February 2015: The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has launched a short story writing contest on the theme ‘Land nurturing people nurturing life.’ Contributions in a variety of literary expressions and styles are invited, ranging from poetry to stories of up to 500 words.

Entries will be judged under two categories; university students and the general public; and children and youth. The winners will be announced during the World Day to Combat Desertification, on 17 June 2015. The deadline for submissions is 15 May 2015. [UNCCD Contest Information] [World Day to Combat Desertification Website]