Could the planet’s largest living ecosystem also be the solution to climate breakdown? Restoring agricultural soil health is increasingly being labelled as a principle means of carbon sequestration, and preserving biodiversity. This panel will offer perspectives from leading experts on the vital importance of sustainable soil management in humanity’s future, and how what was once considered an inert substance, may be the answer we’ve been looking for. 

Small and marginal farmers are among the most vulnerable to climate shock events. The good news? Sustainable soil management practices can climate proof these farmers whilst making their lands an effective carbon sink. The protocol challenges they face in engaging with the market as individuals can be overcome by coming together. This event will showcase the efforts from various parts of the world in collectivising small and medium scale farmers practising sustainable soil management, and the exciting opportunities that can be unlocked to scale agriculture based climate solutions.

How much does soil health impact human health? Studies have shown that plant nutrition is highly dependent on soil health. When 80% of food consumed by human beings originates from soils, how much we nourish the life beneath our feet may have a major role to play in our own wellbeing. Join leading experts from various aspects of food production to explore this intersection, and the importance of organic matter in ensuring healthy, living soil.

From Rio, to Kyoto to Paris - COP has strived to craft both a voluntary and mandatory carbon market place. However, policies still need to evolve, and challenges remain in facilitating farmers access to carbon finance.

In this unique event, we will explore the steps taken at policy level to date, and how carbon finance can become a mainstream source of income for farmers practising carbon negative agriculture.

Experts discuss financial instruments that are present for farmers to access carbon finance. 
Is transitioning to sustainable soil management practices essential for our survival? Yes. Unfortunately, farmers are not being sufficiently incentivised to make this transition. With inputs from leading experts in the private sector, this session will explore what it will take for different forms of finance to become available to farmers and what investors need to be enthusiastic about getting involved

The need for MRV [Monitoring, Reporting & Verification] tools for Policy makers, Farmers, Businesses and Civil Society to assess value chains and report to consumers

Sadhguru event with UNCCD & Commonwealth

Investing privately in any food system has risks, but can private and public investment models subvert challenges of investing in sustainable soil management practices? This event will explore how risks of such investments can be mitigated. But who will mitigate them?

It’s not a secret that accessing carbon markets is challenging for many farmers. The existing paradigm requires highly skilled individuals to support developing, registering, validating and auditing a project. What is the true cost for farmers in engaging in these services, how sustainable are they, and what could alternatives be? Join us for this insightful session to discover the answers.

From carbon sequestration, food security, preserving biodiversity, purifying air, waterways and terrestrial systems - rejuvenating soil health is key to our survival. Join us for a unique session that explores the various benefits humanity can derive from sustainable soil management practices, and how soil health contributes to our entire society. A key question - who should pay farmers for the additional services these methods provide?

Of all the land that is farmed in the world, only 30% of it is used to produce plant based food for human beings. The remaining 70% is used to produce animal based food. Whilst animals play a vital role in helping build soil health, a conscious approach is the need of the hour. This event will discuss animal rearing’s impact on soil health, and its place as a part of the climate solution.

Measuring and validating farmland health is not an easy process for many farmers. When investors and carbon credit buyers expect professional verifications, this process can be costly and time consuming. Improvements in remote sensing technology may be able to empower farmers' agency - but how long before the technology is trustable by investors? This session will dive into this conversation, and explore the roles governments and investors have to play.