International Network of Soil Information Institutions (INSII)

The International Network of Soil Information Institutions (INSII) was established to support countries in collecting, harmonizing and sharing soil information globally. INSII enables evidence-based decision-making by improving the quality, availability and comparability of soil data. It facilitates the development of national soil information systems aligned with global standards, and contributes directly to global data platforms like GloSIS and SoilSTAT.

By fostering collaboration among soil data institutions, INSII plays a key role in enhancing countries' capacities to monitor soil health, identify threats, and support sustainable soil management. INSII also ensures that national efforts are connected to global initiatives, helping translate local data into global actions for more resilient agri-food systems. 

INSII is responsible for guiding and supporting the collection, standardization, harmonization, and dissemination of soil data and information and metadata in the context of the GSP products. The scope of its work includes:

• Developing and refining technical standards, tools and documents for national soil information systems and FAIR soil data exchange, aligned with the Global Soil Information System (GloSIS);
• Promoting standardization and harmonization of soil data in line with FAIR principles in collaboration with the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN);
• Facilitating exchange of best practices, training, benchmarking and capacity development;
• Advocating for resources and policy support for data sharing and soil information systems;
• Contribute to national, regional and global soil data products to support GSP objectives, regional needs, and the overall goals, if decided by the GSP PA;
• Supporting voluntary national reporting under the GSP Action Framework and global soil health indicators;
• Convene once a year to report on the progress made, virtually or in-person if funds allow.

The International Network of Soil Information Institutions (INSII) brings together nationally mandated institutions and GSP partners committed to advancing the Global Soil Information System (GloSIS).

Institutions with the technical capacity to generate and share national soil data and information, whether subnational, national, regional, or global, are welcome to join. Membership is open to entities officially nominated by GSP focal points and partners.

Steering committee

The INSII Steering Committee ensures that INSII’s activities align with GSP objectives, regional needs, and the overall goals.

By 3 guiding strategic priorities, monitoring and reporting progress, the Steering Committee upholds the mission of INSII.