2nd International Forum on Black Soil Conservation and Utilization Convenes
27 July 2022, China: Vice Minister Ma Youxiang addressed the Second International Forum on Black Soil Conservation and Utilization and the Eighth Lishu Black Soil Forum held in Changchun, Jilin Province, on July 22, 2022.
Jing Junhai, Secretary of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee, Hou Jianguo, President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Sun Qixin, President of China Agricultural University (CAU), delivered opening remarks, among others. The opening session was moderated by Mr. Han Jun, Governor of Jilin Province.
Vice Minister Ma stressed that black soil is the “habitat” of crops, the “buffer” against greenhouse gases, and the “granary” of mankind. Thus, it is of great significance to global food security and sustainable agricultural development. China attaches great importance to the conservation and utilization of black soil, has taken a series of meaures in terms of rule of law, planning, engineering and technology, and has made positive progress. China is willing to work with all parties to promote policy dialogue, enhance technology exchanges, strengthen talent training, and give full play to protection mechanisms, so as to conserve and utilize black soil—the “giant panda of cultivated land.”
FAO Director-General, President of the International Union of Soil Sciences, and ministers of agriculture of Argentina, Hungary, Tajikistan and Uruguay addressed the Forum via video. They stressed the great significance of black soil to food security and climate change adaptation, and expressed their willingness to unite and work together to ensure that black soil can continue to bring benefits to mankind.
With a theme of “Healthy Soil and Food Security”, the Forum focused on black soil degradation control and health management, smart agriculture and black soil for food security. The event was attended by more than 280 representatives both onsite and online, representing 12 countries and international organizations.
The event is co-hosted by the MARA, the Jilin Provincial People’s Government, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and CAU.
Also Read: China: Measures counter food security risks
