ISRIC recap: 4th Global Soil Security Conference in South Korea

_{ISRIC Guest Researcher David G. Rossiter presenting at the 4th Global Soil Security Conference. Credit: Global Soil Security Conference 2023}

In June 2023, the 4th Global Soil Security Conference convened in Seoul, South Korea with more than 400 participants from more than 30 countries. Two representatives from ISRIC – World Soil Information presented at the conference:

• ISRIC Senior Digital Soil Mapping and Remote Sensing Expert Laura Poggio presented on the topic "Challenges in Modelling Soil Security at Global Level" and
• ISRIC Guest Researcher and Cornell University Adjunct Professor David G. Rossiter presented about "Mapping Soil Condition: What is Possible and How?"

The concept of "soil security" may not be as familiar as "soil health," but it includes a much broader view of the role of soils in society and the environment. Soil security is defined as the ability for soil to sustain functions to provide planetary services and human wellbeing, and has five dimensions: soil capability (i.e. soil quality), condition (i.e. soil health, conservation, regeneration, degradation and pollution), capital ( i.e. production, natural, conservation), connectivity (i.e. soil awareness, education, social licensing) and codification (i.e. soil governance, policy, regulation, law). The link with policy and the public is especially important.

Soil security is a useful framework for ISRIC because it defines the relevance, in the broadest sense, of soil data and information to stakeholders.

Learn more about the conference 2023 Global Soil Security Conference here: https://www.gss2023.org/