EDITORIAL
In
order to implement proposals of high interest and importance to the region and
the world, AARINENA needs financial support and effective collaboration and
cooperation with international organizations and regional fora. It is through
the implementation of such projects that AARINENA would verify the necessity of
its establishment and show its effective involvement and collaboration in
research activities. Attention should be directed towards seeking
complementarities and synergisms between the efforts of different actors or
stakeholders in the region.
During this period the Association has fulfilled many activities:
· AARINENA co sponsored the organization of the International Conference on Biotechnology Applications for the Arid Region, which was held at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) from 9-11 April 2001.
· In Kuwait meeting, important decisions regarding RAIS project, Post Harvest Consultants, Cooperation with Mediterranean Forum and incorporation with CGIAR activities have been taken.
· During Durban meeting, the need to put priority settings in the cWANA region was urged and ICARDA took the responsibility of collaborating this initiative with AARINENA and CAC. The interaction among regional fora was also highlighted.
· During Washington meeting, the important and complementary role that is played by both Global Partnership Programs and Challenge Program in the global scientific community of ARD was highlighted.
· The draft profile on AARINENA in INASP Directory was updated and included in the next edition.
· Project proposals prepared by AARINENA were sent to GFAR Secretariat seeking cooperation with EFARD.
The next Executive committee meeting for AARINENA will be held in Tehran on 19-20 December 2001, where all arrangements for the 8th General Assembly should be discussed among other important AARINENA’s activities.
Executive Secretary