In 1992, RITSEC was asked by CEDARE, one of RITSEC's sister organizations, to create an Information Service Unit. The project team was to design and implement two regional environmental databases and to develop a GIS as a by-product, as well as create a documentation center at CEDARE. RITSEC built the technical infrastructure, established a GIS and remote sensing lab, developed a website, and conducted training programs for CEDARE staff. RITSEC also developed a regional environmental database, using GIS technology, with two applications related to irrigation, water quality and soil salinity in six countries in the Arab region. In addition, the project team developed GIS applications on water conservation and soil degradation, held an email conference to enable CEDARE to discuss salinity problems in the area, and developed small systems such as a contacts database and fresh water attributes spreadsheets.