International Symposium on Drylands Ecology and Human Security (ISDEHS 2006)
Venue: Institute of Environment, Water and Energy
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Event Date/Time: Dec 04, 2006 | End Date/Time: Dec 07, 2006 |
Registration Date: Nov 15, 2006 | |
Early Registration Date: Sep 30, 2006 | |
Abstract Submission Date: Sep 15, 2006 | |
Paper Submission Date: Nov 15, 2006 |
Description
This year’s discussions will address the theme "Regional Perspectives, Policy Responses and Sustainable Development in the Arab Region - Challenges and Opportunities" and will thus mainly focus on the progressive land degradation and its social consequences in the Middle East and North Africa. (MENA) However best practice examples and research from other semi-arid and arid regions are certainly welcome.
The symposium will be based on an interdisciplinary approach, since especially sustainable development of drylands is a political, ethical, social issue as much as it is a technical concern. Therefore it is now an accepted aspect of the discourse that a special emphasis should be put on the ‘soft’ sciences - concerning norms, cultural values, political processes, and ‘institutions’ in the wider sense of the word. Interdisciplinary environmental research in the field of drylands research is of utmost importance, since it will provide the information and understanding needed to enhance development pathways that provide alternatives to economically costly and socially detrimental environmental degradation.
Finally in accordance with NDRDs principle objectives this event will also focus on finding the interface between research and the reality of development practice. Therefore we acknowledge that research should be applicable in view of those social groups within whose domain the impacts of the implementation measures are intended to take place.