About
Global Drylands vision
Our mission is to secure a sustainable future for global drylands through solutions-oriented research, education and outreach.
We aim to engage and synergize key stakeholders and institutions to ensure the continuation of our work.
The Global Drylands Center will become a world leader in sustainable drylands discovery and education.
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Get connected with the latest developments in ASU’s global drylands research, including groundbreaking insights, innovations and sustainable solutions.
Impact
Arizona State University’s research has far-reaching benefits for dryland sustainability. The Global Drylands Center brings together researchers, stakeholders and specialist to produce use-inspired research and sustainable solutions for drylands worldwide. Our research unravels the mechanisms that support high-level functioning of drylands. The center is built from a vibrant community of leaders, students and practitioners who are ready and able to introduce sustainability practices into complex dryland ecosystems.
Opportunities
Because of their large impact on our planet’s functioning, ensuring the health of drylands around the world is a necessary step toward achieving global sustainability.
A diverse group of stakeholders have a vested interest in drylands, from herders and ranchers to conservationists and urbanites. These groups are interested in factors like livestock production, conservation, recreation and climate change amelioration. The variety of interests and subtypes of dryland ecosystems gives the Global Drylands Center a unique opportunity to craft multiple pathways to sustainability by leveraging strong partnerships.ct an image.
Strengths
Arizona State University is situated within North America’s four great drylands. These ecosystems are rapidly changing due to population growth, economic growth and evolving environmental challenges. The university is embedded in its region, and the challenges faced in this area are emblematic of the challenges facing drylands around the world. Consequently, research conducted by the Global Drylands Center is globally applicable, and solutions are globally exportable.
ASU has joined forces with partners working on similar problems; these partnerships allow our center to engage with experts from around the world. We aim to become a leader in addressing dryland-specific challenges and a resource for training those who want to implement solutions.
ASU’s strong human, institutional and interdisciplinary knowledge base well positions the university to be a world leader in dryland research, education and management. Multiple researchers from different units within the ASU community are working on approaching drylands through the lens of physical, biological and social sciences, as well as through the humanities, to build a well-rounded understanding of the field