About the event

Soil erosion is one of the most serious global threats to food security, water quality and ecosystem stability. Accelerated by deforestation, unsustainable land and soil management practices and climate change, soil erosion leads to the loss of fertile topsoil, reduced agricultural productivity, biodiversity decline and increased risks of land degradation and desertification.

Following its endorsement by the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) Plenary Assembly in June 2025, the International Network on Soil Erosion (INSER) was officially launched on 15 September 2025. INSER brings together scientists, policymakers and institutions to strengthen soil erosion assessment, promote conservation practices, support economic valuation and advance enabling policies and legislation.

This first working meeting marks a key milestone in making INSER fully operational by establishing its governance structure, leadership and initial work plan.

Objective

The meeting aims to formally organize INSER and enable coordinated global action against soil erosion. Specifically, it will:

• Elect the Chair and Steering Committee of INSER
• Elect the Leads of the three technical working groups:
  • Measuring, Modelling and Mapping
  • Soil and Water Conservation Practices
  • Economic Valuation, Legislation and Policy
• Agree on the structure and operational modalities of the network
• Approve the work plan and priorities for 2026–2027
• Facilitate initial networking and collaboration among members

Target audience

Policymakers, researchers, international organizations, civil society, NGOs, land users, practitioners and local communities working on soil erosion and sustainable land management.

Agenda
All times in CEST

13:00–13:15 | Opening session
Welcome and opening remarks, and adoption of the agenda
Thorunn Wolfram Petursdottir, Global Soil Partnership Secretariat, FAO

13:15–13:30 | Overview of INSER
Background, mandate, current membership and global representation
Yuxin Tong, FAO GSP Secretariat, INSER Facilitator

13:30–14:30 | Elections
Election of the INSER Chair
Election of Leads of the technical working groups:

• Measuring, Modelling and Mapping
• Soil and Water Conservation Practices
• Economic Valuation, Legislation and Policy
  Facilitated by Janet Nabwami, FAO GSP Secretariat

14:30–15:20 | Discussion and decision-making
Overview of INSER operational modalities
Vote and approval of the work plan and priorities for 2026–2027
Yuxin Tong, FAO GSP Secretariat

15:20–15:30 | Closing session
Closing remarks
Newly elected INSER Chair

Moderator: Yuxin Tong