Glinka World Soil Prize | 9th edition, 2024
The Land Development Department (LDD) of Thailand wins the Glinka World Soil Prize 2024
A legacy of innovation, driving regional and global collaboration and educating future generations
The Land Development Department’s (LDD) remarkable achievements demonstrate its global leadership in integrating science, policy, and community-driven initiatives to enhance soil health. From fostering food security and climate resilience to bolstering international collaboration, LDD’s initiatives and work are a model for the region and the whole world.
This tradition of soil stewardship is deeply rooted in the vision of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a pioneering soil scientist and advocate for sustainable development. His leadership inspired the country efforts to combat soil degradation and ensure the wellbeing of Thai farmers. The late King’s contributions, including the establishment of the Volunteer Soil Doctors programme, continue to guide the department’s innovative strategies and underline Thailand's commitment to SSM.
At the local and national level, LDD’s efforts include training over 77 000 Volunteer Soil Doctors, who mentor nearly 3.8 million farmers across Thailand, covering 12 million hectares of agricultural land. These programmes have reduced chemical fertilizer use by 30 percent, lowered costs by 33 percent, and increased farmer incomes by 20 percent, making a tangible impact on food security and environmental sustainability.
The department invests approximately USD 140 million annually in cutting-edge research on sustainable soil management (SSM), emphasizing precision agriculture, carbon sequestration, and drought-resistant crops. By blending traditional knowledge with modern science, LDD has pioneered cost-effective and ecofriendly practices that support sustainable farming.
Beyond Thailand’s borders, LDD has established itself as a key force in regional cooperation. It plays a lead role in initiatives such as the Lancang Mekong Cooperation (LMC), Ayeyawady Chao Phraya Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), and the Center of Excellence for Soil Research in Asia (CESRA), enhancing sustainable soil and water management across Southeast Asia.
At global level, LDD has left a transformative mark through its leadership in the establishment of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) and the declaration of the International Year of Soils (IYS) 2015 and World Soil Day (WSD) by the United Nations General Assembly. These initiatives have brought soil health to the forefront of international development agendas, raising awareness about its critical role in food security and climate resilience.
The Land Development Department’s integration of soil health education into 5 200 schools nationwide underscores its commitment to nurturing future stewards of sustainable farming. The department’s sponsorship of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award further reinforces its dedication to recognizing and fostering excellence in SSM practices globally.