World Soil Day

Tags: Important Days

World Soil Day is observed every year on 5 December to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems by addressing the challenges posed by soil management.

Important facts

• The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being. 

• The theme of World Soil Day, 2022 is 'Soils: Where food begins'. 

Background of the day

• International Soil Day was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences in 2002.

• The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. 

• In December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly designated 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.

• The date of 5 December was chosen because it is the official birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who officially sanctioned the event.

• The King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award and the Glinka World Soil Award are presented by FAO on this occasion.