Faced with escalating desertification and overgrazing, Jordan is embracing an ancient land-management practice known as the hima to restore degraded ecosystems while supporting local communities. As reported by journalist Diana Kruzman in bioGraphic, this traditional conservation method is proving to be an effective and culturally integrated approach to environmental sustainability in the Middle East.
The hima, meaning “protected place” in Arabic, has roots dating back more than 1,400 years. It was historically used to regulate grazing, logging, and hunting in fragile landscapes, ensuring the long-term health of natural resources. However, with the rise of modern nation-states and shifts in land ownership, the practice faded, leaving Jordan’s rangelands vulnerable to overuse.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and local NGOs, launched a pilot hima project in 2010. Covering 100 hectares in the Zarqa River Basin, the initiative imposed a rotational grazing system that allowed vegetation to recover. Within two years, plant biomass tripled, and native medicinal plants such as Artemisia sieberi and Retama raetam reappeared, offering both ecological and economic benefits to local herders.
“The hima brought us back to our old customs and traditions,” said Musa Al Qalab, president of the Bani Hashem Hima Society in Zarqa. “It is necessary to protect this land so that future generations can benefit from it.”
The success of Jordan’s hima model builds on efforts in Lebanon, where conservationists, led by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), have reintroduced himas across 31 locations, covering over 6 percent of the country. These initiatives not only restore ecosystems but also create economic opportunities through ecotourism and sustainable resource management.
Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL and a leading advocate for the revival of himas, emphasized the importance of involving local communities in conservation. “The hima is not just about protecting nature—it’s about people. When you engage communities and give them ownership over conservation, they see the benefits firsthand. That’s why the hima has been successful in Lebanon and why it can work across the Middle East,” said Serhal.
Jordan is now expanding its hima network, increasing the protected area to 500 hectares as of 2020. However, challenges remain. Climate change, water scarcity, and economic pressures continue to drive overgrazing, while external livestock owners often violate hima boundaries. Long-term funding is also a concern, as many projects rely on temporary international support.
Despite these hurdles, environmental experts see the hima as a powerful tool for conservation. “We believe local communities know their land best,” said Hany El Shaer, director of the IUCN’s Regional Office for West Asia. “By working with them, we can restore Jordan’s rangelands in a way that respects both nature and livelihoods.”
As Jordan looks to scale up the hima approach, the initiative is gaining attention as a model for sustainable land management across the Middle East. With growing interest from regional governments, including Saudi Arabia, the revival of this ancient system could help safeguard the region’s most fragile ecosystems while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
