©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

The Final Conference report is now available for viewing

Find out about the conference results and read the conclusions and recommendations of each session as submitted by the session chairs/rapporteurs.

The "Tunis Declaration" Session 1: Conservation of Biodiversity, Cultural and Natural Heritage in Drylands Session 2: Dryland Hydrology and Water Management Session 3: Monitoring and Forecasting of Dryland Ecosystem Dynamics Session 4: Sustainable Land Use and Agriculture Session 5: Disaster and Risk Management in Drylands Session 6: Policy, Governance and Socio-economic Dynamics in Changing Drylands Session 7: Viable Dryland Livelihood and Policy Session 8: Education and Knowledge Sharing in Drylands List of participants (pdf)

This conference focused on drylands research, conservation, policy and sustainable drylands development. Organized by UNESCO in partnership with several international organizations, the conference was held within the context of the United Nations International Year of Deserts and Desertification (2006) as part of the UN's collective efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals. The conference also marked 50 years of drylands research within the UN System.

Held under the High Auspices of the President of Tunisia, H. E. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and sponsored by UNESCO, the Tunisian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, GEF, DDPA, and The Flemish Government of Belgium. Partner organizations included CMS, FAO, ICSU, IFAD, NORAD, OSS, UN/ISDR, UNCCD, UNDP, UNEP, UNU, WMO, and the Office of Arid Lands Studies at the University of Arizona (USA).