The protocol constitutes a fundamental tool to assess if any intervention implemented in the field, such as improvement of productive systems, innovation and new technologies, ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration, is carried out in a sustainable manner according to the definition of sustainable soil management. In practical terms, the protocol provides key indicators and a set of tools to assess soil functions based on its physical, chemical and biological properties.

A first draft of the protocol was presented at the 6th GSP Plenary Assembly (PA), where it was recommended to further refine the document. A new version was developed, which provides a practical method for different stakeholders to determine if current soil management practices are sustainable and, if not, to identify possible actions to improve their sustainability. The document was submitted to the 7th GSP Plenary Assembly and members expressed their request to review the indicators that were selected. After intensive and inclusive work, a final draft was submitted to the 8th GSP Plenary Assembly in June 2020 and was endorsed in principle with a final refinement which was welcomed at an ad-hoc session held in September 2020.

The main agreement reached during the endorsement of the document is the list of indicators that will serve as a reference for assessing, monitoring and mapping sustainable soil management. These indicators are part of the soil analysis parameters in most countries, in different contexts and conditions, and will be compiled during the implementation of the SSM protocol. A set of methodologies, instructions and guidelines will be developed and released in an updated version of the protocol during the first half of 2021.

This protocol is a living tool that will be improved in 3 to 5 years based on the evidence gathered from its application on the ground in the different regions of the world.