Biodiversity in developing countries is inextricably linked with development. Consequently, policies to conserve biodiversity must take into account national development objectives and vice versa. Policy makers in developing countries are forced to identify creative ways of conserving biodiversity while supporting development and eradicating poverty. Even more than elsewhere, arid countries must focus on biodiversity valuation for both direct (e.g. biotrade, biotechnology and tourism) and indirect (e.g. ecosystem function, aesthetics and cultural values) uses. While inappropriate policies can undermine the conservation of biodiversity, good policies do not ensure that it takes place. Particularly in arid regions, policy markers and managers must have diverse skills to address a wide variety of challenges. Adaptive management is essential for biodiversity conservation in arid environments. It requires regular, informed problem-solving over a wide range of issues, and this, in turn, requires adequate and accessible databases concerning appropriate indicators of environmental change.