Latin America Shows Progress in Sustainable Soil Management

During the 10th Assembly of the Soil Alliance for Latin America and the Caribbean (ASLAC), specialists pointed out that the region has made significant progress in the sustainable management of agricultural soils. This will help address the effects of climate change and contribute to the well-being of rural families.

Victor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture, stressed that Mexico has the tools, platforms, projects and protocols needed to strengthen the primary sector and achieve resilient agri-food systems. Moreover, he highlighted that all actors involved in the agri-food chain need to cooperate to consolidate a regional action plan towards the goal of having alive and healthy soils.

Villalobos underscored the importance of soil as a key ally to face the challenges posed today by climate change, food security, biodiversity loss and other complexities associated with economic and health crises. “Over time, we have learned a series of lessons regarding sustainable soil management; it is time to apply them. Soil health is essential for food and agriculture. Likewise, it contributes to the well-being of farmers and people in general,” said Villalobos. 

Sol Ortiz, President, ASLAC, noted that the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) framework, with which the region works, proposes concrete elements to perpetuate soil’s ecosystem services, including providing nutritious food and clean water, regulating diseases and climate, supporting crop pollination and soil formation and facilitating recreational, cultural and spiritual benefits. In this regard, Villalobos said that Mexico has integrated several lines of work promoted by the GSP into the National Soil Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture (ENASAS).

Villalobos urged his peers to promote the engagement of these elements during the upcoming Global Soil Partnership Assembly, as well as to participate in the decisions taken there, since “it is essential that the voice of Latin America and the Caribbean can be heard and taken into account.”

Lina Pohl, Representative, FAO, stressed that Mexico has the capacity to address the issue of soil health with the participation of the federal government and the private sector. According to Pohl, a comprehensive soil strategy could enable the development of programs such as “Soil Doctors,” an initiative promoted by FAO, as well as new ideas to address climate change and soil degradation.