World Soil Day (WSD)

In Context 

  • World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December.
    • The theme of World Soil Day (WSD) for the year 2021 is ‘Halt Soil Salinization, boosting soil productivity. 

About World Soil Day 2021

  • It was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002
  • Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness-raising platform under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership.
  • 5 December 2014 was designated as the first official World Soil Day by the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
  • The date of 5 December was chosen because it corresponds with the official birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, who officially sanctioned the event.

Source: PIB