The seventh International Conference on Dry Lands Development, with the theme "Sustainable Development and Management of Dry Lands in the 21^st Century," will be held in October 2003 in Tehran, Iran, under the auspices of the International Dry Lands Development Commission (IDDC) in cooperation with ICARDA, the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture, the Islamic Republic of Iran and other national and international organizations.

Proposed Topics of Interest

The Conference will provide an opportunity to exchange research results and experiences in dry lands development and control of desertification among colleagues from around the world and to promote international cooperation. It will also identify challenges faced by the research community in dealing with the problems of dry lands development.
        Subjects to be addressed include the following with respect to arid and desert land development:
1.   Soil and water conservation and degradation
2.   Range management
3.   Forage and livestock production
4.   Biodiversity conservation and utilization
5.   Ethno-botany
6.   Application of biotechnology for the improvement of stress resistance in dry areas
7.   Stress physiology: drought, heat, cold and salinity
8.   Renewable energy
9.   Indigenous/traditional knowledge and heritage
10. Sustainable development of oasis
11. Population and desert communities
12. Socio-economic studies
13. Application of new technologies and technology transfer
14. Role of non-government organizations and private sector

        There will also be a special session on the implementation of the Convention for Combating Desertification.

Papers

Papers are invited covering scientific, engineering and developmental aspects within the framework of the topics suggested above. They should build on existing knowledge and have projections for future direction. They could be presented orally or as posters as decided by the International Scientific Committee.
       Those planning to present papers at the Conference should submit an abstract of 200-300 words by 15 May 2003. Completed manuscript must be submitted by 30 September 2003. Papers must be formatted as per the guidelines provided by the International Scientific Committee. One copy of the proceedings volume containing the papers presented at the Conference will be provided to registered participants. The Conference language will be English.

Registration

The registration fee is US$ 250 for those registering by 30 June 2003.  Fee for registration later than 30 June 2003 would be US $ 300. The registration fee includes local transportation in Tehran between the place of residence and the Conference hall and mid-conference scientific tour in Tehran, workshop publications including the proceedings and Conference bag, coffee/tea/snacks during the forenoon and afternoon breaks and lunch for 4 days.

Post-Conference Excursion

The participants will have the option of having a two-day post-conference scientific excursion to Kashan and cultural visit to Eshfahan, Iran, at their own cost.

Conference Deadlines

  If you are considering attending the Conference, please complete the attached form and return it to the address indicated. This will ensure that you receive additional information and registration material, and will assist the planning.

Local Organizing Committee

Dr Behzad Ghareyazie, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture and Head AREEO, Iran,
    Chairperson
Dr Mohammed H. Roozitalab, Deputy Head of Agricultural Research, Education and Extension
    Organization (AREEO) for International Scientific Cooperation, Iran, Secretary
Eng. Mohammed Samadi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture, Head of Forest and Range
    Organization, Member
Eng. Abbas Keshavarz, Director General, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Member
Dr Javad Mir, Director General, International Cooperation, Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture, Member
Dr Mohsen Shokat Fadee, Deputy Head of AREEO for Budget and Planning, Member
Dr Habib Ketata, ICARDA Coordinator for ICARDA/Iran Project, Iran, Member

International Scientific Committee

Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy, Director General ICARDA and Chair of IDDC, Chairperson
Dr Idris Rhea Traylor, Jr., Executive Director, International Affairs, Texas Tech University, USA, and
    Vice-Chairperson IDDC, Member
Dr R.G. Wyn Jones, Associate Director, Center for Arid Zone Studies, University College of North
    Wales, UK, Member
Prof. Dr Iwao Kobori, United Nations University, Japan, Member
Dr Wang Tao, Director, Desert Research Institute, Lanzhou, China, Member
Prof. Dr Manual Anaya, Centro de Edafologia, Mexico, Member
Dr Behzad Ghareyazie, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture and Head AREEO, Iran,
    Member
Dr Mohan Saxena, Assistant Director General, ICARDA, Secretary