Bangkok: The call for applications for the prestigious King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2025 is now open, with the deadline set for 1 September 2025. Launched in 2018, the award recognizes individuals or institutions that excel in raising public awareness about the importance of soils through successful World Soil Day (WSD) celebrations.
According to EMM, the award, sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, is named in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to enhancing understanding of sustainable soil management’s role in food security and poverty alleviation. Eligible nominees include those who have made significant contributions to promoting healthy soil and sustainable management through exceptional WSD events held between 1 November and 31 December 2024.
FAO Members or their GSP focal points are invited to nominate candidates for this accolade. The nomination process involves pre-screening and shortlisting by the GSP Secretariat, while the final selection is conducted by a dedicated committee. The award includes a USD 15,000 prize, a medal, and a trip to Thailand on 5 December, with the winner being announced during the annual WSD celebration organized by Thailand.
In past years, recipients of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award have included Practical Action in Bangladesh (2018), the Costa Rican Soil Science Society (AACS) in 2019, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2020, the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (NISS) in 2021, the Institute of Geology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (IGI-UNAM) in 2022, and the Soil and Fertilizer Society of Thailand (SFST) in 2023.