Bangkok: The call for applications for the prestigious King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2025 is officially open, inviting nominations of individuals or institutions that have significantly contributed to raising public awareness of soil health through impactful World Soil Day (WSD) celebrations. The deadline for applications is set for 1 September 2025.

According to EMM, the award, initiated in 2018 and sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, aims to honor and encourage those who organize exemplary WSD events. It is named after King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, recognizing his lifelong dedication to sustainable soil management and its critical role in food security and poverty alleviation. Eligible nominees should have organized outstanding WSD events between 1 November and 31 December 2024. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Members or their Global Soil Partnership (GSP) focal points are invited to submit their nominations.

The selection process involves a pre-screening and shortlisting by the GSP Secretariat, followed by a final evaluation by a dedicated selection committee. The winner will receive a prize of USD 15,000, a medal, and a trip to Thailand on 5 December, coinciding with the annual WSD celebration. The accolade not only recognizes excellence but also serves to inspire continued efforts in promoting soil sustainability.

Previous recipients of this distinguished award include 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, National Autonomous University of Mexico (2022), and the Soil and Fertilizer Society of Thailand (2023).