Launched in 2018, the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award acknowledges individuals or institutions that raise public awareness of soils by organising successful and influential WSD celebrations. The award, sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, is named after King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand for his lifelong commitment to raising awareness of the importance of sustainable soil management and rehabilitation for food security, poverty alleviation and more.

Nominees should be individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to promoting healthy soil and sustainable soil management through outstanding WSD events held between 1 November and 31 December 2024. FAO Members or their GSP focal points are invited to nominate candidates. Submissions are pre-screened and shortlisted by the GSP Secretariat, with the final selection overseen by a selection committee (click here for the rules of procedure of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award).

The award consists of USD 15 000 prize, a medal, and a trip to Thailand, on 5 December. The winner of the Award will be announced during the annual WSD celebration organized by the Kingdom of Thailand.  This award was created with the purpose of honoring and encouraging organizers of WSD events at all levels.

Nominations must be submitted by completing the nomination form by 1 September 2025. The GSP Secretariat will examine the submitted nominations. A shortlist of the most qualified nominees will then be submitted to the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award Selection Committee for final decision.

In the application form, organizers will be asked to provide details about their World Soil Day celebration, including evidence of its success and impact on their community, and how it contributed to raising awareness about healthy soils. 

In the last edition, the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award was conferred upon the Water and Soil Department of the Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad of the Islamic Republic of Iran, recognizing its outstanding efforts in organizing and implementing impactful activities in 2023 under the theme “Soil and water: a source of life”. The award ceremony took place in Pak Chong, Thailand, on 5 December 2024. The award was presented by the Russian Ambassador to Thailand and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.

Former winners of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award include also Practical Action in Bangladesh in 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.