The international literary contest organized by Rewilding Apennines is back to raise awareness and foster respect for nature and ecosystem restoration through the powerful tool of literature.
Following the first edition conducted in 2024 aimed at increasing attention and understanding of rewilding culture through storytelling, this year the contest invites participants to explore the theme “River and the need to restore this fragile ecosystem”.
Rivers are vital arteries of our planet. Symbols of connection, continuity, transformation. They are the soul of the valleys they cross, custodians of memories and stories of the communities along their banks. Yet, over decades, many rivers have been modified, channelized, impoverished, or polluted, losing much of their natural complexity. Today, river restoration is an urgent and fascinating challenge that merges ecology, culture, and landscape: restoring rivers to their original vitality not only promotes biodiversity and ecosystem balance but also rekindles a deep, authentic, and conscious connection with the land and its history.
Short stories
The desired work is a short story, in Italian or English, on the above theme, up to 3 pages in A4 format, font size 12, 1.5 line spacing, Times New Roman.
Submissions should be sent to Rewilding Apennines via email at info@rewilding-apennines.com by July 25, 2025 (the date of email receipt will be considered official).
The stories received last year for the first edition were collected in a publication – Wild Tales – produced by Rewilding Apennines and published by Menabò. Copies can be purchased by contacting info@rewilding-apennines.com. Proceeds will support the association’s initiatives for ecosystem protection and restoration.
Participation rules
Art. 1 – The contest is international and open to all. Members of the board, staff of Rewilding Apennines ETS, and Rewilding Europe are excluded.
Art. 2 – Participants may submit up to two stories. Works must be unpublished and in Italian or English. Participation is free.
Art. 3 – Authors of other nationalities may participate under the same conditions.
Art. 4 – Stories must be emailed to info@rewilding-apennines.com by midnight on July 25, 2025, including personal details and a declaration of acceptance of these rules.
Art. 5 – By entering the contest, participants confirm that:
- The work is original and unpublished, releasing Rewilding Apennines from any legal issues, including third-party claims.
- They accept all rules of the competition.
- They authorize the use of their personal data according to Italian Legislative Decree 196/2003 for privacy protection.
- They authorize the use of the submitted works for purposes related to the event.
Art. 6 – Participation does not transfer copyright. All texts may be used in promotional materials, cultural events, or on the association’s social media channels with prior author approval. Submitted works will not be returned.
Art. 7 – Monetary prizes must be collected in person. Delegations are only permitted for international participants.
Art. 8 – For organizational reasons, participants must confirm their attendance at the award ceremony, whether in person or by proxy, at least 10 days in advance. The ceremony will take place on August 23, 2025, in a location in the Central Apennines, to be announced later.
Prizes and awards
The top three entries will be awarded as follows:
- 1st place: €400 + plate
- 2nd place: €200 + plate
- 3rd place: €100 + plate
The award ceremony will be held on August 23, 2025, in a location in the Central Apennines, announced by August 8, 2025. The winning stories will be read during the ceremony.
Announcement of winners
The results will be published on the Rewilding Apennines website and social media channels. Winners will be notified at least fifteen days before the ceremony.
Judging panel
The jury consists of:
- Mario Cipollone, Rewilding Apennines Team Leader and author of various works of fiction.
- Angela Tavone, Communications Manager of Rewilding Apennines.
- Daniela Gentile, Communications Officer of Rewilding Apennines.
The jury’s decisions are final and unappealable. For further information or clarifications, contact info@rewilding-apennines.com.
Participants are advised not to wait until the last days to submit their works.