Children’s Book Contest on Soil and Water

The book is intended for children between 6 and 11 years old. The IUSS and FAO’s GSP Selection Committee will evaluate all book submissions, and the winner will be announced by the IUSS President on World Soil Day.

The finalists will be chosen based on creativity and originality, quality of the informational content, technical and scientific proficiency, and artistic/visual impact of the book.

Award Information

The winner will receive a cash prize of 1000 USD, second and third classified will receive a cash prize of 500 USD and 250 USD, respectively, from IUSS and FAO’s GSP. Shortlisted participants will receive publications on soils, a certificate of participation, and soil gadgets. The best scientific books will be showcased on IUSS and FAO’s GSP digital and social media platforms. The winners will be announced on World Soil Day, 5th December 2023.

How to take part?

• Submit your freestyle book proposal for children based on the WSD 2023 motto: “Soil and water, a source of life”. The book is intended for children between 6 and 11 years old and must feature at least one of the following elements:
  • Convey scientific knowledge about healthy soil and clean water, emphasizing their key role in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems for ensuring global food security;
  • Highlight the relationship between soil health and clean water. Emphasize the importance of addressing the increasing challenges in soil management;
  • Establish a clear link between soil and water and emphasize the need for their conservation, sustainable use, and management for present and future generations;
  • Raise awareness on the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems and the need to identify knowledge gaps and solutions for integrated management of soil and water resources in a changing environment.

Requirements

• The artworks will only be accepted in English, and can be in color or black and white and in free genre literature. The authors should address the topic in an interdisciplinary way.
• All books must include the motto ”Soil and water, a source of life”.
• Books must be submitted in PDF format with images in high resolution (min 600 dpi).
• Book should be between 12 and 16 pages, including: (1) Cover indicating the title; (2) Introduction and Content (freestyle); (3) Back cover.
• It is suggested to work on A paper format (A4 – portrait), use visuals and do not exceed 2 000 – 2 500 words in text length for the entire book. Each author and/or group of authors can only submit one entry.
• Note: Participants should develop short scientific texts, facts (with scientific references) and images/designed illustrations/hand drawings to illustrate scientific knowledge on the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems for a young audience.

For more information, visit Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).