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. The award, which was inaugurated in 2018, serves to honor individuals or institutions that have played a significant role in raising public awareness about the importance of soil conservation through successful World Soil Day (WSD) events.

According to EMM, the award is sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand and named after the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The King was known for his lifelong commitment to sustainable soil management and its critical role in ensuring food security and poverty alleviation. Eligible nominees for the award should have made noteworthy contributions to promoting healthy soil and sustainable management practices through outstanding WSD events held between 1 November and 31 December 2024.

FAO Members or their Global Soil Partnership (GSP) focal points are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates. The selection process involves a pre-screening and shortlisting phase managed by the GSP Secretariat, followed by the final selection conducted by a dedicated committee. The award includes a cash prize of USD 15,000, a medal, and a trip to Thailand on 5 December, where the winner will be announced during the annual WSD celebration organized by the Kingdom of Thailand.

Previous recipients of the award have included Practical Action in Bangladesh (2018), the Costa Rican Soil Science Society (2019), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (2020), the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (2021), the Institute of Geology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (2022), and the Soil and Fertilizer Society of Thailand (2023). These organizations have been recognized for their exceptional efforts in advocating for soil health and sustainability across various countries and regions.