Al Hima : a way of life
2007
Kilani, Hala |
Serhal, Assaad |
Llewellyn, Othman Abd-ar-Rahman |
The Hima is a traditional system of resource tenure that has been practised for more than 1400 years in the Arabian Peninsula. It is the most widespread and longstanding indigenous/traditional conservation institution in the Middle East, and perhaps on Earth! The Arabic word hima literally means a protected area. In pre-Islamic times, access to this place was declared forbidden by the individual or group who owned it.