In 2013, the UN declared the 5^th of December as World Soil Day and 2015 as the International Year of Soils with the objective to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of soil for food security and essential ecosystem functions.  The date of 5 December had been chosen by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s work in the area of soil science and soil resource conservation and sustainable management.  In 2012, IUSS also presented the Humanitarian Soil Scientist Award to His Majesty as the first recipient in the world.

For more information please see the booklet on “World Soil Day – 5 December”: http://www.ldd.go.th/ldd_en/files/FilesFolders/Documents/88267ad6-cb41-4b04-aac9-e538110dfed4__O.pdf