The Committee on Forestry (COFO) Working Group on Dryland Forests and Agrosilvopastoral Systems (WG) has announced the dates of the first Drylands Summer School, in collaboration with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026.
This joint initiative is designed to increase awareness of the importance of restoring trees and forests in dryland and rangeland areas, advocate for the International Year itself, and create a cadre of sustainable dryland management champions ahead of 2026.
The first summer school ​session ​will explore transformative approaches to building climate resilient dryland systems. 

Before you start, please note: 

- The summer school will take place on 12 - 15 September 2023 in Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as part of the 3rd session of the COFO WG
- There is no cost for the summer school itself, but participants will be expected to cover their flights and lodging in Jordan for the duration of the course
- We ask that participants have prior experience in dryland management and have completed FAO's e-Learning course on Dryland Forests and agrosilvopastoral systems before the Summer School begins.

Are you ready to be a champion of socio-economic and sustainable practices in dryland management?
Start your application now!

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* 1. What is your last name?

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* 2. What is your first name?

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* 3. What is your email address?

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* 4. Which gender do you identify with?

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* 5. What is your nationality?

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* 6. In which country do you currently reside?

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* 7. What is your current academic institution or place of work?

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* 8. Please give details of your academic background (200 words max).

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* 9. Please describe your work experience and its relevance to the summer school (250 words max).

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* 10. Please tell us why you want to join the summer school (250 words max).

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* 11. What do you hope to gain by participating in the summer school?  (200 words max)

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* 12. Describe a dryland ecosystem management issue you have encountered and found particularly challenging, either from the perspective of a policy maker or as a day-to-day practitioner. What are your thoughts on solving such issues? (500 words max)

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* 13. The course will be conducted entirely in English. Are you confident in your ability to fully participate in English? 

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* 14. Have you completed the eLearning course on the Transformative Approach to Dryland Management on the FAO eLearning academy website? Note – it is a prerequisite for joining the summer school and must be completed before sending your application.

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* 15. Please attach a copy of your CV.

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* 16. Please attach your FAO eLearning course certificate.

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* 17. Please attach a Letter of Support from your employer or institution agreeing to fund your participation.

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