In May 1974 an expert consultation was held in Rome, sponsored jointly by FAO and UNEP, to advise on the formulation of an international programme on the ecological management of arid and semi-arid rangelands in Africa and the Near East. The consultation arose from concern for the present state of deterioration of many of the rangelands of these regions, and was designed to prepare for a larger international gathering at which the foundations laid by the consultation could be further discussed and elaborated.