Structure and Thematic
The first two working days of the Symposium are structured into three thematic sessions. Each session will begin with the forewords of the rapporteur or moderator of the session, followed by the presentations of the guest speakers and a debate or discussion.
Session I: Environmental problems generated by migrations dynamics.
The consequences of the emigration as a result from dry lands degradation often acquired considerable dimensions both at source and in the housing places. Therefore, this topic will deal with problems such as the meaningful decrease of the working population experienced in degraded areas or the accelerate desertification suffered in the outskirts of the cities receiving masses of immigrants. Within this framework, the immigration resulting from residential tourist interest is considered a question of special concern, as well as its territorial consequences.
Session II: Interaction between desertification and migrations. Case studies.
The main purpose of this session is to make progress in the knowledge of the complex relationships existing between migrations and desertification. The analysis of new case studies or the following and comparative analysis of the studies presented in the first symposium are considered a very valuable tool. Particularly due to the fast changing processes occurred within this last decade.
Session III: Political responses: Land Management and Cooperation to the Development aid.
The aim is the analysis of the capacity of the land management plans as a crucial tool in combating not only desertification, but also induced consequences such as migration flows. A well harmonised territorial policy leads to the territorial equilibrium and hence towards sustainability, in the deepest sense of the term. Consequently, this session is focussed on the consideration of options, tools and formulas able to create the adequate frameworks for the development of these tools within the most vulnerable lands.
Besides, clearly the desertification problematic and its relationship with migrations goes beyond the national boundaries. As a result, there is also a response coming from the international development cooperation to be considered within this Symposium, and in particular how the cooperation development policies contemplate such an issue within their general aim of combating poverty and which cooperation paths between donors and developing countries could be fostered.
The third and last working day will be devoted to the elaboration of a Symposium Conclusion Paper by established Working Groups. Concurrently, several compelling presentations for the audience will be given out of the Symposium Scientific Programme.
Simultaneous technical fieldtrips are scheduled on Friday the 27th afternoon, after the closing ceremony of the Symposium. A fieldtrip will be also organised for Saturday, 28th of October.