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Advocates Philippines
Philippines And Australia Strengthen Soil Health Strategy With MOU Signing
Photo credit: PCO
In a move towards bolstering their national soil health strategies, the governments of the Philippines and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, September 8, 2023. The five-page agreement designates the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as the representative of the Philippine government and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines as the representative of Australia's government.
The primary objective of this collaborative effort is to enhance soil and land management strategies by developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating a 'National Soil Health Strategy.' The MOU is a direct outcome of President Marcos' instructions following the first soil summit held on June 21 to 22.
The MOU outlines that the anticipated outcome of this cooperation is the promotion of healthy soil and increased agricultural productivity within the Philippines. The document emphasizes that this collaboration will be grounded in trust, respect, and mutual commitment and is set to remain in effect for a period of five years unless terminated earlier.
Both nations have committed to fostering scientific and technological cooperation by identifying opportunities for collaborative research in soil and land management. This collaboration will involve research and development (R&D) institutions and designated agencies from both countries. The ultimate goal is to support the development of their respective National Soil Health Strategies.
Furthermore, the MOU highlights the commitment to support researchers, policy-makers, managers, and other stakeholders in building and improving their capacity in soil knowledge and management. This will include the provision of short courses, scholarships, and other relevant capacity-building mechanisms.
The document also outlines plans for co-organizing and co-supporting meetings, workshops, and symposia to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, information, and lessons related to science and technology, strategy development, and prioritization in support of the National Soil Health Strategy.
Additionally, the MOU aims to create opportunities for expert exchange to share knowledge and lessons on the development and implementation of a National Soil Health Strategy.
To ensure the effectiveness of their collaboration, the Philippines and Australia have committed to conducting joint monitoring and evaluation of the activities outlined in the MOU on an annual basis.
This landmark agreement represents a step toward enhancing agricultural sustainability, soil health, and land management practices in both the Philippines and Australia. It is expected to yield outcomes for food security, environmental preservation, and economic growth in both nations.
The primary objective of this collaborative effort is to enhance soil and land management strategies by developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating a 'National Soil Health Strategy.' The MOU is a direct outcome of President Marcos' instructions following the first soil summit held on June 21 to 22.
The MOU outlines that the anticipated outcome of this cooperation is the promotion of healthy soil and increased agricultural productivity within the Philippines. The document emphasizes that this collaboration will be grounded in trust, respect, and mutual commitment and is set to remain in effect for a period of five years unless terminated earlier.
Both nations have committed to fostering scientific and technological cooperation by identifying opportunities for collaborative research in soil and land management. This collaboration will involve research and development (R&D) institutions and designated agencies from both countries. The ultimate goal is to support the development of their respective National Soil Health Strategies.
Furthermore, the MOU highlights the commitment to support researchers, policy-makers, managers, and other stakeholders in building and improving their capacity in soil knowledge and management. This will include the provision of short courses, scholarships, and other relevant capacity-building mechanisms.
The document also outlines plans for co-organizing and co-supporting meetings, workshops, and symposia to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, information, and lessons related to science and technology, strategy development, and prioritization in support of the National Soil Health Strategy.
Additionally, the MOU aims to create opportunities for expert exchange to share knowledge and lessons on the development and implementation of a National Soil Health Strategy.
To ensure the effectiveness of their collaboration, the Philippines and Australia have committed to conducting joint monitoring and evaluation of the activities outlined in the MOU on an annual basis.
This landmark agreement represents a step toward enhancing agricultural sustainability, soil health, and land management practices in both the Philippines and Australia. It is expected to yield outcomes for food security, environmental preservation, and economic growth in both nations.
Sep 8, 2023
