In December 2018, the UN General Assembly designated February 10 as World Pulses Day, based on a proposal by Burkina Faso, to be observed annually starting in 2019 in coordination with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The day builds on the success of the International Year of Pulses, celebrated in 2016. Pulses — including lentils, beans, chickpeas, and dried peas — are among the world's most important sources of plant-based protein: an affordable food rich in fiber and minerals that plays a central role in fighting malnutrition and hunger, especially in developing countries. Agronomically, pulses fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and making them one of the most environmentally sustainable crops available. The day is marked with nutrition awareness campaigns, cooking and tasting events showcasing the diversity of pulse-based dishes worldwide, and agricultural initiatives that encourage farmers to include pulses in crop rotations to improve soil fertility and diversify income sources.