On 6 June 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) signed a memorandum of understanding during a virtual signing ceremony, with the aim to improve land, soil, water and crop data and information systems through geospatial science and big data technologies, which will contribute to the sustainable use of these natural resources for food and agriculture and the monitoring and reporting of related SDGs (2, 6, 13 and 15) at the global scale.

“This memorandum of understanding signifies our mutual commitment to taking a science and innovation driven approach to support the global transformation into more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in the near future”, highlighted Ms Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General.

 “Indeed, by harnessing the power of big data, we can develop decision support systems for natural resource management and sustainable agriculture”, highlighted Mr Lifeng Li, Director of the Land and Water Division at FAO.

Along with the signing of the agreement, FAO and CBAS have launched a concrete work plan that aims to contribute to four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation for All), 13 (Action on Climate Change) and 15 (Life on Earth).

In particular, this memorandum of understanding will support SOLAWISE, a FAO’s keystone initiative related to Soil Land and Water Information System that will eventually collect, analyse and provide data and information on crop level to support countries in agricultural policies and improved agricultural management. It will also support the development of the FAO Hand in hand Geospatial Platform, including the WAPOR portal, FAO’s portal to monitor water productivity through open-access of remotely sensed derived data. Mr. Jippe Hoogeveen, Senior Land and Water Officer at the FAO Land and water Division, added “We want to turn the data into usable information and practical applications for different stakeholders, using open source software: from policy makers to monitor progress towards SDGs, for example, to science community, who is still the largest user of FAO’ data, extension services to reach more farmers in the field, and private sector partners who can develop tailor made services.