What’s new on land, soils and water

Three global events taking place in December, the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention to Combat Desertification of the United Nations, World Soil Day 2024 and the International Soil and Water Forum 2024, reminded us of the importance of sustainable land, soil and water management to achieve food security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Have a look at these new FAO reports that have been released to coincide with these global fora:

The Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils
This report examines the threat of salinization and sodification of soils, looking at salt-affected soils in both natural environments and those induced by human activities. Highlighting the critical link between sustainable soil management, water quality, and food production, the report introduces innovative ideas and sustainable approaches, including mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Regional action plan for sustainable soil management in the Near East and North Africa region
With high population growth and limited soil and water resources, the Near East and North Africa region faces significant challenges to food security. This action plan presents the way forward for the region in targeting the sustainable management of soils, the improvement of capacities on soil analysis and soil mapping as well as the development and implementation of effective policy tools.

Progress on change in water-use efficiency – Mid-term status of SDG Indicator 6.4.1 and acceleration needs, with special focus on food security and climate change
This report presents the latest monitoring results of the SDG Indicator 6.4.1, focusing on the change in water-use efficiency over time. Monitoring this indicator assesses the economy’s ability to grow sustainably without overexploiting its water resources.  The report shows trends in water use efficiency at global,  regional and national level,  offering insights into the progress achieved and providing  recommendations to accelerate efforts towards the sustainable use of water resources.

Progress on the level of water stress – Mid-term status of SDG Indicator 6.4.2 and acceleration needs, with special focus on food security
This report provides an updated analysis of the progress of SDG Indicator 6.4.2, which monitors water stress levels globally. It examines trends in the pressure on renewable freshwater resources from the economic sectors at global, regional and national level. The report highlights the challenges faced by regions where water stress levels are critical, particularly in terms of food security. Additionally, the report presents case studies that demonstrate the relevance of the disaggregation of the indicator at water basin level, providing more nuanced understanding of local variations and specific challenges.