The mission of the Environmental and Chemical Biology (ECB) group is to explore and produce a novel understanding of desert ecosystem biodiversity, plant biological and physiological processes, demonstrate the significance of native plants and their role in combating desertification, the economic importance of medicinal plants and ecological complexity of desert ecosystems to the scientific community and public. The mission is also extended to assist people and institutions in their effort to promote biodiversity conservation, enhance the efficient and sustainable uses of natural resources, and protect environmental values and cultures.