First World Soil Day observed on 5 December

5 December: World Soil Day

First World Soil Day was observed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 5 December 2014. On eve of the first World Soil Day, UNFAO along with Global Soil Parternership (GSP) declared the year of 2015 as UN International Year of Soils.

On this day, events took place to raise the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to the human commonwealth through its contribution to food, water and energy security.

The 2015 International Year of Soils will be observed across the world with events organised in Rome, New York and Santiago de Chile. The events will continue throughout the year to raise awareness and promote more sustainable use of this critical resource.

The United Nations approved the date of World Soil Day on the request of the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej and the FAO Global Soil Partnership (GSP) to raise awareness about the soil and usage of soil. The day coincides on the birthday of King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej.