The Latin American and Caribbean Soil Carbon Research Symposium will highlight the importance of sustainable agricultural practices for socioeconomic development and food security at both regional and global level. Emphasis will be placed on organic carbon, an essential natural resource for agricultural production.

The objectives include raising awareness of the International “4 per 1000” Initiative and the Soil Carbon International Research Consortium in collaboration with key regional and local institutions, to:

• Recognise and value the essential role of agriculture in ensuring food security;

• Showcase the potential of the region in providing global solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges, particularly in times of uncertainty;

• Exchange experiences among Latin American and Caribbean countries on the role of soil in relation to climate, highlighting the benefits of healthy soil for food security, as well as for mitigating and adapting to climate change;

• Promote the importance of traditional practices and knowledge for sustainable soil management and overall ecosystem health and biodiversity;

• Support public policies in favour of agricultural practices enhancing soil organic carbon, such as no-till systems, cover crops, green manure, and integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems;

• Promote international collaboration in research, education, and knowledge exchange, with harmonised approaches to soil carbon measurement;

• Promote environmentally, socially and economically sustainable and climate-resilient communities;

• Support synergies with other programs and stakeholders.