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.

•

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.

4

Main Activities for Pillar 2 in Asia

2.1 Creating Awareness among Key Political Stakeholders on Soil Functions and Soil-related Ecosystem Services.

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

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

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 SSMBy seeking for political support

9

Main Challenges for the achievementof 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.

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.

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 ↓

HOW TO ACHIEVE THIS?Sustainability: A Three-legged Stool

EconomicallyViable

SociallyResponsive

EcologicallySound

BALANCE

BUILDING BRIDGES

Between: - Scientific Societies

- Sustainable Agriculture Groups

-Urban and Rural Sectors of Society

-Waking to our responsibilities

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

pollution.