On 22 July 2022, CSAM attended the 2nd International Forum on Black Soil Conservation and Utilization and the 8th Lishu Black Soil Forum in Changchun, China. With a theme of "Healthy Soil and Food Security", the event was co-hosted by the People's Government of Jilin Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and China Agricultural University. 

Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China

Black soils are recognized as inherently productive and fertile soils as they allow a very high crop productivity. However, the significant soil organic carbon content of black soils makes them potential large sources of greenhouse gases, and they are very sensitive to soil degradation. Therefore, they need to be managed carefully as they are of particular relevance to global food security and climate change.

H.E. Mr. Ma Youxiang, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China; Mr. Hou Jiangguo, President of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Mr. Sun Qixin, President of China Agricultural University; and Mr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations delivered opening remarks, among others. The opening session was moderated by Mr. Han Jun, Governor of Jilin Province and closed by Mr. Jing Junhai, Secretary of Jilin Provincial Party Committee. 

The event was attended by more than 280 representatives both onsite and online, representing 12 countries and international organizations. Mr. Marco Silvestri, Programme Officer, attended the event on behalf of CSAM. The event presented the latest academic and research progress, practices of experiences from Argentina, Brazil, China, Hungary, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Uruguay, and USA, including China’s Lishu model on black soil conservation and utilization and Da’an model on saline-alkali land improvement and utilization. Academic exchanges and discussions were conducted on black soil degradation control and health management, smart agriculture and black soil for food security, as well as the theory and practice of saline-alkali land improvement. Mr. Tang Huajun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering launched the Jilin Initiative of “Healthy Soil and Food Security” on behalf of the participating academicians. 

The delegates also visited the Changchun Modern Agricultural Park during the event.

China released a Law of Black Soil Conservation on 25 June 2022, which will come into effect on 1 August 2022. The Law is formulated to protect black soil resources, promote their sustainable utilization, and restore and improve the fertility of black soil, to achieve ecological balance and ensure food security.