The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) is a regional center for research and studies pertaining to the development of the arid and semi-arid areas of the Arab World. It was established in Damascus (the capital of the Syrian Arab Republic) in 1971 within the framework of the League of Arab States. ACSAD is governed by the Council of the Arab Ministers of Agriculture. The Arab states' decision to establish ACSAD was based on the importance of the Arab arid and semi-arid lands vis-à-vis the future of the agricultural development and the realization of the objectives of the food security in these lands which cover about 90% of the area of the Arab World. ACSAD research, studies and activities are carried out through its research stations and training centers in Syria where its headquarters is located, the specialized research stations and training centers in the other Arab countries, its various laboratories and study units, and through the cooperation with the Arab and international organizations. ACSAD carries out its activities through six main programmes which have specific objectives. These are: water resources, soil science, plant wealth studies, animal wealth studies, planning and economics, and training. |
