The Global Symposium on Soil Erosion (GSER19)

The Global Symposium on Soil Erosion (GSER19) represented a critical step towards the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management (VGSSM) in terms of minimizing the risk of soil erosion. GSER 19 identified effective and ineffective Sustainable Soil Management (SSM) practices, techniques, instruments and mechanisms which shed light on where the gaps and challenges are in terms of science, technology and legislation. The fundamental link between soil erosion control and the achievement of the SDGs was highlighted and discussed as well as the economics of soil erosion. 

Specifically, the objectives of this symposium were to:

1. Identify options to consolidate, generate and harmonize soil erosion data  and assessment tools for promoting their use in decision making at all levels;
2. Review and discuss existing national and international policies, agreements and frameworks addressing soil erosion prevention, management and remediation in order to assess their effectiveness and propose ways to enhance them;
3. Critically reflect on the economics of soil erosion paying attention to which SSM practices are cost-effective, which measures that are not, and why; investigating options for measures that do not give a short/medium term financial benefit; and
4. Advocate for an agenda for action to prevent, mitigate and monitor soil erosion.