From soil to systems: members kick off 2026 with proof, partnerships, and practical tools

Soil health, plant protection & digital know-how

CABI opened 2026 with field-ready insights—from how microbial and non-microbial biostimulants support resilient crops, to plain-language explainers on biocontrol and the 4R nutrient framework. Their plant-health alerts (including Cassava Brown Streak Disease) and youth leadership stories from Uganda underscore a through-line: science translated into everyday decisions for farmers.

Climate resilience across regions

CORAF spotlighted the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), emphasizing climate-smart practices that strengthen livelihoods—especially for women and youth—in West and Central Africa. It’s a reminder that resilience is both agronomic and social.

Year-end reflections → 2026 momentum

From strategy to staying power, several members used the turn of the year to align on “what works” and scale it:

• Circular Bioeconomy Alliance shared a year-in-review that charts progress toward a nature-first, regenerative bioeconomy—linking science, finance, and practice.

• CottonConnect recapped a busy 2025: sector leadership on regenerative cotton, roundtables across markets, and deeper use of innovation and tech in the field.

• Preferred by Nature closed the year thanking stakeholders and signaling continued action in 2026.

  
  

Biodiversity, education & community power

Hands-on, participatory approaches took center stage:

• Fundación Global Nature tallied impact from #BiodiversityGardens—more than 400 schools transformed into living classrooms where 1,000+ students learn biodiversity and circular-economy principles by doing.

• Fundación Natura Colombia paired year-end learning with action: dialogue spaces, a new mobile app for participatory climate monitoring, and restoration in La Mojana that links water governance with livelihoods.

• Fundación Pachamama elevated community-driven solutions from the Amazon—forest economies, ecotourism, and rights-based approaches co-led with Indigenous peoples, women defenders, and youth.

Community partners in Ayapel, Córdoba work to restore La Mojana’s wetlands—part of a water-governance effort led with Fundación Natura that’s advancing restoration across 6,000+ hectares. Photo: Fundación Natura

Local leadership for inclusive development

• Rural Aid Pakistan welcomed 2026 with a look back at progress on climate-resilient livelihoods, water security, and gender-inclusive development—renewing its commitment to community-led change.

• REEDS Pakistan fed learning back into the system: reviewing six-month targets with EPI Punjab, troubleshooting challenges, and running a capacity-building workshop on eco-friendly landraces of Moringa oleifera to connect farmers, researchers, and industry.

  
  

Smallholders, palm oil & nature-positive supply

Wild Asia started the year by doubling down on support for smallholders and local communities through nature-positive palm oil programs—signaling partnerships as the path to durable impact.

Why this week matters

Across the Network, members are putting practical know-how in the hands of farmers and communities. From plant-health basics made usable in the field, to climate tools co-designed with local leaders, to school gardens that turn biodiversity into everyday learning—this is real work moving at ground level. The common thread is simple: science meets lived experience, and solutions are built with the people who will use them.

One network, shared momentum

This week reflects the strength of SAN’s Global Impact Network: many actors, one direction. By connecting agronomy, biodiversity, climate resilience, and inclusive development—and by helping partners learn from one another—we accelerate the shift toward nature-positive, equitable food systems. Together, our members turn ideas into practice and scale what works for people and planet.