1. WLE: Science Focal Point Meeting 2014 Uniting Agriculture and Nature for Poverty Reduction

2. Progress over the past year  We have appreciated the efforts that partners have gone to in preparation of POWB and Annual Reports  The resubmit of the ‘refresh’ document has been accepted by the CO and we await the recommendations from the CB  The ‘refresh’ includes changes to the structure of the Program with Flagships, Clusters and Core Themes  We were pleasantly surprised by the number of outcome stories that were submitted for this event – clearly demonstrating the diversity of work going on in the Program

3. WLE Program Structure

4. WLE At Scale

5. WLE ES&R Framework

6. What WLE is trying to achieve  Sustainable intensification provides a pathway for agriculture productivity, human development and resilient landscapes

7. Why  Increasing environmental degradation  Rising risks associated with the current growth agenda  Rapidly rising human demands and inequity – we need to meet the human agenda We are consuming natural capital in a way that is not sustainable and equitable  Recognition that sustainability agenda is at the heart of development

8. How  Influencing development choices to improve sustainable agricultural intensification through nature based solutions by providing: Evidence-base knowledge that sustainable intensification provides improved food security, equity, livelihoods and landscapes Integrated solutions to better manage risk related to rising shocks Models and scenarios to understand trade-offs and synergies Institutional innovations to address inequity and gender imbalances, while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth

9. Unique selling points  We are not about protecting ecosystem for the sake of ecosystems  We support human development by working with ecosystems and people  Ecosystems as the foundation for agriculture productivity, equity, livelihoods and prosperity  We go beyond the paradigm of minimizing the impacts of agriculture  We are exploring the interface between rural and urban systems  Working across sectors to provide integrated solutions to reverse land and water degradation  Combining an ecological approach with a natural resource management approach to build resilience

10. Managing salinity in Central Asia: licorice as a tool in rehabilitating abandoned irrigated lands. Dr Akmal Karimov, IWMI Central Asia. Uniting Agriculture and Nature for Poverty Reduction

11. The Issue  34 million hectares of globally equipped irrigated area is abandoned or underperforming due to salinity  In Central Asia, 50% of irrigated area affected by degrees of salinization  Elevated water tables that mobilize salt in the profile  Drainage systems do not work effectively – lack of maintenance and investments

12. The Research Approach  Dewatering the profile with deep rooted species endemic to Central Asia – Licorice  Tolerates salinity; market for root extracts – industrial uses; pharmaceuticals; food and beverages (Coca Cola)  Forage can be fed to livestock – protein content of 12%  Licorice is a perennial shrub; tolerates harsh winters -20C

13. The Research Results

14. REVITALIZING DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS Reduce land degradation and increase resilience of small scale farming communities in sub-Saharan Africa and other hot spots across the globe Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) for amelioration of salt- affected soils and income generation, Uzbekistan Salt-affected soils in Syr Darya, Uzbekistan, 2005 Growing licorice on abandoned salt-affected soils can:  Ameliorate salt-effected soils  Return them to productive use  Improve fertility of soils  Generate high income for poor farmers