Applications are invited for the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2023. Submit your applications by September 15, 2023!
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources.
An international day to celebrate Soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness-raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013 the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.
The 6th GSP Plenary Assembly endorsed the establishment of the annual King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award (WSDA), as a recognition tool for individuals and/or institutions that have made an effort to organize successful celebrations in the framework of the World Soil Day campaign of the previous year.
The objective of the WSDA is to encourage organizers of WSD events at all levels to facilitate challenging and outstanding celebrations around the globe.
The Award is sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, the champion country in the establishment of the now-famous World Soil Day. The UN General Assembly decided in December 2013 to officially designate 5 December as World Soil Day to acknowledge the lifelong work and commitment of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand who has significantly contributed to improving the quality of lives of millions through sustainable soil management.
The award consists of a medal, a USD 15,000 (Rs. 12.5L) cheque, as well as a trip to Thailand (if feasible) to receive the prize.
The King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award Selection Committee consists of the eight Chairs of the Regional Soil Partnerships; the Chair of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS); the Chair of the Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly (GSP) and a representative from the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).
Image taken from here.