Fourth International Conference on Drylands, Deserts and Desertification: Implementing Rio+20 for Drylands and Desertification

The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, along with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Israeli Foreign Ministry, are orgainzing the Fourth International Conference on Drylands, Deserts and Desertification (DDD). This conference will gather scientists, field workers, industry representatives, government workers, civil society organizations, international development aid agencies and other stakeholders from over 60 countries to discuss issues related to land degradation in the drylands, and their sustainable use and development. The 2012 conference will focus on the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) and will consider the science required for implementing the UNCSD's recommendations relevant to drylands and desertification. Local case studies will be highlighted alongside success stories from around the world with an emphasis on indicators of progress. Additional sessions will be held considering a broad range of topics associated with sustainable living in the drylands and the means to address desertification, as well as achieving the target of zero net rate of land degradation. Registration opens on 1 April and the abstract submission deadline is 17 June.