Deadline: 1st September 2024

Applications are now open for the UN FAO King Bhumibol Award for World Soil Day 2024 . The 6th GSP Plenary Assembly endorsed the creation 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 organise successful celebrations within the framework of last year's World Soil Day campaign. The aim of the WSDA is to encourage WSD event organisers at all levels to facilitate challenging and outstanding celebrations around the world.

The Award is sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, the country that championed 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 recognise the lifelong work and commitment of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who contributed significantly to improving the quality of life of millions of people through sustainable soil management.

Prize

• The prize consists of a medal, a cheque for US$ 15,000 and a trip to Thailand (if possible) to receive the award.

Eligibility

• The Prize may be awarded to individuals, institutions, NGOs, academies, colleges and universities, private companies or any other organisations;
• A wide range of WSD events can be considered for the award. The event must follow the WSD theme of the year and will take place between 1 and 15 December.

Selection criteria

• Organisers should take into account the following selection criteria: commitment, public involvement and awareness, outreach, inter-institutional work, press and media involvement, impact at global, regional and national level, and the inclusion of educational efforts in their initiatives. planned activities (if possible).

Application

• Once the event is over, the organisers must fill in the  call for applications 2024  in any of the UN's official languages by 1 September 2024;
• Together with the report, WSD organisers are invited to complete their application and send it to the Secretariat:
  • high-quality photographs (preferably with captions);
  • videos (showing the work in progress and the results);
  • communication material or any related publications,
  • digital coverage (website/web stories/blog/social media); and
  • has shown great appeal in the media (i.e. media coverage and press releases);
• Photos taken during the event should be shared on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok) with the hashtags #WorldSoilDay and #GlobalSoilPartnership #UNFAO.