Dear colleagues,

We are swamped here at NDRD by preparations for our first

"International Symposium on Drylands Ecology and Human Security"
(ISDEHS 2006)

However be are well aware that ISDEHS 2006 was only meant to be the pioneer event of a series of symposia intended to create the necessary platform for an ongoing dialogue between researchers and policy makers from the Arab world with the global scientific community as well as to reposition the current desertification debate within the context of human security. Our key objectives will aim at exploring and discussing critical topics confronting contemporary societies in drylands, arid, and semi-arid regions and bring together key stakeholders and experts from relevant fields to reach constructive solutions. In this respect we will be especially concerned with the in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment identified issues of concern. This would in our opinion help to reduce uncertainties regarding the relationships among desertification, climate change, biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being.

From the feedback we received from all of you for ISDEHS 2006 we know that this interface of knowledge exchange was still missing in the region and therefore ISDEHS is expected to become a key international annual event for drylands research in the Gulf.

Today, October 1st, 2006 we official announce the inauguration of our pre-planning period for ISDEHS 2007.

Call for Participation!
Please remember that our events are dynamic and interactive - we want to know from as experts what should be included in our program :- ) Here is your chance to design sessions, roundtables, workshops (group discussions to a given question) , etc.

Please download or Invitation for Proposals ISDEHS 2007

Pre Planning Phase
Organizing Chair

Prof. Dr. Hans-Jörg Barth

Professor for Physical Geography
University of Heidelberg
Im Neuenheimer Feld 348
D-69120 Heidelberg,
Germany
 

phone: ++49 6221 54-5471
fax: ++49 6221 54-4997

We will constantly update this information and our new conference
website will go
online in January 2007!