FAO's GSP launches INSER, a new technical network focused on soil erosion
On 15 September 2025, FAO’s Global Soil Partnership (GSP) officially launched the International Network on Soil Erosion (INSER) during a hybrid event in Rabat, Morocco. The event brought together over 300 participants from across the globe (in-person and online), with 365 individuals already registered as INSER members.
INSER was established in response to the 2019 Global Symposium on Soil Erosion, which called for a coordinated global platform to improve assessment, mitigation, and policy integration related to soil erosion, one of the most urgent but often under-addressed environmental threats. The decision to establish the INSER network was endorsed by the GSP Plenary Assembly in June 2025.
By joining scientists, policymakers, and institutions, INSER strengthens the GSP’s network, expanding it from seven to eight technical networks, and contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 15.3 on land degradation neutrality.
The launch event featured representatives from key organizations including the World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC), the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), and Morocco’s Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA).
Opening remarks by Mr. Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, emphasized that INSER represents a significant advance in safeguarding soil resources. He described the network as a global platform to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange, supporting countries in integrating soil erosion control into broader agrifood system transformation efforts.
Ms. Ghaouti Lamiae, Director General of INRA, highlighted INSER’s potential to harmonize monitoring efforts and facilitate the integration of erosion mitigation into policies and investments.
Mr. Yuxin Tong, Land and Water Officer at FAO, presented the network’s vision and goals, inviting collaboration and technical contributions.
Closing the event, Ms. Thorunn Wolfram Petursdottir, Secretary of the GSP, underlined the essential role of the GSP’s networks in generating scientific evidence, informing policy and mobilizing the voluntary collaboration of global experts to address complex soil challenges.
INSER is now open to new members and technical contributors committed to advancing sustainable soil erosion management worldwide.
Join the network 👉🏿https://forms.office.com/e/jG0xGMKBHC