The social realities of different environments have not been adequately addressed in regional development planning: architecture and spatial planning in arid regions, remoteness and isolation, size of urban settlements, urban structure, type of housing, green space design, basic infrastructure adapted to steppe and Saharan regions, and the use of renewable energy for agricultural and urban needs.

To address these concepts, research must develop specific standards and frameworks for different environments to ensure sustainable development and preserve ecosystem balance. This work should be based on:

• Existing studies;
• Valuation of local know-how;
• Initiating additional studies and prospective research;
• Considering climatic, geographical, socio-economic, and political conditions;
• Developing and/or adapting theoretical tools to properly assess the critical thresholds of socio-demographic and economic carrying capacity of living centers and ensuring that economic and social activities align with local resources and indigenous population needs;
• Multi-criteria evaluation of the impact of new urbanization on social fabric, the natural environment, the precarity of the most vulnerable populations, as well as on employment and household incomes.

Which major areas require research and development programs to define research themes that should be structured into actual research programs (research projects) to be addressed based on a triple dimension: thematic, spatial, and temporal? In this context, workshops were organized in July 2007 to discuss and deepen concerns related to each axis, ensuring effective handling according to target objectives and schedules while considering research programs.

For this purpose, thematic committees were formed to develop each strategic axis.

To harmonize the approach, a working framework was proposed for the different committees. In the same context, it was suggested to take into account the following elements:

1. Identifying thematic and spatial urgencies in Arid Regions;
2. The CRSTRA is a national organization capable of conducting research programs through permanent teams and/or associated research teams across the national territory;
3. Ongoing programs within CRSTRA and its development project (attached copy);
4. Research conducted by other institutions;
5. National strategies in economics and territorial planning (SNAT 2025, centers of excellence, technology parks, etc.);
6. Persistent droughts and potential climate changes and their impact on the stability of existing ecosystems.