Oases are key to humanity’s settlement in drylands in the past, today, and in the future. They form complex geo-bio-cultural systems of pivotal importance. Present climatic, economic, and social changes may lead to the demise of tangible and intangible values in and of oases, potentially affecting 500 million people. We aim at raising awareness of the accelerating threat to oases and argue for immediate action to protect this unique system.
