The event falls on 5 December this year, with the theme focusing on taking care and improving our soil for agriculture.
World Soil Day 2026 marks the 11th annual observation since the UN mandate was received in 2014.
The day aims to highlight the importance of soil in food security, ecosystems, and human well-being, and what risks face this important part of our system.
Different events and contests mark the day
One of the contests raising awareness of this years theme (“tackle soil compaction, boost food production”) is a soil collage for university students. Ending 25 November, the contest invites students to take part in a workshop that explores:
- What soil is made of,
- How soils function,
- The essential services soils provide to society,
- The major threats affecting soils, and
- The actions individuals and communities can take to protect and restore soils.
Then students will create a collage in groups of 5-8 that answers four questions:
- What is the soil issue?
- Where is it and why does it matter?
- What could we do about it?
- How would this action help the soil?
Winners of the competition will receive a certificate of recognition, a selection of UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) branded gadgets, and the chance for their entry to be featured on FAO or Global Soil Partnership communication channels.
World Soil Day will also see the next annual King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award (WSDA) which recognises individuals or institutions that have made an effort to organise successful celebrations within the framework of the World Soil Day campaign of the previous year.
Winners of the WSDA will receive a medal, $15,000 USD, and a trip to Thailand.
The Glinka World Soil Prize also offers a medal and $15,000 USD to the winner, who must have been nominated by a FAO Members’ focal point for having made outstanding achievements in implementing the principles and recommended actions of the revised World Soil Charter adopted in June 2015.
More information about the World Soil Day 2026 events can be found here.
The EU is working towards improving soil health
It is estimated that 60-70% of soil in the European Union is unhealthy, threatening ecosystems and economic activities that depend on soil.
The EU is therefore making a concerted effort with a dedicated soil strategy, new legislation, agricultural support, scientific research, and various initiatives to develop restoration techniques.
This includes the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive (EU) 2025/2360 and the Soil Strategy for 2030.
Read more here.
