Drylands, deserts and desertification: the route to restoration
Overview
The International Conference on Drylands, Deserts and Desertification (DDD) has emerged as an important global gathering of scientists, field workers, industry, government, NGO and international aid agency officials from over 50 countries. The presentations consider practical solutions for sustainable and prosperous livelihoods in the drylands. The rich variety of perspectives creates a stimulating, interdisciplinary and compelling meeting.
The program combines plenary lectures and panels, parallel sessions, workshops, field trips and social events. The four day conference provides an opportunity for a diverse group of experts, policy makers and land managers to consider a range of theoretical and practical issues associated with combating desertification and living sustainably in the drylands.
The thematic focus of the 3rd conference will consider the restoration of degraded drylands. This "positive" orientation embraces the notion that trend need not be destiny, and that most desertified lands, ecosystems and economies can at least rehabilitated. Local case studies will be highlighted along side of success stories from around the world with an emphasis on quantitative indicators of progress. In addition additional sessions will be held considering a broad range of topics associated with sustainable living in the drylands and desertification.
Conference themes
- Agriculture in the drylands & sustainable desert agriculture
- Architecture and city planning in drylands and arid areas
- Gender & desertification
- Economic development strategies as part of restoration programs
- Grazing in drylands
- Public health and life in deserts and drylands
- Remote sensing - tools and implications
- Long term monitoring & research in drylands
- Restoration & rehabilitation of ecological systems
- Restoring water sources: practice, research & watershed management
- Soil & land restoration efforts
- Afforestation programs in dryland regions
- Environmental education as a tool to restoration
- The Dead Sea as a case study for restoration of saline or terminal lakes
- All other topics
The subject matter is inter-disciplinary by design. Presentations on success stories and best practices are encouraged, as often, discussions address management & policy issues.