International Network of Salt-affected Soils

Adapted from the project website

About

The International Network of Salt-Affected Soils (INSAS), launched in 2019 during the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture’s (ICBA) first Global Forum on Innovations for Marginal Environments, is a Technical Network of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) and follows its Rules of procedure. The Network aims to facilitate the sustainable and productive use of salt-affected soils for current and future generations. 

INSAS's mission is to support and facilitate joint efforts towards the sustainable management of SAS for food security, agricultural sustainability and climate change mitigation.

Objectives

The establishment of this network has the following objectives:1. To promote the sustainable management of salt-affected soils;

2. To develop a harmonized approach and indicators for the assessment, mapping and monitoring of salt-affected soils;
3. To develop guidelines and manuals on good practices for the sustainable management of salt-affected soils;
4. To provide a platform for countries with salt-affected soils to discuss common issues related to the most suitable methods for protection from deterioration and the sustainable management and reclamation of salt-affected soils, as well as establish a network of experts on salt-affected soils to share and develop further knowledge on the issue;
5. To foster collaboration among INSAS member countries towards promoting the sustainable use and management of salt-affected soils, identify relevant knowledge and research gaps and promote regional and global joint research and development programs;
6. To enhance the collaboration between scientists, practitioners and policy-makers aimed at the sustainable management of salt-affected soils;
7. To serve as a platform for capacity development, knowledge sharing and technical cooperation on salt-affected soils monitoring and management;
8. To advocate towards the halt and reversal of the negative trends in expansion of salt-affected soils through different instruments.

Any partner of the FAO Global Soil Partnership can become a member of INSAS. To become a partner of the Global Soil Partnership, please register through the form here

National institutions, academia, NGOs, civil society, farmer associations, and other stakeholders interested to participate in the joint action to achieve the sustainable and productive management of salt-affected soils are welcome to join this network. To join the network, please fill out the online form available in English.

Status of the World's Soil Resources, Main report
Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management
Handbook for Saline Soil Management