The ASADWA International Conference was a joint activity of the UGent based UNESCO Chair of Eremology, the UNESCO Center CAZALAC and the Global Network on Water and Development Information for Arid Lands (G-WADI), and was supported by the Chilean National Comittee of the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (CONAPHI) and The Catholic University of Valparaiso (UCV). ASADWA is a recognized activity within the Universal Forum of Cultures, organized from October 22 2010 until January 7 2011 in Valparaiso, that promotes sustainable development, as well as knowledge, peace and cultural diversity.