17 June 2013: The UN Convention to Combat Desertification has recognized organizations from India, Mexico and Australia with the 2013 Land for Life Award.

The Land for Life Award seeks to highlight organizations that show tangible evidence in combating desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD). The announcement of the winners was made on 17 June as part of the worldwide celebrations of the World Day to Combat Desertification. Over 130 applications from 62 countries were considered for the award.

First prize was awarded to Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), a non-governmental organization in India. Second place was a tie awarded to Consejo Civil Mexicano para la Silvicultura Sostenible (CCMSS) from Mexico, for its work in the Amanalco Valle Bravo Basin in central Mexico, and World Vision Australia, which has popularized Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration in the Sahel region in Africa. [UNCCD News Release] [Land Policy & Practice news post on semi-finalists]