International Network on Limnology of Drylands

Objectives

Currently, the INLD has three objectives: (i) assess the current state of biological diversity in dryland aquatic ecosystems, (ii) evaluate the multiple environmental stressors acting in drylands, and (iii) develop models to predict the effects of global change on drylands. 

Specific objectives of the INLD

• Develop projects intermittent and ephemeral wetlands around the world such as swamps, rock pools, wetland ponds, lakes, reservoirs, streams, rivers, saltwater ponds, estuaries, and shallow coastal reservoirs, and other constructed ecosystems aiming at gaining comprehension of their structures and spatial-temporal dynamics.

• Promote exchanges and cooperation among researchers by means of post-doctoral programs stimulating continuous qualification.

• Promote the recognition of post-doctoral programs through exchanges among participating institutions and professionals in the local, regional, and global scale.

• Act as a facilitator in the qualification of a new generation of dryland limnologists.

• Build up a database for the work of synthesis with an emphasis on predictor scenarios.

• Promote exchanges of data on the various arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid dry regions involved in the network by generating a database.

• Promote local, regional, and global events and congresses focusing on dryland realities.

• Conduct long-term research into dryland regions in order to establish forecasts and predict scenarios.

• Foster close association with governmental bodies, providing support for decision making processes regarding policies enhancing the population’s access to potable water.