World Soil Day

  Discover the inspiring efforts of the French Soil Science Society (AFES) , awarded the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2025 for its exceptional World Soil Day 2024 campaign. Under the theme “ Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage ,” AFES stood out with its creative and inclusive “ Soil Week in Normandy ,” a seven-day programme held from 29 November to 5 December 2024. The initiative featured over 20 events , brought together more than 100 speakers, and engaged over 950 participants both in person and online. Highlights included a full “ soil pit tour ” across Normandy and the launch of the school version of the game “The Soil Collage.” Throughout the week, activities showcased how soil data and information can support decision-making, planning and environmental action through practical workshops and engaging conferences .

  As part of the global celebration, FAO awarded two of the world’s most prestigious international soil prizes: The Glinka World Soil Prize 2025 was awarded to Professor Ganlin Zhang of the Institute of Soil Science , Chinese Academy of Sciences , recognizing his scientific leadership and global contributions to sustainable soil management and soil information systems . The King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2025 was presented to the French Soil Science Society for its outstanding World Soil Day campaign 2024, which engaged thousands of citizens, schools and institutions across France to raise public awareness of soil protection . Supported respectively by the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Thailand, these awards honour innovation, advocacy and excellence in promoting sustainable soil management worldwide