Date: February 10th, 2021 from 13:00-15:30 CET.

This online event aims to kick-start the work of an International Research Consortium (IRC) on soil carbon sequestration in agriculture to support and help coordinate international research and innovation in this field. CIRCASA has identified a strategic agenda (link) with four pillars and has initiated task forces to prepare this IRC that is likely to be supported by the European Commission through dedicated action.

This online event will provide an overview of the key findings of CIRCASA and views from different world regions and stakeholders. Participants will be invited to express interest to participate in the IRC, as well as explore ways to contribute and benefit.

Presentations available here.


Agenda

13:00 – 13:05

Welcome

  • Dr. Jean-François Soussana, INRAE, France

13:05 – 13:30

Policy and Research Context

  • DG Agriculture Introduction (Ms. Nathalie Sauze-vandevyver)
  • DG Climate (Dr. Simon Kay)
  • Soil Health Mission (Dr. Cees Veerman)

13:30 – 14:00

CIRCASA Project –  General Overview  

  • Dr. Jean-François Soussana, INRAE, France
  • Prof. Pete Smith, University of Aberdeen, UK
  • Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen, Ecologic Institute, Berlin

Strategic Research Agenda and IRC

  • Pillar 1 – Frontiers research: unlocking the potential of soil carbon
  • Pillar 2 – Soil carbon monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system
  • Pillar 3 – Agro-ecological and technological innovations      
  • Pillar 4 – Enabling environment and knowledge co-creation          


14:00 – 14:15

Expressions of interest of global regions  

  • Prof. Tantely Razafimbelo, Tantanarivo U., Madagascar
  • Prof. Hongmin Dong, CAAS, China
  • Dr. Beata Emoke Madari, EMBRAPA, Brazil
  • Prof. Pavel Krasilnikov, Lomonosov U., Russia
  • Dr. Ben Macdonald, Australia

14:15 – 14:25

Polling

14:25 – 14.35

Governance and funding of the IRC 

  • Dr. Jean-François Soussana, INRAE, France

14.35 – 15:10

Commitments of stakeholders  

  • Dr. Laura Hoijer, Director, BSAG, Carbon Action, Finland
  • Dr. Dionys Forster, Sourcing Lead, Nestlé, Switzerland
  • Mr. Stefan Jirka, Program Manager, Verra, USA
  • Mr. Lee Nelson, Program Manager, ACIAR, Australia
  • Mr. Michaël Ehmann, CEO, Nataïs, France
  • Dr. Deborah Bossio, Lead Soil Scientist, The Nature Conservancy, USA


  • Dr. Ronald Vargas, Secretary, Global Soil Partnership, FAO
  • Mr. Hayden Montgomery, Special Representative, Global Research Alliance
  • Dr. Paul Luu, Secretary, “4 per 1000” Initiative

15:10 – 15:20

Q&A

15:20 – 15:30

Closing remarks & next steps

  • Dr. Jean-François Soussana, INRAE, France