2.1 An International Center for Combating Desertification
Large areas of the East Mediterranean Basin are semi-arid to and lands.
Significant sectors of the population inhabiting these areas earn livelihoods
from agriculture. Considerable know-how and practical experience have been
accumulated in the region concerning agricultural production in and regions.
Until now, most agricultural R&D has been conducted by individual scientists
from geographically distant countries. Consequently, efforts to solve similar
problems were commonly duplicated or limited by the amount of scientific
manpower and resources available in each country. A regional center for
collaborative research, training and technology exchange would facilitate
progress in agricultural R&D and related fields.
Such a center has been proposed in the Negev Desert in Israel, which will
serve as a base for a broad spectrum of activities relating to shared
problems evolving from semi-arid and arid climate conditions. It will be
equipped with classrooms and meeting rooms, research laboratories,
greenhouses and research plots, computer and telecommunications equipment and
dormitories. Most of the center's personnel will be initially drawn from
Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli scientists, graduate students and
technical trainees. Participation of associates from other Mediterranean
countries will be promoted and given high priority.
Collaborative research activities can include:
- crop science - crop production in semiarid zones, post harvest storage
and physiology, genetic improvement of cultivated species, introduction and
selection of new species for semiarid zones, plant adaptation to
environmental stress, influence of stress on the activity of plant cellular
and sub-cellular systems.
- rangeland and forest management - establishment of year-round pasture by
introduction of drought resistant perennial shrubs and herbaceous species,
pasture resources management, reforestation with multi-purpose tree
species.
- closed systems agriculture - development of greenhouse technologies
appropriate to and zone conditions, including environmental optimization,
water and nutrient recycling and adaptation of technologies and nutrient
regimes to specific crops.
- animal husbandry - physiological response of desert animals, livestock
production in the desert, energy and water budgets of desert animals,
reproduction and endocrinology, veterinary medicine.
- creation and management of water resources - runoff agriculture, use of
brackish and saline water resources in agriculture and forestry, microbial
treatment of wastewater reservoirs and polluted aquifers
- application of satellite mediated remote sensing technology - use of
this technology to evaluate change in climatic environment, water quality,
plant, animal and human population dispersion.
- alternative production systems for and lands - utilization of brackish
water sources, protective structures and environmental controls to produce
alternative crops, such as fish, algae, and out-of-season glasshouse
crops.
- ecological consideration of dynamic and and semi-arid regions - effects
of man-made and natural disturbances on flora and fauna, development of
regional ecotourism
- studies of nomadic desert societies - the sociological problems and
dynamics of conventional nomadic societies and of nomadic groups in
transition to village life; sustainable development in and lands, resource
management and planning for drought.
- architectural systems - settlement planning and shelter design for and
and semi-arid zone communities.
3. Savanization
The sparse planting of trees, a method referred to as "Savanization", is
currently considered to be an effective way to prevent land degradation in
semi-arid ranges. Trees reduce soil erosion. Leguminous trees may add
nutrients to the soil, and they furnish needed shade for small grazing
animals.
A research and development program is needed to evaluate the improvement
of semi-arid rangelands through the planting of various tree species at
varying densities. Long-term plant introduction activity to identify the
most suitable tree species for each particular environment is equally
essential.
4. Afforestation, Desert Landscaping and Gardening with Drought and Salt-resistant plants
Arid eco-systems of the world can support plants with minimum water
requirements, that are drought and salt tolerant, for use in afforestation,
landscaping and gardening projects. The ability to create water-efficient
gardens not only contributes to the quality of life for individuals but is
crucial for municipalities, villages and other authorities who desire to
create public spaces in desert areas less harsh than the prevailing
environment.
Knowledge of and access to appropriate plant material is also an important
consideration in the implementation of tourism projects in desert areas -
such as the Dead Sea, Eilat and Aqaba and the Sinai Peninsula.
Research is required into the following areas:
- Establishment of plant introduction plots in various climatic zones
of the Middle East/ East Mediterranean region
- Collection and evaluation of additional drought and salt tolerant
species;
- Definition of management practices;
- Identification and experimentation with salt tolerant species to
utilize saline soils and water.
4.1 Study on drylands investment potential
This study is an initiative of the Interim Secretariat of the Convention to
Combat Desertification. It focuses on identifying products for potential
commercial exploitation in desert regions in the hope of more directly
involving the private sector in anti-desertification activities. The study
will review options of private investment in drylands and will identify
potential commercial ventures and their expected impact.
Biodiversity and leisure services products can be produced for both local
consumption and export. Investment opportunities could attract investors
rather than donors and would contribute either directly or indirectly to
reverting population marginalization and poverty trends in drylands which
contributed to man-made desertification in these areas. A study of this sort
serves as an example in which the public sector actively encourages private
sector-led growth.
The study would concentrate on identifying two main areas of potential
private sector development:
- products based on desert biodiversity components characteristic of dryland
ecosystems. These components include: willed relatives of cultivated plants,
species of pharmaceutical, industrial, agricultural or agri-industrial value,
peripheral populations of species which can be used for rehabilitating
regions affected by climate change, and biological components that can be
used for environmental engineering.
- leisure services development for tourism and eco-tourism. Leisure
activities can be associated with the commercial exploitation of local fauna
and flora and the protection of and lands biodiversity.
Since the project is relevant to many areas dispersed throughout the Middle
East/East Mediterranean, it could be organized as a multilateral research
effort. Estimated required budget for a thirteen month project (total 36
man-months) is approximately $ 230,000.
5. Integrated Agropastoral Production Systems<
Agropastoral systems that produce both small grain crops and sheep or goat
animal products in an integrated management framework have been the subject
of research and development in Israel in recent years. These production
systems can extend to the region as a whole.
A broad program of research and development, which would encompass primary
production potential, secondary production potential, management at the farm
level, and regional development, can be devised. Cooperation among countries
would serve to enhance the empirical base and development opportunities.
The overall orientation would be toward the relatively rapid generation
and assessment of technologies with strong emphasis on integrating
ecology, management and marketing in a systems approach to agro-pastural
production.
6. Joint Israeli-Jordanian agricultural farm in the "Zofar/Al Ghamr"
special regime area
It is proposed that a joint Israeli-Jordanian farm be established, where
joint research into areas of mutual interest will be conducted by the two
parties. The farm will encompass the following:
- Raising animals, turkeys and a dairy
- Marine agriculture
- Joint transit station for produce to be marketed in the Gulf
states, including storage areas, cold storage facilities, quality control,
etc.
- Advanced study center - for advanced studies in new agricultural
fields.
Both the center and the station can serve advanced study participants from
all the Arab states, and can provide an opportunity to study the use of
sophisticated equipment both in marine agriculture farms and in advanced
climatic hothouses.
7. Jojoba - an Industrial Crop for Arid Zones
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinenesis) is a bush native to the Sonoran Desert of
Northern Mexico/Southwest U.S. Its seed contains a high quality liquid wax
usually referred to as jojoba oil. Jojoba oil has a number of industrial
uses - particularly as a lubricant in high pressure machinery, and in
cosmetics.
Evaluation of varieties, improved knowledge of nutrient requirements and
the formulation of sophisticated products based on jojoba oil are but a
few of the areas for potential collaborative research.
8. Argan - a Potential New Tree Crop for Desert Areas
The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is another crop suited to arid
environments, high radiation and relatively saline soil conditions. It is
native to Morocco. Oil from the fruit is 80% polyunsaturated and essential
in the local diet. It can also be used extensively in cosmetics and fuel
lamps. The ripe berries are sun dried and the pulp used as feed for sheep
and goats.
Introduction plots were established at four sites in the Negev in 1985
each with somewhat different climatic, water and soil qualities. It is
suggested that such plots be established in other desert sites in the region
(Sinai, Jordan, etc.). The general health of the trees - height, trunk
circumference, vegetative development - is good to outstanding at all sites.
Cultivars of superior yields were identified and the first semi-commercial
plot has been planted.
9. Utilization of the Saline Water Aquifers of the Saharan and Middle
East Deserts
A series of aquifers containing substantial quantities of water of varying
salinity levels, underlie the area from Morocco in the west to Saudi Arabia
in the east. In the Negev desert in Israel salinity levels range between
3000-6000 parts per million of total dissolved solids.
Learning how to use saline water for irrigation is a challenge. Major
crops that are today irrigated with saline water include cotton, wheat,
corn, table tomatoes, and melons. A number of secondary crops are grown with
saline water as well. Research currently focuses on Bermuda grass, potatoes,
grapes and olives.
Future research is required into the following aspects:
- Screening of additional crops for salt tolerance
- Breeding and selection for salt tolerance
- Development of management procedures specific for each particular crop
- Physiological studies to better understand mechanisms of salt
tolerance in crop plants.
10. Sand Dune Stabilization
The large sand dunes hemming much of the eastern Mediterranean coastal rim
are one of the most impressive ecological elements of this part of the
basin. At the same time, vast amounts of sand scattered by high-velocity
winds can cause problems to both agrarian and urban settlements. Treated
waste water from adjacent urban centers can be used to cultivate certain
dune sites in a way which will not only impede dune mobility but will
contribute to the reclamation of grazing areas.
11. Clearing the Arava of the Mediterranean fly
Over the past 20 years, many countries around the world have developed
national or regional systems to fight this pest, considered the worst fruit
pest. The objective of these systems is to clear areas by using a
combination of various approaches, primarily "birth control" by releasing
sterile males. Projects of these kinds are in effect in California, Mexico,
Guatemala and Argentina. The IAEA is the main sponsor in the planning and
operation of these programs. Recently a wide-ranging program has been
prepared for ridding the Mahgreb region (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and
Libya) of the pest.
In the Arava, since 1990, eradication and land monitoring measures have
been in existance in Moshav Paran. In 1994, Moshav Paran was declared
fly-free by the US authorities, and its produce received a permit for export
to the US.
In May 1994, the IAEA called a meeting of experts to discuss the
possibility of eradicating the pest in the Mediterranean region - Israel,
the PA, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. The region was sub-divided into
several subregions, and a board was to have been established to oversee the
implementation of the activities and to make decisions regarding timetable
and budget. In addition, it was agreed that a pilot test would be conducted
in the Arava from Eilat to the southern Dead Sea region.
Implementation stages
The project would be conducted in four stages over a four-year period:
- Stage 1 - Preparation stage
- Stage 2 - Eradication stage
- Stage 3 - Post-eradication stage
- Stage 4 - Year long clean-up stage
The project would be conducted in three zones:
- Residential zone
- Commerical zone - agricultural cultivation zone
- Other areas
Type of activites to be conducted
- Training professional staff
- Publicity
- Data management and coordination
- R&D
- Capturing
- Fruit samples in the urban area
- Eradication in urban areas
- Bait extermination
- Dispersing sterile males
- Quarantine
- Management
- Emergency plan should the fly reappear.
12. Joint Camel Ranch
In view of the considerable skilled manpower and the expertise and
know-how in camel physiology, raising and veterinary requirements in the
region, and the large indigenous camel population which constitutes a rich
gene bank, it may be feasible to establish a joint camel ranch for the
breeding and raising of camels for the following uses:
- Camels for riding, mainly for tourism objectives
- Camels for racing, a popular sport both in Arab countries and the
Middle East/ East Mediterranean region, which can also serve as a tourist
attraction
- Camels for dairy purposes - camel milk is rich in vitamins and
antibiotic components and is used both for human consumption and in
cosmetic products.
13. Cooperative Israeli-Jordanian Mariculture Development Program
In view of the growing global demand for seafood and the diminishing supply,
marine fanning (mariculture) offers a realistic option to meet the market
demands. Mariculture development has special importance for desert regions,
since it is based on the exploitation of seawater rather than scarce
freshwater sources.
The environmental characteristics of the Gulf of Aqaba are favorable for
maricultural development. The Gulf is extremely clean with relatively high
surface temperatures and high solar radiation. In addition, vast areas of
undeveloped non-arable land surround the Gulf, facilitating the development
of on-shore seawater culture systems.
Maricultural development can contribute to the economies of the desert areas
of Jordan, Israel and Egypt adjacent to the Gulf of Aqaba. Benefits may
include:
- Provision of a new source of high quality food for both local consumption
and export;
- Creation of employment opportunities;
- Introduction of support industries such as feed mills, packing plants, equipment manufacturing and shipping facilities;
- Extension of the project to other regions where desert areas bordering
the
sea could enhance scientific, technological and economic cooperation between
participating countries.
The joint Israeli-Jordanian project, which could be extended to include Egypt
as well, involves:
- developing farming technologies for marine fish, mollusks, crustaceans
and
algae endemic to the Gulf of Aqaba region, taking into account local
environmental conditions and the needs of the participating countries;
- developing technologies for the protection of the Gulf against possible
adverse effects of mariculture development;
- conducting joint training and educational programs relevant to
mariculture
development;
- evaluating the potential contribution of mariculture to socioeconomic
development in the participating countries;
- considering and implementing options for regional economic cooperation
based
on the mariculture technologies developed.
14. Development, Protection and Management of the Living Resources of the Gulf of Aqaba
This project was submitted to the U.S. Agency for International Development
as a collaborative project between oceanographic institutes in Egypt, Israel,
Jordan and the United States.
The primary objectives of the project are:
- to determine the impact of human activities on the coral reef
ecosystem;
- to develop a sound environmental program for the Gulf of Aqaba;
- to develop mariculture in the desert areas bordering the Gulf.
The project entails conducting multidisciplinary oceanographic investigations
of the Gulf to provide decision makers with background information and data
needed for proper assessment and conservation of the coral reefs. This
includes producing a series of computer models describing the general
circulation patterns of water, studying eutrophication processes resulting
from anthropogenic input of nutrients from various sources, and employing
planktonic organisms as warning signals of anthropogenic influence. It will
also include research on the nutrient distribution along the Gulf of Aqaba
and its impact on the coral reef community. In addition, the project
endeavors to develop fanning technology for marine organisms including fish,
molluscs, crustacea and algae.
The project steering committee includes representatives from the United
States, Egypt, Israel and Jordan.
A total estimated budget of $3.6 million is required for implementation of
this three year project. Approximately 57% of these funds are slated for
procurement of equipment and instruments as well as the construction of
research facilities in Egypt and Jordan.
This section is partially based on material prepared by: Prof. Avishai
Braverman, Mr. Mordechai Cohen (Kedmon), Dr. Yuval Cohen, Mr. Shaike Erez,
Mr. Yaakov Laks, Prof. Uriel Safriel and Dr. Ariel Ulman.