About the award

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 within the framework of the World Soil Day campaign of the previous year.

The objective of the WSDA is to encourage organisers of World Soil Day (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 significantly contributed to improving the quality of lives of millions through sustainable soil management.

The Award may be granted to individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to promoting the importance of healthy soils and sustainable soil management through their efforts in organizing WSD events in the previous year. A wide range of WSD events can be considered for the Award. The event must fully align with the theme of the year and take place between 1 November and 31 December of the same year. 

Selected winners will receive a medal, a USD 15 000 cheque, as well as a trip to Thailand to receive the award.