The International Dryland Development Commission (IDDC), which is an autonomous nongovernmental nonprofit organization established in 1987 by the individuals and institutions interested in sustainable development of dry areas, is promoting all aspects of dryland studies by fostering cooperation, collaboration and networking between various international, regional and national organizations. One of the important modus operandi of the networking of IDDC has been to hold a major scientific conference every three years to provide opportunity to participants from around the world to exchange research results and experiences in dryland development and combating desertification. In pursuance of this objective the IDDC has organized in the past nine international conferences. The Commission is hosted by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt. 

The Tenth International Conference on Dryland Development (ICDD) on “Meeting the Challenge of Sustainable Development in the Dry Lands under Changing Climate – Moving from Global to Local” will be held on 12-15 December 2010 in Muscat, Oman. It will be organized under the auspices of the International Dry Lands Development Commission (IDDC) and sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Research Council of Oman and other national and international organizations.