| Deserts generally envision places, where sand dunes spread. The U. N. Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1994 defined it as degraded arid semiarid and dry sub humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities, including unsustainable farming, mining, overgrazing, and clear-cutting of land and manmade climate change. 41% of Earth’s land area, home to over 2 billion people, falls in the category of deserts. Ninety percent of Jordan area is classified as arid land receiving less than 100 mm of annual rainfall. The issues of deserts and desertification are a global concern, requiring continued and expanding research to mitigate the consequences. As the dynamics of land, climate and biodiversity are intimately connected, the International Desert Council (ICD) facilitates cooperation and dissemination of knowledge among scientists, researchers and policy makers from diverse fields, in combating desertification and land degradation. Desert Technology (DT) Conferences since 1991 is one such unique initiatives of IDC, which facilitates technological breakthroughs and innovations. Building upon previous experiences and accomplishments, Desert Technology conference 15 (DT15) offers an opportunity to participate in discussions and the presentation of research projects (including natural, technological and human sciences) aimed at overcoming constraints of desertification. DT15 will be held to discuss the impact of desertification, possible solution and future challenges in the backdrop of climate change and food security in deserts and arid areas. On behalf of the Desert Technology 15 Organizing Committee, I invite and welcome all of you to Jordan. |
