Communication, Education & Public Awareness

Fact sheets on the biodiversity of drylands



Facts on Biodiversity in Drylands


Did you know that drylands constitute approximately 47% of the Earth’s land surface and are home to over 2 billion people? They support a vast array of unique and well-adapted wildlife.  Find out more. . .

Some of the unique species located in drylands ecosystems


Dryland ecosystems feature unique species that have had to adapt to environments where food and water can be scarce and temperatures fluctuate greatly.   Learn about the unique species of the Kalahari. . .

Biodiversity and the Millennium Development Goals


Meeting many basic human requirements, including those included in the MDGs, depend on the provision of ecosystem services. Find out what this means for the Northeast of Brazil. . .

Traditional knowledge and the use of Biodiversity in Drylands


Traditional knowledge is widely employed in drylands where water scarcity, poor soil conditions, and frequent drought present unique challenges to local livelihoods. Find out how the Shinyanga of Tanzania use traditional land management systems to conserve biodiversity in drylands. . . . .

Can we restore biodiversity?


When dryland ecosystems become degraded, valuable biodiversity services are lost.  Restoration in drylands can be very complex and can take many forms depending on the type of degradation observed.   Find out some of the ways that China and India are addressing the problem. . . . .