The encroachment of the desert around the oases necessitates permanent crop protection. © Yann Arthus-Bertrand Earth from Above / UNESCO

International Scientific Conference on Desertification and Drylands Research
Commemorating 50 Years of Drylands Research
Tunis, Tunisia 19 - 21 June 2006

Overall Objectives

Specific Conference Objectives

• To review the current state-of-knowledge of dryland ecosystems and the socio-economics of dryland development in order to provide scientific and technical advice to decision-makers and for the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
• To identify important knowledge gaps for defining future paths of research into drylands, in particular to promote application-oriented science for the sustainable development of dryland regions and to contribute to reaching the Millennium Development Goals.
• To commemorate and examine 50 years of dryland research in the UN System in the context of the "International Year of Deserts and Desertification".
• To widely diffuse conference results to relevant organizations and scientific institutions