Part 1 Introduction: the potential of halophytes in the development and rehabilitation of arid and semi-arid zones. Part 2 Biology and ecophysiology of halophytes: biology of halophytes; mechanisms of salt tolerance of halophytes; restoration ecology of salt-affected, arid and semi-arid lands; ecophysiology of halophytes and their traditional use in the Arab world. Part 3 Agromanagement of halophytes: characteristics and methods for determining the best forage species for particular sites; forage halophytes in the Mediterranean basin; ways to improve the productivity of halophyte forages growing on salt-affected land. Part 4 Irrigation of halophytes: saline irrigation - assessment and management techniques; salt tolerance, water use and potential irrigation scheduling of halophytes; seawater irrigation of halophytes for animal feeds; use of drainage water for halophyte production. Part 5 National studies: the use of halophytes for forage production and combatting desertification in Iran; the use of halophytes for landscaping in Israel; the Australian national programme for productive use of saline land as a model for national and international actions; mangroves as a crop in the USA; Pakistan's experience in the agricultural use of halophytic species; biomass production and nutrition of Medicago species associated with halophytes on the edge of a Sebkha in Tunisia. Part 6 Economic aspects: economic and environmental aspects of the sustainable use of halophytic forages.