ACSAD / Workshop / on the Soil Atlas in the Arab countries
The Arab Center Organization “ACSAD” held a workshop to prepare “Soil Resources Atlas” in the Arab countries with the participation of several Arab cadres to present the results accomplished from the first phase of the project by the representatives of the participated countries. Including the environmental factors in each country and the map of soil units’ distribution in the participated countries and unifying the efforts of workers and specialists in soil classification and inventory processes, and increasing the scientific awareness in the relevant areas.
His Excellency, the Director-General of the Arab Center Organization ACSAD, Dr. Naser Edin Obaid, confirmed in a speech at the workshop opening that the cooperation with the Agriculture Ministry and relevant institutions in the Arab countries would return with great goodness by achieving sustainable agriculture development and maintaining the land resources.
He also clarified that the scientific research and practical projects were the main basics to protect soil from degradation factors resulting from the bad uses of soil for diverse purposes. Working on determining the appropriate management means to improve soil characteristics was one of the main interests of the Arab Center ACSAD to preserve it and contribute effectively in improving its features, increase its productivity, and support the aiming efforts to achieve food security in the Arab countries.
Dr. Obaid explained that ACSAD, through its implementation for many projects in the Arab countries in the various scientific fields; developed its particular strategy in dealing with soil and land resources, the most important of which, adopting a whole approach in the sustainable capacity of land resources, as well as adopting the modern means in the inventory, distribution, and the nature of land resources, and developing the regional cooperation in the field of monitoring land degradation.
Furthermore, the strategy included developing practical scientific research in soil, water, and plant fields, enhancing the cooperation among the institutions related to soil issues and natural resources. In addition to enhancing the inhabitants’ participation in sustainable development, consultation, and coordination with the Arab organizations.
He pointed out that the preparation project of Soil Resources Atlas was one of the most important projects implementing by the Arab Center in the Arab countries to inventory the natural resources in the Arab countries. Building a database specialized in soil characteristics, which assist in understanding and explaining the reality of land productive capacity, the work way to improve the productive qualities, and the effective contribution to achieving Arab food security.
A number of Arab experts and researchers in Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia are delivering lectures that enrich the raised issues and contribute to producing important recommendations helping work development.
