The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) is proud to announce that its Executive Director, Andrew Morris, has been elected as the Western European Civil Society Organisation (CSO) panel representative for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This prestigious appointment underscores BSSS’s ongoing commitment to advocating for soil health and sustainable land management on a global scale.
The UNCCD received an unprecedented 43 nominations for the CSO panel positions—nearly three times the number received in the previous period. After a competitive selection process, BSSS was shortlisted as one of the final four candidates for the Western Europe region, ultimately securing the position through the election process that ran from 28 February to 14 March.
Civil society organisations play a vital role in shaping policy and providing critical insights into the realities of land degradation and climate change worldwide. Through its active participation in UN conventions and initiatives, BSSS has demonstrated a strong commitment to championing soil health as a fundamental component of sustainable development and climate resilience.
Reflecting on his election, Andrew Morris stated:
“Appointment to the CSO panel marks a unique opportunity for both me and the Society to support the CSO network, harness their voice, and work closely with policymakers and the sector to highlight the importance of soil health. By collaborating with key stakeholders, we can drive meaningful change and work towards achieving land degradation neutrality.”
BSSS has a well-established presence at international environmental summits, having attended the COP climate summits as an official non-governmental organisation (NGO) observer for the past four years. At COP29, the Society hosted a successful side event on ‘Invest in Soil Health – fostering the future of climate change mitigation and adaptation,’ which brought together speakers from Africa, South America, India, and Europe to discuss regenerative approaches and climate finance. Additionally, BSSS played a key role at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosting discussions on effective soil management in response to land degradation, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events.
Andrew Morris further emphasised the importance of his new role, stating:
“Whilst discussions at global conferences cover a wide range of topics, it is reassuring to see agriculture and food security gaining greater prominence in the climate agenda. By fostering discussions, partnerships, and initiatives, we will continue to reinforce the importance of soil health in mitigating climate change. It is essential that we unite voices across the sector to facilitate positive discussions that lead to action and policy support. This is crucial for securing the sustainability of our planet and global food security.”
The UNCCD CSO panel serves as a bridge between accredited organisations and the UNCCD secretariat, ensuring that the voices of civil society are represented in decision-making processes. With over 600 organisations accredited with observer status, the panel plays an instrumental role in fostering collaboration and enhancing the impact of civil society contributions.
This appointment is a significant achievement for BSSS, reinforcing its international standing and commitment to soil science and environmental sustainability. The Society looks forward to working closely with UNCCD and its global partners to advance soil health initiatives and contribute to the achievement of global environmental goals.
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Dominic Simms (Marketing, Comms and Events Co-ordinator)
Ed Hinman (Policy and Public Affairs Manager)
[British Society of Soil Science]
