Join Task Forces to be part of projects contributing to the implementation of the "4 per 1000" strategy
We are currently in the process of organizing the Task Forces. Based on the Implementation Strategy, the Task Forces will prioritize and form partnerships and alliances to develop concepts for projects that contribute to our vision and help achieve the 2030 and 2050 goals and targets. Concept proposals are investment opportunities and will be presented to funders for support. Depending on feedback, the partnerships and alliances will then develop and submit full project proposals according to investor guidelines.
Please view the Strategy Implementation Cycle - SIC for a detailed description of the mechanisms to promote projects.
How to join a Task Force
Step 1 - Study the list of objectives below and select those you are interested in and for which you would like to carry out projects.
Step 2 - Make sure you are logged in to view and complete the Task Force Joining Forms. Click on the login icon in the top right corner to log in. If you do not have a login yet, but your organization is a member of 4p1000, contact samuel.ottnad@4p1000.org to get your login. If your organization is not a member of 4p1000, you can become a member of the 4p1000 Community of Practice to get your login.
Step 3 - Click on the "Join Task Force XY" button to access the corresponding registration form under the desired goal. Fill it out and click "Submit" to join. You can join a task force as a "Task Force Leader," "Regional Representative," or "Team Member." Decide which role best suits you. Only individuals from an organization that is a partner of "4 per 1000" can be designated as a "Task Force Leader" or "Regional Representative." Non-members of "4 per 1000" can only join a task force as "team members," but they are welcome!
Task Force Leader:
- Respond to the subsequent call for information explaining why they qualify to take the lead
- Participate in the Task Force Leader Meetings to define and improve the SIC modalities and report on progress. Meetings are organized three times a year.
- Organize a Task Force Planning Meeting with Regional Representatives (TFRR) to work out an approach and share responsibilities
- Exchange with Task Force Members and compile information about relevant literature, ongoing activities, and sponsors
- Organize Task Force Meetings to analyze gaps, generate project ideas, and form Project Teams
- Liaise with funding bodies to lobby for support for projects and actions
Regional Representatives:
- Respond to the call for information explaining why they qualify to represent the region
- Contribute to the Task Force Planning Meeting
- Exchange with Task Force Members in their region and compile information about relevant literature, ongoing activities, and sponsors
- Contribute to the organization of Task Force meetings to analyze gaps, generate project ideas, and form Project Teams
- Liaise with funding bodies in their region to lobby for support for projects and actions
Team Member:
- Provide information on relevant literature, ongoing actions, and projects
- Participate in Task Force Meetings to generate project ideas and engage in Projects Teams
- Contribute to the conception of projects and actions
- Contribute to the search for funding and the development of project proposals
The Executive Secretariat of "4 per 1000" will facilitate a consultative process for the final selection and nomination of the Leader and Regional Representatives.
Goal F - CROSSCUTTING ACTIONS
Promote long-term viability and scaling up of the Initiative through citizen involvement, resource mobilization, and reporting on progress
A call for projects was introduced. 5 to 10 high-quality projects were evaluated as being in line with the "4 per 1000" vision and the STC's set of criteria and indicators. International mechanisms which fund projects focusing on SH and climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration (including local and small-scale projects) are established and operate based on a harmonized system for project development, monitoring, and evaluation. The "4 per 1000" call-for-projects and the scientific-technical advice support at least 30 projects a year in the acquisition of funding and the alignment with the Initiative's vision, based on the "4 per 1000" reference criteria and indicators for formative project assessment. All partner countries and organizations of the "4 per 1000" initiative implement projects on the ground that contribute to the realization of the "4 per 1000" vision and the reference criteria and indicators of the international mechanism established in 2030.Objective A2 - Project Development
Label Title Description Project Development Support the development and implementation of numerous innovative projects on Soil Health (SH) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Innovative on-the-ground projects, which focus on SH and SOC and are consistent with the "4 per 1000" vision as well as with the set of criteria and indicators for formative project evaluation developed by the STC, are encouraged, facilitated, and funded. Targets A2 - Project Development
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050
Success stories are shared via newsletters, during the annual Forum of partners, and during events of the Climate-Soil Community of Practice (CoP). 5 thematic events per year A virtual fair involving 50% of the partners 10 thematic events per year A virtual fair involving all partnersObjective A3 - Share Experiences
Label Title Description Share Experiences Facilitate an active multi-stakeholder exchange on innovations and success stories. Relevant ideas, innovations, and success stories (bottom-up and top-down approaches) from the "4 per 1000" stakeholders are compiled, communicated globally, discussed, and considered. Targets A3 - Share Experiences
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2030
Stakeholder Interaction Regional stakeholders meet and interact to build evidence-based programs for on-the-ground action, emphasizing the dialogue between policymakers and scientists. One global and 1 to 2 regional (online) annual meetings with respective outcome reports. 1 (online) meeting per year in each region following a long-term concept with collaborative activities between the meetings 3-5 (online) meetings per year in each region following a long-term concept with collaborative activities between the meetingsObjective A4 - Stakeholder Interaction
Label Title Description Facilitate a regional stakeholder exchange to initiate evidence-based transformative programs for on-the-ground action Targets A4 - Stakeholder Interaction
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050
Qualitative data on Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), carbon markets, and compensation schemes in agriculture and forestry have been compiled and are freely accessible. The "4 per 1000"-Initiative has identified 3 to 5 commendable compensation schemes and shares them among the network through the collaborative platform and the Initiative's website. 3 to 5 alternative economic instruments providing a real financial incentive that drives the transformation towards agroecology have been explored and/or developed.Objective A5 - Carbon markets
Label Title Description Carbon markets Improve the transparency, accessibility, and configuration of carbon market mechanisms The best carbon market mechanisms and offsets for soil carbon sequestration are screened, compiled, and shared to contribute to their further improvement, transparency, and accessibility. Targets A5 - Carbon markets
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050
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.
Goal B - IMPLEMENTATION
Enhance the enabling environment for large-scale implementation of the Initiative on the ground
Investment Plans National and supranational strategies (including incentive and regulatory mechanisms) and responsible investment plans for Soil Health (SH) derived from the targets set in the NDCs are developed and implemented.Objective B1 - Investment Plans
Label Title Description Encourage the development and implementation of investment plans reflecting the targets set out in the NDCs Targets B1 - Investment Plans
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Inventory of strategies and investments plans All country members and partners of the "4 per 1000" initiative include SH and soil organic carbon as quantitative targets in their investment plans and related documents and refer to them in their national agriculture, forestry, and land use plans and programs. All UNFCCC country parties include SH and soil organic carbon as quantitative targets in their investment plans and related documents and refer to them in their national agriculture, forestry, and land use plans and programs.
Objective B2 - Technology Database
Label Title Description Technology Database Provide an easily accessible database of good practices for Soil Health (SH) to practitioners A technology database allows land managers to quickly access information and build capacity to improve Soil Health (SH) and increase Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) for all agro-pedo-climatic regions. Targets B2 - Technology Database
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Presently, the "4 per 1000" Initiative does not provide access to databases with relevant content, and existing databases on good agricultural practices do not systematically indicate the potential impact on SH and climate. An advanced and updated database is available for SOC and SH improvement in two other regions. Reviews and assessments are conducted every year. An advanced and updated database related to SOC and SH improvement is delivered globally.
GAFOLUP Helpdesk No helpdesk is active. The helpdesk is active in 5 regions. The helpdesk is globally active, with more countries and sub-regions involved.Objective B3 - GAFOLUP Helpdesk
Label Title Description Develop and implement a decentralized helpdesk providing advice for the successful adoption of Good Agricultural, Forestry, and Other Land Use Practices (GAFOLUP) Science-based regional helpdesks for (a) planning local Good Agricultural, Forestry, and Other Land Use Practices (GAFOLUP) policies, (b) establishing and applying carbon sequestration compensation schemes, and (c) promotion of actions at appropriate levels following the principle of subsidiarity and fostering ecosystem services are developed and implemented. Targets B3 - GAFOLUP Helpdesk
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050
Objective B4 - MRV Tools
Label Title Description MRV Tools Provide tools for Monitoring, Reporting & Verification of Soil Health (SH) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) to practitioners An updated and improved, global, user-friendly MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification) toolkit on SH and SOC, providing, i.a., tools for cost-benefit analysis, evaluation, monitoring, and decision support systems is available and freely accessible online. Targets B4 - MRV Tools
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Existing tools and experts on MRV have been identified and are active in the 4p1000 network. Existing MRV tool kits have comparable and clearly defined outputs available on the electronic platform. The MRV toolkit provides an important foundation for the development and application of a dynamic and ecosystem-based diagnosis of SH.
Goal C - PROMOTION
Advocate and raise awareness to foster a commitment to the Initiative's vision by all stakeholders
Information and education materials (PR kits, etc.) on the importance of soils for climate and food security are available in the 5 UN languages on the "4 per 1000" electronic platform and website. The "4 per 1000" network conducts at least ten awareness-raising events, targeting decision-makers and the general public every year.Objective C1 - Advocacy & Awareness
Label Title Description Advocacy & Awareness Increase the awareness of all stakeholders regarding the decisive role of Soil Health (SH) in tackling climate change and improving food security Decision-makers and the general public are aware of the interdependence between soil, climate, and food security and recognize the central role of the "4 per 1000" Initiative as a driver for change. Targets C1 - Advocacy & Awareness
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Sporadic events target the public on the importance of soils for climate and food security. There is a significant presence on social media, and a simple Public Relations (PR) Kit is available. The "4 per 1000" network conducts at least 50 awareness-raising events per year, targeting decision-makers and the general public (policymakers, public, schools, farmers, land planners, and other stakeholders and influencers).
Objective C2 - Urge Soil Regeneration
Label Title Description Urge Soil Regeneration Ensure that production is based on the principles of agroecology Value chain actors in agriculture and forestry and land managers have undergone a paradigm shift from "exploitation of soils" to "regeneration of soils" and have adopted the science-based principles of agroecology and sustainable land management. Targets C2 - Urge Soil Regeneration
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Adoption rates of agroecology are insignificant. Products from agroecology play an insignificant role in global food supply chains. The soil exploitation paradigm prevails as a principle for land management. 50% of value chain actors in agriculture and forestry have adopted the principles of agroecology and sustainable land management. 100% of value chain actors in agriculture and forestry have adopted the principles of agroecology and sustainable land management in practice.
Increased investments Convince policymakers and funders to increase commitments and investments in AFOLU in favor of SH and carbon sequestration. The Top 20* institutions were contacted end of 2020. In 2030, the Top 80** institutions have been reached. * Referring to the 2018 study about potential funders ** Referring to the Funders' overview study "Mapping of active Finance Providers" delivered by the Consultancy team: Perspectives Climate Group in Dec. 2021 (funded by GIZ).Objective C3 - Increased investments
Label Title Description Boost investments in Soil Health (SH) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Targets C3 - Increased investments
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 In 2050, all policymakers and funders have been contacted.
No widely recognized SH branding mechanisms exist. Objective C4 - Branding & Certification
Label Title Description Branding & Certification Develop, improve and implement Soil Health (SH) branding mechanisms SH branding mechanisms (seals, certification, awards, labeling, etc.), including a "4 per 1000" brand, are developed, improved, and implemented as a benchmark for SH and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) build-up. Targets C4 - Branding & Certification
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 SH branding mechanisms are fully operational. SH branding mechanisms have been assessed, updated, and fully operational.
Goal D - COLLABORATION
Foster interaction and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the initiative's vision
Provide a digital collaborative platform, including regional portals A boosted electronic collaborative platform, including regional portals, facilitates and strengthens collaboration and exchange between stakeholders within and around the Initiative. Collaborative platform 2.0 is fully operational for the Secretariat, the STC, and the Bureau. Objective D1 - Collaborative Platform
Label Title Description Collaborative Platform Targets D1 - Collaborative Platform
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Collaborative platform 2.0 is developed at the five regional levels of the Initiative and is fully operational for all members and partners of the "4 per 1000" Initiative and all interested actors. The collaborative platform is fully operational.
"4 per 1000" regional networks are established, developed, and expanded. 1 to 2 "4 per 1000" annual regional meetings are organized. "4 per 1000" regional networks are established in all regions and active in partner and member countries. "4 per 1000" regional networks are established and active in all regions and countries.Objective D2 - Regional Networks
Label Title Description Regional networks Establish, develop and expand "4 per 1000" regional networks Targets D2 - Regional Networks
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050
Sporadic contact with youth and senior networks. "4 per 1000" partners have established active partnerships with regional youth and senior networks. Objective D3 - Youth & Seniors
Label Title Description Youth & Seniors Foster the engagement of youth and seniors in the transition to agroecology for Soil Health (SH) and climate Youth and senior networks are mobilized and support producers (farmers, pastorals, and foresters) and local action groups in their transition towards agroecology and sustainable land management. Targets D3 - Youth & Seniors
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Partnerships with youth and senior networks are active in all regions.
Objective D4 - Partnerships & Alliances
Label Title Description Partnerships & Alliances Establish partnerships and alliances to enhance transformative action on the ground Partnerships and alliances within the "4 per 1000" network and other related global funding and implementing organizations, networks, and initiatives are established and enhance the support and enabling environment for transformative action on the ground. Targets D4 - Partnerships & Alliances
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Partnerships and alliances with a few global networks and initiatives have been established. Further partnerships and alliances with related global networks and initiatives have been established, and 50% of the "4 per 1000" partners are engaged in partnerships or alliances. Further partnerships and alliances with related global networks and initiatives have been established, and 100% of the "4 per 1000" partners are engaged in partnerships or alliances.
Goal E - FOLLOW UP
Establish an international science-based framework for monitoring, reporting & verification, and impact assessment
A catalog of Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems* (remote sensing, databases, sensors, etc.), that provides accurate and reliable information on SH and SOC stock change at various scales is accessible. *Objective B4 is aimed at practitioners in the field. E1 is aimed at decision-makers.Objective E1 - MRV Systems
Label Title Description MRV Systems Provide a catalog of Monitoring, Reporting & Verification (MRV) systems for decision-makers Targets E1 - MRV Systems
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Identification of the 5 major operators. A complete overview of the 20 significant operators and their monitoring systems is available. A "4 per 1000" catalog covering all monitoring systems is available.
Identification of some significant operators. The establishment of a real-time observatory for SH and SOC.Objective E2 - Soil Health Observatory
Label Title Description Soil Health Observatory Enable near real-time monitoring of Soil Health (SH) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) SH and SOC are monitored in near real-time at global, regional, and national levels. Targets E2 - Soil Health Observatory
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Real-time SH & SOC observatory is operational at global, regional, and sub-regional levels.
Users have online access to updated and extended impact assessment tools.Objective E3 - Impact Assessment
Label Title Description Impact Assessment Provide impact assessment tools (IATs) to evaluate the consistency of actions with the "4 per 1000" vision Impact assessment tools (including the socioeconomic dimension) evaluate if projects, practices, or programs are in line with the vision of the "4 per 1000" Initiative, and are accessible and continuously improved. Targets E3 - Impact Assessment
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Exploration of a possible collaboration with the developers of existing tools: FAO EX-ACT (Ex-Ante Carbon-balance Tool); Wocat CBP (Carbon Benefits Project) tool, etc.) Users have online access to essential impact assessment tools.
Goal F - CROSSCUTTING ACTIONS
Promote long-term viability and scaling up of the Initiative through citizen involvement, resource mobilization, and reporting on progress
Objective F1 - Twin Regions
Label Title Description Twin Regions Establish the Twin Regions concept to boost Soil Health (SH) and climate action The concept of "Twin Regions," aiming to unleash the synergistic potential of cooperation between contrasting and complementary regions to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and improve livelihoods, is adopted. Targets F1 - Twin Regions
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 A pilot project is under evaluation to implement the "Twin Regions" concept in 3 distinct regions in Europe (France, Germany, and Spain) and Africa (Benin, DRC, Mali). The "Twin Regions" concept is adopted by communities in 20 "4 per 1000" partner countries. The "Twin Regions" concept is adopted by communities in all "4 per 1000" partner countries.
The "4 per 1000" Initiative has mobilized sufficient resources to ensure the implementation of the strategy and the functioning of the Executive Secretariat to achieve the envisaged impact. The aspired annual budget in 2020 was 961K€ (including the core budget of 721 K€), but the available funding was only 450 K€. A baseline for investments in SH projects on the ground has not been established. The level of mobilized resources by partners contributing to implementing the "4 per 1000" vision increases by 10 % annually. The level of investments has doubled as compared to 2030.Objective F2 - Resource Mobilization
Label Title Description Resource Mobilization Mobilize sufficient resources to ensure the implementation of the strategy and functioning of the Executive Secretariat Targets F2 - Resource Mobilization
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050
Annual reports are available. By the end of 2022, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be established. By the end of 2023, the dashboard will be operational and regularly updated. The "4 per 1000" dashboard is operational, regularly updated and recognized as an international standard.Objective F3 - "4 per 1000" Dashboard
Label Title Description "4 per 1000" Dashboard Provide a "4 per 1000" dashboard delivering near real-time quantitative information on the progress of the Initiative A "4 per 1000" dashboard delivering near real-time information on the progress of the Initiative, considering Partners and Members and their actions, is available. Targets F3 - "4 per 1000" Dashboard
Baseline 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050