About us
Introduction
lOrigin of Establishment
Soil health and carbon sequestration have gained significant attention since the introduction of the "4 Per 1000 Initiative" at the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as part of the Lima-Paris Action Plan in Paris (COP 21, November 30 to December 11, 2015) by France. In line with the 2050 Taiwan Net-Zero target, "Natural carbon sinks" are projected as one of the 12 key strategic actions. Soil, forest, and ocean carbon sinks are identified as the three major pathways, supplemented by research and scientific technologies to improve the efficiency of carbon sequestration, with a dedicated goal of achieving 10 million metric tons of carbon sequestered by 2040.
To facilitate the progress towards the above goal and in response to social development and current needs, the Agricultural and Food Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Chung Hsing University have jointly established the "Soil Carbon Sink Research and Promotion Center." National Chung Hsing University serves as a think tank specializing in soil carbon sequestration, aiming to promote the foundation of agricultural soil carbon sequestration and the development of scientific research and technology. The center will provide research support, professional education, and promotion services, contributing to the domestic short, medium, and long-term soil carbon negative technology strategies for the agricultural sector.
Soil health and carbon sequestration have gained significant attention since the introduction of the "4 Per 1000 Initiative" at the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as part of the Lima-Paris Action Plan in Paris (COP 21, November 30 to December 11, 2015) by France. In line with the 2050 Taiwan Net-Zero target, "Natural carbon sinks" are projected as one of the 12 key strategic actions. Soil, forest, and ocean carbon sinks are identified as the three major pathways, supplemented by research and scientific technologies to improve the efficiency of carbon sequestration, with a dedicated goal of achieving 10 million metric tons of carbon sequestered by 2040.
To facilitate the progress towards the above goal and in response to social development and current needs, the Agricultural and Food Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Chung Hsing University have jointly established the "Soil Carbon Sink Research and Promotion Center." National Chung Hsing University serves as a think tank specializing in soil carbon sequestration, aiming to promote the foundation of agricultural soil carbon sequestration and the development of scientific research and technology. The center will provide research support, professional education, and promotion services, contributing to the domestic short, medium, and long-term soil carbon negative technology strategies for the agricultural sector.
lVision
Acting as a think tank and communication platform for Taiwan’s administrative and research organizations on net-zero carbon emissions and soil carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector, we look forward to becoming a benchmark for promoting carbon-negative farming technologies and agricultural carbon credit applications.
Acting as a think tank and communication platform for Taiwan’s administrative and research organizations on net-zero carbon emissions and soil carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector, we look forward to becoming a benchmark for promoting carbon-negative farming technologies and agricultural carbon credit applications.
lObjectives
Our center aims to promote the reduction of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and the enhancement of soil carbon sequestration, aligning with various aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By taking action on climate change mitigation and terrestrial ecological conservation, we strive to increase social responsibility, promote sustainable production models, and strengthen partnerships. Additionally, soil carbon sequestration, as part of the efforts to offset atmospheric carbon dioxide, offers co-benefits through nature-based solutions. This strategy supports regenerative agriculture and soil health, providing an appropriate crop production environment and yield, thereby contributing to the SDGs of eliminating hunger and poverty. The specific goals are as follows:
Our center aims to promote the reduction of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and the enhancement of soil carbon sequestration, aligning with various aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By taking action on climate change mitigation and terrestrial ecological conservation, we strive to increase social responsibility, promote sustainable production models, and strengthen partnerships. Additionally, soil carbon sequestration, as part of the efforts to offset atmospheric carbon dioxide, offers co-benefits through nature-based solutions. This strategy supports regenerative agriculture and soil health, providing an appropriate crop production environment and yield, thereby contributing to the SDGs of eliminating hunger and poverty. The specific goals are as follows:
- Strengthen partnerships between government, academic and research institutions, and industries. Provide sound policy recommendations and development goals based on scientific and technological research.
- Fortify society's understanding of soil health concepts, promoting the integrity of agricultural ecosystem services, as well as the conservation, restoration, and improvement of natural resources.
- Promote goals of soil carbon sequestration, agricultural net-zero emissions, and sustainable environments to achieve food security as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation in agricultural production patterns.
- Enhance the resilience of individuals, society, and ecosystems, improving and ensuring the fairness and well-being of agricultural production, the agricultural environment, and society.
lOrganizational Mandate
To assist the Agriculture and Food Agency of the Minister of Agriculture in achieving the goal of sequestering 10 million tons of natural carbon in the agricultural sector by 2040, our center will support the execution of a three-stage strategy: 1. Complete an inventory of soil carbon sinks in cropland; 2. Develop soil carbon sequestration technologies; 3. Establish a three-step strategy, including implementing a soil carbon sequestration verification mechanism, initiating carbon trading, and guiding farmers to adopt farming management practices that enhance carbon sequestration. We will serve as an external support system for the government’s agricultural sector in professional research development and policy promotion of soil carbon sequestration. We will also facilitate the progress of academic and research institutions in the development of soil carbon sequestration technologies and policy formulation. The main tasks are as follows:
To assist the Agriculture and Food Agency of the Minister of Agriculture in achieving the goal of sequestering 10 million tons of natural carbon in the agricultural sector by 2040, our center will support the execution of a three-stage strategy: 1. Complete an inventory of soil carbon sinks in cropland; 2. Develop soil carbon sequestration technologies; 3. Establish a three-step strategy, including implementing a soil carbon sequestration verification mechanism, initiating carbon trading, and guiding farmers to adopt farming management practices that enhance carbon sequestration. We will serve as an external support system for the government’s agricultural sector in professional research development and policy promotion of soil carbon sequestration. We will also facilitate the progress of academic and research institutions in the development of soil carbon sequestration technologies and policy formulation. The main tasks are as follows:
- Assist in establishing short-, medium-, and long-term development goals for domestic agricultural soil carbon sequestration.
- Develop strategies for enhancing soil management, implementing carbon-negative farming practices, and utilizing bioresources to promote soil carbon sequestration.
- Aid in managing the execution progress of operational plans and compiling research outcomes.
- Calculate the annual soil carbon sequestration amount in Taiwan and propose suitable farming management practices for the region.
- Act as a demonstration for agricultural carbon credit applications and establish the domestic soil carbon credit application procedure.
- Implement incentives for carbon-negative farming practices, propose reward systems, and promote their adoption.
- Guide farmers in adopting farming management practices that enhance carbon sequestration to obtain carbon credits.
- Promote farming management practices with carbon-negative technologies to enhance the well-being of farmers, communities, and society.
- Assist in promoting policies and disseminating new research knowledge for achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the agricultural sector.
- Increase public awareness and understanding of agricultural net-zero practices, agricultural production systems, and agricultural ecosystem services.
lCorresponding United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiatives
Main
Goal 13 CLIMATE ACTION-Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 15 LIFE ON LAND-Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 15.3--By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
Secondary
Goal 3 Good health and well-being-Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 12 Responsible consumption and production-Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goals-Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
Expand
Goal 1 No poverty-End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2 Zero hunger-End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
lWorking Emphases
- Manage the progress of ongoing projects
- Organize educational events such as forums and seminars for promotion
- Promote policies and address public sentiment
- Compile research findings and deliver news
- Establish a demonstration field showcasing the benefits of carbon sequestration
lCenter positioning
Academic and research units, non-profit organizations
