Islam

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.

This publication describes the Islamic view of environment and, in particular, the interaction between people and nature in achieving environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Includes a section on basic Islamic legislative rules concerning the environment.