As Paul Hallett reflected in his excellent account of COP17, this was a landmark moment for soil science. For me, attending as both Executive Director of the British Society of Soil Science and the Western European Civil Society Organisation Representative to the UNCCD COP17 was an opportunity to help ensure that science remained at the heart of the global conversation on land restoration, drought resilience and sustainable development.
Over two intense weeks in Ulaanbaatar, diplomacy, advocacy and science came together in a way I have rarely experienced before. The pace was relentless, but so too was the determination of an extraordinary global community united by a common goal: restoring land and restoring hope.
One of my principal responsibilities was coordinating, developing and delivering ten formal position statements on behalf of civil society organisations. These statements championed evidence-based policymaking and pushed for stronger recognition of the science-policy interface across the Convention. They also defended the critical importance of gender equity, meaningful civil society engagement, and the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in decision-making processes.
Throughout the negotiations, I worked closely with negotiators, scientific experts, civil society leaders and diplomatic representatives, including engagement with the European Union Presidency. Together, we sought to maintain momentum on key agenda items that faced resistance from a small number of state actors. Through constructive diplomacy, media engagement and persistent advocacy, we helped keep science firmly on the agenda and contributed to the eventual unblocking of several important negotiation tracks.
A particular highlight was meeting the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and discussing the vital role that science, civil society and local action must play in delivering global restoration ambitions. Throughout COP17, I was encouraged by the growing recognition that policy must be informed not only by robust scientific evidence but also by the lived experience and traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
This belief was reflected in a declaration that I helped draft during the conference, which has now been committed to the historical record of COP17. The declaration emphasised the importance of science-based advocacy, the integration of Indigenous and local knowledge systems, and strengthened international collaboration as essential foundations for addressing land degradation and drought worldwide.
Beyond the negotiating rooms, there was a significant opportunity to engage with global media. From international news outlets to specialist environmental journalists, every conversation represented a chance to raise awareness of the importance of soils and land restoration. One particularly memorable moment was recording an interview for Turkish television, only to discover it being broadcast on my flight into Istanbul while travelling home from Mongolia. It was a surreal reminder of how far messages from COP can travel.
Another priority was strengthening relationships across sectors and institutions. I engaged with existing and prospective BSSS members, corporate partners, major research organisations and international networks, all of whom recognise the growing importance of soil science in addressing some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
COP17 also provided an opportunity to build bridges across the Rio Conventions. Discussions with colleagues from the Convention on Biological Diversity explored how the BSSS Soil Health Charter, currently under development, could potentially support and align action across multiple international frameworks. There is increasing recognition that healthy soils underpin progress on climate, biodiversity, food security and land restoration alike.
Knowledge exchange remained a central theme throughout my participation. I was privileged to deliver keynote addresses to both the Youth Caucus and the International Forestry Students’ Association. Speaking with young leaders from around the world reinforced my belief that the future of sustainability will depend upon interdisciplinary collaboration. Soil science does not exist in isolation. It connects agriculture, forestry, ecology, climate science, engineering, economics and public policy. Equipping young people with future-fit skills and creating opportunities for collaboration across disciplines will be essential if we are to meet the challenges ahead.
The conference also enabled the recording of a special series of the Soil Matters podcast. I had the pleasure of interviewing a remarkable range of guests, including senior negotiators, international experts and former President of Finland, Tarja Halonen. These conversations provided valuable insight into the political, scientific and human dimensions of land restoration and sustainable development.
Among the many highlights for BSSS were Professor Paul Hallett’s keynote speech in the Main Hall during the Open Dialogue sessions and our side event with partners Drynet, Underlooked and Underfoot, which showcased innovative and inclusive approaches to soil restoration and sustainable food production.
Importantly, COP17 delivered tangible outcomes. More than US$1.3 billion was mobilised for land restoration and drought resilience initiatives, including significant commitments to support communities living in drylands and vulnerable regions. Yet throughout the conference, our message remained clear: we must move beyond negotiation and into implementation. Land stewards, farmers, local communities and practitioners on the ground need direct access to finance and resources if meaningful change is to occur.
This message became even more poignant during the conference as we witnessed the tragic loss of life in Nepal following a climate-related disaster. It served as a sobering reminder that the challenges we discuss in conference halls are not abstract policy issues. They affect real people, real communities and real futures.
What I will remember most, however, is the spirit of collaboration. Throughout COP17 I worked alongside an amazing COS panel and people from every region of the world, representing different cultures, faiths, professions and perspectives. Despite our differences, we were united by a shared determination to leave the world better than we found it.
The challenges before us remain immense. But if COP17 demonstrated anything, it is that when science, civil society, governments, Indigenous knowledge holders, young people and the private sector work together, progress is possible.
The negotiations may be over, but the real work starts now. The future will not be shaped by what we agree around negotiating tables alone. It will be shaped by the actions we take together to restore our land, strengthen our communities and safeguard our planet for generations to come.
