Arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, are some of the most vulnerable ecosystems, threatened by climate change, drought and desertification. Biosphere reserves are in this context an opportunity to address these challenges and experiment new directions to improve living conditions for people in drylands, land productivity while also mitigating negative effects on biodiversity. The goal of the workshop is thus to work together and exchange on sustainable solutions that could be further developed in the coming decade.