The
main mission of ACSAD is to face the challenge imposed by
the arid and semi-arid environments which are characterized
by fragile farming systems through the provision of scientific
and applied data and advanced techniques in a way that allows
the large-scale implementation of the tasks of the agricultural
and social development and the optimum exploitation of the
renewable natural resources in the arid areas.
ACSAD
assumes great responsibility vis-à-vis the agricultural
development and the exploration of the means of achieving
the water and food security through the production of new
and high-yielding varieties of cereals which are tolerant
of drought; the provision of reliable genetic resources
of fruit trees and range plants; the production of animal
breeds which suit the Arab arid conditions; the realization
of the integrated management of the water resources and
the rational use of these resources; the sound management
of the use of saline, waste and treated waste water in agriculture;
the conservation of the environment and the biodiversity;
combating desertification; rehabilitation of the desertified
lands and the establishment of databases for water and soil
resources and plant and animal wealth.
ACSAD
carries out its research, studies and trials at its research
stations in Syria and at the research centers in the Arab
countries and it links between the results of research and
studies and the large-scale application of these results.
As a result of its long experience and its excellent reputation
as a research center in the Arab world ACSAD has become
an expertise house at the regional and international levels.
The
results of ACSAD research and studies are disseminated through
the cooperation between ACSAD and the Arab agricultural
research centers and the regional and international organizations
and also through the scientific conferences and training
courses which are organized by ACSAD at its training centers
including the long-term group training and the training
opportunities for the individuals. The holding of workshops
and the publication of reports and specialized scientific
studies play a vital role in this respect. Moreover, ACSAD
depends considerably on the technical cooperation with many
Arab and international organizations and scientific research
centers in the advanced countries to carry out its programmes
and activities.
