International Experts Sound Alarm on Global Soil Degradation and Pollution and Morocco Adopts FAO’s Soil Health Initiative during the Global Soil Partnership Assembly in FAO Rom
In a video address during the opening of the 12th General Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership in Rome, Mr. Mohammed Sadiki, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, outlined Morocco’s efforts in soil fertilization and enrichment, relying on precise data and soil fertility maps.
Morocco’s Commitment to Combating Soil Degradation
The government official emphasized Morocco’s commitment to combating soil degradation and climate change, supporting global efforts for sustainable soil management. He expressed his support for the association since its inception in 2012 and highlighted the importance of soil health for food security and sustainable development. He also praised the efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in promoting international cooperation in this field.
Interview with Dr. Rachid Moussadek….
In this context, “Al-Mouhit Al-Filahi” magazine conducted an interview from the FAO headquarters in Rome with Dr. Rachid Moussadeka researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Research and ICARDA, and the elected president of the Global Soil Partnership for the North Africa and Middle East region. The interview took place on the sidelines of the 12th General Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership, held from June 3 to 5. Dr. Mossadek highlighted the efforts made in soil fertility management.
Dr. Moussadek discussed extensive current collaboration with various institutions to research soil issues in arid and semi-arid regions. This collaboration involves the National Institute of Agricultural Research, ICARDA, and several public and private partners. Specifically, he mentioned working with the OCP Group and other partners to “bring the voice of the soil to the world,” emphasizing the significant attention soil requires.
Unifying Soil Laboratories’ Efforts…
The international agricultural expert explained that one of their major achievements is close cooperation with soil laboratories. They aimed to standardize soil property measurement methods and establish a network of laboratories for regular scientific meetings and workshops. “We have successfully brought together more than 100 laboratories that hold scientific meetings to unify efforts to preserve soil,” Dr. Mossadek added.
Geographic Information System for Soil…
He emphasized, “We are working on developing a comprehensive geographic information system for soil, an ambitious project that serves Morocco and the entire region. This system aims to collect and analyze geographic data related to soil, enabling us to make scientifically-based decisions to protect and improve soil productivity. This includes extracting soil fertility and salinity maps and rationalizing the composition of fertilizers specific to each area.”
Legal Framework for Soil Protection…
One key point Dr. Rachid emphasized was “the necessity of legal frameworks to protect soil.” In his interview with “Al-Mouhit Al-Filahi,” he stated, “In Morocco, we are working on drafting a law that will be the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East. Without this law, it will be difficult to succeed in our efforts to preserve soil. It is encouraging to see some other African countries working on similar legislation.”
Farmers’ Participation in Efforts…
Regarding a question from “Al-Mouhit Al-Filahi” about farmers’ participation, Dr. Moussadek said, “We have not overlooked the importance of involving farmers in these efforts. We are working on transferring knowledge and modern techniques to them to enable them to use more productive and sustainable agricultural methods. This cooperation between scientists and farmers is a cornerstone for ensuring the success of any soil protection strategy.”
Achieving Soil Conservation Goals…
In conclusion, the international agricultural expert Dr. Moussadek told “Al-Mouhit Al-Filahi” that the work being done in soil protection in North Africa and the Middle East is extensive and collaborative among many parties. “We all strive to achieve one goal: to preserve soil and ensure its sustainability for future generations. The successes we have achieved so far are encouraging, but the road is still long and requires continuous cooperation between governments, research institutions, CGIAR/ICARDA, INRA, UM6P and other actors involved on soil fertility such as ‘OCP,’ and farmers to ensure a better future for the region’s soil,” he said.
Dr. Moussadek highlighted as a good example, the ambitious program that the government of Morocco launched under the green generation strategy to promote conservation agriculture in 1 hectares by 2030 to enhance the soil heath and food security. This program, supported by several partners such as CGIAR/ICARDA Excellence in Agronomy, Climber, etc, is in line with the objectif of the Global Soil Partnership to promote Sustainable Soil Management to combat land degradation.
# almouhitalfilahi: Adil EL ARABI