Workshop at COP29 Focuses on Soil Carbon Sequestration as an Effective Tool for Mitigating Global Climate Change
The Moroccan pavilion at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) served as a central hub for discussing challenges and solutions related to climate change mitigation. It highlighted Morocco’s role in developing sustainable models adapted to global climate challenges, alongside innovative projects in energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and water management.
In this context, OCP Group played a leading role at COP29 by organizing a distinguished dialogue session that shed light on the tremendous potential of soil carbon sequestration as an effective mechanism for enhancing agricultural sustainability and improving livelihoods.
The session featured fruitful discussions on the importance of soil, not only as a fundamental component of food production but also as a natural and efficient means of absorbing carbon and reducing emissions. The dialogue emphasized the role of soil in supporting carbon farming, where sustainable agricultural practices enhance its capacity to store carbon. This contributes to balanced and sustainable food systems. Cutting-edge technologies for carbon sequestration were presented, such as the use of biofertilizers, conservation agriculture, and artificial intelligence applications for monitoring and managing soil health.
Participants addressed challenges related to carbon markets, stressing the need for collaborative solutions involving governments, the private sector, and local communities to support agricultural initiatives. Innovative strategies were explored to encourage farmers to adopt carbon farming through financial and technical incentives, making them integral to climate change solutions.
The session was marked by the participation of global experts and prominent organizations, including the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Emerging ag Inc., BeZero Carbon, TechnoServe, KPMG, and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). These experts provided valuable insights into the importance of coordination among various stakeholders to achieve sustainability goals and enhance soil health.
Notable contributions came from figures such as Iman Aboul-Fotouh, who discussed the role of technology in improving soil management, and Sarah Harrar, who addressed environmental solutions to support soil health. Robin Anderson and Sebastian Cross focused on carbon market policies, while Dr Rachid Moussadek, a distinguished researcher from Morocco’s National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) and ICARDA, presented solutions for regions facing land degradation.
Dr. Moussadek highlighted Morocco’s experience with conservation agriculture, which could be scaled to African countries where land degradation and climate change impacts are particularly severe. He emphasized that African farmers could benefit significantly from this model, especially with the emergence of carbon credit companies. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, adopting this agricultural system can provide effective solutions for farmers, enabling them to increase production at lower costs, adapt better to climate changes, and open new revenue streams through carbon farming.
The session underscored OCP Group’s commitment to leading global efforts to enhance agricultural sustainability through innovation and collaboration. Soil carbon sequestration represents a pivotal step toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change and strengthening agricultural resilience.
The Group expressed its sincere gratitude to all speakers and partners who contributed to the success of the session, reaffirming its commitment to supporting farmers, local communities, and global efforts to achieve food security and environmental sustainability. Concluding the session, OCP reiterated its leadership in providing comprehensive and sustainable solutions that place soil at the heart of climate action, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
It is worth noting that Morocco has maintained its position at the forefront of countries leading the race toward global carbon neutrality. It ranked eighth in the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index, presented on Wednesday during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties.
#Adil EL ARABI