June 2015: The first ‘Status of the World Soil Resources Report (SWSR)’ and an accompanying ‘Summary Report for Policy Makers’ are among documents to be presented for endorsement by the third Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP). The Assembly takes place from 22-24 June 2015, at the headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in Rome, Italy.

The Plenary Assembly is also expected to endorse the draft Plan of Action for Pillar 3 of the GSP, which promotes targeted soil research and development focusing on identified gaps, priorities and synergies with related productive, environmental and social development actions. Other agenda items include reviewing progress reports on the work of the GSP Regional Soil Partnerships, the implementation of the International Year of Soils (IYS) 2015, and the financial status of GSP, including the Healthy Soils Facility.

The GSP Plenary Assembly is the main yearly meeting of members of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel of Soils (ITPS), the GSP Executive Secretariat, and representatives of different FAO partners and members. The Assembly is charged with reviewing and prioritizing GSP actions, and facilitating a balanced regional decision-making process. [Global Soil Partnership Announcement] [Provisional Agenda for the 3rd Plenary Assembly] [Natural Resources Policy & Practice Story on Third ITPS Working Session]