"Sustainable Use of Agricultural Land"

The final statement from the "Sustainable Use of Agricultural Lands" e-workshop organized by Antalya Agricultural Council (ATAK) and Antalya Commodity Exchange (ATB) has been announced. Ali Çandır, Chairman of Antalya Commodity Exchange and Antalya Agricultural Council, emphasized the importance of soil while noting that measures must be taken to protect it without delay. Çandır stated that the final statement of the "Sustainable Use of Agricultural Lands" Workshop will be shared with relevant institutions and organizations, expressing the hope that it will serve as a guide for decision-makers. The statement noted that soil is the foundation of microbial, plant and animal life and pointed out that it ensures the sustainability of the world. The statement, which records that soil helps reduce climate change by capturing carbon, states: "Soil is a limited and non-renewable resource. The protection and sustainable use of soil are important for the continuation of life for future generations." The statement made 5 fundamental recommendations regarding the future of sustainable soil management.

"National soil policy must be implemented"

The statement noted that the share of "soil" investments must be increased in the distribution of national resources, and stated: "Relative to farmer incentives based on maximum exploitation of soil resources aimed at international markets and identified with the product, incentive mechanisms that rehabilitate soil based on ecosystems and improve soil health must also be developed." The statement emphasized that soil security must be a key issue in reaching food and water security, "UN Sustainable Development Goals", "Paris Climate Agreement", "EU Green Deal", "Green Economy" and "Circular Economy" and similar current global policy approaches. It stated: "Taking into account current global policy approaches, 'Original National Policy Tools' and 'A National Soil Policy' must be implemented as soon as possible."

"Organic matter deficiency in 92% of soils"

The statement emphasized that soil, which is a major carbon sink, will help mitigate climate change through sustainable management. The statement noted that organic matter deficiency is among the most important problems of agricultural soils, stating: "At least 92% of our soils have organic matter deficiency and related problems." The statement emphasized the importance of using organic fertilizers, while noting that this requires joint work by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and local administrations.

"Let us not use soil for purposes other than its intended use"

The statement noted that agricultural soils must be protected from degradation and destruction processes such as soil erosion, soil compaction, nutrient depletion, salinization, soil pollution and loss of soil biological diversity. It stated: "Urbanization and concretization of soils must be limited and avoided as much as possible. Existing protection and use laws regarding misuse of soils, particularly olive groves and protected areas, must be applied without compromise."

"Soil rights"

The statement noted that awareness of soil consciousness in society must be increased, stating: "In order to establish and strengthen future generations' connection with soil, 'Moral and Ethical Values' related to soil must be created. Shifting from the perspective of soil being seen only as property that yields products to the perspective that it is actually a living resource that must be protected, the concept of 'Soil Rights' for all living beings must be established in society."