An independent non-profit scientific and educational organization. Its purpose is to gather information on the Chihuahuan Desert Region and to make that information available to all who would like to know.

Is dedicated to creating and furthering awareness and understanding of arid environments and developing the capacity, skills and knowledge to manage arid environments appropriately.

Profiles the center's climate change and air quality research projects, posts a list of faculty members, and furnishes newsletters.

Undertakes research into the geomorphology, ecology, botany and archeology of coastal dunes in New Zealand and Australia.

The goal of BIDR is to carry out research on the desert environment, required for promoting sustainable uses of the Negev Desert and other drylands the world over.