International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is an international, not-for-profit applied agricultural research center with a unique focus on marginal environments. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA aims to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods of resource-poor farming communities around the world. Headquartered in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, ICBA implements research-for-development programs in over 30 countries. The center is a founding member of the Association of International Research and Development Centers for Agriculture (AIRCA). It is also a member of the Middle East and North Africa Network of Water Centers of Excellence and the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI). Mission and vision ICBA’s vision: "Sustainable livelihoods and food security in marginal environments". The center’s mission: “To work in partnership to deliver agricultural and water scarcity solutions in marginal environments". The strategic objectives of ICBA are: Promote sustainable management of natural resources; Provide climate change solutions; Enhance agricultural value chains; Advance sustainable food, feed and biofuel agri-technologies. History In 1992, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) initiated a series of expert consultations which outlined the objectives and activities of a new institution. In November 1992, the IsDB Board of Executive Directors approved financing for the establishment and initial operation of what would become ICBA. Subsequent consultations between the IsDB and the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council led to the selection of the United Arab Emirates as the host country for the center. In 1996, the IsDB and the Government of the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement to formally establish ICBA. In 1997, the Municipality of Dubai allocated 100 hectares of land in Academic City, where ICBA's head office is now located. The center became operational in 1999. Funding ICBA’s founding donors include the IsDB, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The IsDB and the Government of the UAE, represented by the Food Security Office and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, remain the core donors of the center. ICBA also attracts bilateral and multilateral financial support for its programs from development organizations and government agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Arab Bank for