Theme Group #1
Sponsored by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael
Deserts and Desertification
Why are Once Productive Dry and Semidry Lands Across the Globe
Turning into Wastelands?
When protected, the desert supports a rich system of plant- and wildlife. For more than 10,000 years, it has also provided for humans as witnessed by the ruins of ancient settlements scattered across the desert. Even today, Israel has demonstrated how productive the desert can be if cared for.
Yet, if mismanaged, deserts and other dry and semidry lands can be turned into unproductive wastelands through the process of desertification. Today, an estimated 250 million people across the globe are affected directly by desertification and some one billion are at risk.
More than 160 countries involved in the Earth Conference of 1992 have ratified treaties to adopt practices to combat desertification in order to protect both humans and the environment. Global research and public education are critical if we are to prevent and reverse desertification trends.
In this timely workshop, participants will explore and question the many factors thought to contribute to desertification.
How does desertification happen?
Dozens of cultures have inhabited the Negev desert for thousands of years. How did they prevent desertification?
Why is desertification a threat now?
What methods do we have to prevent, slow, or reverse the process of desertification?
Participants will witness two experimental methods used to prevent and reverse the desertification process, including the much-discussed savannization project. They will see the experiments in action at two nearby sites that receive significantly different amounts of annual rainfall.
An additional highlight — workshop participants will explore the remains of several of ancient water systems developed by Nabataens and other cultures which have influenced some of today’s research and technologies used to combat desertification.
Those involved in this workshop will take home an understanding of the complex components of desertification as well as the research and current practices used to combat the process. The principles and methods explored here can be applied to other dry or semi-dry environments. throughout the world.
About the workshop leader:
Sol Brand, senior biology and ecology teacher at the Environmental Education High School. Sol has a M.Sc. in Zoology and Ecology.
Theme Group No.1
Schedule
Sunday June 22
Morning and Afternoon - Conference registration
15:00-18:30 - Explore local environment with theme groups.
Evening - Opening ceremony and dinner.
Monday June 23
6:00-11:00 - Field trip to study site, Har Halukim (site receives
100 mm annual rainfall).
Groups will examine the effects of rainfall and land use on productivity
and diversity.
Afternoon and evening - Conference program.
Tuesday June 24
6:00-13:00 - Field trip to Sayeret Shaked State Park (site receives
200 mm annual rainfall). Group examines effects of grazing and patchiness
on productivity and diversity.
Afternoon and evening - Conference program.
Wednesday June 25
8:15-11:15 - Group explores use of remote sensing technology to look
at global desertification.
Afternoon - Conference program.
17:00- 19:30 - Visit ancient Nabataean farms.
Thursday June 26
8:00-13:00 - Theme group prepares
presentation.
15:00 - 17:30 - Theme group presentations.
Afternoon and evening - Conference program.
Friday June 27
Departure. Optional two day tours.
Due to intense midday heat, field trips are scheduled for early mornings
and late in the day.
Center for Combating Desertification
How do we fight a trend that affects one-fourth of the land on earth?
How do we convince nations and individuals that we need to take steps to prevent this trend now?
And how do we teach millions of people across the globe how to reverse the desertification process?
The Blaustein Institute for Desert Research is currently creating an International Center for Combating Desertification. The center will be used for research and education. One of the important jobs will be to train other countries how to deal with the threat.