The French scientific community is rallying to this cause

The French Scientific Committee on Desertification (CSFD) has been marshalling the expertise of French specialists on desertification, land degradation and dryland development since 1997.

Providing advice and support for stakeholders in combating desertification

CSFD has been created in 1997 by the ministerial departments in charge of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development, Ministry for Higher Education and Ministry of Research).

CSFD, as an independent multidisciplinary committee that provides expert advice, is headed by a president and includes around 20 members from the main French scientific research institutions. They are appointed for their expertise in a personal capacity for a 3-year term by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

CSFD produces, disseminates and makes effective use of scientific knowledge for the benefit of different communities, while guiding and advising policymakers and civil society stakeholders in France and affected countries. In addition, it bolsters the position of the French scientific community globally and participates in French delegations involved in events pertaining to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

CSFD is actively involved in European and global networks. It is a founding member of DesertNet International, a multidisciplinary network that provides a platform for scientific discussion on all questions concerning desertification.
CSFD is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development and the French Development Agency, with the complimentary participation of researchers and university teachers from public bodies. CSFD is hosted in Agropolis International (Montpellier, France).

An exclusive link between scientists and civil society

Dossiers thématiques du CSFD

These Dossiers on specific topics are published in French and English for a wide audience. They review scientific knowledge on dryland issues, implications and challenges of desertification. These Dossiers are written by CSFD members or associates and are published along with a factsheet summarizing the key points. The entire collection is available and downloadable from this website.

Financial support

Editing, production and distribution of Les dossiers thématiques du CSFD are fully supported by this Committee thanks to the support of relevant French Ministries and AFD (French Development Agency).