Conceptual Framework A scientific conceptual framework that illustrates the interrelations between the main driving factors, including socioeconomic aspects, for SH, SOC, and, ultimately, a positive carbon balance in Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) systems has been developed with research programs, international scientific cooperation and the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC). A multi-stakeholder discussion was started. Contribution to CIRCASA project and inception of the IRC.Objective A6 - Conceptual Framework
Label Title Description Develop a conceptual framework illustrating the interrelations between the driving factors of Soil Health (SH), Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), and carbon balance in Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) systems Targets A6 - Conceptual Framework
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 A scientific conceptual framework has been elaborated and is used for internal and external communication and decision-making. The scientific conceptual framework has been updated and is used for internal and external communication and decision-making.
Context A6 - Conceptual Framework
Problem A6 - Conceptual Framework
| Problem Statement | Description | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| There is no science-based, holistic, conceptual frame of reference that presents our understanding of the fundamental factors and cause-effect relationships that are critical to SH and SOC in a clear and universally understandable manner that can be used for "4 per 1000" internal and external communication and decision making. | Without a reference framework, root problems and causes can neither be identified nor tackled. This conceptual framework will support the initiative to be effective in delivering solutions for SH, food security, and climate change. | Most activities of "4 per 1000" focus on increasing the visibility of the initiative and interacting with the network. Results-based target setting remains low. The global problems of soil degradation, food insecurity, and climate change remain unsolved. |
Causes A6 - Conceptual Framework
| N° | Cause | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harmonization | The diversity of soils and management practices worldwide require a greater effort from the scientific community to establish common criteria for evaluating the potential of soils as carbon sinks. |
| 2 | Divergent understanding | Different expectations of the stakeholders regarding the "4 per 1000" initiative and the lack of clarity regarding the cause-effect relationships impair the initiative's ability to make decisions and act. |
| 3 | Insufficient knowledge | Soil science is a very complex topic that still needs lots of research. Just like climate science needed to create the IPCC at some point, we need a scientific framework to strengthen research, communication, reach-out, and tools for operational initiatives. |
| 4 | Insufficient consensus | Lack of an international framework to develop common policies (UNCCD does not involve all countries). |
| 5 | Lack of awareness | Very often, the practical utility of conceptual frameworks is misunderstood and their relevance for guiding interventions is underestimated. Many ignore those good conceptual frameworks are also extremely useful in practice, not only in research, as they greatly facilitate the understanding of complex issues by laypersons. |
| 6 | Silos-thinking | The reasoning is often done in silos. The resulting conceptual frameworks are not holistic and do not cover all dimensions and intervention levels of the topic with which the initiative has to deal with. |
Implementation strategy A6 - Conceptual Framework
Activities A6 - Conceptual Framework
| N° | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Organize Task Force | Assemble a group of motivated, capable, and open-minded experts. |
| 2 | Define framework architecture | Define the architecture of the conceptual framework, rules, and principles for its development. |
| 3 | Elaborate on a list of definitions | Elaborate and manage a list of definitions in multiple languages based on existing international standards. |
| 4 | Capitalize on existing knowledge | Build on existing models, concepts, theories, and frameworks. |
5 | Implement agile development | Enable agile development of the conceptual framework in short iterations. |
| 6 | Explore correlations | Foster research to improve the understanding of correlations between soil carbon performance (carbon storage and carbon dynamic), other SH indicators (biodiversity, etc.), and the soil clusters. |
Critical Success Factors (CSFs) A6 - Conceptual Framework
| N° | Critical Success Factor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flexibility | Context-adaptable and data-based determinants for a conceptual framework. Consensual definition of the situations where the potential of C sequestration is more promising: 1) in quantitative terms (low potential of C sequestration on large areas, or high potential on reduced surfaces), 2) in qualitative terms (perennial C sequestration = make C sequestration viable (context-adapted, cheap, easy, resilient) |
| 2 | Agroecology centered | Scientific assessment of agroecological practices and their adoption, impact on SOC, productivity, and livelihood will provide pathways for sustainable soil and land use management. |
| 3 | Interdisciplinarity | Capacity to mobilize experts from a broad range of disciplines (scientists, politicians, practitioners, etc.) that are willing to engage in the development of a holistic conceptual reference framework |
| 4 | Living soils concept | It is necessary to go deeper in our knowledge of the role of soil microorganisms in SH. This is an area where there is a lot to discover. |
| 5 | True cost | Scientific Assessment of ecosystem services for the agriculture sector, forest, businesses, and their impact on ecosystems and create mechanisms for payments of ecosystem services that will improve SOC and carbon sequestration. |
| 6 | Clear definitions | A comprehensive set of definitions in multiple languages that enable mutual understanding, exchange, and collaboration. |
| 7 | Agile development | Appropriate methodology and approach for conceptual framework development using the electronic platform. The availability of simple and solid architecture and development procedures is key for the development of a conceptual framework that is easily understood and flexible. The methodology should favor an agile development approach. Produce the first version fast and make regular updates according to additional inputs and feedback. |
| 8 | Simplicity | The reference model should present the key drivers of SH and SOC and their cause-effect relationships on a single page so that it can be used by different stakeholders in consultations. |
Barriers A6 - Conceptual Framework
| N° | Barrier | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consensus hard to reach | Mass participation complicates reaching a consensus. It should work with a limited number of participants from each country well trained in the subject. |
