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.
Introduction
Since June this year the "4 per 1000" international Initiative has set its Strategic Plan.
Now that the strategic plan is in place, we must work on its implementation as quickly as possible. We want YOU to be involved in the implementation! Our common vision is to have healthy and carbon-rich soils worldwide to fight climate change and end hunger. We can only achieve this with your knowledge and support. In return, the "4 per 1000" Initiative makes your voice heard, arranges partnerships and thus facilitates the acquisition of resources and support for the realization of your projects.
The strategic plan comprises 24 objectives with specific targets for 2030 and 2050. We intend to create 24 Task Forces, one for each objective.
Therefore we'd like to ask you to join the Task Forces that are of special interest to you and your organization. Joining a Task Force will allow you to extend your professional network, to learn, to improve visibility of your contribution and to benefit from working together in an international team. Exchange and collaboration is facilitated by our cutting edge electronic platform that Task Force member may also use for decentralized development of their related actions and projects. After registration the Task Force Facilitator will guide you.
Purpose of Task Forces
In the context of the "4 per 1000" Initiative the primary objective of the Task Forces is to develop a catalog of coordinated actions and projects that represent compelling investment opportunities, which will be brought to the attention of decision-makers and funders in the public and private sectors through the "4 per 1000" initiative.
The general purpose of the Task Forces is to provide a space where stakeholders can meet, exchange and collaborate on issues regarding the objective.
To initiate a constructive and result-oriented cooperation, the initial tasks for each task force are:
- to map relevant on-going actions and projects in order to get a shared vision of the point of departure
- to elaborate implementation strategies that allow reaching the targets for 2030 and 2050 and
- to outline action and project plans for future activities for reaching the targets.
Task Forces are also a consultative and advisory body expected to provide advice to third parties upon request.
The network
View the list of the 733 partner organizations of the "4 per 1000" Initiative
Strategy
The international "4 per 1000" Initiative 'Soils for Food Security and Climate' was launched in 2015 at the UNFCCC COP 21 in Paris. Its strategy includes 24 objectives with clearly defined targets for 2030 and 2050, contributing to 6 goals to strengthen the different phases of the transformation continuum.
Task Forces
For each objective, a Task Force (TF) was established. The primary goal of the Task Forces is to develop a catalog of coordinated actions and projects that represent compelling investment opportunities, which will be brought to the attention of decision-makers and funders in the public and private sectors through the "4 per 1000" initiative.
The Strategy Implementation Cycle
The primary purpose of the Strategy Implementation Cycle (SIC) is to systematically assist Initiative partners in planning and searching for funds for projects and activities.
The secondary purpose of the Strategy Implementation Cycle (SIC) is to provide an overview of relevant ongoing activities and gaps to facilitate the coordination of investments by funding agencies and governments while demonstrating progress in implementing the strategy.
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 A - INCEPTION & CONCEPTUALIZATION
Facilitate the inception and conceptualization of policies, instruments, and mechanisms that support stakeholders' capacity to implement the Initiative
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | Target 2030 | Target 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDCs | All UNFCCC parties include soil health (SH) and soil organic carbon (SOC) in their | In 2019, out of 196 | All countries that are members and partners of the 4 by 1000 Initiative include quantitative targets for SH and SOC in their NDCs and related documents and reference them in their national plans and programs for agriculture, forestry, and land use | All UNFCCC Parties include quantitative targets for SH and SOC in their NDCs and related documents and reference them in their national |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Project Development | Innovative on the ground projects, which focus on soil health (SH) and soil organic carbon (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. | 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 set of criteria and indicators developed by the STC. | 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 scientifictechnical 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 are able to implement projects on the ground that are in line with the "4 per 1000" vision as well as with the reference criteria and indicators and are supported by the international mechanisms installed in 2030. |
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share experiences | 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. | 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 partners |
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stakholder interaction | Regional stakeholders meet and interact to build regional evidence-based programs for on-the-ground action, with an emphasis on the dialogue between policymakers and scientists. | 1 global and 1-2 regional (online) meetings a year 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 meetings |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Markets | 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. | Qualitative data on SOC, carbon markets, and compensation schemes in agriculture and forestry have been compiled and are freely accessible | 3 to 5 compensation schemes have been identified as commendable by the "4 per 1000" Initiative and are shared 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 |
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 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 | 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
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Plans | National and supranational strategies (including incentive and regulatory mechanisms) and responsible investment plans for SH derived from the targets set in the NDCs are developed and implemented. | Inventory of strategies and investments plans | All country members and partners of the "4 per 1000" initiative include soil health 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 soil health 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 |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology database | 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. | 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 |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAFOLUP Helpdesk | Science-based regional help-desks 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, fostering ecosystem services are developed and implemented. | Help desk active in one region as of 2021 | Help desk active in 5 regions | Help-desk active globally with more countries and sub-regions involved |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRV Tools | A global user-friendly, freely accessible online, updated and improved MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification) toolbox on SH and SOC, providing i.a. tools for cost-benefit analysis, evaluation, monitoring, and decision support systems is available. | Existing tools and experts on MRV are known and active in the "4 per 1000" 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 ecosystembased diagnosis of soil health |
Goal C - PROMOTION
Advocate and raise awareness to foster a commitment to the Initiative's vision by all stakeholders
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advocacy & Awareness | 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. | Sporadic events target the public on the importance of soils for climate and food security. A significant presence on social media and simple Public Relation (PR) Kit available | Information and educational material (PR kits, etc.) on the importance of soils for climate and food security, in the 5 UNlanguages, are available on the "4 per 1000" electronic platform/website. "4 per 1000" network conducts at least 10 awareness-raising events per year targeting decision-makers and the general public | "4 per 1000" network to conduct 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) |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urge Soil Regeneration | Value chain actors in agriculture and forestry, as well as land managers, have undergone a paradigm shift from "exploitation of soils" to "regeneration of soils" and have adopted the sciencebased principles of agroecology and sustainable land management. | 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 |
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Increased investments | Convince policymakers and funders to increase commitments and investments in AFOLU in favor of soil health and carbon sequestration. | The Top 20* institutions contacted end of 2020. * Referring to the 2018 study about potential funders | In 2030, the Top 80** institutions have been reached. ** 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). | In 2050, all policymakers and funders have been contacted. |
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branding & Certification | Soil health branding mechanisms including a "4 per 1000" brand (seals, certification, awards, labeling, etc) are developed, improved, and implemented as a benchmark for soil health and SOC build-up. | No widely recognized soil health branding mechanisms exist | Soil health branding mechanisms are fully operational | Soil health branding mechanisms assessed, updated, and fully operational |
Goal D - COLLABORATION
Foster interaction and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the initiative's vision
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collaborative platform | A boosted electronic collaborative platform including regional portals facilitates, improves, 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. | Collaborative platform 2.0 fully operational for all (members and partners of the "4 per 1000" Initiative and all interested actors) developed at the 5 regional levels of the Initiative. | The collaborative platform is fully operational. |
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Regional networks | "4 per 1000" regional networks established, developed, and expanded | 1 to 2 "4 per 1000" regional meetings organized every year | "4 per 1000" regional networks are established in all regions and active in partner and member countries. | "4 per 1000" regional networks established in all regions and active in all countries. |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Youth & Seniors | Youth & senior networks are mobilized and support producers (farmers, pastorals, and foresters) and local action groups in their agroecological transition, including sustainable land management practices. | Sporadic contact with youth & senior networks | Active partnership with regional youth & senior networks among the "4 per 1000" partners | Active partnership with regional youth & senior networks in all regions |
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partnerships & alliiances | Partnerships & Alliances within the "4 per 1000" Initiative's network and with other related global funding and implementing organizations, networks, and initiatives are established which enhance the support and enabling environment for transformative action on the ground. | Partnerships & Alliances with few global networks and Initiatives | Partnerships & Alliances with related global networks and Initiatives and 50% of the "4 per 1000" partners are engaged in partnerships or alliances." | Partnerships & Alliances with related global networks and Initiatives 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
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRV systems | A catalog of Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems* (remote sensing, databases, sensors, etc.), that provide accurate and reliable information about Soil Health (SH) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stock change at various scales globally, is accessible. *B4 is aimed at practitioners in the field. E1 is aimed at decision-makers | Identification of the 5 major operators | Complete overview of the 20 major operators and their monitoring systems | "4 per 1000" catalog covering all monitoring systems |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soil health observatory | Soil Health (SH) and potential Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) are monitored in near real-time at global, regional, and national levels. | Identification of some major operators | The inception of the real-time SH & SOC observatory | Real-time SH & SOC observatory is operational at global, regional, and sub-regional levels |
Global Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Assessment | Impact assessment tools (including the socio-economic dimension) to evaluate if projects, practices, or programs are in line with the vision of the "4 per 1000" Initiative, are accessible, and are continuously improved. | Exploration of possible collaboration with the developers of existing tools: FAO EX-ACT (Ex-Ante Carbon-balance Tool); Wocat CBP (Carbon Benefits Project) tool, etc.) | Online access to basic impact assessment tools is available for users | Online access to updated and extended impact assessment tools is available for users |
Goal F - CROSSCUTTING ACTIONS
Promote long-term viability and scaling up of the Initiative through citizen involvement, resource mobilization, and reporting on progress
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin-Regions | 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. | A pilot project 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 in municipalities of 20 "4 per 1000" partner countries | The twin-regions concept is adopted in municipalities of all "4 per 1000" partner countries |
Core Facility
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resource Mobilization | The "4 per 1000" Initiative has mobilized sufficient resources to ensure the implementation of the strategy including the functioning of the Executive Secretariat to achieve the envisaged impact. | Total annual budget 2020: 961 K Euros (including the core budget of 721 K€) but the available budget is only 450 k€. The baseline of investments into soil health projects on the ground has not been established | The level of mobilized resources by partners contributing to the implementation of the 4p1000 vision increases by 10% annually | The level of investments has doubled as compared to 2030 |
| Label | Objective | Baseline 2020 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dashboard | 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. | Annual reports are available | By the end of 2022, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are 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 |
