to
complement the current catalogue.
 EduSoils aims to be a common platform, linked
to the FAO Soils Portal, where many existing
resources can be found.

6. Description
 Partner universities and accredited course
providers will develop teaching materials
 The GSP Secretariat will harmonize the style and
prepare the layout and interactive parts.
+ many others

7. Description
 Self-paced learning
supported by e-learning
materials, online resources and
job aids
 Self-assessment tests during
the course and a final test.
 The learner will have to
reach a minimum of 80% to
obtain a certificate.

8. Target audience
 Wide variety of courses aimed at different
audiences: professionals, students at different
levels, from basic level to postgraduate, researchers,
farmers and land users, politicians and government
technicians.
 The courses are also intended for those who do not
work directly in the area but are interested in
adding new knowledge and learning about soil-
related topics.

9. Development and
management
 Located in the FAO corporate e-learning platform
 The GSP Secretariat will facilitate the technical
assistance in cooperation with interested tutors.
 Quality and pedagogical adaptation must to be
ensure (ITPS and Pillar 2 WG)
 The courses will be available at least once a year
and at least in the six UN official languages.

10. Outputs
 Wide range of soil-related topics:
1. Soil laboratory practices;
2. Soil fertility management;
3. Sustainable Soil Management practices;
4. Soil mapping and monitoring
5. Soil pollution assessment and management.
 New courses will be added as key partners
provide educational materials

11. EduSoils
Working to make soil education
available to all