The CRSTRA (Regional Center for Scientific and Technical Research in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions) is responsible for developing scientific and technical research and maintaining ecological monitoring through continuous observation and the creation of a scientific and technical database in arid and semi-arid territories (Saharan and steppe regions), which cover more than 2 million km², or over 85% of the national territory. Following a thorough assessment of the research situation at the CRSTRA, its impact and effect on the development of these regions, and considering the multiple and complex missions assigned to it, on the one hand, and the vastness, diversity, potential, and vulnerability of arid ecosystems, on the other, it was necessary, indeed imperative, to develop a research strategy specific to the CRSTRA that would address the issues of these environments according to thematic and spatial priorities. It is in response to the expressed political will for the sustainable development of arid regions that we seized the opportunity to conduct an evaluation by a group of experts to ensure that our activities were aligned with this major objective. This led to the establishment of strategic priority areas in April 2006, as well as a draft development plan for the center, with a physical presence of the institution within the territories concerned through a network of observatories and knowledge transfer facilities.