SEALNET brings together Asian Soil Labs for a sustainable future

The eighth summit meeting of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET) was held from 15-16 July in the Philippines

The summit brought together distinguished dignitaries, scientists, and SEALNET members from across the globe. After years of virtual meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this in-person gathering marked a significant opportunity to strengthen relationships among laboratories and countries and to define a sustainable work plan for the coming years.

At the inaugural session held on 15 July 2024, FAO Representative in the Philippines, Lionel Henri Valentin Dabbadie and Director of the FAO Land and Water Division, Lifeng Li were the guest speakers. The keynote address was delivered by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Philippines, Francisco P Tiu-Laurel Jr. 

All focal points were called on to encourage regional laboratories to join SEALNET and participate in regional proficiency testing. All focal points were called on to encourage regional laboratories to join SEALNET and participate in regional proficiency testing. In her address, Dr Nilo stressed the role soil laboratories play in meticulously measuring and providing the vast data required for the preparation of soil health maps.

"Quality soil data and integrity are key to sustainable soil management and achieving food self-sufficiency. Healthy soil leads to a healthy life, as 95% of our food comes from land. It all begins with soil and water, the sources of life," said ICRISAT's deputy director General-Research, Dr Stanford Blade, while appreciating SEALNET's extensive efforts and emphasising the importance of soil health monitoring in the context of 'One Health'.