Description: The aim of this conference is to highlight the growing importance of conserving and restoring soil organic carbon for a multiple of win-win benefits within various land type and land use settings. Carbon has a crucial role in soil fertility, and hence for food security, nutrient and water retention, biodiversity and ecosystem services. The conference will review the state of science and further knowledge needs involved. Among topics to be discussed are land use and land restoration practices that enhance SOM, how to verify carbon sequestration and linkages with UN-FCCC and other global goals, agreements, and negotiations. The question of how to increase flow of climate linked funding for restoration of soil and land quality will also be explored.