Some of the initial findings of the investigators are recorded in Allaqi Project Working Papers, which have been produced in Aswan since 1993, and were previously produced at the University of Glasgow. The topics include: water and mineral resources; soils, soil fauna and composting; flora and plant ecology; applications of remote sensing; geographical information systems, and socio-economic studies. Thirty-eight Working Papers and the proceedings of the Environmental Management of African Arid Lands conference have been produced to date and more are in preparation (Annex 1). Large number of research papers have also been published in national and international scientific journals (Annex 2).

UESD: A Centre of Excellence in ETNET

Because of its achievements the UESD was selected as Centre of Excellence in the Environmental Education and Training Network in Africa (ETNET) in 1996.

The objectives and strategy of the ETNET centres of excellence are as follows:

1. To strengthen selected post-graduate institutions so that they will be able to conduct specialized courses that combine intellectual rigour in a chosen subject area with an integrated understanding of a broad range of issues that affect the environment.

2. To develop the capacity of the selected training institutions to carry out research and consultancy assignments and to contribute to the formation of national politics, management and monitoring systems for the environment.

3. To promote the exchange of experience and skills within E1NET in Africa.

4. To facilitate the exchange of experience and skills between: member institutions of ETNET; other AMCEN Networks; institutions and individuals in Africa and elsewhere in the world.

The role of UESD in the Wadi Allaqi Biosphere Reserve

- MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE