Today, degradation of drylands is one of the most serious problems on natural resource management around the world. Almost all drylands are at risk of land degradation mainly because of climatic changes, increasing human population, over exploitation of land and water resources and poverty. In addition, almost half of the populations around the world who are below the poverty line are living in drylands. Hence, more than anywhere else, people living in drylands are dependent on ecosystem services. Rural Communities as one of the important and valuable guardians of sustainable management of natural resources are dramatically suffering from this phenomenon. Development scientists and environmentalist are therefore paying special attention to this issue and relative challenges to combat this tragedy. 

Close relation and communication, common interests and values of people both outside and inside rural communities proofs the importance of participatory management. Therefore, cooperation among local people is essential and vital factor in effectiveness of infrastructure programmes particularly in the field of natural resources rehabilitation. The various experiences have proved that top level management approaches in natural resources which relied on local community participation, have positively affected to restrain environment destruction while strengthened rural livelihood. Such cooperation and interaction between local/rural communities and decision makers requires expanded collaboration. 

The Carbon Sequestration Project at the Forest, Range and Watershed Management Organization and the United Nations Development Programme in the Islamic Republic of Iran are honored to share their experiences, lessons learned and achievements on participatory management of natural resources. The Project in collaboration with the Iranian Scientific Association of Desert Management and Control and with technical and academic support from the Natural Resources Faculty of Tehran University is holding the first international consultative training workshop in both theory and practical forms on “Participatory Management of Natural Resources in Arid and Semi-arid Lands” from 9th to 23 December 2011 in Tehran and Birjand. 

Objectives
The main objectives of the course are:

• Introducing the Islamic Republic of Iran's experiences on participatory management of natural resources in arid and semi-arid lands with emphasis on Carbon Sequestration Project achievements;
• Reviewing the role of native knowledge on natural resources participatory management;
• Introducing success stories and projects on participatory management in arid and semi-arid lands;
• The circumstances of combining native knowledge with modern technology on natural resources participatory management;
• Sharing and exchange of information and experiences with other countries on natural resources participatory management in arid and semi-arid lands;
• Establishment of Community of Practice (COP) among members of countries.

Training Workshop Organized by: