DNI is a non-governmental, non-profit scientific association cooperating with the EC Research Directorate, ministries, development agencies, and UN bodies like UNCCD. It is independent of any government, lobby, or private interests. DNI encourages research and concerted efforts on human and bio-physical issues in dryland development and degradation. It facilitates scientific exchanges, identifies research priorities, fosters cooperation, and provides data to combat desertification and support sustainable development in drylands. DNI also collaborates with policymakers to improve dryland management and governance. A non-governmental organization like DNI can effectively contribute to a European project on combating desertification by providing research and data, facilitating knowledge sharing, fostering collaboration, advocating for science-based policies, building capacity, monitoring and evaluating efforts, and raising awareness on sustainable practices.