The desert regions have been a recurring presence throughout the annals of history. The birthplace of two of the worlds most significant religions and the location of some of the earliest civilizations, these arid landscapes have played a critical role in shaping humanitys development. In this publication, Environment, People and Development: Experiences from Desert Ecosystems, we are presented with a comprehensive overview of the fundamental and technologically advanced knowledge that has been gleaned from various desert ecosystems around the globe.