Deserts and drylands
The rolling sand dunes of the Arabian desert, Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Dry and sub-humid desert lands are home to more than two billion people, or around 35% of the global population. These lands have great biological value and are home to many of the world's food crops and livestock.
Conservation and sustainable use of dry and sub-humid lands is central to livelihood development and poverty alleviation. Drylands contain many fragile environments that may need priority attention to avoid irreversible loss of biological diversity, and consequent negative impacts on livelihoods.
What is the Museum doing to help?
Museum scientists are conducting research on the plants and animals that live in deserts and dryland environments, to better understand how these environments function. This way, we can assess their status and whether they are in need of protection.
Find out more about some of the Museum's deserts and drylands ecosystem projects.