Secretariat

Yusuf Yigini

Land and Water Officer (Soil information)

Yusuf  is a soil scientist specializing in soil information and data and spatial data modelling, with more than 25 years of research, technical and policy experience. He joined the GSP Secretariat in 2017 and currently leads work on soil information and data, including national and global soil information systems, GloSIS, SoilSTAT, global soil data products and capacity development in member countries. He also coordinates relevant technical components of major soil information programmes, including SoilFER. Before joining FAO, he worked at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre as scientific and technical project officer and as a researcher in Türkiye. He holds Ph.D., M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Soil Science.

Yuxin Tong

Land and Water Officer (Soil fertility and fertilizer)

Yuxin is a soil researcher who joined FAO in 2018 to coordinate the activities of the International Network of Black Soil (INBS) for the GSP Secretariat. He has supervised the implementation the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) and the International Network of Soil Fertility and Fertilizer (INSOILFER). He provides technical support to the project implementation on the topic of soil fertility and fertilizer recommendation. Before joining FAO, he was a researcher focused on the environmental effects of crop conversion in the black soil region and balanced fertilization. He holds a M.Sc. in Soil Science and a Ph.D. in Plant Nutrition.

Mahmoud Abdelfattah

Senior Land and Water Officer

Mahmoud is a Senior Land and Water Officer and SoilFER Programme Lead, overseeing implementation in Central America and Africa. He holds an MSc in Soil Survey from ITC, the Netherlands, and a PhD from Cairo University, Egypt. With over 29 years of experience, he specializes in soil mapping, soil and water management, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture. He has worked with ICBA in Dubai, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, UAE University, and Cairo and Fayoum Universities in Egypt. He also served as a Senior Technical Advisor at FAO Egypt. He has managed major projects and published over 90 peer-reviewed publications.

Isabel Luotto

Land and Water Officer (Soil Information and Data)

Isabel is a land and water officer who joined the FAO’s Land and Water Division and the Global Soil Partnership in 2018. She holds a MSc from the University of Hohenheim in Tropical Agricultural Sciences with a focus on sustainable resource management. She has extensive experience in handling and extracting valuable information from large geospatial datasets and has developed a passion for making complex soil data related topics approachable and scalable. Over the years she has trained hundreds of national experts in digital soil mapping and modeling.

Vinisa Santillan Saynes

International Consultant (Soil Fertility/Nitrogen)

Vinisa is a biologist specialized in  carbon and nitrogen cycling in the plant-soil-atmosphere system of agricultural lands forestry systems. She joined the GSP to support the activities in Pillar 1 (Soil Management) associated with CO2 and non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation in agriculture. She is also supporting the implementation of The international Code of Conduct for the Sustainable Use and Management of Fertilizers. She holds a PhD. in Soil Sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Marcos Angelini

 International Consultant (Soil Information)

Marcos is a data scientist, agronomy engineer from Argentina. He has a PhD in Digital Soil Mapping. He worked for the Soil Institute of the National Instituto of Agricultural Technology of Argentina. He completed his Ph.D. at ISRIC World Soil Information and Wageningen University, the Netherlands, in 2018. His thesis covered topics related to digital soil mapping using structural equation modelling. In 2020, he completed a Postdoc position at INRAE Montpellier, France, where he worked on mapping soil quality indicators. Marcos is working on the GloSIS development, implementation of AFACI project and capacity development programmes.

Kirill Antyukhin

Sustainable soil management consultant

Kirill joined the GSP Secretariat as a sustainable soil management consultant in 2023. He holds three Master’s degrees in soil science, economics and management and previously served as a diplomat, agriculture attache and the National Focal Point to the GSP. Kirill supports the full project cycle, from formulation, work planning and implementation to monitoring, reporting and budget follow-up. His work includes RECSOIL pilots, the Global Soil Doctors Programme, regional training, study visits, soil-information activities and national technical assistance. He also contributes to resource mobilization, donor and partner engagement, relevant GSP technical networks and the effective implementation of GSP Plenary Assembly decisions.

Bellington Mudyawabikwa

Consultant on Soil Laboratory

Bellington is a soil laboratory specialist with expertise in laboratory quality management, analytical method development and soil test results interpretation and validation.  He has over 15 years’ experience working in analytical chemistry laboratories. Prior to joining the GSP, Bellington worked as a laboratory research associate at ICRISAT and has worked as a research officer for various institutions and academia which include the University of Zimbabwe and Tobacco research board (Zimbabwe). He joined the GSP in November 2023 to provide support to the SoilFER project as an international laboratory consultant. Bellington holds an MSc. In Chemistry and an MBA.

Issam Barra

International consultant (Soil Spectroscopy)

Issam is a soil spectroscopist who has joined FAO in 2024 to support dry chemistry related activities under the framework of the GLOSOLAN-Spec and SoilFER project. Prior joining the FAO, Issam worked for 5 years as professor of soil spectroscopy at the Mohammed 6 Polytechnic University in Morocco where he assisted the set-up of soil spectroscopy laboratories and was teaching dry chemistry course. He holds a PhD degree in coupling spectroscopy with chemometrics from the University Mohammed 5 in Morocco. 

Emmanuel Amoakwah

International Consultant (Soil Laboratory)

Emmanuel is a soil scientist with over 15 years of research experience, specializing in soil quality modeling, monitoring soil properties and studying the effects of biochar on soil functions and soil health. He has extensive expertise in implementing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) in analytical laboratories, developing soil analytical methods and interpreting complex analytical results. Emmanuel joined the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) in November 2025 to collaborate with project partners and laboratories under the SoilFER project, ensuring accurate soil analysis for soil mapping. He holds an MSc in Physical Land Resources from Ghent University (Belgium) and a joint PhD in Soil Science from The Ohio State University (USA) and the University of Cape Coast (Ghana).

Mansonia Politi Moncada

International Consultant (Soil Laboratory)

Mansonia is a soil scientist specialised in soil health assessment and sustainable soil management. She has extensive experience in implementing and evaluating laboratory and field methodologies across various pedoclimatic zones. Her expertise includes analytical and hands-on investigations of soil properties and dynamics to evaluate their impact on soil health. She has led research activities involving advanced laboratory analyses, the development of methodological protocols, stakeholder engagement, and the dissemination of knowledge through peer-reviewed publications and reports. She holds an MSc degree in Soil Science and a PhD in Land and Water Management (Ghent University, Belgium). 

Imane Slimani

International consultant (Soil fertility and fertilizers)

Imane is a soil biogeochemist who support the activities of the International Network on Fertility and Fertilizers (INSOILFER). Prior to joining FAO, Imane served as Postdoctoral Research Scholar at the University of California-Davis (UC Davis) in the USA, where her focus was on the potential of regenerative agricultural practices to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration. Imane completed her Ph.D. at UC Davis, with her research covering topics related to nutrient cycling and mineral organic matter interactions. Prior to her doctoral studies at UC Davis, she obtained a degree in agricultural engineering from the Agronomic and Veterinary Hassan II Institute in Morocco.

Maria Isabel Senal

Soil Laboratory Specialist

Maria Isabel joined the GSP Secretariat in March 2026 to support the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN). She works closely with soil laboratories, regional networks and technical experts to support the development of practical guidance and advance collaboration across the soil laboratory network. Before joining FAO, Maria Isabel worked in sustainability, environmental programme implementation and academic research. Her expertise lies in soil and water biogeochemistry, particularly the interactions between biogeochemical processes and water quality. She holds an MSc in Marine Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman and a PhD in Soil Science from Aarhus University, Denmark.

Gillian Leeds

Communication Specialist

Gillian joined FAO in January 2025 to enhance the visibility of the Organization's efforts as it promotes the integrated management of land, soil and water resources, working closely with the GSP to manage its digital presence, strengthen its public positioning and develop compelling communications products. Before joining FAO, Gillian worked in private sector sustainability and development consulting. She holds a master of arts from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a bachelor of arts in individualized study from the Gallatin School at New York University.

Natalia Rodriguez Eugenio

Land and Water Officer

Natalia is a soil scientist who joined the GSP Secretariat in 2017 to organize the Global Symposium on Soil Pollution. She currently coordinates and oversees the implementation of activities and projects on soil degradation and sustainable soil management, including the implementation of the RECSOIL initiative. Natalia provides technical support throughout the GSP project cycle. Prior to joining FAO, she worked as a soil expert in QC/QA and GIS for soil mapping in Ecuador and as a soil pollution expert at JRC-EC. She is a biologist and holds a MSc in Sustainable Soil Management and Soil Protection and a PhD in Soil Science.

Isabelle Verbeke

Land and Water Officer (Communications)

Isabelle joined FAO in 2002 and has worked with the Global Soil Partnership since 2012. She leads GSP communications, shaping strategy, advocacy and global campaigns. Since the first celebration of World Soil Day, she has coordinated its growth into a flagship UN observance with worldwide events, contests and strong public engagement. She also played a key role in the International Year of Soils. Isabelle manages FAO’s soil related web platforms, oversees soil publications and coordinated the organizational and communication work for nine policy science symposia from 2017 to 2026.

Yi Peng

Land and Water officer (Soil laboratory, analysis and harmonization)

Yi is a soil scientist specializing in soil data and information, soil spectroscopy, soil mapping, and landscape modeling, with over 10 years of experience in research and project development. He began working with the FAO in 2018 and joined the GSP Secretariat in 2021. As the coordinator of GLOSOLAN and GLOSOLAN-Spec, he oversees activities related to soil laboratory analysis and harmonization. Additionally, he serves as the deputy lead of the soil data and information team. Yi holds a Ph.D. in soil science from Aarhus University, Denmark.

Matteo Sala

Consultant (Art Director/Graphic Designer)

Matteo is a graphic designer with more than 20 years of working experience in the field of communication, design and content management for various clients, including FAO. In 2015, he started working for the FAO Land and Water division as a graphic and web designer. He handled many publications and multimedia material in relation to soils and is the art coordinator for the annual World Soil Day campaign, scientific symposia, communication campaigns, and for all GSP activities and products.

Carolina Olivera Sanchez

International Consultant (Soil Management)

Carolina is an agronomist with over 20 years' experience in soil science. At the GSP Secretariat, she supports activities for the sustainable management of soils, with a particular focus on developing and implementing methodologies and training materials for the Global Soil Doctors Programme. She also contributes to the activities of the Latin America and Caribbean Soil Partnership. Prior to joining the GSP, she worked as a consultant on soil fertility and watershed management, as well as on international development projects. She holds an MSc in Plant Protection from Paris VI University.

Maria Konyushkova

International Consultant (Soil Salinity)

Maria is a soil scientist specializing in salt-affected soils, sustainable soil management and soil governance, with extensive field and research experience in arid and salt-affected regions. She joined the GSP Secretariat in 2021 and coordinates the International Network of Salt-Affected Soils (INSAS), supporting GSP activities on the assessment and sustainable management of salt-affected soils. Prior to joining FAO, she worked at the Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute and the Eurasian Center for Food Security and served as a European expert on the FAO Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS). She holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Soil Science.

Janet Nabwami

International Consultant (capacity building)

Janet is a soil scientist with a background in soil fertility management who joined the GSP Secretariat in 2023. She supports the development and implementation of the Global Soil Doctors Programme ( GSDP) in African Countries and supports the implementation of RECSOIL pilot projects in African countries. Prior to joining GSP Secretariat, Janet worked as a Soil management Specialist with FAO Uganda and has worked with various institutions and academia as a Researcher/Soil Scientist. She holds an MSc in Soil Science and a PhD in Soil and Water Management.

Luis Rodriguez Lado

International consultant

Luis is a soil scientist from Spain with expertise in digital soil mapping, environmental monitoring and data science. He has over 20 years of experience in research and private consulting. Before joining the GSP, he worked in several academic institutions such as the School of Agronomy of Rennes (France), the School of Agronomy "Luiz de Queiroz" in Brazil, the Joint Research Center of the European Commission (Italy), the Federal Institute for Aquatic Research in Dubendorf (Switzerland) as well as in the Department of Soil Science of the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. He joined the GSP in 2023 to provide support for digital soil mapping activities, capacity development, data management, and reporting under the GEF SoilCare project.

Newton Nyapwere

International Consultant (Soil information and data)

Newton is a soil and geospatial scientist specializing in soil information and data science. He has more than 15 years’ experience in soil surveys and research as well as 12 years in geospatial data analysis and manipulation. He joined the GSP in November 2023 and is focusing on soil data and information specialization. Before joining FAO, he worked for the Chemistry and Soil Research Institute in Zimbabwe. He was also part of the team that carried out national soil mapping project (1: 250000 scale) of Mozambique from 2010-2013. Newton also held several consultant roles at Midlands State University, FAO Zimbabwe, USAID and UNDP. He holds a M.Sc. Geoinformatics, MSc in Information Systems Management, and a BSc. Degree in Soil Science.

Arturo Varela

International Consultant on Soil Fertility

Arturo, an Industrial Microbiologist, specializes in project management, coordinating soil sampling plans for soil study and characterization, and developing research protocols for biofertilizer production and agricultural microbiology. For six years, he worked at the Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG) in Honduras, successfully leading projects funded by the USDA and the Rural Development Administration (RDA) of South Korea. Arturo served as Honduras' focal point for the Global Soil Partnership in 2019-20. Presently, he supports the SoilFER project, aligning global objectives with national needs for Honduras and Guatemala.

Michaela Brown

International consultant (Soil organic carbon and climate change)

Contact Michaela

Michaela holds a master's degree in Soils and Sustainability from the University of Edinburgh and bachelor's degree in International Agriculture and Rural Development from Cornell University. She brings experience in sustainable soil management, implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, soil carbon sequestration, and stakeholder engagement across the agrifood system. She has worked on farms to design and implement landscape restoration initiatives and in the private sector to develop strategies for farmers to implement sustainable soil management techniques. At the GSP, Michaela is supporting the implementation of the RECSOIL initiative and facilitate soil recarbonization through engagement with farmers, agricultural extension services, and local and national governments.

Haijing Shi

Consultant on Soil Erosion

Haijing is a soil erosion and geospatial scientist supporting the Global Soil Partnership in soil erosion assessment, monitoring and international collaboration. Her expertise includes remote sensing, spatial modelling, and the development and application of multi-source geospatial datasets for sustainable soil and land management. At the GSP, she contributes to technical coordination, capacity development and knowledge exchange with national experts and partner institutions. She is also an Associate Professor at Northwest A&F University in China, where her research focuses on soil erosion and environmental monitoring. She holds a PhD in Physical Geography from the University of New South Wales, Australia. 

Wanderson de Sousa Mendes

Soil Information and Data Specialist

Wanderson is a soil scientist and agronomist with experience in pedology, digital soil mapping, soil spectroscopy, geospatial modelling and soil information systems. His work combines soil science, remote and proximal sensing, machine learning and AI-driven modelling to support sustainable land management and evidence-based decision-making. He has worked across Europe, Africa, Latin America and Oceania, collaborating with universities and organisations. He earned a DSc in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, and a BSc in Agronomy from the Federal University of Piauí, including an exchange at the University of Sydney.

Noorunisha Abdool

Soil Information and Data Specialist

Noorunisha is an analytical scientist specialising in agricultural laboratory quality management, proficiency testing and capacity building. She holds a degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of Johannesburg and has extensive experience in developing and optimising agricultural laboratories, with expertise in soil, plant and fertilizer analysis. Through her work with GLOSOLAN, she supports the harmonisation of soil laboratory practices, strengthens analytical quality worldwide and contributes to training and capacity building efforts across laboratories.