KING BHUMIBOL WORLD SOIL DAY AWARD: A Catalyst for Agricultural Sustainability in Cape Verde
O BHUMIBOL KING AWARD WORLD SOIL DAY represents a unique opportunity for Cape Verde to boost its agricultural resilience and sustainability by recognising and promoting innovative practices in soil management. In an archipelago where water scarcity and soil degradation are constant challenges, this award is a powerful incentive to implement creative and effective solutions that guarantee food security and long-term economic development.
Cape Verde, with its arid and semi-arid landscape, faces significant soil challenges. Erosion, desertification and soil salinity, aggravated by climate change and inadequate agricultural practices, jeopardise agricultural productivity and the availability of natural resources. The loss of fertile soil not only impacts food production, but also affects biodiversity, water quality and carbon storage capacity, which are essential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
In this context, the application for the Rei Bhumibol World Soil Day Award is a key strategy for highlighting the efforts that Cape Verde has been making in the sustainable management of its soils and attracting the attention of the international community to the uniqueness of its challenges and opportunities. Through the presentation of innovative projects and concrete results, Cape Verde will be able to demonstrate its commitment to soil conservation and the promotion of agricultural practices that respect the environment.
Applying for the prize requires identifying and documenting successful initiatives that promote sustainable soil management. These initiatives can include projects to recover degraded soils, the implementation of water and soil conservation techniques, the promotion of agro-ecological farming practices, the development of integrated production systems, research and development of crop varieties adapted to local soil conditions, and the training of farmers and technicians in sustainable soil management.
In addition to the opportunity for international recognition, the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Prize offers the possibility of access to funding and technical support for the expansion and development of innovative projects. The prize can act as a catalyst for the creation of strategic partnerships with other institutions and countries, enabling the sharing of knowledge and experience and access to additional technologies and resources.
The organisation of this application represents a joint effort involving different actors, from the government and research institutions to non-governmental organisations and local communities. The active participation of farmers, who are the main land managers and the biggest beneficiaries of sustainable practices, is crucial. Their experience and traditional knowledge are fundamental to the development of solutions adapted to local realities.
Cape Verde has enormous potential to demonstrate to the world the value of sustainable soil management. Applying for the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award is an unmissable opportunity to highlight its efforts, strengthen its capacities and ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for its agriculture. Through innovation, commitment and collaboration, Cape Verde can become an inspiring example of soil management in arid and semi-arid contexts.
Applications for the prize must be submitted by 01 September 2025. For more information on the application process, please consult the following link: [Link].
