Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS)
The Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS) was established at the first Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership held at FAO Headquarters in 2013. The ITPS is composed of 27 top
soil experts representing all the regions of the world. The main function of the ITPS is to provide scientific and technical advice and guidance on global soil issues to the Global Soil Partnership primarily and to specific requests submitted by global
or regional institutions.
The ITPS advocates for addressing sustainable soil management in the different sustainable development agendas.
ITPS Functions and duties
The ITPS have the following functions:
- Provide scientific and technical advice on global soil issues primarily to the GSP and in relation to specific requests submitted by global or regional institutions.
- Advocate for the inclusion of sustainable soil management into different development agendas.
- Review and follow up on the situation and issues related to soils in the contexts of food security, use and management of natural resources, ecosystem services provision, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and other relevant areas.
- Follow up on the implementation of these Plans of Action with due attention to their impact and contributions to different global policies and initiatives related to sustainable development, MDGs, food security, climate change adaptation and other subject matters.
- In exceptional cases, when complex technical matters arise, request the Plenary Assembly and the Secretariat to form technical committees aiming to gather specific advice.
The ITPS members have the following duties:
- Provide scientific and technical advice on global soil issues to the GSP
- Sign a “non-conflict of interest” declaration
- Participate at the Plenary Assembly, as stipulated in the ToR of the GSP
- Appoint a Chairperson by consensus
ITPS panels
ITPS panel 2025-2028
Fifth panel
ITPS panel 2022-2025
Fourth panel
ITPS panel 2018-2021
Third panel
ITPS panel 2015-2017
Second panel
ITPS panel 2013-2015
First panel
ITPS Soil letters
The hidden impacts of conflict – How conflict impacts soil health, agriculture and food security - ITPS Soil Letters #11
2026
The document explores the impacts of conflicts on soils and identify potential actions to rebuilding sustainable and resilient agricultural systems...
Biochar in sustainable soil management: potential and constraints - ITPS Soil Letters #8
2023
Biochar, derived from the pyrolysis of organic materials, is a decomposure-resistant soil amendment that enhances fertility, boosts agricultural productivity,...
Urbanisation and soil sealing - ITPS Soil Letters #5
2022
An important service provided by soils is the support of human settlements, structures and infrastructures. However, once urbanised, soils are usually...
Spectroscopy: towards eco and human friendly soil analysis - ITPS Soil Letters #4
2021
A study conducted by the FAO Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) showed that most standard chemical analyses have medium or high risks to human...
Soil organic carbon and nitrogen: Reviewing the challenges for climate change mitigation and adaptation in agri-food systems
2021
Carbon and nitrogen participate directly in a wide variety of soil processes that are key to the food system and for the provision of ecosystem services..
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ITPS Working sessions
22/7
2013
26/7
2013
First Meeting of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS)
22/07/2013 - 26/07/2013
The first session of the ITPS will take place from 22-26 July 2013 at FAO HQ. The aim of this meeting is to bring together the 27 appointed experts in...
7/4
2014
11/4
2014
Second Working Session of the ITPS
07/04/2014 - 11/04/2014
The second working session of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils is scheduled to take place from 7 to 11 April in FAO HQ and will address very important GSP...
13/4
2015
17/4
2015
Third ITPS Working Session
13/04/2015 - 17/04/2015
The Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS) was established at the first Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership held at FAO Headquarters on 11 and 12 of June, 2013. It...
14/9
2015
18/9
2015
ITPS fourth session
14/09/2015 - 18/09/2015
The ITPS members will meet for its fourth session in Rome HQ from 14 to 18 September 2015. Agenda of the meeting
14/3
2016
18/3
2016
5th ITPS Working Session
14/03/2016 - 18/03/2016
The ITPS held its 5th Working session in Rome. The key points that were discussed during this intense working week : Review and finalization of the first draft of the “Voluntary...