University of Khartoum
Institute of Desertification and Desert Cultivation Studies
 

UNESCO Chair in
Desertification

         
         
       
 

The UNESCO chair was established by signing an agreement between the Secretary General of UNESCO and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Khartoum.  The University Council passed its Statute on October 2002, and the Chair holder was appointed on 16th February 2003. It has the following national and regional objectives:
   

Short-term objectives
 
a-

Reinforcement of the teaching and research capabilities of the Desertification and Desert Cultivation Institute (DADCSI) to efficiently undertake its postgraduate (Diploma, M. Sc., Ph. D) and in service programs in Desertification and Desert Cultivation (DDC).
b-

Development of qualified staff in DDC to effectively contribute to the national, sub-regional and regional efforts on combating desertification.
c-

Implementation of coordinated sub-regional research projects in DDC, ensuring that they are integrated within the National Action Program (NAP) of the different countries.
d-

Promoting of coordinated sub-regional research projects ensuring their integration within the framework of the Sub-regional Action Programs (SRAP).
e-

Establishment of a National Network of DDC research and public awareness units including National Universities, Research Corporations, Center and Units of various sectors.
f-

Establishment of Regional/Sub-regional Network of DDC Research Units including Universities of Regional/Sub-regional Countries.
g-

Dissemination of research results and contribution to public awareness programs in DDC domains.
h-

Establishment of documentation and bank of information service unit and render it.
i-

Development of good relations and academic links with institutions, organizations, and NGOs concerned at national, sub-regional, regional and international levels.
j-

Cooperation and coordination with the concerned sectors, institutions, NGOs and CBOs in formulating, executing, monitoring and evaluation of NAP.

   

Long-term objectives:
 
a-

Development of specific, effective and coordinated activities, interventions and cooperation at all levels for achieving the objectives of the Chair.
b-

Strengthening the training and research capabilities of DADCSI, and the departments, centers and institutes in Universities contributing to the Chair research programs.
c-

Establishment of an international center of excellence for postgraduate training, research and documentation in the domain of DDC.
d-

Development of a pilot scheme (s) for testing validating and demonstrating the use of modern technology in combating desertification
 
     
         
        University of Khartoum, Shambat, Sudan; Tel: 00 249 13 329232; Fax: 00 249 111 780295;
Email: desert@uofk.edu
         
       

© 2003 University of Khartoum, Last update 7/1/2004