Desertification, land degradation, and climate change represent some of the most daunting global environmental challenges of the 21st century. These issues are particularly critical in arid and semi-arid regions, where fragile ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate variability and anthropogenic pressures. It is estimated that more than two billion people worldwide rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods, food security, and access to water.
Aligned with the proclamation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, which emphasizes the crucial role that sustainable management of rangelands and the pastoralist communities play in maintaining ecosystem health, food security, and climate resilience, the International Conference on Soil & Water Resources Management for Combating Desertification in Drylands under Climate Change (SWDCC’2026) aims to serve as a premier global platform for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and development partners to exchange knowledge, present scientific findings, and foster collaboration on sustainable land and water management in drylands.
Organized by the Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification (LR16IRA01) of the Institut des Regions Arides (IRA) and scheduled to take place from 15 to 18 May 2026 on the culturally rich and ecologically significant island of Djerba, Tunisia, the SWDCC 2026 conference will serve major celebration.
