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In celebration of World Soil Day (WSD) 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), and the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) are launching a children’s podcast contest on the theme Caring for Soils: Measure, Manage, Monitor.

This contest invites soil scientists, researchers, educators, artists, and creative individuals worldwide to help educate and raise awareness about soils among children, the future stewards of the planet. The goal is to inspire children's interest in soils and explain why it is essential to measure, manage, and monitor soils to keep them healthy and fertile.

The objectives of the contest are to:

• Promote scientific knowledge and highlight the importance of measuring, managing, and monitoring soils to ensure their health using a medium which is appealing to youth.
• Raise awareness and emphasize the urgency of caring for soils and the role of science in keeping them healthy.
• Encourage creativity and innovation in how soil science is communicated to children
• Foster educational activities by engaging and encouraging children and schools to participate in soil science learning.
• Highlight the role of technology and introduce children to modern tools and technologies used in soil science, such as drones, sensors, and satellite imagery. Explain how these innovations help scientists monitor soil health and contribute to more sustainable soil management practices.
• Engage soil scientists, researchers, educators, and practitioners in sharing their knowledge with children
• Provide a platform for experts to contribute to public awareness, making complex soil science topics accessible and fascinating for young learners.

Participants are tasked with creating a variety of innovative and engaging video podcasts aimed at educating children about the importance of soil data and information to young listeners. Podcasts should reflect the theme of "Caring for Soils: Measure, Manage, Monitor" and include clear, scientifically grounded information. References must be cited at the end of the podcast.

FAO’s GSP and IUSS welcome submissions from anyone interested in soil health and sustainable management, regardless of professional background. Each participant or group may submit only one original, unpublished video podcast based on the WSD 2024 motto: "Caring for Soils: Measure, Manage, Monitor."

• TARGET AUDIENCE: Children aged 6-12 years old.
• LANGUAGE: English.
• CONTENT: Interdisciplinary, engaging, and inclusive, using formats such as dialogue, interviews, stories, fables, or news analysis related to the theme.
• LENGTH: 5 to 8 minutes.
• ANONYMITY: Do not include names or institutional affiliations. A registration number will be assigned upon submission. FORMAT: MP4 format, with high video and audio quality.
• AUDIO SCRIPT: An accompanying audio script must be provided with the podcast.
• ORIGINALITY: The podcast must be the original work of the participant(s).

Submit your podcast by 17 November 2024 using the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM. Through this form, you will be able to share your podcast via a free file transfer service (e.g., Google Drive, Share Drive, WeTransfer, Dropbox or similar). If you have trouble accessing the google form, please email us at [email protected].

• 1st Prize: USD 1 000
• 2nd Prize: USD 500
• 3rd Prize: USD 250

All shortlisted participants will receive soil-related publications, a certificate of participation, and soil gadgets. Winning podcasts will be showcased on IUSS and FAO's digital and social media platforms and websites. Winners will be announced on World Soil Day, 5th December 2024.

Timeline

• Submission opens: 11 October 2024
• Submission closes: 17 November 2024
• Winners announced: 5 December 2024, during World Soil Day official celebration.

• Copyright of the submitted materials remains with the respective participants, and copyright owners will be credited accordingly.
• Minors must have the permission of their parents or legal guardians to participate in the contest.
• By submitting your entry, you consent to the video podcast being uploaded on digital platforms, and distributed via social media channels.
• FAO/GSP does not accept responsibility for, nor does it endorse the views expressed by contestants.

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