• provide a platform for scientific discussions and exchange of ideas, foster cutting edge science, identify topics and research areas,
  
• identify and document scientific state of the art of the main topics in desertification assessment, risk evaluation, mitigation and restoration,
  
• identify and articulate the economic drivers and the socio-economic consequences of desertification,
  
• integrate scientific findings across disciplines, translate into common language and communicate scientific findings, and
  
• work in and on affected areas inside and outside Europe.

As a think tank, we communicate with stakeholders and policy-makers. We

• identify minimum consensus on consolidated knowledge,
  
• evaluate scientific knowledge for stakeholders and policy makers,
  
• disseminate knowledge,
  
• respond to demands for assessment and information needs address knowledge gaps,
  
• translate knowledge to improve governance,
  
• and identify issues and priorities for stakeholders and public policies.